Over the past quarter-century, the television sitcom has evolved in remarkable ways. No longer confined to laugh tracks and living room sets, modern sitcoms have pushed boundaries with inventive storytelling, deeper emotional arcs, and characters that reflect the complexity of real life. From mockumentary formats to surreal premises, sitcoms since 2000 have continually redefined what it means to make audiences laugh while offering more than just punchlines.
This list celebrates the 20 best sitcoms to debut since the turn of the millennium, ranked in descending order from notable cult hits to genre-defining classics. Whether built on awkward silences, lightning-fast wit, or heartfelt moments tucked between the jokes, these shows represent the cream of contemporary comedy. Each entry brings something distinct to the table—whether it’s groundbreaking representation, tonal innovation, or sheer staying power.
Our ranking considers critical acclaim, audience love, cultural impact, and the freshness each sitcom brought to the genre. These shows didn’t just entertain; they inspired memes, guided conversations, and became staples in countless rewatches. For fans old and new, this rundown is both a reflection on how far TV comedy has come and a recommendation list worth exploring. Dive in and see where your favorites land.
20. Barry
Though not a traditional sitcom, Barry deserves recognition for its darkly comic brilliance. The show centers on a hitman-turned-aspiring actor, blending deadpan absurdity with brutal violence in a way few comedies dare attempt. Bill Hader’s performance walks a tonal tightrope, eliciting both laughter and discomfort with stunning precision. Unlike most sitcoms, Barry trades rapid-fire jokes for long silences and tense stares that speak volumes. Its brilliance lies in mining comedy from morally gray areas while dissecting the very notion of identity. Over the course of its seasons, Barry continually reinvented itself without losing sight of its central themes. The result is a daring, often hilarious series that rewards close attention.
19. Insecure
Tapping into the complexities of modern relationships and self-discovery, Insecure gave voice to a perspective often missing from mainstream sitcoms. Created by and starring Issa Rae, the series chronicles the life of a young Black woman navigating friendship, love, and career in Los Angeles. Its storytelling is sharp, intimate, and refreshingly grounded. By combining stylish visuals with raw vulnerability, the show captures moments of awkwardness and triumph with equal finesse. Music also plays a central role, with carefully curated soundtracks enhancing emotional beats. Each season builds upon the last with increasingly mature themes and character growth. Insecure stands out not just for what it says, but how confidently it says it.
18. Better Things
Quietly revolutionary, Better Things explores single motherhood, aging, and artistic pursuit with humor and humanity. Pamela Adlon’s semi-autobiographical series delivers its laughs in understated moments rather than grand punchlines. Eschewing traditional sitcom rhythms, the show often feels more like a collection of vignettes than a plot-driven narrative. That freedom allows it to explore themes other comedies shy away from: menopause, grief, and identity among them. Visually creative and emotionally rich, it blurs the line between comedy and drama in the best way. Its characters feel lived-in, messy, and real—never caricatures. Above all, Better Things honors the messiness of life with warmth and wit.
17. The Big Bang Theory
A mainstream juggernaut, The Big Bang Theory brought geek culture to the forefront of American television. Centered around a group of socially awkward scientists, the show leaned heavily on character quirks and catchphrases for its humor. Despite its broad appeal, it managed to retain a surprising amount of heart, particularly in later seasons. As relationships developed and characters matured, it evolved from a joke machine into a show about growth and connection. Jim Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon Cooper became iconic, embodying both brilliance and emotional struggle. Though critics were divided, its longevity and massive fanbase solidified its status in TV history. Few sitcoms have left such a large pop-culture footprint.
16. New Girl
Bubbly, heartfelt, and often delightfully absurd, New Girl found its rhythm by embracing its ensemble cast’s chemistry. While the premise started with a woman moving into a loft with three men, the show quickly became a hangout comedy at its core. Zooey Deschanel’s quirky charm anchored the show, but supporting characters like Schmidt and Nick stole scenes with ease. Its comedy ranges from wordplay to physical gags to surprisingly deep emotional beats. New Girl wasn’t afraid to get weird, and that willingness to lean into chaos paid off. It also excelled at capturing the shifting dynamics of friendships in your 30s. Across seven seasons, the show delivered both consistent laughs and genuine heart.
15. What We Do in the Shadows
With a premise this ridiculous, few expected What We Do in the Shadows to become such a smart, hilarious hit. Based on the Taika Waititi film, the show follows vampire roommates navigating the banalities of modern life. Its mockumentary format allows for frequent asides and perfectly timed awkward pauses. The comedy draws heavily from character interplay, especially the oblivious narcissism of Nandor and the dry wit of Guillermo. Visually rich and endlessly inventive, the series consistently surprises with fresh takes on classic horror tropes. It balances silly absurdity with moments of unexpected emotion and loyalty. Few sitcoms so gleefully lean into the bizarre with such consistency.
14. How I Met Your Mother
Framed as a long-winded story told to future children, How I Met Your Mother added structure and mystery to the sitcom format. It chronicled the romantic misadventures of Ted and his friends in New York, blending slapstick with sentimentality. Though its final season proved divisive, the series offered many iconic moments and character arcs throughout its run. Neil Patrick Harris’ Barney became a standout for his over-the-top antics and surprising depth. With running gags, non-linear storytelling, and unexpected emotional turns, the show kept audiences engaged. Its influence on sitcom structure can still be felt in shows that followed. At its best, it captured the magic and mess of growing up.
13. Veep
Relentlessly fast-paced and politically vicious, Veep redefined political satire for the modern age. Julia Louis-Dreyfus leads the charge as Selina Meyer, a self-obsessed politician navigating incompetence and ambition. The writing is sharp to the point of surgical, with insults that sting and storylines that skewer real-world politics. There’s little room for sentimentality, and that’s precisely its point—Veep thrives on cynicism. Behind the rapid dialogue lies a scathing commentary on power and ego. Even secondary characters are brilliantly drawn, each contributing to the show’s chaos. It’s a masterclass in comedic timing and tone, unflinching and utterly hilarious.
12. The Good Place
Unexpectedly philosophical yet laugh-out-loud funny, The Good Place explored moral growth in the afterlife. Kristen Bell’s Eleanor begins as a selfish cynic, but the show evolves into a thoughtful meditation on ethics and redemption. Its high-concept premise allowed for surreal visuals and wild plot twists. Through humor and heart, it made moral philosophy engaging to a mainstream audience. The ensemble cast—particularly Ted Danson and D’Arcy Carden—delivered nuanced performances that balanced depth with comedy. Each season reinvented the rules of the universe without losing emotional grounding. Few sitcoms dare to be this ambitious and still land every punchline.
11. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Unapologetically crude and absurd, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia pushed the boundaries of acceptable TV comedy. Focused on a gang of deeply flawed bar owners, the show built its humor around self-destruction and moral bankruptcy. Over the years, it never softened its edge—if anything, it sharpened it. Episodes often spiral into chaos, fueled by the characters’ idiocy and lack of ethics. Its satire cuts close to the bone, daring viewers to laugh at the worst parts of human nature. Despite (or because of) its darkness, it’s become one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms. Its legacy lies in how boldly it refuses to evolve—and still thrives.
10. Modern Family
Bringing the traditional family sitcom into the 21st century, Modern Family used a mockumentary format to freshen up familiar territory. The series portrayed three diverse family units connected through one extended clan, allowing for varied perspectives and humor. Over 11 seasons, it maintained a balance between laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt reflection. Its strength lies in its broad appeal, with jokes and emotional beats that land across generations. Characters like Phil Dunphy and Cam Tucker became instant fan favorites thanks to their larger-than-life personalities. It was also notable for its positive, normalized portrayal of a gay couple raising a child. Consistently solid, it became a reliable source of warmth and wit.
9. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Improvised, uncomfortable, and relentlessly funny, Curb Your Enthusiasm turns social faux pas into comedic gold. Larry David plays a version of himself whose lack of tact and obsessive tendencies fuel the chaos. Each episode builds toward cringe-inducing confrontations that reveal just how petty human behavior can be. The show’s loose structure and guest stars give it a spontaneity most sitcoms lack. No situation is too mundane to become a source of explosive comedy. Its influence on cringe-comedy is immense, laying the groundwork for many shows that followed. Despite its minimalism, Curb delivers some of the sharpest laughs on TV.
8. Community
Meta, irreverent, and endlessly clever, Community became a cult favorite by challenging sitcom conventions at every turn. Set in a community college, the show used pop culture references and experimental episodes to keep things fresh. Its characters start off as stereotypes but quickly evolve into something more layered and endearing. Dan Harmon’s vision allowed for genre parodies that ranged from spaghetti Westerns to heist films. Episodes like “Remedial Chaos Theory” showcased its willingness to take big creative risks. Despite behind-the-scenes drama, its core cast maintained electric chemistry. Community is a love letter to television—and to the weirdos who love it.
7. Ted Lasso
Bursting with optimism, Ted Lasso arrived when audiences most needed a dose of kindness. The story of an American football coach leading a British soccer team could have leaned into parody, but instead, it focused on heart. Jason Sudeikis’ titular character disarms with sincerity, hiding his own emotional depth beneath layers of cheerfulness. Each episode blends humor with healing, examining mental health, vulnerability, and leadership. The show’s tone is gentle but never dull, striking a rare balance in modern comedy. Strong ensemble performances elevate even the quietest scenes. Ted Lasso proves that kindness, when done well, is not boring—it’s revolutionary.
6. Schitt’s Creek
Initially flying under the radar, Schitt’s Creek became a sensation through word-of-mouth and emotional storytelling. The premise—a wealthy family forced to live in a rundown motel—sets the stage for a riches-to-rags tale that surprises with its warmth. Characters who begin as cartoonish snobs slowly reveal their humanity, particularly through the evolution of David and Alexis. Its humor is understated, relying on timing, awkwardness, and character quirks. By the end, its emotional payoffs feel completely earned. It’s also a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation, especially in how it handles love and acceptance. Schitt’s Creek made us laugh—and then made us cry with joy.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Quick-witted and socially aware, Brooklyn Nine-Nine reimagined the police sitcom with a progressive, inclusive lens. It never shied away from real issues, often blending humor with commentary on race, identity, and justice. Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta is goofy but never one-dimensional, while the ensemble cast creates a found-family dynamic that’s endlessly endearing. The show balances zany cases with character development in surprisingly heartfelt ways. Its running gags—like the Pontiac Bandit or the annual heist episodes—became fan favorites. Inclusivity never felt tokenistic; it was baked into the show’s DNA. Brooklyn Nine-Nine proved comedy could still evolve with conscience and care.
4. 30 Rock
Blisteringly fast and gloriously absurd, 30 Rock is a love letter to (and roast of) the television industry. Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon anchors a world full of exaggerated, ridiculous personalities—from Alec Baldwin’s power-mad executive to Tracy Morgan’s wild-card star. The jokes come at breakneck speed, demanding repeat viewings to catch every gem. It blends workplace satire with surrealism in a way that few shows have matched since. Despite its chaotic tone, the show often sneaks in subtle commentary on gender, fame, and power. Its quotability and meme-worthiness speak to its lasting influence. Even at its most unhinged, 30 Rock was smart as hell.
3. Arrested Development
Constructed like a comedic puzzle box, Arrested Development rewards viewers who pay close attention. The show’s humor lies in repetition, wordplay, and long-form setups that pay off episodes—or seasons—later. Jason Bateman plays the “straight man” in a family of dysfunctional narcissists, each more chaotic than the last. The narration and clever editing contribute to its tight, layered storytelling. Though it struggled in later seasons, its early episodes remain some of the sharpest TV comedy ever written. Its influence can be felt in countless modern comedies that favor dense, interconnected jokes. Arrested Development didn’t just tell jokes—it built a universe out of them.
2. Parks and Recreation
A masterclass in optimism and character development, Parks and Recreation turned local government into a source of boundless joy. Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope is an earnest, ambitious whirlwind surrounded by a quirky yet lovable team. Its early seasons stumbled, but the show quickly found its tone—a mix of civic satire and heartfelt comedy. What sets it apart is its belief in people, even in bureaucracy. Relationships grow naturally, with emotional arcs that never feel forced. Ron Swanson, April Ludgate, and Andy Dwyer became iconic not just for their humor, but their depth. Parks and Rec reminds us that good people doing small things can change the world.
1. The Office (US)
Redefining the workplace sitcom for a new generation, The Office (US) struck gold with its mockumentary style and painfully relatable humor. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott walks the line between cringe and charisma, while the supporting cast provides endless comedic fodder. The show’s genius lies in its mix of awkward silences, heartfelt moments, and absurd situations. Early seasons focus on realism and dry wit, while later ones grow more character-driven and emotionally rich. Jim and Pam’s romance, Dwight’s antics, and even Toby’s misery became the fabric of pop culture. Few shows have been rewatched as obsessively or quoted as often. The Office isn’t just a sitcom—it’s a phenomenon.
Leave a comment