When I was a kid, the networks would run old sitcoms during weekday mornings. This was my first exposure to a lot of the classic sitcoms. I want to come up with a list (I love lists) of the funniest shows on television; the one’s that made me laugh the first time I saw them and bear up to repeated watching. I realize these are my opinions on pop culture (something I did not initially want to but in blog format), but here goes. If anyone is reading this blog, I would like to hear your opinions in the comments section. In no particular order:
1) Monty Python’s Flying Circus – Not a traditional sitcom, but a sketch show. This saved my life in high school. I was an extremely depressed and isolated kid and coming upon this on the local PBS station was a revelation. Laughter was my ticket out of Bleaktown. I immersed myself in everything Python, records, books, movies and slowly climbed out of a severe depression. Thank you, PBS.
2) Fawlty Towers – Micheal Palin used to be my favorite Python, but I have gained an appreciation for John Cleese, thanks to this limited series (sadly, only twelve episodes). I even went so far as to co-write, co-produce and co-star in a thinly-disguised Off-Off Broadway ripoff tribute to this show.
3) The Honeymooners – I have the DVD set and my wife and I still watch this regularly. Jackie Gleason assembled a brilliant cast (except for Joyce Randolph) and was smart enough to give them plenty to do. You can still see shades of Art Carney’s Ed Norton character all over pop culture.
4) The Simpsons – I have the same quibbles that most fans have, that it just isn’t what it used to be; however, when this show was firing on all cylinders it was the funniest thing on TV. Ever.
5) The Office – I can appreciate the BBC version, but unlike the American version, it is not a big belly laugh show. The American version at its peak (a few years ago) was unrivaled. Steve Carrell and a great supporting cast (Creed, Merdith, Kevin, Kelly) made this a must watch for me and my son.
6) Parks and Recreation – Currently, the funniest show on TV. Ron Swanson, you are my hero.
7) Curb Your Enthusiasm – This is the show that Seinfeld should have been. Larry David is the anti-PC everyman we sometimes wish we were.
8) Barney Miller – This is one of the rare sitcoms that actually got funnier as it got older. They got rid of dead weight actors (Abe Vigoda, I’m looking at you) and turned it into a hilarious character study, as the once heroic Barney Miller slowly revealed chinks in his armor. A top notch ensemble cast.
9) The Odd Couple – I’m revealing my New York bent here with the last two choices. Its first season was filmed on a sound stage. From the second season on it was filmed in front of an audience and the difference was profound. The series’ fine actors (Jack Klugman and Tony Randall) gelled when in the presence of an audience. Some quality writing and acting make this one a personal favorite.
10) Home Movies – My son and I watch this animated series as old episodes are available on demand. It’s about a group of kids who video tape their own movies. Coach McGurk is one of the funniest characters (anime or live) ever. Some exceptional writing and voice work here.
Honorable Mentions – The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. Bob Newhart is the master of deadpan. Cheers - another fine ensemble show that lost nothing when Shelley Duvall left. The Beverly Hillbillies – used to love this when I was a kid. A great showcase for some fine character actors. I Love Lucy – Here, for it’s influence and historical value. My sisters watched this show to death. Lucille Ball was a master comedienne. Roseanne – Good writing and a good supporting cast. Never cared much for Rosanne Barr. Two and A Half Men – Charlie Sheen’s recent problems notwithstanding, I would watch this show when I saw it and was rarely disappointed. The Dick Van Dyke Show – Dick Van Dyke is a very funny man. Green Acres – It’s weirdness is underrated.
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