Alex Bradley When we talk about entertainment and the entertainment industry. The 2000s are the years that made the stepping stone for the Pop culture that is being developed each year currently. That is the era that brought in the newer concepts on TV and also with the birth of the internet, it became viral. A huge part of the Millenials and people who were born later grew up watching sitcoms. They were the ultimate entertainment shows that the 2000s produced.
The comedy, the drama, the romance, and everything that a great entertainment production should have were included in bits to keep the shows successful. These shows became one of the most popular and most-watched of the era. Because of this very reason they could go on for a number of seasons getting more successful every season.
People got closer with the actors and the actresses in these sitcoms since the audience got to have a close bond when a show runs for several seasons. Through this, a lot of stars were born. Most of these shows ran on settings that most of us could relate to, this made it, even more, closer to the audience.
Most of the 2000s shows ended up their stories successfully and some still go on up to date. They made so much of an impact on the people in the world and definitely to the entertainment industry in its generation to the industry that we see today. Even if those shows would air today, no one could say that they would not enjoy them because they really are so captivating.
So, we listed some of your favorite sitcoms shows from the 2000s. Scroll down to check them out. You can try one of them if you have not watched it. But be warned, you might get addicted! Let us know what you think about these shows in the comments sections and you can upvote your favorite show to the top of the list.
#1 Modern Family.
If one were to try and explain the relationships between the three families depicted in this series, one would have to employ charts, genealogy trees, and have some three pages of space to write it all on. So instead, just watch it! As stated before, there's genuinely nothing funnier or more unexpected than real life, and the lives of the three Modern Family units depicted in the series are always full of surprises and funny happenings. With Ed O'Neill (remember Married...With Children?) and Sofia Vergara as the front runners, this show delivers with every episode. Thus, it isn't really shocking to learn that Modern Family has won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards! Oh, and if awards aren't that important to you, then you'll be happy to learn that this series is an all-time favorite of none other than Michelle Obama herself.
#2 Malcolm In The Middle.
Dysfunctional families are not usually something to laugh about, but Malcolm In The Middle explores this premise on a whole different level. The series follows Malcolm - a genius middle child with an IQ of 165, his hotheaded mom Lois, immature but loving father Hal, and his three brothers, who are as different from Malcolm as day and night. Not only does this sitcom explore an old as the earth itself topic in an unexpected way, but it also significantly differs from the usual sitcom format of the time. Malcolm routinely breaks the fourth wall, talks directly to the viewer, and sometimes narrates the story with a voice-over. In addition, the visual aspect of the show relies heavily on post-production. It introduces fast-cut editing, interesting camera angles, various effects - all of this was very unusual for a sitcom at the time. Also, who could've thought that Bryan Cranston had Heisenberg somewhere deep inside while watching him play Hal? Anyway, this show won several Emmys and a Peabody award, given to only the most enlightening, powerful, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media.
#3 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
While the name of the series might suggest that you are about to see something cheerful and careless, this show is actually categorized as 'cringe comedy.' It follows The Gang of five misfits, running a failing pub called Paddy's Pub, and all of them are quite amoral, crooked, dishonest, and selfish. And, of course, such a premise sounds grim and dark, but how could it not be funny, with Danny DeVito as the head of The Gang? If It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia still sounds too bleak for you to try, consider that there's an episode where our misfits are making mittens for kittens, and it softens up the vibe of the series considerably. So, from nihilistic humor to heartwarming episodes, this show definitely has the variety to conquer many fans for itself.
#4 Weeds.
#5 2 Broke Girls.
#6 The Office.
There's definitely no need to do an official introduction to The Office, a show that's so iconic that even your grandma has probably heard about it. So, instead, we've found some interesting facts about this series that you might not have heard yet.
For instance, did you know that real-life best friends Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer have a podcast called "Office Ladies" where they discuss the show's episodes and behind-the-scenes spoofs? Or that the first season got very lukewarm ratings and reviews, and if not for iTunes sales, it might've not continued? Lastly, the opening credit sequence was shot by John Krasinki when he was visiting Scranton with his friends for research.
Of course, if you are a die-hard fan, you might've known all of this, but in any case, it's always fun to talk about The Office!
#7 How I Met Your Mother.
Watching How I Met Your Mother is like solving a very entertaining mystery. From the very first episode, you're glued to the screen trying to guess who exactly is the mother of Ted Moseby's teenage kids to whom he's retelling the story of meeting his sweetheart. And you keep on guessing up until the series' eighth season when you finally get to meet The Mother! The show's 'present day' is set in 2030, and the story is told like a flashback starting in 2005, with Ted both narrating the story and actively taking part in it. The thoroughly enjoyable and unique plot, the very best humor, and an excellent cast makes this show not only an icon of the 2000s but one of the best sitcoms ever.
#8 Everybody Loves Raymond.
Relatability, a clever depiction of reality, and a sarcastic approach to life by the main character Ray was a sure step to success. Depicting families as slightly dysfunctional yet inseparable and unbreakable, this series resonated with many viewers and gained praise from critics. And though the plot and the narratives might seem like very well-written fiction, the show was based on the real-life exploits of the leading actor Ray Romano (also Ray in the series). Maybe that's why Everybody Loves Raymond was so effortlessly engaging and empathetic. Without delving further into the why's of this show's popularity, let's trust the critics - this series won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and got close to ten foreign remakes.
#9 The Office (UK).
#10 Freaks And Geeks.
Based on the 'sad, hilarious unfairness of teen life,' this series survived for one season, with only 12 of its 18 episodes aired. Despite that, Freaks And Geeks constantly appears in numerous lists of the greatest TV shows ever and has launched careers of such actors as James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Phillips, just to name a few. It's also probably the only series on our list that has acquired a square 100% on Rotten Tomatoes! So, if you're up for some affectionately depicted gritty reality of teenage life, give this show a go, and you just might become one of its die-hard fans.
#11 Friends.
Love it or hate it, there probably aren't any other sitcoms that left such a huge cultural impact as Friends. From giving us 'The Rachel' - a haircut inspired by Aniston's hairstyle and wanted by millions of girls worldwide, to expanding the vocabulary of Western English slang and helping people learn the English language. Seriously, though, a 2012 poll by Kaplan International English Colleges revealed that 26% of students cited Friends as the best show to improve English. And what better way to improve your language skills than by watching probably the best comedy cast of all time?
#12 The Big Bang Theory.
The Nerd topic seems to be a gold mine for comedy, and The Big Bang Theory proves this once again. Although this topic is usually exploited in a not-so-respectful manner to the so-called-nerds themselves, this series showcases academic people in high regard. Relying both on scientific jokes (which I don't always get) and very relatable, down-to-earth human interactions, this show is incredibly entertaining to watch. But, of course, it wouldn't be as funny without its ingeniously assembled cast with Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons taking the lead.
#13 Scrubs.
Being a medical intern is probably one of the most intense experiences a person can go through; that's why a teaching hospital makes for such a good sitcom setting! Narrated by Dr. John Michael "J.D." Dorian, the series focuses on said character's unique point of view. Each episode is filled with several storylines linked by J.D.'s narration and supplemented with hilarious daydreaming installments. An original plot, funny jokes, and talented cast aren't the only things this show is celebrated for, as Scrubs won the Humanitas prize not once but three times. If you aren't acquainted with the Humanitas Prize, we're happy to elaborate - it's an award for film and television writing intended to promote human dignity, meaning, and freedom. And if that isn't an indicator for a show that's worth watching, we don't know what is!
#14 Family Guy.
Followed by controversies for its offensive themes, dark humor, and violence, Family Guy nevertheless has gained a cult-like following throughout its running years. There's probably no need to introduce you to Peter, Brian, Lois, and the gang any further, as the animated series isn't the only place where they appear. You might've also met the Griffin family in books (yup, there are several of those based on the Family Guy series), live performances, video games, or even their official merchandise. Despite the controversies, Family Guy is a well-written animated sitcom that bravely talks about pressing social issues employing an unusual sense of humor and unexpected spoofs that come to life by a very talented voice-over cast. Oh, and what's interesting about the show is that even in the time of computer-generated everything, the series is still drawn by hand, and it takes about ten months to complete just one episode.
#15 The King Of Queens.
Channeling the 1950s Honeymooners, this old-fashioned sitcom was the last of its kind - a live-action sitcom filmed in front of a studio audience. But, when you think of it, it does sound pretty exotic - like watching a theater play on your screen. The live-action series follows your average working-class couple, Doug and Carrie, living in Queens together with Carrie's father, Arthur. The narratives and happenings are heavily based on the characters’ occupations, their incompatible characteristics, and the quarrels born out of it all. Though some critics name The King Of Queens as obvious and distasteful, others praise Kevin James (Doug) as the funniest guy on the TV screen - so I guess this show is like olives. You either like it or you don't. Interestingly enough, this show also has a Russian adaptation called Молодожёны (Newlyweds).
#16 Frasier.
A Harvard-educated psychologist who gives his advice and wit to those in need on a radio show, but ever-so-often sees his own problems multiplicating and towering over his head? Yep, that's Frasier, and it's hilarious. Named as the most successful comedy series ever (hello, 37 Emmys) and one of the most successful spin-off series, Frasier ran for eleven seasons, gaining more and more fans with each one. The main man of the series, Kelsey Grammer, chose a very interesting technique for his portrayal of Frasier Crane, called 'requisite disrespect.' This technique included rehearsing his lines in solitude, thus often surprising other cast members with his performance on the filming set. And though it might've been fine with his actor colleagues, the guest stars (which this series had plenty of) were often left in a state of panic in front of the live audience. Be that as it may, this show will always be one of our top choices for binging and re-watching!
#17 Arrested Development.
With Micheal Cera, Jason Bateman, and Portia de Rossi as the series' front-runners and Liza Minelli together with Amy Poehler (just to name a few) as recurring cast, this star-studded show was destined for success. The series follows the Bluths, a once-wealthy and, of course, dysfunctional family. Alas, though genuinely funny and receiving critical acclaim, this series somehow flopped in the views department and got canceled after three seasons, later to be picked up by Netflix for two more. On the other hand, some of the best things in life come in the smallest packages, and although this show has survived for only five seasons, it seems to have finally found its audience and popularity. Give it a try if you're looking for great acting, classic gags, and good humor.
#18 Boy Meets World.
Boy Meets World is a genuine coming-of-age story set throughout the years of middle school to college. Its main character, Cory Matthews, gets to live through many real-life situations, learning about important life lessons. Though the show is inherently funny and warm, it also talks about pressing cultural issues, such as child abuse and underage alcohol use. In addition, the series shows excellent writing and character development, as half of the audience wanted to be either Corey or Topanga - iconic characters up until this day!
#19 Two And A Half Men.
From divorces to little kids and from a myriad of love interests to death and the army - the plot of this seemingly innocent show thickens with every season. But, with Charlie Harper played by Carlos Irwin Estevez (Or Charlie Sheen as we all know him), what would you expect? Though followed by mixed reviews, Two And A Half Men had millions of viewers throughout its 12-season run and has amassed plentiful awards. After the show's ending, Charlie Sheen expressed his wish to do a revival, but his on-screen colleague Jon Cryer met it with reluctance, stating that working with Charlie is a 'roller coaster.' We guess that's a bad thing? Nevertheless, try this sitcom if you're into a well-acted, occasionally creepy series that never gets boring.
#20 30 Rock.
Created by and starring Tina Fey, this sitcom about a sketch show is definitely one of the funniest that we've seen. Honestly, the hilarious skits concocted by Fey gained the series several major awards, praises by critics, and the audience's love. 30 Rock proves again that good humor can be unique, offbeat, and at times surreal - all the traits that we ourselves adore in a show. But humor and great acting aren't the only things this series became famous for; there's one more thing - the sets. For instance, one of the most elaborate sets took three days to build for just 6 seconds of air time. If before this, the series had our curiosity, now we're aching to watch it!
#21 My Name Is Earl.
A typical wayward son-like character on an atypical journey to make up for his previous mistakes, My Name Is Earl is a highly entertaining and joyful series through and through. Of course, one can always argue otherwise, but we think that without the highly talented and loveable Jason Lee (Earl Hickey), this show might not have been as funny or as successful. And, if you don't believe in such things as karma and amending your faith by doing good deeds, My Name Is Earl just might convince you otherwise, so give it a go!
#22 Will & Grace.
Loud, flamboyant, and hilariously funny, this series was praised for educating the American public on LGBT issues like nothing else before. Set in New York City, the series follows Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and his best friend Grace Adler, an interior designer. Both of them are equipped with the oddest of friends who are often very incapable of helping the leading duo in their trials and tribulations of everyday life. And if that's not enough to make it funny, Will & Grace often braves the key stereotypes of gay and Jewish culture in very entertaining ways. Though critics were dubious about this show's potential, it earned plenty of awards and the audience's love. Lastly, items from Will & Grace are included in the Smithsonian Institution collection on LGBT history. Sounds like a solid accomplishment to us!
#23 Community.
You won't often find a sitcom that uses meta-humor as a staple, but a series written by Dan Harmon (creator of Rick & Morty) couldn't be anything else. Following a disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger on his path to gaining real education, this show is graced by such grands as Chevy Chase, Alison Brie, and Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino). Gaining very average views throughout its run, Community later gained a cult-like following, millions of dedicated fans, and praises for acting, directing, and writing. And while academics rarely dissect sitcoms, Community is an exception and is often referenced when discussing semiotics in films and TV.
