Lots of sitcoms get their due. There are the generally recognized groundbreakers and classics from the most recent "golden age" of TV comedy like M*A*S*H, All in the Family, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Sanford and Son and The Odd Couple.
Then there are "modern classics" like Seinfeld, Friends, Arrested Development (yes, it got the praise, just not enough viewers, dammit), Cosby, Cheers, Frasier and Roseanne.
But then there are some that always lived in the shadow of other, more popular or critically praised shows. Or got moved around too much. Or canceled. Or never generated enough watercooler "buzz." However, there are still great sitcoms that had a talented cast, sustaining premise, richly drawn characters, solid writing and most of all, consistently delivered laughs that didn't necessarily win truckloads of Emmys or always get mentioned top of mind among the Hall of Famers.
So, the Top 6 Underrated Sitcoms of All Time:
- SportsNight
- SOAP
- NewsRadio
- Wings
- Get Smart
- WKRP in Cinncinnati
Posts
I agree with all of these....
ReplyDeleteNews Radio, number one, without question in my book. Even after Phil's demise, quality entertainment.
Two that I might also include:
Scrubs: Which has never received the fan support it deserves.
King of the Hill: Behind the Simpsons, my favorite animated series of all time.
I was torn about adding Scrubs. On one hand, it doesn't get Emmys or huge ratings. On the other, it does generate a lot of "buzz" (and hype for Zach Braff) and gets frequently mentioned by critics. But I don't argue the quality. And you're right about King of the Hill. Much like My Name is Earl, it can be sweet (though not saccharine), a real slice of life and still funny.
ReplyDelete