There’s nothing better than sitting down to watch a lighthearted sit-com episode to chill out after a long day. Needing some inspiration for your next watch? Here are the top ten funniest TV shows of all time.
Picture it now; you’re scrolling through Netflix trying to find something good to watch that will help you chill out after a long day.
With so many options to scroll through, each show blurs into the next, and you end up switching on that show that you weren’t really in the mood for.
We’ve all found ourselves in that situation at one point or another. So, to save your endless scrolling, here are the top ten funniest TV shows of all time.
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 – 1996) – chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool
Kicking off our list of funniest TV shows is the ‘90s classic, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Remembered for its catchy theme tune, stereotypical ‘90s fashion, and hilarious lines, re-runs still prove popular almost 30 years after the show finished airing.
Not only this, but the show is also known for skyrocketing Will Smith, one of the biggest names in Hollywood, to global stardom.
- The Good Place (2016 – 2020) – a little slice of heaven
Boasting a star-studded cast with big names such as Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, and Jameela Jamil starring in the line-up, The Good Place is an absolute must-watch.
Playing on aspects of moral philosophy with a comedy twist, this series is truly unique and laugh out loud funny.
- Derry Girls (2018 – 2022) – visit Northern Ireland in the ‘90s
Written by Derry native Lisa McGee, Derry Girls has been a hit across Northern Ireland and further afield.
Following the lives of a gang of teen friends and set against the backdrop of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, leading up to the Peace Agreement in 1998, the show gives a lighthearted glimpse into what life was like for normal people during what was a challenging time for the country.
- Fleabag (2018 – 2019) – for real dead-pan comedy
If sarcasm is your thing, you absolutely need to watch Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, which took over our screens for two seasons from 2018 to 2019.
Breaking the third wall, Waller-Bridge speaks directly to the audience to comedy effect as she makes commentary on the ridiculous situations she finds herself in.
- Seinfeld (1989 – 1998) – a much-loved US sitcom
Created by, starring, and named after comedian Jerry Seinfeld, this US sitcom follows the lives of Seinfeld and his friends living in New York City.
Grappling with some of life’s most perplexing questions, this hilarious show is the perfect form of light entertainment.
- Father Ted (1995 – 1998) – a truly Irish comedy
Set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland, Father Ted follows the lives of three exiled priests, Ted, Dougal, and Jack.
Some of the best Father Ted episodes see the priests finding themselves in sticky situations that could compromise their position within the priesthood.
- Outnumbered (2007 – 2016) – one of the funniest TV shows ever
Outnumbered is a hilarious British sitcom that documents the lives of the fictional Brockman. In each episode, we see the family find themselves in awkward situations that many of us are all too familiar with.
While the interactions between the adults, it’s the lines from the kids Ben and Karen that truly make this one of the funniest TV shows of all time.
- Full House (1987 – 1995) – the beginning of Mary Kate and Ashley
Anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or ‘00s will be familiar with identical twin actresses Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Full House came onto our screens in 1987, starring the twins from the age of one as Michelle. Following the trials of single dad Danny Tanner, this series is not only funny but really heartfelt, too.
- Frasier (1993 – 2004) – a very popular US sitcom
Starring Kelsey Grammer as grumpy old man Frasier Crane, Frasier ran for an impressive 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004.
Created as a spin-off from Cheers, which would also be deserving of a place on this list, Frasier drew in huge audiences with every episode. Even to this day, re-runs prove popular with new and nostalgic audiences.
- Friends (1994 – 2004) – I’ll be there for you
One of the most relatable and funniest TV shows of all time, Friends is just as popular now as it was when it first aired.
Running for ten seasons, each 20-minute episode followed the hilarious goings-on in the lives of six 20-something friends in New York. The question is, though, who is your favourite character?