Best Comedy Shows Of All Time

Newhart (1982-1990): Author Dick (Bob Newhart) and wife Joanna left city life behind when they bought Vermont\’s Stratford Inn, but their new bucolic setting was hardly boring, thanks to a lineup of small-town loonies, including daffy caretaker George and hillbilly handyman Larry, his brother Darryl and his other brother Darryl.

Family Guy (1999-present): The naughty and pop culture-obsessed \’Family Guy\’ is loaded with some of TV\’s best characters: offensive patriarch Peter, Brian the sauced dog and Peter Lorre-sound-a-like baby Stewie, whose botched matricidal missions are second in hilarity only to his perpetually thwarted plots for world domination.

The Golden Girls (1985-1992): Sex and the city? Before Carrie and pals were heating up NYC, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia were painting the town red in Miami. Sure, viewers normally don\’t want to think about their grannies getting their freak on, but the charm of these golden gals was that they didn\’t act their ages.

Gilligan\’s Island (1964-1967): For a three-hour tour, they sure had a lot of luggage. But hey, it\’s not like coconut radios were realistic, either. Nor was the stream of visitors who never helped the gang get rescued. In fact, it\’s Gilligan and company\’s haplessness that kept them on the island and viewers hooked on the show.

Arrested Development (2003-2006): Bluths, we hardly knew ye. Three seasons of dysfunctional family hilarity and banana-stand shenanigans weren\’t nearly enough. The show gave us GOB, Buster and Michael Cera — and, at last, a forum for Jason Bateman to showcase his comedy chops.

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966): One of the first shows about show biz revolved around a variety series writer. That meant tons of comic storylines, which, combined with Van Dyke\’s physical gags and Mary Tyler Moore\’s sassy humor, inspired many a future sitcom.

Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979): One of the best theme songs ever was followed by the Sweathogs\’ cornball quips and memorable catchphrases. The show also made a star of John Travolta, and if you don\’t think that\’s a good thing, well, up your nose with a rubber hose.

Maude (1972-1978): Edith Bunker\’s cousin (and Archie\’s nemesis) was a \”compromisin\’, enterprisin\’, anything but tranquilizing\” feminist who proved to be both hilarious and groundbreaking, as she and hubby Walter tackled alcoholism, nervous breakdowns, and, in the most controversial episode, abortion.

Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed it, you can read more from Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Episodes Online and Watch Royal Pains Episodes Online. This and other unique content \’comedy\’ articles are available with free reprint rights.

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