By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Vox
NBC has produced many great sitcoms throughout the years. From the 1980s through the early 2000s, NBC was like the New York Yankees thanks to its successful shows. Most of the success came from sitcoms.
Here’s a list of some of the top sitcoms that aired on NBC and brought many laughs to audiences, and still do to this day.
Cheers (1982-1993)
One of the best ensembles ever cast in television history. For 11 seasons, Cheers brought so much excitement to many homes. We can’t forget the iconic theme song.
Sam and Diane’s chemistry carried the show for the first five seasons. The location was a bar in Boston. The writing for this show is off the charts.
Frasier (1993-2004)
Cheers introduced us to Frasier Crane. His character on Cheers was so great that a spin-off was created after Cheers. Just like Cheers, the show ran for 11 seasons.
Frasier is one of the funniest sitcoms ever to air on NBC. The brother-sister relationship between Frasier and Niles is great. Many fans were happy when Niles and Daphne finally got together because Niles had been interested in Daphne for 7 years.
Roz and Frasier’s relationship at work and off was well written. It’s one of those relationships that almost became real, but the writers did the right thing by keeping their relationship as friends.
Frasier is the most successful spinoff in the comedy genre.
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990-1996)
One of the most popular sitcoms ever. The writing’s versatility in the series is magnificent. Every character in this show is important and brings value.
Seasons Three and Four are among the best seasons of the show because they featured hilarious episodes and heartbreaking ones, too.
The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
Without the Cosby Show, Cheers would’ve struggled to stay on the air. A game-changing sitcom that showcases good family values and an overall positive attitude.
Regardless of what happened with Bill Cosby, you can’t take away the impact the show had on many generations.
Friends (1994-2004)
Perhaps the most beloved sitcom of their era. Memorable scenes, characters, setting, and so much more. Friends is on everyone’s list of favorite shows or favorite comedy series.
Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Arguably the greatest sitcom of all time. Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld made a masterpiece.
The Office (2005-2013)
After the end of an era of multi-camera with a live audience, The Office filled the void of bringing fans back to tune in to NBC. It was different after Frasier and Friends went off air in 2004, but the explosion of The Office made it must-see TV.
The Office became more popular with the reruns and streaming on platforms such as Netflix.
The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
The core four of Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty. One of the few shows to have the entire cast win Emmys.
We won’t forget the cheesecake scenes. The unfiltered lines that were delivered. The dialogue in this show won’t be done today because it is too politically correct nowadays.
An iconic show that will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace to the four ladies who made this show so hilarious.
Will and Grace (1998-2006)
Every cast member brought their A-game in this show. James Burrows is a television director legend. He’s known for working in many great sitcoms, and this one is part of the list.
Many people would argue that the supporting actors were more entertaining than the leading actors. Overall, Will and Grace was hilarious, with some hard-hitting moments and unforgettable scenes, especially the heated moments between Will and Grace.
30 Rock (2006-2013)
Tina Fey is a genius. There are no other words to put it. She’s a gifted writer and terrific performer. 30 Rock is one of those shows you must study and watch over and over again.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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