Jon Hamm is one of the most acclaimed actors of his time – not just for his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance in the Mad Men cast as Don Draper and other dramatic works but also for his stellar comedic timing, which he has demonstrated as an all-time great Saturday Night Live host and in other hilarious TV shows and movies. Relive these moments of comedy gold with our picks for some of the funniest Jon Hamm quotes.

"On A Bed Made Of Money" - Mad Men

A defining Don Draper moment from Mad Men occurs in the first season of the hits AMC period drama series. When asked how he sleeps at night making a living perpetuating lies, Jon Hamm’s 1960s-era ad executive drops this epic comeback.

"I'm A Man Of Faith. I Believe In Gosh And His Son, Jeepers..." - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Jon Hamm would prove that he can also play a despicable, albeit extremely kooky, villain with his role as Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne on Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, starring his former acting student, Ellie Kemper. When presenting his opening statement in a trial against him, the cult leader and captor attempts to convince the jury that he was merely exercising his religious beliefs but does not seem to have deities straight.

"I Believe We Outsource That Sort Of Thing" - Good Omens

Jon Hamm portrayed an unmerciful version of Gabriel the Archangel in the series adaptation of the satirical fantasy novel, Good Omens. He demonstrates the original Amazon Prime TV show's clever modernization of biblical lore when answering Aziraphale's (Michael Sheen) question about who summons the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

"A Lot Of Guys Come Up To Me And Say That They Totally Identify With Don Draper, Which I'm Pretty Sure Means That They Just Really Wanna Cheat On Their Wife" - Saturday Night Live

Among his many defining qualities – from his drinking and smoking habits to his talent for whipping up a winning ad slogan on the spot – Mad Men's Don Draper is, perhaps, best known as an unfaithful serial womanizer. Jon Hamm would address in his monologue from the second time he hosted Saturday Night Live.

"And I Just Refilled The Cans" - Archer

In the two-part Season 4 finale of one of the best animated TV shows, Archer, Jon Hamm lent his voice to Captain Hazel "Hank" Murphy – a character who originated on the classic animated adventure series, SeaLab 2020 and was later parodied on Sealab 2021. The misguided underwater laboratory leader meets a bitter end when he is crushed by a soda vending machine, which might have been a little lighter had he not recently replenished it.

"You Are No Longer My Number 3!" - Bridesmaids

Jon Hamm gives one of the most hilarious, scene-stealing performances in his uncredited role in the Bridesmaids cast as Ted, who shares a purely physical, one-sided relationship with Annie (Kristen Wiig). However, her status as one of his top three side pieces comes to an end when she decides she has had enough of him, prompting him to utter one of Bridesmaids' best one-liners as he drives away.

"They Used Footage Of Me From My High School Swim Team To Draw Prince Eric" - 30 Rock

In one of the best 30 Rock episodes, Liz Lemon (creator Tina Fey) starts dating Dr. Drew Baird (Jon Hamm), whose handsomeness has allowed him to live in a bubble of blissful ignorance all his life. When she compares his look to a "Disney Prince," he reveals that he was the actual inspiration for Ariel's love interest in 1989's The Little Mermaid, which is one of the most believable gags from the otherwise absurd sitcom.

"You Can't Turn The Interior Of A Car Into A Urinal" - Clear History

In the 2013 HBO original movie Clear History, Jon Hamm plays electric car manufacturer Will Haney, whose argument with marketing executive Nathan (Larry David) causes the latter to back out of the deal, which he later comes to regret. One point of their conflict is Will's rejection of an idea for a device installed in the vehicle that allows the driver to urinate while on the road.

"I Do Not Sully The Temple Of My Celestial Body With Gross Matter" - Good Omens

Being a heavenly angel blessed with eternal life means that you could probably eat any food you wanted without consequence. However, Jon Hamm's vain iteration of Gabriel the Archangel from Good Omens still balks at the idea when he spots Aziraphale at a sushi restaurant.

"Sergio!" Saturday Night Live

In the hilarious SNL Digital Short, "The Curse," Andy Samberg plays a businessman whose life is ruined by a spell that causes him to experience random, disruptive visits by a saxophone player named Sergio (Jon Hamm). The mysterious musician's appearances are capped off when breaks the fourth wall and blurts out his name in a nondescript accent, accompanied by a caption at the bottom right-hand corner.

“Imagine That It Was 2009” - Billy On The Street

Jon Hamm appears in an episode of Billy on the Street in which he and Billy Eichner ask random bystanders if they would have relations with both of them. Eichner mentions that the actor does not get the buzz he used to so Hamm asks one woman to recall a time when he was on top of the world.

"I Don't Think About You At All" - Mad Men

Perhaps the ultimate Don Draper quote (or, more accurately, insult) comes from the Season 9 Mad Men episode, "Dark Shadows." After a disgruntled Michael Ginsberg (Ben Feldman) tells Draper that he feels bad for him and his high and mighty attitude, the executive drops this scintillating burn right before leaving the elevator.

"Everyone Wants To See A Middle-Aged Superman, With The Power Of Handicapped Parking" - Conan

In 2010, Jon Hamm was rumored to be considered to play Superman, which Conan O'Brien enthusiastically brought up when the actor appeared on his self-titled TBS talk show that year. The then-39-year-old then responded by poking fun at what a version of the Man of Steel portrayed by him might be like.

"That Rat Was A Devil's Trick. Just Like When The Devil Made It SOUND Like I Was Arguing With A Pizza Guy About What A Half Hour Means" - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

In a funny flashback from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, the still-captive title character confronts Jon Hamm's Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne about evidence she found suggesting the world had not ended after all. He tries to convince her that the rat she discovered was not real but a satanic illusion, much like when she thought she heard the reverend trying to score a free pizza delivery.

"Thank You For The, Literally, Hundreds Of Opportunities You Have Given Me" - Parks And Recreation

One of Jon Hamm's best random cameos occurs in the Season 6 finale of Parks and Recreation, in which he plays the most incompetent person Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) has ever worked with, Ed. After announcing he has lost a very important document, Knope promptly gives him the shaft, which accepts before courteously thanking her for his many undeserved chances.

"'What's Up, Hamm Solo?'" - Saturday Night Live

SNL's fake compilation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens auditions mostly features cast members impersonating famous actors but does feature a few celebrities appearing as themselves, such as Jon Hamm. The actor shows he is clearly a fan of the Star Wars movies by showing up in full costume – not as Harrison Ford's Han Solo as one might assume but as a similar character of his own creation.

"Would It Be Possible For Me To Be Sent To A Women's Prison?" - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

In the Season 1 finale of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Jon Hamm's Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne is thankfully found guilty of intentionally holding Kimmy and other young women captive for personal gain. He lets the blinds come down completely as he is being escorted out of the courtroom by requesting that he be locked up with other females.

"Stay Calm. I Just Need To Shake It Loose" - 30 Rock

Liz Lemon's absent-minded boyfriend from Season 3 of 30 Rock, Drew Baird, must have been able to become a certified pediatrician purely because of his looks and not for his intelligence. Otherwise, he would have known the Heimlich maneuver instead of assuming that shaking the obstruction loose or pushing it down were acceptable choking remedies.

"They're All Gone. I Had Them Murdered" - The Graham Norton Show

While appearing on the popular U.K. talk show, The Graham Norton Show, Jon Hamm tells a story about how Mad Men producers initially believed he was not attractive enough to play Don Draper. Fellow guest Charlize Theron then asks if they are blind and if they are "still alive and working" in the industry, which inspires Hamm to make this joke.

"We Should Definitely Start Using The 'Ambitious Susan'" - Curb Your Enthusiasm

Jon Hamm became one of the absolute best Curb Your Enthusiasm guest stars when he appeared as himself shadowing Larry David as research for a role inspired by the comedian. Through spending so much time with Larry, he begins to take on some of his most despicable characteristics, such as when he belittles a fellow dinner party guest with this joke after she says that the term "Lazy Susan" has racist and misogynistic connotations.

"If You Can Find A Better Place For Pork And Champagne, Keep It To Yourself" - Saturday Night Live

"Hamm & Bublé" (pronounced "bubbly" in this case) is both a great SNL sketch featuring the host as themselves (Jon Hamm) and a great SNL sketch featuring a famous musician (musical guest Michael Bublé). It is framed as an ad for a restaurant specializing in ham and champagne (sometimes used together), which the Canadian crooner tries to discreetly reveal he is being forced to participate in by this hilariously misguided and controlling version of Hamm.

"I Was The Number One Dead Horse Removal Service For Local Farmers" - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

One of Jon Hamm's funniest moments as Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt sees him filming an audition tape to be on The Apprentice. He discusses his successful business removing the corpses of deceased farm horses before revealing that some of his competitors became suspicious when too many horses were dying in his area.

"Apparently, I'm Here To Help You Sit Down" - The Greatest Event In Television History

The first episode of Adult Swim's four-part, mockumentary-style miniseries The Greatest Event in Television History chronicles Adam Scott and Jon Hamm's recreation of the opening credits of Simon & Simon, which is so disastrous that Hamm suddenly and mysteriously dies. In the third episode, Hamm comes back as a ghost to help Scott get over his inability to sit in a chair for his recreation of the opening titles for Too Close for Comfort.

"I Can't Believe You've Held Eye Contact This Long, Honestly" - Late Night With Conan O'Brien

During Jon Hamm's first interview with Conan O'Brien (from his last year at Late Night), the actor's reputation as a Hollywood hunk was addressed. The actor jokingly discussed the "precautions" he has had to take to make others feel more comfortable when interacting with him due to this extreme handsomeness and commended the late-night talk show host for his ability to look directly at him.

"Automatically, We Go To Hebrew And Then It's Gonna Be A Whole Thing" - Keeping Up With The Joneses

In the 2016 spy comedy Keeping Up with the Joneses, Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot play a couple whose hidden lives as secret agents are uncovered by their average neighbors, played by Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher. They also discover that they do not have the perfect marriage, sometimes demonstrated by Gadot's character and her tendency to berate her husband in a language he does not understand when she is irritated with him.

"She's A Pirate, Price, And My Jolly Roger Was At Full Mast The Whole Drive Over" - Saturday Night Live

Jon Hamm delivers a gut-busting impersonation of James Mason in SNL's "Vincent Price's Halloween Special" sketch. The actor arrives at the home of the horror movie icon (played by Bill Hader) with Sunset Boulevard's Gloria Swanson who claims her Halloween costume is a pirate, prompting Mason's in-poor-taste joke.

"Can You Just Imagine That These Are On You Now?" - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

In Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, during the trial against Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, the cult leader is, somehow, able to manipulate everyone in the courtroom by Kimmy. For instance, he fails to perform a handcuffs escape trick in front of her and just decides to see if she will play along with it, to no avail.

"If Anyone Wants To Hang, I Will Be At Subway!" - Parks And Recreation

Following his Season 6 cameo on Parks and Recreation as Ed, Jon Hamm reprises the role in the Season 7 premiere. We see him finally leave City Hall but not without letting people know they find him at a certain restaurant chain at an unspecified location. Good luck spotting him!

"That's It! Bite The Head, Gary. Bite The Head Hard!" - Saturday Night Live

In Season 36, SNL produced a partially live-action version of "The Ambiguously Gay Duo" starring Jon Hamm as Ace and Jimmy Fallon as Gary. The hilarious pre-recorded bit ends the very suggestive sight of the duo trying to defeat a giant killer eel, with Ace securing its tail from between his legs, forcing Gary to bite its head off.

“Of Course There Does! Otherwise, How Would We Win It?" - Good Omens

A main plot point in Good Omens is Gabriel's push to bring forth the Apocalypse and incite war between angels and demons. When Aziraphale pleads that there does not need to be a heavenly war, he only has this to say.

"My Ponytail Is Cool. God Said So" - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Rev. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne attempts to fight Kimmy Schmidt's insult about his hair by claiming it has approval from the Almighty.

"To Be In Star Wars When I Grow Up" - The Tonight Show

On The Tonight Show, when gathering words and phrases for a game of "Mad Libs Theatre," Jimmy Fallon asks Jon Hamm to give him a childhood birthday wish. As he gives his answer, he glares enviously at fellow guest Keri Russell, who was in 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

A "bottle episode" is a term used when a TV show, usually in an attempt to save money on sets, keeps the action all in one place. Some of these episodes justify their singular setting by trapping the characters inside against their will while others incorporate more clever storytelling devices. Let's cover some of the most interesting and entertaining examples of a bottle episode in TV history with the following.

Mad About You - "The Conversation"

Sometimes, raising an infant might have parents feeling trapped in their own home (or even a singular location in their home) which is a topic explored in an episode from the sixth episode of the hit Paul Reiser TV show, Mad About You. Filmed in one single-shot take, "The Conversation" depicts Paul (Reiser) and Jamie Buchman (Helen Hunt) talking while they wait for their infant daughter to cry herself to sleep.

Breaking Bad - "Fly"

Considered by some to be one of the best Breaking Bad episodes and by others to be the worst, "Fly" earns its title from an insect that Walter White (Bryan Cranston) discovers making itself at home in the lab owned by Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). Directed by Rian Johnson, the episode sees him and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), determined to save their jobs (and lives), spending an entire night struggling to rid the lab of the "contamination," while having heartfelt and complex discussions regarding the current state of their lives.

Seinfeld - "The Chinese Restaurant"

In an episode of one of the all-time best sitcoms that left some network executives confused from behind the scenes, Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) spend 20 minutes waiting to be seated for dinner before heading to the movies. Despite not featuring Michael Richards' Kramer, Season 2's subdued yet witty "The Chinese Restaurant" is one of the best Seinfeld episodes and one that most strongly defines the NBC comedy's schtick as a "show about nothing."

The West Wing - "Isaac And Ishmael"

One of the most powerful bottle episodes in TV history was a standalone from Aaron Sorkin's Emmy-winning political drama called "Isaac and Ishmael," which was broadcast before the official Season 3 premiere as a tribute to the victims of the tragedy on September 11, 2001. Described as a non-canonical play by the West Wing cast in a cold open where the actors directly address the audience, the episode is primarily set in the mess hall of the White House, which has been put on lockdown amid a terrorist attack, forcing some of those inside to investigate the matter and others to discuss it from a philosophical perspective with some visiting students.

Friends - "The One Where No One's Ready"

In Season 3's "The One Where No One's Ready," the Friends cast is hanging out when Ross shows up urging them to prepare to leave for an event. Depicted in real time and taking place almost entirely in Monica's living room, the episode proved popular enough to convince the producers to do at least one bottle episode per season for the remainder of the hit series' run.

The Twilight Zone - "Five Characters In Search Of An Exit"

Some of the most interesting stories told on horror anthology TV shows are bottle episodes but that is not the only reason why "Five Characters in Search of An Exit" is a shoo-in for one of the best Twilight Zone episodes. As the apt title suggests, the Rod Serling-penned Season 3 story, following a group of strangers trapped in a room with no windows or doors and no memory of how they got there, is a wickedly surreal mystery with a killer twist ending.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine - "The Box"

One of the best episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, "The Box," sees Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Captain Holt (Andre Braugher teaming up to see if they can get a dentist suspected of murder to give a confession before they are legally forced to release him from the interrogation room. Sterling K. Brown gives an Emmy-nominated performance in the Season 5 favorite as the stone-cold potential perp who forces Peralta to pull out every trick in the book to break.

Frasier - "My Coffee With Niles"

The Season 1 finale of Frasier (a spin-off show as good as its predecessor, Cheers) served as an homage to the 1981 dramedy, My Dinner with Andre. "My Coffee with Niles" takes place entirely during a cafe conversation between the title character (Kelsey Grammer) and his brother (David Hyde Pierce), during which they discuss happiness and Niles, for the first time, admits his feelings for Daphne (Jane Leeves).

Family Guy - "Brian & Stewie"

For its 150th show, Family Guy aired a bottle episode that stripped away its opening credits, musical score, the typical cutaway gags, and most of the characters. The entire plot of "Brian & Stewie" takes place inside a bank vault where the eponymous dog and baby (both voiced by creator Seth MacFarlane) find themselves accidentally locked inside for more than 24 hours.

Community - "Cooperative Calligraphy"

Likely responsible for teaching a generation of viewers about the concept of a bottle episode, one of the best episodes of Community, "Cooperative Calligraphy," is identified as such by Abed (Danny Pudi) in one of his signature meta moments. The Season 2 favorite sees the study group lock themselves in the study room for an entire night at the request of Annie (Alison Brie) to figure out who among them took her pen.

Parks And Recreation - "Leslie And Ron"

The seventh season of Parks and Recreation saw Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) on non-speaking terms for mysterious reasons until it was addressed and resolved in the season's fourth episode, aptly titled "Leslie and Ron." Locked in a room at the office by Ben (Adam Scott), the former coworkers are forced to talk through their feud, which we learn was caused by a sidelined Ron asking Leslie for a job to be closer to his old friends, only to be stood up.

Archer - "Vision Quest"

One of many examples of a bottle episode in which multiple characters find themselves trapped in an elevator comes from the sixth season of Archer. In "Vision Quest" much of the main cast of the animated spy comedy series get at each other's throats more than usual when they share a lift at ISIS that suddenly breaks down.

Kenan & Kel - "Freezer Burned"

Nickelodeon's Kenan & Kel aired a few episodes that saw the eponymous duo (played by All That cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell) stuck in one place. One instance is Season 3's "Freezer Burned" in which Kel accidentally points a restaurant's restroom sign in the wrong direction, causing himself, Kenan, Kenan's family, and many others to become trapped in the freezer.

Grey's Anatomy - "The Room Where It Happens"

While all bottle episodes take place in one setting, not all are necessarily set during just one period of time. For instance, "The Room Where It Happens" from Season 13 of Grey's Anatomy takes place in a single operating room in which multiple characters recall their own memories of the most significant moments they have experienced there.

How I Met Your Mother - "The Limo"

Some TV shows get away with covering more ground than the typical bottle episode allows by keeping most of the action inside a mode of transportation. For instance, "The Limo" follows the How I Met Your Mother cast hopping between multiple New Year's Eve parties in a limousine driven by the recurring character Ranjit (Marshall Manesh), marking the beginning of his transition from taxi driving.

Hey Arnold! - "Das Subway"

Sometimes even a bottle episode set in a mode of transportation still sees the characters stuck in one place, like in the Season 1 Hey Arnold! episode, "Das Subway." Arnold and his friends decide to get home from the movie theater by taking the subway but end up sharing it with a bunch of stir-crazy passengers when it breaks down mid-trip.

Castle - "Cuffed"

Some bottle episodes manage to show scenes from outside the main setting by the use of flashbacks. That is how the Season 4 Castle episode, "Cuffed," explains how Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) ended up handcuffed together and trapped in a small room where they struggle to retrace their steps.

Supernatural - "Baby"

Rarely do bottle episodes and road trip episodes crossover but Supernatural achieved it in its eleventh season with "Baby," which is named after Dean Winchester's (Jensen Ackles) beloved Impala. The entire story – following him and Sam (Jared Padalecki) on a demon-hunting journey – is entirely told from inside the car.

Drake & Josh - "Tree House"

In the fourth season of Drake & Josh, the titular pair of stepbrothers (played by Drake Bell and Josh Peck) must reconstruct a neighbor's tree house that they accidentally destroyed. Upon finishing it, they find themselves trapped inside, having forgotten to cut out an exit before putting up the final wall. Their sister, Megan (Miranda Cosgrove), refuses to help them find a way out, and, to make matters worse, two twin sisters are waiting to meet them at the movie theater.

The X-FIles - "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas"

"How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" is a fun holiday episode from the sixth season of one of the all-time best sci-fi TV shows, The X-Files. It sees FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) becoming trapped in a house haunted by the spirits of a dead couple (played by TV icons Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin) who want to prove to them how lonely the season can be.

Chicago Fire - "My Lucky Day"

The rescuers fall desperate for a rescue in a Season 9 episode of NBC's Chicago Fire ironically called "My Lucky Day." Firefighters Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) become cut off from outside communication when they and two others board a freight elevator that breaks down in the middle of a building fire.

Eureka - "H.O.U.S.E. Rules"

In the first season of the hit SyFy series Eureka, newly appointed sheriff Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) considers leaving the small town of brilliant people after being blocked from investigating a crime. However, his A.I.-equipped smart house tries to convince him to stay by luring other locals into the home and locking them inside.

Leverage - "The Bottle Job"

The title of the Season 2 episode of Leverage, "The Bottle Job," has a triple meaning – one being that it is a bottle episode. The other meanings refer to Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton's character, Nate, taking up his drinking habit again, as well as the team's task to commit an elaborate con that would take weeks in only 90 minutes.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air - "Did The Earth Move For You?"

While there are many examples of bottle episodes used to help two characters mend their issues with one another by trapping them together, the Season 2 premiere of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sees two characters grow apart as a result. In "Did the Earth Move for You?" the victims are Will Smith (Will Smith) and his new girlfriend, Kathleen (Tisha Campbell), who learn too much about each other after an earthquake leaves them trapped in the Banks' basement.

This Is Us - "The Waiting Room"

Most episodes of This Is Us jump back and forth between different time periods but Season 3's "The Waiting Room" takes place entirely in the modern day without any flashbacks. However, for what it lacks in appearances by Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, it makes up for it by keeping the Pearsons (and the audience) on their toes as they stay in a hospital waiting for the birth of Kate's baby.

MacGyver - "Phoenix Under Siege"

Before Die Hard, there was the Season 2 MacGyver episode, "Phoenix Under Siege," which boasts a few plot similarities. Mac (Richard Dean Anderson) and his grandfather, Harry Jackson (John Anderson), stop by the Phoenix Foundation to look for some tickets to a hockey game only to become trapped inside the building when it is invaded by terrorists.

Scrubs - "My Full Moon"

The Season 8 Scrubs episode, "My Full Moon," is a notable bottle episode as being one of the few times we see Turk (Donald Faison) and Elliot (Sarah Chalke) teaming up. They are left in charge of four interns at Sacred Heart on the night of a full moon, hence the title.

Teen Titans Go! - "Bottle Episode"

Never has a series taken the concept of a bottle episode as literally as the 29th show from the third season of Teen Titans Go! Aptly called "Bottle Episode," it sees the team of young superheroes struggling to figure out an escape when they become trapped in a large glass bottle.

Moonlighting - "Between A Yuk And A Hard Place"

Taking place months after the previous episode when Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) suffers a miscarriage, "Between A Yuk and a Hard Place" sees her and David (Bruce Willis) reunited when they become trapped in an elevator. At the end of the episode, it is revealed that Agnes (Allyce Beasley) and MacGillicudy (Jack Blessing) intentionally caused the elevator to break down, giving the couple a chance to work out their issues.

The Dead Zone - "Cabin Pressure"

In the second season of USA Network's series adaptation of Stephen King's The Dead Zone, Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) has a psychic vision that the plane he is currently traveling on is bound to crash. The episode is set entirely on a jet and is even depicted in real-time.

Black-ish - "Hope"

Creator Kenya Barris' ABC dramedy Black-ish was never afraid to address tough real-life topics and one of the most powerful examples is Season 2's "Hope." It takes place entirely in the Johnsons' living room as they watch a news report of a police brutality case, which prompts a difficult discussion regarding racial injustice.

That's My Bush! - "Trapped In A Small Environment"

From South Park creator Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Comedy Central's short-lived series That's My Bush poked fun at common sitcom cliches while also offering a humorous inside look at the then-current George W. Bush administration. It once took aim at the "trapped in a small environment" trope in an episode called "Trapped in a Small Environment," in which the president and his neighbor, Larry (John D'Aquino) get stuck in an elevator, giving them an opportunity to work through a feud.

There are few novelties within the media landscape that can be more enjoyable than good crossovers. For years now, creatives have found intriguing ways to cross-pollinate properties. Said events are especially common when it comes to TV shows, and viewers have certainly been treated to some entertaining productions involving multiple series mixing it up. On that note, we’re going to talk about 32 particularly excellent small-screen mashups. 

Batman/The Green Hornet

The 1960s series Batman and The Green Hornet linked up in a few small ways during their runs, but their most prominent crossover occurred during a two-part episode of the former show. “A Piece of the Action” and “Batman’s Satisfaction” saw Gotham’s protectors forge an uneasy alliance with the Hornet and Kato, and the result was a truly action-packed hour of pulpy goodness.

Full House/Family Matters

Remember the time Family Matters’ Steve Urkel appeared on Full House? In Season 4’s “Stephanie Gets Framed,” the Urk Man traveled from Chicago to San Francisco for a science fair and ended up giving Stephanie Tanner advice regarding her new glasses. The result was a relatively sweet installment, which built a solid bridge between two of ABC’s best TGIF comedies.

The Jetsons/The Flintstones

The respective casts of Hanna-Barbera’s prehistoric and futuristic animated sitcoms finally came together in the 1987 TV movie The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones. During the special, the two groups walked a mile in each other’s shoes via time travel, and the result was a fun piece of work that could make you yell Yabba Dabba Doo!

The Beverly Hillbillies/Petticoat Junction/Green Acres

It’s no secret that CBS’ The Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction and Green Acres are all set within the same fictional universe. All three shows crossed over multiple times, but the sweetest example was arguably the Hillbillies Season 7 episode “The Thanksgiving Spirit,” in which the casts of the three comedies warmly shared a meal together.

St. Elsewhere/Cheers

Both Cheers and St. Elsewhere are set in Boston, so it was only fitting that a connection was built between the two NBC shows. The crossover occurred during Season 3 of the medical drama, when several doctors visited the titular pub from one of the best sitcoms of all time. Come for the intrigue of the mashup, and stay for Rhea Perlman’s Carla Tortelli chewing out a group of medical professionals.

Diff’rent Strokes/Hello, Larry

Honestly, Hello, Larry wasn’t all that interesting on its own, but its three two-part crossovers with fellow NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes were solid. The final meetup between the two casts, “Thanksgiving Crossover,” was particularly enjoyable and highlighted character dynamics in fun ways.

Boy Meets World/Sabrina The Teenage Witch

Fan-favorite Sabrina the Teenage Witch star Melissa Joan Hart briefly appeared as her eponymous character during the closing tag for the Boy Meets World Season 5 episode, “The Witches of Pennbrook.” Her appearance may not be considered canon now, but it was certainly cool to see at the time. 

Scooby-Doo/Josie And The Pussycats

Throughout the two-season run of The New Scooby-Doo Movies, Mystery Inc. ran into a number of notable people – both real and fictional. It was only fitting that the sleuths met up with their fellow Hanna-Barbera-birthed peers from Josie and the Pussycats. The two gangs teamed up to solve a mystery in “The Haunted Showboat,” resulting in a fun romp.

NCIS/NCIS: Los Angeles/NCIS: Hawai’i

In early 2023, NCIS’ first triple crossover debuted, bringing together characters from the mothership show as well as the Los Angeles and Hawai’i spinoffs. The shows’ respective teams joined forces to investigate the apparent suicide of a retired military official. It can be said that this Avengers-style event was well worth the wait.

Happy Days/Laverne & Shirley

Within the fictional TV universe co-created by producer Garry Marshall, Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley cross-pollinated multiple times. One of the most notable instances of that was with the two-part crossover “Shotgun Wedding,” in which Shirley and Laverne became engaged to Richie Cunningham and the Fonz to save them from arranged marriages.

The Mask: Animated Series/Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Both Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask: Animated Series were adapted from Jim Carrey movies, so it was only right that they both crossover. The two-part event – which was spread across both shows – was a truly wild romp that involved brain-switching shenanigans, a trip to space and more.

Friends/Mad About You

Amid all the truly strong and ridiculous Friends episodes, is the memorable two-parter, “The One with Two Parts.” The installments see Joey Tribbiani falling for Phoebe Buffay’s twin sister, Ursula, from Mad About You. The fun episodes also featured cheeky cameos from Helen Hunt and Leila Kenzle, who appeared as their MAU characters.

The Golden Girls/Empty Nest/Nurses

Three-show crossovers can be tricky, but NBC pulled off a fun one in 1991 with The Golden Girls, Empty Nest and Nurses. “Hurricane Saturday” saw the characters of the Florida-based sitcoms weathering a massive storm and humorously crossing paths as they did so.

The King Of Queens/Everybody Loves Raymond

Due to a retroactive bridge being retroactively built between them, Everybody Loves Raymond and The King of Queens crossed over multiple times throughout their runs. One of the best of those, however, is the first crossover, which occurred in the Queens Season 1 episode “Road Rayge.” It’s a funny episode that sees Doug Hefferman and Ray Barone striking up a friendship after meeting at the DMV.

Power Rangers In Space/Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation

Power in Space’s “Shell Shocked” marked the realization of a Saturday morning dream, as it saw the rangers team up with the heroes in a half shell. These iterations of the amphibious martial arts masters hailed from Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (a show that shouldn’t have been canceled after one season). The Turtles were mind-controlled by the Rangers’ nemesis, Astronema, who uses them to take over the power team’s Megaship.

The Office (U.S.)/The Office (U.K.)

Both iterations of The Office collided when Ricky Gervais’ David Brent popped up on a Season 7 episode of the U.S. series. During that installment, he and his American counterpart, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), ran into each other. I don’t know what’s funnier: the two abrasive bosses getting along so well or Michael awkwardly telling David that Dunder Mifflin wasn’t hiring.

Supergirl/The Flash

The Arrowverse showcased a number of great team-ups over the years, but the first was a fun crossover between The Flash and Supergirl, in which the titular hero of the former show found himself in Kara Danvers’ universe. As fun as the Supes Season 1 episode is, what’s even more amazing is that this event happened before the Melissa Benoist-led show moved from CBS to The CW to join its slate of DCTV fare.

Sister, Sister/Smart Guy

Fellow shows on The WB, fan-favorite Sister, Sister and Smart Guy seemed like the right fit for a crossover, with the former sitcom hosting it. The episode saw 10-year-old prodigy T.J. Henderson being recruited to tutor twins Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell for their SATs. T.J. ultimately employed some unconventional – but effective – methods to get the job done.

The Fairly Oddparents/Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

Few cartoon crossovers can match the greatness of the three-hour-long crossovers between Nickelodeon’s The Fairly Oddparents and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Known as The Jimmy/Timmy Power Hour, the episodes saw Neutron and Timmy Turner coming into interdimensional conflict on multiple occasions. Even today, seeing characters from two of the best Nick shows of the 2000s is downright delightful.

New Girl/Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I’m not sure anyone could’ve predicted that a crossover between New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine would happen, but that’s exactly what fans were treated to in 2016. This was a two-part event spread across both comedies, and it was certainly fun to see Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta, Zooey Deschanel’s Jessica Day and more mix it up.

Luke Cage/Iron Fist

After much demand from the fans, Netflix’s Luke Cage featured a true superhero tag team between the show’s eponymous character and Danny Rand of Iron Fist. While reception to the latter show and its protagonist had been relatively underwhelming, fans loved what was done with Rand on Cage. All in all, it was a team-up worthy of the Heroes for Hire legacy.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air/In The House

One crossover that I’d argue is rarely talked about is the one that took place between The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and In The House. ITH’s “Dog Catchers” saw Alfonso Riberio guest star as Carlton Banks and Tatyana Ali as Ashley Banks. The story involved Carlton (inadvertently) alerting Marion Hill (LL Cool J) to the fact that friend Tiffany Warren’s (Maia Campbell) new boyfriend was two-timing her with Ashley.

The Simpsons/Futurama

“Simpsorama,” a Season 26 episode of The Simpsons, finally brought Springfield’s famous family into contact with the cast of Futurama. The Planet Express crew made their way to the present to prevent Homer and co. from causing a dire situation in the future. The crossover not only employed the kind of gags specific to both Matt Groening-produced shows but preserved the heart as well.

Scandal/How To Get Away With Murder

Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope and Viola Davis’ Annalise Keating finally met each other when Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder crossed over. The 2018 multi-episode arc saw the crisis manager and defense attorney join forces to collaborate on a class action case. Both actresses brought their A-game for what proved to be a truly emotional story, with some poignant social commentary.

Supernatural/Scooby-Doo

I’m not sure many people envisioned Supernatural bringing in the Scooby-Doo characters upon the announcement of a crossover in 2017. However, the episode, “Scoobynatural,” ultimately received high praise from critics and fans alike. Seriously, the sight of Sam and Dean Winchester aiding Mystery Inc. in a case (set against the backdrop of one of the animated franchise’s classic episodes) was so much fun.

The X-Files/Cops

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like if The X-Files’ Mulder and Scully’s off-kilter adventures were ever presented in a format similar to Cops’? Well, look no further than the Season 7 episode “X-Cops,” as it put the two in such a situation. The idea may have sounded wild at the time, but it proved to be highly entertaining TV.

Archer/Bob’s Burgers

It’s rare that a crossover gets wilder than the one between Bob’s Burgers and Archer, which occurred in the later show. "Fugue and Riffs" featured an amnesiac Sterling Archer waking up to discover that he’s the head of the Belcher family from Bob’s. That episode was certainly fun, especially considering that H. Jon Benjamin voiced both Archer and Bob regularly anyways.

That’s So Raven/The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody/Hannah Montana

Disney Channel gifted children of the 2000s with a real treat when the three-way TV event That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana. It brought together the casts of the hit shows That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Hannah Montana for a madcap meetup that’s still beloved today.

Doctor Who/Torchwood/The Sarah Jane Adventures

Series 4 of Doctor Who ended on a high note with a two-part finale that brought the eponymous Time Lord and his allies together with characters from two spinoff series, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Not only did the Who writers manage to provide plenty of crossover craziness, but they also wrapped up a number of pivotal story arcs in the process.

Generator Rex/Ben 10

It’s not often that two awesome do-gooders link up on the small screen, and Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United offered a shining example of that. While it was great to see the two eponymous characters ultimately team up, it was also cool to see them come to blows upon first making contact.

Bones/Sleepy Hollow

The notion of the cast of Sleepy Hollow and Bones coming together for a two-part story sounds weird on paper, and that’s because it is. Nevertheless, it was intriguing to watch Special Agents Seeley Booth and Temperance “Bones” Brennan team up with FBI Agent Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane to investigate a decades-old corpse on Halloween.

Arrow/The Flash/Supergirl/Batwoman/Legends Of Tomorrow

The producers behind “Crisis on Infinite Earths” did the impossible by uniting the casts of not two, three or four Arrowverse shows but all five series that were on the air at that time. What was even more impressive was that in addition to Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow and Batgirl being involved, Black Lightning’s eponymous hero was also in the mix. You’d be hard-pressed to find a small-screen crossover as massive as this one was.

Though television programming existed in various forms for more than a decade before the first situation comedies officially arrived in the late 1940s, the sitcom quickly became one of the most popular and duplicated genres for the next 80+ years. From stand-up comics to Hollywood icons, sitcoms are responsible for some of pop culture’s biggest stars, from Jerry Seinfeld to Jennifer Aniston to Dick Van Dyke to Lucille Ball, as well as some of the most memorable catchphrases.

Despite broadcast networks no longer championing sitcoms as much as in years past, with streaming services picking up the slack — Netflix is now more known for multi-camera sitcoms than any of the Big 4 — TV comedies will likely continue to keep audiences breathless with laughter for many more years to come. As such, CinemaBlend’s staff came together to celebrate and rank the 100 best sitcoms of all time, with the order stemming partially from our writers’ sharing scores for more than 200 different series, along with other contributing factors.

So sit back in your favorite recliner, grab an extra-large Squishee (or an ice-cold Duff, if you’re of age) and settle into the coziness, comfort, and occasional cringeworthiness of the best TV sitcoms of all time, according to CinemaBlend.

100. Bewitched

You know a show is a classic when even Marvel is drawing inspiration from it nearly 50 years after its end. The fantasy sitcom Bewitched worked its magic at CBS for eight seasons, partially due to the phenomenal comedic acting of Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York, who was famously replaced by Dick Sargent due to York's worsening health issues. Add in an equally impressive ensemble cast including Agnes Moorehead, David White, and Paul Lynde (just to name a few), and it's no wonder Bewitched was a nose-twitching delight of a show that doesn't need supernatural abilities to be great.

99. Laverne and Shirley

Arguably the most successful Happy Days spinoff, as well as one of the best TV comedies of all time, Laverne & Shirley followed two best friends and bottle-cappers as they navigated life and everything it threw at them in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (later Burbank, California). Though similar in tone to its predecessor, this long-running sitcom relied more on the physical comedy talents masterfully pulled by stars Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. And when it comes to iconic opening credits sequences, Laverne & Shirley was in a league of its own with all those shots of the fictional Shotz Brewery along with that classic theme.

98. Beavis And Butt-Head

No Beavis And Butt-Head fan will argue that the show isn’t dumb. Because it is. It really, really is, in each of its iterations. The two eponymous characters rank as two of the most unambiguously stupid protagonists to ever grace a TV screen, and every word they say is unadulterated idiocy. Ironically, though, that’s the genius of Mike Judge’s creation. The impossibly dumb leads allow for stories that no other sitcom can reasonably or responsibly touch with any degree of verisimilitude, while also permitting some outrageously weird takes on music videos (and social clips) across various eras.

97. Hogan's Heroes

War stories are often suited for prestige dramas, but Hogan's Heroes proved that a P.O.W. camp comedy could be just as awards-worthy. During its 168-episode run, Bob Crane's titular leader and his squad constantly thwarted Nazi enemies with fast-talking and constant hijinks (many of which were put into play by future game show legend Richard Dawson). Lasting as long as World War II did itself, Hogan's Heroes showcased how reflecting on past tragedies with humor can make for memorable art.

96. How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother may be higher on this list if not for fan opinions of the final season, but I would 100% say that it’s worth watching despite a lackluster ending. This show is about finding out how Josh Radnor’s Ted met his future wife, but it really thrives as a series about best friends. As Neil Patrick Harris’ Barney Stinson would say, this ensemble is legen–wait for it–dary, and those who check it out will definitely be invested in what the cast is doing now that the series is over.

95. Mork & Mindy

Today we all know what an immense talent Robin Williams was, and the absolutely wild places he could take comedy. Imagine not knowing any of that, and then turning on an early episode of Mork & Mindy, where he must have come across quite like somebody from another world, much like the character he played. Mork from Ork gave Williams the freedom to do almost anything on screen opposite Pam Dawber’s Mindy (and later Jonathan Winters), and it’s no surprise he took over Hollywood after four successful seasons.

94. The Adventures of Pete and Pete

Plenty of shows focus on the weirdness of suburbia, but Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete still stands awkwardly as one of the best. As Older Pete (Michael Maronna) and Younger Pete (Danny Tamberelli) navigate the oddities of Wellsville, life lessons and warm memories are gifted to viewers by creators Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi. Pete & Pete delivers its homespun tales with a deep-seated love of ‘50s and ‘60s pop culture, and with one of the more impressive celebrity guest star rosters of kid-centric TV. Where else will you find REM’s Michael Stipe as a conspiratorial ice cream man?

93. black-ish

Watching Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross’ Andre and Rainbow Johnson raise their family amidst navigating various challenges in and around their largely white-populated neighborhood, all while still hanging onto their Black identities, makes for eight seasons of exceptional sitcom storytelling. While black-ish went on to launch two spinoffs, the original still stands as the cream of the crop, expertly balancing pointed social commentary and humor regarding a variety of topics, racial and otherwise. Plus, TV grandfather-dom looks great on Laurence Fishburne.

92. The Munsters

What happens when a family largely modeled after Universal’s Classic Monsters takes up residence in the middle of suburban America’s Mockingbird Heights? You get The Munsters, which slotted in nicely among other comedic offerings in the ‘60s while also satirizing sitcom tropes of the era. Although Fred Gwynne’s bumbling patriarch Herman was often the driving force behind the weekly shenanigans, Lily, Grandpa, Eddie and Marilyn (the only “normal” looking one) were all far more endearing than their monstrous counterparts, making The Munsters a great platform for chaotic, yet heartfelt entertainment.

91. Happy Endings

Best friends are always good sitcom fodder, as David Caspe’s Happy Endings proved for three seasons on ABC ahead of its fan-angering cancellation. Damon Wayans Jr.’s cucumber-cool Brad and Eliza Coupe’s A-type Jane are the group’s PDA-friendly couple, while her sister, Elisha Cuthbert’s confusion-prone Alex, is exes-ish with Zachary Knighton’s dorky-smooth Dave. The group is rounded out by Adam Pally’s schlubbo-sexual Max and Casey Wilson’s serial dater Penny. Perhaps the only sitcom whose leads share a fictional history as Real World vets, Happy Endings is as fun and fancy-free as romance-fueled sitcoms get.

90. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Less than two years after Ellie Kemper played Erin Hannon for the last time on The Office, she sunshine-smiled her way through a bonkers show of her own with Netflix’s original Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The series, which centered on former cult member Kimmy’s surreal and gung-ho acclimation to life in a “real” world she hadn’t lived in for years. One of the more unique shows from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Kimmy could have made this list just for turning the multi-talent Tituss Burgess into a small-screen regular. Extra kudos for the follow-up movie Kimmy vs the Reverend.

89. That '70s Show

Starring Topher Grace and running for eight seasons from 1998-2006, That ‘70s Show transports any generational audience who watches back to the late 1970s for the horned-up (and oh-so-slightly drugged-up) exploits of high school besties and their respective parents. The teens were played by actors who would go on to become bona fide stars, including Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Wilmer Valderrama, and Laura Prepon. The Circle in Eric’s basement was always reliable for big laughs, and though its final season suffered from cast exits, Netflix’s That ‘90s Show kept the good times going far more successfully than That ‘80s Show.

88. Extras

Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant followed up on the smash success of The Office by crossing the ocean to HBO for the Hollywood-skewing riot Extras, which hinged on the fraught character trifecta of Gervais’ dispirited actor Andy, his god-awful agent Darren (Merchant) and his kind-hearted and oblivious actress BFF Maggie (Ashley Jensen). While only two seasons and a Christmas special, it’s a modern classic not only for its gloriously cornball faux sitcom When the Whistle Blows, but for bonkers celebrity cameos from Kate Winslet, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan and more. Gervais also delivers an all-time Top 5 spit-take in one episode.

87. The Bernie Mac Show

The late Bernie Mac is still widely viewed as a comedy giant, and his eponymous family sitcom is a major reason for that. The Bernie Mac Show definitely isn’t the first comedy to be headlined by a stand-up, but it’s one of the few that so perfectly utilized the talents of its lead. Mac’s signature brand of no-nonsense humor is especially hilarious when he bounces off his A+ co-stars. But, overall, what makes this series one of the great modern Black sitcoms is its funny, warm and nuanced depiction of familial dynamics amongst African Americans.

86. Gilligan's Island

Before The Brady Bunch (but after The Red Skelton Show), screenwriter and producer Sherwood Schwartz launched 1964's smash-hit Gilligan's Island, and the fictional voyage was far more doomed than the show's. Starring Bob Denver and Alan Hale, the sitcom won over viewers with plots hinged on island inventions, unexpected visitors, dream sequences, and random items washing up ashore. While the show famously never hit one hundred episodes, its premise was beloved enough to spark several TV movies and the truly baffling Saturday morning cartoon spinoff Gilligan's Planet.

85. Mad About You

Chemistry is usually all it takes to keep a sitcom afloat, whether its shared by an ensemble (see: Friends) or tethered to a winning duo like Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt in Mad About You. It helps that both actors lent their movie-level wattage to the sitcom for eight seasons, exploring marriage and eventually parenthood in New York City. (Reiser previously co-starred in My Two Dads, to be sure.) But despite the parade of stellar comedic co-stars — Hank Azaria, Lisa Kudrow, Carol Burnett, and Mel Brooks? Come on! — it was Paul and Jamie keeping us invested. We were mad about them, and maybe a different kind of mad about Mabel.

84. Three's Company

Three’s Company is an interesting case-study in dated sitcom writing, as 90% of the jokes that prop up the show wouldn’t fly today. Almost every single line can be construed as sexual innuendo, and the plot twists of a given Three’s Company episode are so driven by silly miscommunications, the formula is basically cliche. However, John Ritter’s deep reservoir of charm, when combined with his incredible chemistry with the female roommates that came in and out of his orbit, made it an overall win, and one of the most memorable and breezy sitcoms of the 1970s and ‘80s.

83. Family Guy

What can be said about Family Guy that hasn’t already been said? While Seth MacFarlane’s first mega-hit doesn’t feel quite as crude as other late night animated fare these days, it quickly cemented itself as an envelope-pushing primetime entry thanks to its murderous baby, they hyper-perverse Quagmire, and the less said about Herbert, the better. The series made a meme-worthy artform out of cutaway gags, man vs. chicken fights and lowbrow pop culture spoofs. At this point, the Griffins are basically as widespread as the Simpsons, and Brian would certainly drink to that.

82. Malcolm In The Middle

Malcolm in the Middle was a key part of Fox’s Sunday comedy lineup for six of its seven seasons from 2000-2006. At the time, the Frankie Muniz-starring comedy was a rare example of a single-camera sitcom that eschewed a laugh track and had its lead regularly breaking the fourth wall. The family was known to deal with serious issues in the background of the shenanigans of the sibling trio, which helped the sitcom win seven Emmys. It was also Bryan Cranston’s breakout primetime TV role, proving he was a comedy legend years before dipping into drama for Breaking Bad.

81. The Facts Of Life

A spinoff of Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life is one of the most successful TV offshoots that shares little with its predecessor, and for good reason. The coming-of-age sitcom explores adolescence in a way that neither its predecessor nor follow-up projects ever could, with a perfectly cast ensemble of young actresses led by the incomparable Charlotte Rae. This sitcom exists because of Rae’s previously stellar work, and her warmth and charm in the role of Mrs. Garrett helped make a family out of her girls, from Natalie to Tootie to Jo to Blair and the rest.

80. The Addams Family

Although The Addams Family started off as a single-panel New Yorker comic strip published from 1938 to 1964, it was the TV series premiering that same latter year which made the family a pop culture favorite. Watching Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Grandmama, Lurch and Thing freak people out with their macabre tastes and supernatural antics never got old, and without the popularity of this show, it’s doubtful these ghoulish characters would have returned in a variety of live-action and animated projects in later years.

79. My Name Is Earl

My Name Is Earl earned its way to sitcom greatness thanks to star Jason Lee’s all-in performance as Earl Hickey, as well as the great premise that sees Earl attempting to right the litany of past wrongs committed against seemingly everyone he’d ever met. (The concept also helps make it easy to drop in on any random episode without really needing to see what happened beforehand.) Ethan Suplee, Eddie Steeples and Jaime Pressley are equally brilliant in their respective roles, and we can still relate to Earl to this day anytime we struggle to keep our eyes open while taking a picture.

78. The Middle

Every once in awhile, a show sneaks it way into the zeitgeist and in our memories. The Middle, a show about a quirky middle-class family from the Midwest ran for nine years and hit home for a wide and nostalgic audience. It was a breath of fresh air and an honest take on class and what it was really like to grow up in, well, “the middle” of everything. Ironically, it was the ending of the show that stuck with most, but all good things must come to an end. 

77. Dave

This whole entry could be spent talking about how Dave is driven by the exceptional talent of David “Lil Dicky” Burd, who has a truly offbeat world perspective to go along with his legitimate gifts as a rapper. But that would be a disservice to Davionte "GaTa" Ganter, who proves over the course of the three seasons to be the NSFW series’ true heart. It gets funny and ridiculous, but it can also deliver a nice, solid gut punch courtesy of your investment in the characters’ plights for recognition.

76. Spin City

Arguably TV's least polarizing political sitcom, Spin City was a winning candidate for its six-season term in part due to co-creators Bill Lawrence and Gary David Goldberg. The latter also created Family Ties, and brought Michael J. Fox into the lead role here as well, with Charlie Sheen successfully taking over in Season 5 after Fox's medical-related exit Spin City is also a melting pot of TV excellence, boasting Connie Britton, Carla Gugino, Richard Kind, Alan Ruck and more greats filling out the NYC mayor’s office.

75. The Andy Griffith Show

One of the most iconic and wholesome sitcoms of the 20th century, The Andy Griffith Show gave audiences nearly 250 episodes with the residents of the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, centering on local sheriff Andy Taylor, played with aw-shucks charm by Griffith. Characters like Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors), Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), and Opie (a young Ron Howard) made for plenty of the early highlights in sitcom history, both in black-and-white and color.

74. Family Matters

Airing for nine seasons from 1989-1997, Family Matters became a beloved sitcom for multiple generations regularly tuning into ABC’s TGIF lineup. The spinoff of Perfect Strangers followed the highs and lows of the Winslow family, with Die Hard vet Reginald VelJohnson becoming an iconic sitcom dad as Carl Winslow. Of course, Jaleel White’s Steve Urkel famously stole the spotlight as the nerd-tastic breakout star, sporting the signature “Did I do that?” catchphrase. Yes, he certainly did, if by “that” he meant annoying his unrequited love Laura or creating alternate versions of himself via sitcom science.

73. The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years aired from 1988-1993, but very fathfully recreated the late ‘60s and early ‘70s to invite audiences into the lives of the Arnold family. Starring Fred Savage in his breakout role (alongside fellow greats Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, and Danica McKellar), the coming-of-age comedy touched on Vietnam War politics, high school romance, deaths of loved ones, sibling rivalries and more, with Daniel Stern's narration a key source of its charm and emotional heft. From using Joe Cocker’s unforgettable “With a Little Help from My Friends” to its powerful-yet-unplanned finale, it’s no wonder that this classic eventually inspired a reboot.

72. The Flintstones

The Flintstones is arguably the first animated project to prove itself as much of a classic sitcom as anything in live-action. Premiering back in 1960 and running for six wildly successful seasons, the sitcom follows the titular family within a fictional and idealized version of the Stone Age. Its popularity kept it airing in syndication for decades,later inspiring spinoffs, live-action movies, TV specials, ice cream pops, and (of course) the most memorable vitamins down the medicine aisle.

71. The Proud Family

The Proud Family was one of the standout shows of ABC’s One Saturday Morning programming block, walking the line between cartoony kids show and legitimate family drama quite well. Disney+’s more recent Louder And Prouder revival is evidence of that popularity and storytelling skills. Kyla Pratt’s Penny Proud is as relatable a TV teen as can be, and Sugar Mama (voiced by Family Matters’ Jo Marie Payton) is the kind of grandmother anyone would appreciate, sans bodyslams.

70. The Drew Carey Show

Long before he became host of The Price is Right, Drew Carey jumped from standup comedy to sitcom stardom with The Drew Carey Show, which ran for nine increasingly zany seasons from 1995-2004. The comedian starred as a fictionalized version of himself living in Ohio, working at a mundane job surrounded by a core group of friends with hijinks to spare. (Particularly during the A+ April Fool’s Day episodes.) This was the first big scripted TV role for cast members like Christa Miller, Diedrich Baker, Ryan Stiles, Craig Ferguson, and John Carroll Lynch. Hopefully fans can agree with the show on one thing: Cleveland Rocks!

69. Designing Women

If watching four sassy, professional ladies flourish, flounder, and tell it like it is sounds like something you can get behind, then look no further than Designing Women. The comedy starred the all-time great cast of Dixie Carter, Young Sheldon’s Annie Potts, Delta Burke and Hacks star Jean Smart as co-workers sharing their personal and professional trials and triumphs to side-splitting effect over several seasons. Even better, the show managed to work in a lot of social commentary that’s still relevant today, and no one has ever taken down bullies and bigots like Carter’s Julia Sugarbaker.

68. Night Court

Many sitcoms can be vehicles for a single great comedian to shine, but the strength of the original Night Court was its ensemble. (And that sax-y theme.) Harry Anderson played de facto leader Judge Harry Stone alongside John Laroquette, Markie Post, Richard Moll and more, and the jury of TV audiences gave the verdict of Night Court being guilty of hilarity. Despite the fact that the show’s format could seem as formulaic as real-life courtroom dockets, silliness often ensued, and fans were happy to watch these talents play off each other for an enviable nine-season run. Its popularity endures with Melissa Rauch’s 2023 revival.

67. The Honeymooners

TV shows have a way of changing the pop culture landscape by being quotable, and The Honeymooners is one of the earliest sitcoms whose influence is definitely still felt in that category, with “One of these days Alice…” and “To the moon!” persisting so many decades later. The all-time classic follows two New York City couples and the various shenanigans they get into, with Ralph and Alice famously played by Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows, respectively. And while the empty threats of domestic violence might be jarring for newcomers, The Honeymooners significantly set the stage for so many sitcoms to follow.

66. Raising Hope

Wacky isn’t always a word that comes up when discussing family sitcoms, but Raising Hope fits that description to a T. The Chance family is filled with more lovable and well-meaning weirdos than you’d think could possibly fit into half-hour eps, but they all have their odd (and potentially relatable) quirks. From dad Burt (who picks his nose by using all 10 fingers), to matriarch Maw Maw (who can frequently be found shirtless and/or braless and giving off old people smells), you’d be hard-pressed to land on an episode that doesn’t make you choke on your big dill pickle.

65. Fresh Off The Boat

Everyone loves a good family sitcom, and while Fresh Off the Boat is technically about the young, hip-hop-obsessed son within a Taiwanese-American family in Orlando, the real comedic meat of the show is his mom, Jessica (Constance Wu). We’ve never seen a mom like Jessica Huang before. Yes, she’s loving, but it’s an absurdly tough, uncompromising love that pushes her nice, America-loving husband and three sons to excel. She’s also fiercely competitive and not someone to mess with, which diners-and-dashers can attest to, and is a big reason why Fresh Off the Boat will always be watchable.

64. Everybody Hates Chris

Abbott Elementary fans can attest to Tyler James Williams’ comedic chops, but he first honed them from his younger Hollywood days as the star of Everybody Hates Chris. Created by Chris Rock (who narrates) and Ali LeRoi, the show is based on the stand-up legend’s teenage years, and finds ways of making everyday occurrences the most hilarious things in the world, often landing a wide-eyed Chris in trouble. From James’ impressive performance as a teenager to the rest of the cast (including a stellar Terry Crews’ dad mode), Everybody Hates Chris is a must-watch for comedy lovers of all ages.

63. Get Smart

Secret agent movies were big in the 1960s, so how could one go wrong with a spoof comedy series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry? Get Smart stars Don Adams’ Maxwell Smart (aka the bumbling CONTROL Agent 86) often teaming up with Barbara Feldon’s more-than-capable sidekick, Agent 99, to thwart the evil, if not entirely professional, efforts of the cabal KAOS. From the series’ iconic opening credits to Max’s shoe phone, Get Smart stands the test of time, with some great catchphrases to boot, including “MIssed it by that much,” and, “Would you believe…?”

62. Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23

We sometimes wonder how well creator Nahnatchka Khan’s Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 would have fared if it lasted beyond its celebrated two-season run. And we wish we were given the chance to actually see that hypothetical third season for ourselves, as the 26 episodes we did get were spot on. Pairing Dreama Walker’s naive June with Krysten Ritter’s scheming Chloe made for an odd couple who knew how to have exciting adventures. Frequent appearances by an early-career Eric André and an always charming James Van Der Beek only made this ABC series all the sweeter.

61. Good Times

A quality sitcom spinoff can be a challenge. Repeat what worked on the original, or try to do something totally different? Good Times spun off from Maude (which itself was an All In The Family offshoot), and succeeded through carving out its own authentic niche centering around the hard-working and cash-strapped characters of Florida (Esther Rolle) and James Evans (John Amos). The two leads were excellent throughout, though Good Times eventually shifted its primary focus to Jimmie Walker, the sitcom’s breakout star who coined the phrase “Dynomite!” and rode that marketing freight train to global superstardom. A series that lives up to its name, and then some.

60. The Nanny

The Nanny has long been synonymous with its star Fran Drescher, who played the titular Nanny Fine throughout the show’s six-season run on CBS. Despite being a quintessential ‘90s sitcom, the show’s comedy still feels super fresh and contemporary, even if the pop culture references are dated. Descher is truly unbelievable as Fran, and The Nanny has one of the best TV theme songs of all time. And it’s a show that younger generations absolutely NEED to binge-watch, amidst the ongoing hope for fans to see more.

59. Archer

If Archer were merely an expertly crafted James Bond parody, we’d still love it. However, this long-running FX staple’s greatness comes from the lore-heavy, spy-fi universe that creator Adam Reed’s built atop the back of loving send-ups to the espionage subgenre. H. Jon Benjamin anchored an all-timer voice cast that delivered dialogue and performances as sharp as Lana’s switchblade. The show veered from staleness by aping different genres for Danger Island and other “Coma Seasons,” further widening the comedic field of play, and I can’t imagine anyone wouldn’t finger Archer as the wildest workplace sitcom to date. Phrasing, BOOM!

58. Happy Days

When one thinks of Happy Days, the first image that likely comes to mind is Henry Winkler’s Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli giving a cool-as-hell thumb’s up. Though he was initially just a minor player, the leather-donning jukebox-smacking ladie’s man quickly became the show’s most popular character. But its picturesque version of the 1950s and 1960s is just as iconic, as is the entire Cunnhingham family (except maybe for the disappearing brother Chuck) and further ensemble, which spawned a whopping seven spinoffs. And if you don’t agree with all that, well, sit on it!

57. Martin

A couple of years before he became an action movie king in Bad Boys, Martin Lawrence created and starred in his own sitcom, which gave fans five seasons of over-the-top episodes. Lawrence’s Martin Payne is a loud, rambunctious, and highly opinionated Detroit disc jockey who constantly finds himself in all kinds of trouble both at work and at home with Tisha Campbell’s Gina. (A dynamic that shifted in the final season for BTS reasons.) Martin himself was fun, but his various other personas —Sheneneh Jenkins, Rosco, and Dragonfly Jones — gave the sitcom a fun and unique spin, foreshadowing Lawrence’s later career.

56. Living Single

Living Single is one of those sitcoms that thankfully managed to age well , premiering back in 1993 and following a group of friends residing together in a Brooklyn brownstone. With a killer cast including Queen Latifah (who also performed the outstanding theme song), Kim Coles, Kim Fields and Erika Alexander, Living Single’s formula succeeded ahead of Friends reaching more sensational heights, and the topic of influences there has made for many discussions. Regardless, the sitcom is a Black TV treasure, and boasts a trove of terrific musicians, athletes and comedians as guest stars, from Flip Wilson to Chaka Khan.

55. Will and Grace

Will & Grace might as well have also had Jack and Karen in the title as well, such was the strength of this foursome as they unsuccessfully dated and schmoozed their way to making LGBTQ+ history. The NBC Must See TV classic was an Emmy darling during its initial eight-season run, and its ongoing popularity beyond the “final” season inspired NBC to revive it for another two seasons. Which thankfully meant more from the bevy of guests and recurring stars that popped up over the years, from Matt Damon to Matt Bomer to Madonna.

54. Murphy Brown

Sure, Murphy Brown fulfilled the sitcom basics of starring a single, middle-aged working woman (whose eventual single-mom status shook up the status quo), being funny, and serving up great characters — Jim Dial, slugger — to support the Aretha Franklin-loving titular lead. Arguably most important, though, its its rare delivery of a flawed female main character (recovering alcoholic) who’s frequently irascible, dedicated to her job as a journalist, and unafraid to speak up in a male-heavy industry, giving audiences every reason to root for through every uproarious rant and unnecessary assistant change. There’s a reason Candice Bergen earned five Emmys from seven nominations for her work across ten seasons.

53. The Bob Newhart Show

Nobody can do deadpan humor quite like the eponymous star of The Bob Newhart Show. The beauty of this 1970s sitcom was that it allowed Bob Newhart to play off of those stand-up comedy strengths, acting as the straight man to his psychologist Bob Hartley’s many unique patients. Co-starring Suzanne Pleshette as Bob’s beloved wife Emily — the two made sitcom history together on his next sitcom as well — and Peter Bonerz and Bill Daily as his pals, The Bob Newhart Show remains exemplary for its character-driven laughs.

52. Sanford And Son

The laughs that Sanford and Son delivers from episode to episode are fairly unique compared to other sitcoms. Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson are perfectly cast as Fred and Lamont Sanford, respectively, playing off of each other in ways reminiscent of comedy duos in vaudeville and radio shows. The writers also deserve a lot of credit for effectively employing racial humor, considered edgy at that time, as well as for bringing in hilarious characters like “Aunt” Esther Anderson and Grady Wilson. But Foxx – who just oozes superior comedic timing – steals so many scenes with his energetic performances. “This is the big one!”

51. Superstore

All things consumerism considered, it’s almost surprising so few workplace comedies are anything like Superstore. For six seasons, viewers watched Amy (Oscar nominee America Ferrera), Jonah (Ben Feldman) and their wacky big box store co-workers readily getting into myriad insane scrapes and intriguingly complicated relationships, while trying to maintain order (or causing disorder) within the retail sphere. Superstore gives fans peak workplace sitcom, with innumerable sight gags for those watching closely, as well as a low-key, slow-burn mystery involving feet showing up all over the store. It’s a hilarious win-win that theoretically helps everyone see their jobs aren’t as bad as they could be.

50. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

Before the Men in Black and Bad Boys franchises and that Academy Award-winning role in King Richard, Will Smith veered away from his successful rap career to introduce viewers to…Will Smith…for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Just saying its name instantly brings its classic theme song to mind.

Following a kid from West Philly sent off to live with his affluent uncle’s family in Bel-Air, this sitcom oozed ‘90s sitcom charm and hilarity, helping Will Smith expand his comedic talents opposite the great James Avery, Janet Hubert (for a spell) and more. From the Carlton dance to that classic “very special episode” where Will gets shot, Fresh Prince features plenty of justification for its continued success in syndication and streaming.

49. Family Ties

Eventually, Family Ties became known as “The Michael J. Fox Show,” and it was hard to avoid. Fox was a charismatic ball of energy who became a bona fide superstar during the run of the show, and even eclipsed famous guest stars such as Tom Hanks when they appeared.

But before Fox reached all-star status, Family Ties won over audiences as a warm, endearing, and relatable sitcom about liberal parents trying their best to raise their three kids – one of whom happened to be a briefcase-toting, card-carrying Republican. We all saw ourselves in at least one member of the Keaton family, and tuned in weekly to appreciate the ties that bound them all together.

48. Mr. Bean

Rowan Atkinson would have been amazing during the silent film era, but is thankfully a more modern talent, since we otherwise might never have known the childlike, frustration-spiked foibles of Mr. Bean. Co-created by the comedian’s Black Adder partners in hilarity, Ben Elton and Richard Curtis, Mr. Bean is an idiosyncratic sitcom in that its five-year stretch comprised 15 sporadically aired one-off episodes, as opposed to seasons, which inspired a pair of feature films, an animated series, and more pop culture greatness.

Atkinson brings his physical comedy mastery to a plethora of disaster-laden circumstances, from nonchalantly changing into a swimsuit to getting ready for the dentist while driving to being locked out of a hotel room and dozens of other awkward moments.

47. The Mick

Only two seasons of The Mick aired between January 2017 and April 2018, telling the story of a foul-mouthed dirtbag forced to be the guardian of her affluent niece and nephews, and all 37 episodes are send-you-doubled-over-off-your-couch hilarious. Which means a lot of people were sleeping on this brilliance when it aired, and we’re still sore about it.

Led by Kaitlin Olsen, the entire cast is spectacular (with a special hat tip to the brilliant Scott MacArthur as the oft-injured ne'er-do-well Jimmy), but what truly makes this show exceptional is its beyond-dark sensibilities and unwillingness to accept the idea of a “line” that can’t be crossed. The final scene of the series finale is actually a perfect ending in that sense, and we’re sure that more seasons would have pushed it higher up the rankings.

46. The Jeffersons

Norman Lear & Co.nailed it when they moved George, Louise and Lionel Jefferson from All in the Family to their own show. The Jeffersons is 30-minute comedy at its finest, offering an excellent premise, and an array of interesting stories built on it. Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford are electric as George and Lousie, effortlessly conveying their on-screen marriage with warmth, humor and occasional contention, all while surrounded by a strong supporting cast.

There’s also the series’ impact on Black culture and the TV landscape as a whole. It’s one of the earliest shows to have depicted an upper class African American family – and the complexities of such a dynamic. We should all be grateful that these characters moved on up.

45. 30 Rock

If there were any doubts that Tina Fey could transport her magic touch from SNL to a scripted sitcom, 30 Rock proved them pointless. The show-within-a-show’s very first season won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, and scored nominations for Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. (Both went on to win elsewhere in the NBC comedy’s seven-season run.)

The show is infinitely quotable, thanks in large part to Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski, and recruited standout part-time stars ranging from Matt Damon to David Schwrimmer to – of course – Steve “How do you do, fellow kids?” Buscemi. Plus, it imparted the following important lesson from Tracy Jordan: “Live every week like it’s Shark Week.” No SNL knowledge is needed to appreciate the sketch-skewing humor, but it’ll help.

44. Scrubs

Hospital dramas have become as commonplace as any TV offering, so having Scrubs around to follow its doctors, nurses and Sacred Heart staff through a comedic lens continues to be a welcome respite. Not to say Scrubs wasn’t without its emotional and poignant moments, since one could argue it functions nearly as well as a dramatic series when in that mode.

But the humor is where Scrubs’ gets surgical with it. Whether we were joining J.D. in his wild daydreams, or the crazy events unfolding between characters while treating patients, this show excelled at delivering the laughs. If only we could witness John C. McGinley’s Dr. Cox ranting at residents while a nameless Janitor pranks people within a real-life hospital. Additionally, J.D. and Turk are one of TV’s all-time best-buddy pairings.

43. Bob's Burgers

In all of sitcom family-dom, few clans are as relatable in their middle-class weirdness as the Belcher family that serves up the titular meals and good-time goofiness on Bob’s Burgers. The beloved series from creator Loren Bouchard has followed sitcom standards to a T while building up its hilarity-filled universe of Italian restaurateur rivals, handyman besties, and plenty of schoolchildren I’d much rather watch on TV than deal with at home. But it’s the Belchers that keep us coming back.

From H. Jon Benjamin’s expertly exasperated attempts to get by to Louise’s rebellious sadism to Tina’s butt fascination, Bob’s Burgers is as timeless as the hamburger itself, and isn’t afraid to mix sweetness into the juvenile hijinks. A must-watch for pun enthusiasts.

42. The Cosby Show

Decades after its debut on NBC, The Cosby Show remains a seminal piece of TV work. This sharp family comedy offers a warm look at a family (who just happened to be Black) and, while the Huxtables are quite pristine, they never feel unrelatable, except perhaps where sweaters are concerned. The impeccable ensemble boasts the likes of Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Keshia Knight Pulliam masterfully playing off the series’ titular star. Give the writing staff credit, too, for formulating some eternally classic episodes, like “Goodbye Mr. Fish” and “Happy Anniversary.”

Of course, the show’s legacy has been further evaluated due to Bill Cosby’s legal entanglements, and understandably so. That debate will surely continue, though what’s hard to deny is the sitcom’s game-changing position in the cultural lexicon.

41. Party Down

“Are we having fun yet?” The oft-used sarcastic throwback to Henry’s (Adam Scott) singular professional achievement is actually a pretty fitting way to sum up the careers of the motley crew of caterers on Party Down. The aspiring actors and writers who comprise the eponymous catering company would certainly rather be pursuing their passions than serving drinks and apps to their rich customers, but with each episode plunking them into a different bougie event, it was delightful to see the ridiculous and usually cringey situations they would get themselves into.

On top of a fabulous ensemble cast featuring the likes of Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Lizzy Caplan and Martin Starr, Party Down featured A+ cameos at each catering function. That Steve Guttenberg episode? Chef’s kiss, or at least a caterer’s kiss.

40. The Boondocks

We may never get another animated series about American society as unabashedly insightful as The Boondocks, which was created by Aaron McGruder and based on his comic strip of the same name. Each episode provides a thoughtful examination of the Black experience, principally seen through the eyes of young intellectual Huey Freeman and his gangster-wannabe brother Riley (both voiced by Oscar/Emmy Award-winner Regina King), under the spotty guidance of their John Witherspoon-voiced Granddad.

Not only does McGruder's bold writing provide clever observations about everything from rap music to movie theater decorum, but the anime style continues to remain eye-popping and brilliantly utilized. Especially with the killer kung-fu sequences, which demonstrate a deep love for both the animation medium and the martial arts action genre.

39. Abbott Elementary

Arguably one of the best sitcoms currently airing, Abbott Elementary took the world by storm when it premiered in 2021, introducing the world to Quinta Brunson’s brilliance as Janine Teagues. The Black Lady Sketch Show vet created, writes, produces and stars in the show centering on a Philadelphia school’s staff, and her care and love for it is infectious.

Between Gregory and Janine’s will-they-won’t-they relationship, hilarious talking heads and well-established characters with silly interests (like Ava being a doomsday prepper), this show has all the hallmarks of classic mockumentaries. However, its setting at an elementary school and the unique chemistry the incredible cast has developed make this ABC comedy one that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. (And it won’t need a stool like Janine, amirite, Ava?)

38. The IT Crowd

As if Graham Linehan’s entertainment legacy wasn’t already assured by Father Ted, the man went and crafted another all-time Britcom with The IT Crowd. (Okay, Black Books, too.) The basic premise follows the lives of corporate climber Jen (Katherine Parkinson) and IT department slackers Roy (Chris O’Dowd) and Moss (Richard Ayoade). A classic workplace sitcom trio if there ever was one.

In execution, the 25-episode run was far more fun and unpredictable than the set-up. Skewering corporate culture and malfeasance, as well as all things personal and pop, The IT Crowd feels like a cheeky mix between Seinfeld and Spaced. Not to mention this being a great place to get a Matt Berry fix.

37. Community

It’s difficult to summarize what makes Community such an exceptional sitcom. Its meta awareness and deep love of pop culture is a key ingredient, executed principally through the genius character that is Danny Pudi’s Abed Nadir. But that’s an example of the phenomenal way the show balances the unique voices of its seven main characters – be it the confident idiocy of Donald Glover’s Troy Barnes, the extreme selfishness of Joel McHale’s Jeff Winger, or ridiculous uptightness of Alison Brie’s Annie Edison.

These characters planted in an environment of ever-growing weirdness that is Greendale Community College permits wild, creative, and clever single episode stories… but also not to be slept on are its effective emotional swings (Like I said, it’s really Dean-ficult to sum up!)

36. Modern Family

Modern Family was one of the first family sitcoms to eschew studio audience laughter for the single-camera format, and its massive success and influence was undeniable. Running for eleven seasons, the star-studded sitcom gave viewers a front seat to watching the blended Pritchett and Dunphy families grow up together.

But what makes Modern Family one of the best sitcoms ever is its relatability and ability to tap into all the emotions. There’s plenty to laugh at, thanks to hilarious deliveries from Ed O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell and others, and more episodes than can be poignant, whether it’s about love, sexuality, growing up, or plenty of other feelings to connect to.

35. Arrested Development

At the far end of the “wholesome sitcom family” spectrum is the Bluth clan responsible for the majority of the conning and downward spiraling on Arrested Development. (Ron Howard’s Narrator: “They really were.”) With too many A+ cast members to namecheck in one breath, the fourth wall-breaking comedy is technically about the legal troubles surrounding the family company following a major scandal, but it’s really about the family’s myriad other problems.

Let’s see, we have twin-fidelity, oedipal complexes galore, PTSD from both Army (Mother!) and loss of limb, rampant alcoholism, potentially incestuous foreplay, hair metal magic, and never-nudism, though that’s a corner of a snowflake atop the tallest mountain of comedic quirks. Come for the brilliant performances, stay for the smartest callback jokes on TV.

34. WKRP In Cincinnati

WKRP in Cincinnati is one of those shows that never seems to receive its flowers quite enough alongside others from the era. Airing for four seasons between 1978 and 1982, the comedy takes place at a struggling AM radio station in the heart of the Midwest, and boasts everything one would want in a sitcom: great jokes, iconic characters, and unforgettable TV moments.

Despite early schedule struggles, WKRP eventually found its footing on CBS, thanks to audiences loving the comedic stylings of Howard Hesseman’s Dr. Johnny Fever, Tim Reid’s Venus Flytrap, and Richard Sanders’ Les Nessman. It’s always been a hit with radio DJs, for good reason, and produced quite possibly the greatest Thanksgiving TV treat (that doesn’t have Charlie Brown in it) with “Turkeys Away.”

33. The Critic

In the wake of The Simpsons’ success, creators Al Jean and Mike Reiss shaped a cult classic with The Critic, focused on bitter film critic Jay Sherman, voiced with gusto by Jon Lovitz. The animated sitcom took after its spiritual cousin, offering up both heartfelt and cuttingly satirical gags, and bouncing from ABC to Fox only sharpened the show’s edge.

Keenly lampooning the world of show business, The Critic’s writers crafted A+ parodies of classic films, fake cinematic atrocities so bad they’re funny, and welcomed cameos from actual critics. Anyone wanting to see Siskel & Ebert in a fist fight need look no further. Two words aptly sum up how we feel about this series not lasting nearly as long as The Simpsons: “It stinks.”

32. Married...with Children

With Frank Sinatra’s “Love and Marriage” performance as its subversively optimistic theme song, Married with Children is the gleefully bawdy archetype for sitcoms about miserable people. Ed O’Neill’s misogyny-encrusted slopfest Al Bundy stiff-arms his way through life with affection-seeking wife Peg, blonde joke incarnate daughter Kelly, and lazy hornball son Bud. And Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate and David Faustino are the epitome of “the family you love to watch, but would hate to live with.”

As the live-action series that put Fox on the map, Married with Children has long been celebrated for its politically incorrect humor and cartoonishly offensive storylines, and it remains among the most offensive TV shows of all time. But it worked because the Bundy’s always came out worse than anyone else.

31. Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls’ offbeat sitcom greatness truly deserves recognition for a show that may be written off for being a Disney Channel original. Creator and cast member Alex Hirsch crafted a well-animated, off-kilter show that wins over younger viewers with its thrills, humor and heart, while also capturing older viewers with overarching mysteries, surprisingly deep lore, and barrages of callbacks, clues and pause-required animation details. (Long live Bill Cypher!)

At the center of all the madness is the perfectly realized Pines family — Grunkle Stan, Dipper and Mabel — and their friends and co-workers like Wendy, Soos and others. With two seasons and 40 episodes under its belt, Gravity Falls is a tight show that builds to a very satisfying conclusion, even if fans railed against its cancellation at the time.

30. Parks And Recreation

When Parks and Recreation premiered, SNL and UCB vet Amy Poehler was its biggest name, but the careers of co-stars such as Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Retta and Aubrey Plaza exploded in the years after. And it’s no surprise, since the NBC sitcom is where they were able to hone their characters distinct personalities for seven seasons.

Parks and Rec follows the misfit-lite group running Pawnee, Indiana’s parks department Indiana, and had little trouble getting into the wildest hijinks in each 30-minute runtime. The episode “Flu Season” delivers the goods in a nutshell, between Amy Poehler pretending she’s not sick, Chris Pratt’s physical comedy, and Nick Offerman perfectly portraying Ron Swanson’s disdain for government work. Parks and Rec is a quirky and lively show that deserves a spot in everyone’s lives.

29. Letterkenny

It's not often that a show can lean heavily on both the importance of morals and the notion of violence, but Letterkenny managed to strike an amazing balance between the two for twelve seasons. The Canadian sitcom is known for its amazingly paced banter and extensive wordplay and unique phrasings. As if the amazing comedic timing wasn't enough, one of the main themes continues to acknowledge the importance of standing up for what you believe in and striving to do good in the world. "If a friend asks for help, you help them."

Creator and star of the show, Jared Keeso, has also recently hit another comedic home run in the Letterkenny extended universe with the spinoff Shoresy.

28. The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Four years after winning TV audiences’ hearts for the last time on The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore struck further gold with her own titular sitcom, earning a spot high on the pyramid of inspirational female pop culture icons. For seven seasons, Moore’s Mary Richards worked diligently amidst other colorful characters in the MJM newsroom, such as Gavin McCleod’s snarky Murray, Ted Knight’s dimwitted Ted, and Ed Anser’s ever-stoic (and spinoff-bound) Lou Grant. Not to mention Betty White’s ego-puff Sue Ann.

Outside the office, some of the Emmy-amassing show’s best scenes featured Mary mixing it up with her neighbor buddies Rhoda and Phyllis, portrayed with respective pizazz by Valerie Harper and Cloris Leachman. “Chuckles Bites the Dust” and “The Last Show” are as good as sitcom TV gets.

27. Friends

“Best sitcom” conversations can’t happen without mentioning Friends once or a dozen times. As the epitome of Must-See TV in the 1990s and early aughts, the sitcom skyrocketed its six stars — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox. Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer — to fame. Decades later, the reruns are ever-present on TV and streaming, and the gang’s catchphrases continue to resonate as new generations make their way through Central Perk’s doors..

You don’t even have to have been a regular viewer to have heard Ross’ infamous “Pivot!” shout, to have a favorite Chandler quote, or to take a side on the Ross and Rachel “we were on a break” debate. Such universal recognition is relatively rare for a show that’s been off the air for 20 years.

26. The Office (UK)

We never would’ve met Steve Carell’s Michael Scott if there hadn’t been David Brent. Ricky Gerais and Stephen Merchant brought The Office to UK small screens in 2001 and, through two brief seasons and a Christmas special, introduced audiences everywhere to a new level of cringe in the form of this hilarious mockumentary series (one which kept its documentation scenarios realistic).

This dry and occasionally super-awkward comedy follows one branch of a paper company and its workers — played by Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis and several other talented actors — as they attempt to get through each and every workday, dignity optional. It’s the simplicity of the show and the way the characters played off one another that made The Office a true gem.

25. Roseanne

Whether viewers are from the working class midwest or other parts of the country, Roseanne found a way to be relatable to so many. Through the sea of picture-perfect television families came the tidal wave that is the Conner family, who bickered, joked and suffered through enduring hard times. At the core of it all was a family raised by two parents, portrayed by Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, whose love remained strong throughout.

The Conners were never the idealized family everyone strives to be, but still feels like a mirror of what blue class households are really like. And despite the baffling retconned lottery season, and Barr’s off-screen controversy, Roseanne’s comfort-TV legacy remains as timeless as the family’s living room furniture.

24. The Dick Van Dyke Show

There are great workplace comedies and there are great domestic family comedies, but The Dick Van Dyke Show somehow stands out among the best ever in both capacities. From the moment Van Dyke goes barreling over that ottoman, you know you’re in for something special, as the star’s gifts for physical and verbal comedy are nearly unparalleled. He’s often not even the one delivering the best jokes, because his reaction to his legendary co-stars is the true punchline.

Speaking of, the show was very much a group effort, despite its single-star title. Conceived and written by co-star Carl Reiner, and co-starring the incomparable Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, and Maury Amsterdam, all the pieces come together perfectly to make one of the most consistently high-quality sitcoms of all time.

23. What We Do In The Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is a bonkers TV show that shouldn’t work, just like the vampires yelling “Bat!” shouldn’t work as a catchphrase, but it all absolutely does. The mockumentary, spunoff from the co-creators’ film of the same name, follows a group of ridiculous, socially out-of-touch bloodsuckers — save for energy vamp Colin Robinson and human familiar Guillermo — trying to prove their worth in Staten Island.

Despite how silly and NSFW the show is, movie-level prosthetics and visual effects help to elevate and add shocks to the narrative. The cast is truly outstanding, as it goes for any Matt Berry-infused cast, and WWDITS has earned as much awards recognition as any TV horror comedy. With murder and duplicitousness afoot, the series still hits all the sitcom benchmarks, including a fun neighbor (the mind-sapped Sean), a great theme song, and a bunch of A+ celebrity cameos.

22. The Office (U.S.)

Following the success of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s brilliant U.K. series of the same name, Greg Daniels’ adaptation of The Office took the mockumentary style of its predecessor – along with some of the more amusing traits and dynamics of its characters – and set out to tell new stories with office workers in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Whether it’s the hilarious standout ensemble of characters (led for most seasons by Steve Carell’s cringe-perfecting boss Michael Scott), the way it embraces the mundanity of office life, or how it follows years of these workers’ lives over years while squeezing every drop of humor along the way, The Office continues to be funny, relatable and — for many of us — a comfortable place to return to in the years since its fantastic 9-season run ended. Not to mention the timeless romances of Pam and Jim, Dwight and Angela, Phyllis and Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.

21. South Park

With more than 25 seasons and a growing number of one-off specials, South Park reigns supreme as a long-running pillar of TV satire. A look at the 20 best episodes from the series is an easy way to effectively understand just how relevant this series has been on so many levels, evolving from a Kenny-killing, catchphrase machine to a show with a lot more to say than T-shirt fodder.

What other TV series, much less animated comedy, has taken on major religious institutions, accused killers, wild dieting trends, controversial music superstars and world politics throughout its run? If others exist, they probably didn’t do it as well as South Park does, and there’s still no end in sight to the Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s pop culture phenomenon, even if the duo have understandably been less prolific animators in later years.

20. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

From some of the best TV cold opens – “I Want It That Way” sung by suspects, I mean, come on, it’s genius – to ongoing gags ike the annual heist, and “title of your sex tape” that make you laugh so hard your side hurts, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a wild sitcom that is surprising in the best ways and absolutely irresistible as comfort comedy.

Led by Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews and Joe Lo Truglio, this team of detectives quite literally never gets old, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine only got better in time as everyone grew comfortable in their roles and leaned into the silliness of their surroundings. Especially the all-time terrible cop duo of Hitchcock and Scully.

All around, what Dan Goor and Michael Schur created was so special, and as Jake Peralta would say “cool, cool, cool.”

19. Newhart

Bob Newhart struck TV gold a second time (not counting his stand-up appearances) with the endlessly cozy treasure Newhart, which centered on the comings and goings within the Stratford Inn in small-town Vermont. You know, the kind of small town where a man named Larry can have one brother named Darryl, and then also another brother named Darryl. It’s there where the star comedian and Mary Frann’s Dick and Joanna Loudon take over after a move from New York City, but their big-city know-how can’t quite compete with the quirkiness of their fellow residents.

Nothing ever gets old when it comes to watching the core cast — including Tom Poston, Julia Duffy and Peter Scolar — and the revolving door of recurring actors and guest stars bounce their energies off of Bob Newhart’s. And we’d be remiss not to give Newhart its flowers for shattering TV reality with its truly iconic finale twist.

18. All in the Family

All in the Family is arguably one of the most important TV series ever made, sitcom or otherwise, and shows don’t get the chance to change television if you’re not also good enough to stay on it in the first place. Not only was All in the Family successful enough to span eight seasons, but it also spawned five spinoffs. Despite the fact that the show’s primary character Archie Bunker was specifically designed to be the most bigoted person you know, it somehow all works so incredibly well. You love him even while you hate him, which is a testament to the abilities of creator Norman Lear and star Carroll O’Connor.

Dealing with, and poking fun at, topics that had been seen as taboo to even address previously, All in the Family courted its share of controversy and certainly ruffled some feathers. But that’s just further proof that it left an indelible and influential mark upon audiences everywhere.

17. Frasier

For a TV spinoff to be anywhere near as popular as its parent show is a huge accomplishment, and NBC’s Frasier pulled off just such a transition following Cheers’ conclusion. To be sure, it was plainly great to see Kelsey Grammer’s Frasier Crane taking center stage after all those stool-sat years as an ensemble character. However, it’s unlikely the sitcom would have been nearly as successful without the supporting cast of David Hyde Pierce’s Niles, Jane Leeves’ Daphne, Peri Gilpin’s Roz and John Mahoney’s Martin.

These five characters’ unique personalities and the dynamics they share with one another make them one of the best sitcom casts of all time, and we’ll throw Eddie a bone there as well. Let’s not gloss over the intelligent writing Frasier consistently delivered, which was part of the show’s 37 Emmy wins over its eleven years on the air. Its continued popularity even sparked the Parmaount+ revival of the same name.

16. Taxi

Speaking to Taxi’s greatness takes little beyond listing the murderer’s row of talent yukking it up for five seasons at the Sunshine Cab Company: Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Andy Kaufman, Tony Danza, Jeff Conaway, Christopher Lloyd, and Carol Kane. Theoretically, these actors could have struck gold with any TV narrative, but the New York setting provided the comedically ideal edge and neuroses that earned the show 18 Emmys and millions of fans. (Not that Kaufman’s Latka Gravas was a local.) Not to mention the quartet of sitcom royalty in creators James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis, and Ed Weinberger.

Despite such over-the-top personalities, Taxi excels at grounded and heartfelt storytelling as much as broader humor, never shying away from the characters’ relatable struggles or the hot-button issues of the time. Extra points for its appearances from future Cheers stars Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman and George Wendt.

15. The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls is excellent enough to convince audiences that spending your twilight years in a shared living space with your mother and two roommates is a blueprint for endless laughs, when that might not match up with reality. It’s a credit to the stellar cast comprising Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty. Queens, one and all. Amidst all the drama, the endless insults thrown around, and the cheesecake, the foursome’s friendship really shines through in this show.

It’s indeed that friendship that causes the gals to get into some absolutely wild adventures. Who can forget the time Rose nearly ended the Cold War with the Soviets with a letter? Not every narrative goes quite so big as that, even if Blanche plays up her romances as such, but it’s always a helluva fun ride.

14. Curb Your Enthusiasm

After Seinfeld concluded its historic run in the late ‘90s, series co-creator Larry David could have ridden off into the sunset atop a horse made from residual checks. Instead, the stickler for human behavior not only created true sitcom brilliance, but also broke new ground for HBO and self-deprecating celeb cameos.

Curb Your Enthusiasm — far more than a pretty, pretty, pretty good show — never failed to inspire laughs and shocks in equal order, following David’s over-the-top fictionalized version of himself (think George Costanza on shame-eliminating steroids), facing so many provocatively awkward situations with a vast array of friends, colleagues, contemporaries, and eventual enemies. (R.I.P. Richard Lewis and Bob Einstein.) The largely improvised show found new ways to be both relevant and funny across 24 years and 12 seasons, a task that’s easier said (and avoided) than done. And it also delivered an all-timer of a finale, poking fun at Seinfeld’s polarizing conclusion.

13. The Larry Sanders Show

As host of the fictional late night talk show The Larry Sanders Show, Garry Shandling implores his audience to stay tuned, ordering them, “No flipping!” It was an easy command to obey when it came to HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show, still one of the bravest, funniest, and most insightful programs that happily sinks its teeth into the Hollywood hand that feeds.

Larry is just an exaggerated caricature of Garry Shandling, who let all of his own neurosis and anxieties fly out of the mouth of his insecure comedic television personality who desperately wanted to be liked by his chosen industry. And the show got a lot of mileage out of real-life celebrities appearing and poking fun at their public personas. (David Duchovny for the win.) But it’s the supporting cast – led by the late Rip Torn and the wonderful Jeffrey Tambor – that elevates Larry Sanders to legendary status. There’ll never be another as biting and satirical as this.

12. Spaced

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s long history with director Edgar Wright includes the so-called Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End). Before that, though, they rocked the sitcom landscape with the UK gem Spaced. A relatable premise is vital to a good sitcom, and it was so easy to fall in love with pro slacker Tim (Pegg) and the uber-dramatic Daisy (Jessica Stevenson) while shrewdly securing their affordable apartment under the watchful eye of Julia Deaken’s landlady Marsha.

In addition to watching Tim and Daisy maintain their ruse of being a “professional couple” while figuring out the whole adulting thing, Spaced — one of Simon Pegg’s best projects — packed in endless horror movie references, video game easter eggs, and more pop culture love. (The pantomime gun fight is everything.) It also featured a supporting cast of hilariously exaggerated characters that will NOT have you wanting to “skip to the end.”

11. The Good Place

Sitcoms are, by design, often stagnant, with the same characters facing similar situations week after week. If the jokes land, everything works, but if not, well… Then along came The Good Place to throw those preconceptions out the window. If creator Michael Schur had just repeated Season 1’s twisty premise for five seasons, it would have still been good, but The Good Place achieved true greatness with its storytelling.

Fronted by Kristen Bell and Ted Danson in top-tier fashion, The Good Place takes massive risks with its afterlife-set narrative, changing elements from one season to the next. The house of (God) cards would have tumbled down had it not all worked as infallibly as the big man himself, but it never even wavered. Indeed, The Good Place is simply forking unbelievable from beginning to end, buttressed by fully realized characters portrayed by co-leads William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and D’Arcy Carden. Stream the show for everyone now, Janet. Janet..?

10. Fawlty Towers

As part of Monty Python’s sextet of comedy masterminds, John Cleese had already conquered the world of sketch comedy and film, so the next obvious move was to craft a largely perfect sitcom with then-wife Connie Booth, and Fawlty Towers was just such perfection across twelve increasingly fraught.

Set within the non-existing titular hotel in Torquay, Cleese’s Basil Fawlty suffers the existence of everyone around him, especially Prunella Scales’ Sybil, his oft-demanding wife, and the language issues of Andrew Sachs’ Manuel, the establishment’s Spanish waiter. Booth’s chambermaid Polly gets slightly less irritation for being regularly competent. A hotel owner who hates his clientele is in the high-concept echelon, and the series offered up an eternally memorable selection of frequent and one-time guests, as well as builders, inspectors and others whose actions bring Basil’s blood pressure to a proper boil.

Similar to other classic ‘70s and ‘80s sitcoms, Fawlty Towers has been both celebrated and derided for its politically incorrect humor. It's perhaps exemplified best by the series’ marquee episode “The Germans,” and is something Cleese intends to replicate with the revival series he’s creating with daughter Camilla.

9. Cheers

Locations can mean everything to a sitcom. Memorable shows are set in places to which we want to return, from Mel’s Diner to the Dunder Mifflin offices to, of course, the bar from Cheers – where everybody knows your name. Audiences became such regulars to the comfortable sitcom, we practically expected to hear our own names shouted out, a la Norm, when we turned the program on.

The familiarity and welcomeness of Cheers kept us tuning in, even as some of the cast rotated. We all invested heavily in the “will they or won’t they” relationship of barkeep Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and waitress Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), but stuck around when Diane was replaced by Rebecca (Kirstie Alley); and Southern simpleton Woody (Woody Harrelson) was embraced after first filling in for the departed Coach (Nicholas Colasanto). Not that anyone could ever replace Cliff Clavin.

Television hasn’t been the same since Cheers closed its doors, with Frasier going a completely different spinoff route, and I’m not sure another show can be set in a bar, and reach the high bar set by this program.

8. The Simpsons

I think there’s an argument to be made that The Simpsons should have a place on any top 100 list when it comes to describing the best television, regardless of what additional parameters there may be. Part of the allure of this series, as it heads toward 800 episodes, is that there’s not really anything it hasn’t done at this point. There’s a Simpsons episode for whatever mood readers are feeling that day, though it may take a bit of research to figure out which one that is. 

What I love most about The Simpsons is how the series has evolved with time and how the show has modernized the characters with the times while still retaining the core elements that audiences loved about them. Sure, seeing Homer Simpson send memes to Lisa on a smartphone can feel a bit jarring sometimes, but it’s also 100% on-brand for the patriarch and definitely less weird in the modern day to younger audiences compared to if he was still using a rotary phone. Plus, if you prefer the old stuff, it’s all available to stream on Disney+

7. I Love Lucy

For the majority of TV’s existence as an entertainment platform, sitcoms have been synonymous with Lucille Ball, who achieved icon status several times over during her run as Lucy Ricardo in I Love Lucy (and other incarnations and later series). The series remains a blueprint reference for sitcom-crafting, and was revolutionary at the time for not only its star, but for her real-life husband Desi Arnaz portraying her faux hubby Ricky, and more.

While I Love Lucy could occasionally pull an emotional heartstring or two, its strength was comedy, and Ball maximized that concept throughout its run. Lucy and Ricky are as loud and wild a TV couple as can be, especially opposite their slightly more subdued neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz. From Lucy’s efforts to get into Ricky’s shows to her attempts to hock Vitameatavegamin to her and Ethel’s conveyor belt struggles, the show regularly produced unforgettable sequences.

I Love Lucy is also revolutionary for women in television, with Ball helping pave the way for so many other amazing female actresses to lead their own successful shows, even if struggles are still real on that front. No need for further ‘splanation: I Love Lucy is TV gold.

6. Schitt's Creek

Schitt’s Creek didn’t truly hit the mainstream until its final season, but when people found it, its popularity exploded and its legacy was cemented. Created by father-son duo Dan and Eugene Levy, the comedy centers on a rich family who loses all their money, with the titular town as their silver lining. Annie Murphy and Catherine O’Hara co-star alongside the Levys in this most hilarious fish out of water story.

Seeing these four totally out of their element within the less-than-chic town is an easy way in for viewers. But the hooks that keep people watching are Catherine O’Hara’s ridiculous fake accent, Dan Levy’s sassy one-liners, Annie Murphy’s over-the-top everything as Alexis, Eugene Levy’s brilliant straight-man reactions, and the heartfelt growth this family goes through as they learn to love each other and the town they now call home.

Since the show became a sensation, lines like “Ew David!” have entered the everyday lexicon, and impersonations of Moira and Alexis can be seen frequently on social media. Schitt’s Creek shined bright when it was on — remember the network Pop? — and since then it’s cemented itself as a permanent part of the zeitgeist.

5. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Rarely does a piece of pop culture offer up a character who constantly proves themself to be unendingly vile, self-consumed, aloof, destructive and terrible for society. But a combination of those words describes literally every single character who speaks in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Of course, the biggest and most hilarious offenders are the central Paddy’s Pub gang made up of possible serial killer Dennis (Glenn Howerton), his slightly less evil Bird…e… sister Dee, the sexually fluid approval-seeking Mac (Rob McElhenny), glue-eating connoisseur and janitor Charlie (Charlie Day) and the shockingly demented and depraved Frank (Danny DeVito).

No stone goes unturned when it comes to shocking viewers with how low these characters will go to achieve even the most meaningless iota of recognition or selfish pleasure. There’s racially charged (and socially questionable) takes on Lethal Weapon and The Wiz, exploiting all manner of substance and behavior addictions, satirical jabs at gun control, welfare, sexual assault, and much more. Its unsanitary hilarity is cherished among fans who have watched it live on longer than any other TV comedy in history, with no end in sight. (Except for Danny DeVito’s bare one, that is.)

4. King Of The Hill

Animation isn’t often a medium for classic sitcoms, but Mike Judge’s King of the Hill delivered on all fronts by settling audiences into the everyday life of the Hill family. Hank, Peggy, Bobby, and an assortment of other Arlen standouts kept viewers rolling and clamoring for more Southern-fried hilarity during its 13-season stretch. (And more is on the way thanks to Hulu’s revival.)

King of the Hill tackles issues while poking fun at them in ways that most viewers can probably relate to — from the stresses of the workplace to the terror of puberty to the awkwardness of family — adding a layer of realism to the two-dimensional characters’ world. To that end, Judge’s series is also atypical for adhering to realism throughout, as opposed to going off the cartoonish deep end for laughs (outside of dream sequences, that is).

Judge’s Hank and Kathy Najimy’s Peggy, along with Brittany Murphy’s Luanne and Pamela Adlon’s Bobby, provide a lot of the show’s heart and soul with their struggles and not-always-brilliant reactions to those struggles. But it always helps to have friends around like the hapless good’n Bill, the conspiracy-obsessed Dale and the mush-mouthed Boomhauer.

3. Seinfeld

It’s joked that Seinfeld is “a show about nothing,” and that’s a fair surface-only assessment. The NBC hit provides no lasting messages or morals, and it focuses the majority of its creative energy on eccentric minutiae of everyday life – be it waiting forever for a table at a restaurant or getting in disputes with cashiers over proper change. Characters don’t grow or change — save for temporary shrinkage and mustache-growing — and there’s no reach for deep themes. They’re not even nice people.

And yet, it’s utterly brilliant, timeless, and endlessly rewatchable.

Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine each have their own unique and hilarious personalities strengthened by the actors’ performances, which in turn drives hilarious stories that unlock the real magic of the show: the way everything intertwines. Kramer golfing on the beach is its own weird gag, but also perfectly sets up George being called into action to rescue a beached whale after previously lying about being a marine biologist. Just about every sitcom since the early 1990s has tried to capture some of the magic of the nine-season series, but there is only one Seinfeld. (A notion that Newman would applaud.)

2. Veep

Veep was the [censored] creation of Armando Iannucci, the mastermind known for The Thick of It and Alan Partridge’s various incarnations, and HBO’s political workplace comedy is dripping with just as much satire and [censored] as anything graced by his Midas touch before or after. It’s one of the fastest and foulest sitcoms to date, with a jokes-per-minute rate that rivals other rapid-paced greats like The Simpsons and Arrested Development, and a [censored]-per-minute rate that is second to none.

As it goes with the best of the best, Veep boasts and expansive ensemble of uppermost geniuses, as led by Emmy magnet Julie Louis-Dreyfus’ Vice President (and then some) Selina Meyer, whose struggles to remain a boss in Washington D.C. means absolute hell for the masses of aides, pundits, strategists, etc. in her orbit. That applies most to her body man and extra appendage Gary, played with aplomb by Tony Hale.

Every Veep co-star brings something perfect to the table, from Anna Chlumsky’s rage suppression as Amy to Matt Walsh’s common sense suppression as Mike; from Reid Scott’s smarm-oozing Dan to Timothy Simons’ arbitrary naysayer Jonah. And we’d just as easily watch spinoffs centered on Kevin Dunn’s Ben and Gary Cole’s Kent, as well as Sam Richardson’s go-getter Richard Splett.

1. BoJack Horseman

One of the best animated TV shows of all time, Netflix’s BoJack Horseman took the adult-toon formula and evolved it into six seasons of one of TV history’s most unique offerings that — at least in CinemaBlend’s perspective — is the sitcom GOAT. Will Arnett is perfect voicing the tragic title character, a past-his-prime ‘90s sitcom star and substance abuser, and he’s bolstered by a who’s who of talented actors portrayed well-written characters, including fan-favorites Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie) and Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins).

After establishing its sitcom formula in its earliest wordplay-embracing seasons, Bojack Horseman begins getting experimental with its format in phenomenal ways, such as with Season 3’s “Fish Out of Water,” a thought-provoking underwater story with no dialogue, or Season 5’s “Big Churro,” a full-length Bojack eulogy following a big character death.

There are certainly laughs to be had, for sure — big, hearty, consistent, gut-shredding, animalistic laughs throughout all six seasons — but don’t be surprised if you end up shedding a tear or suffering an existential crisis or two along the way as well. The show-within-a-show Horsin’ Around probably wouldn’t have made it onto this list, but BoJack Horseman itself is a Triple Crown winner of the highest order.

They say mama knows best, but television has shown us time and time again that isn't always the case. Whether it's a show as sinister as Sons of Anarchy or one as innocent as Modern Family, there's no shortage of moms who don't give the best advice. I'm sure there are plenty of dads as well, to be sure, but that's not what we're here to talk about today. 

Moms make the world go round, but they're not infallible. The following are some shining examples of mothers who aren't always giving the best advice, though I'll concede that some give worse advice far more often than others. Let's dive in!

Roseanne

The point of Roseanne was that the Conners weren't picturesque parents, but they somehow made it work anyway. Pull up any old episode with a Peacock subscription, and you'll hear Roseanne giving some ill-informed advice. Her heart is always in the right place, though, and that's what matters. 

Cersei Lannister

If Cersei Lannister hadn't told her son Joffrey that anyone outside their family was an enemy, he wouldn't have turned into the despicable monster we witnessed on Game of Thrones. Cersei's twisted mindset ultimately led to Joffrey's death, and I don't think I need to bring up her other two children that didn't survive the series, either. 

Connie Tucker

Better known as Meemaw on Young Sheldon, some might not know that Connie Tucker's daughter is Mary Cooper even if they saw them side by side. Between her underground gambling operation in the backroom of the laundromat, and the time she got her grandson Georgie arrested while bootlegging cigarettes across the border, she's not the best role model. 

Linda Belcher

Linda Belcher has her own issues she picked up during her upbringing, and she's instilled some of those values in her children. Encouraging Tina and Louise to cheat in school rather than do the work is a great example, and a hilarious lesson that makes this one of the best animated shows of all time. 

Norma Bates

I think it's possible that if your son turns out to be a mass murderer, you might've had a couple of missteps in instilling some advice. Norma Bates certainly had an unhealthy relationship with her son, and her general advice not to trust other women not only led to their deaths, it eventually led to her own. 

Lucy Ricardo

I can't even imagine the shenanigans Little Ricky got up to having Lucy Ricardo as his mother. The I Love Lucy character was always getting into hijinks, and landed herself in quite a bit of trouble with her various schemes from time to time. It's hard to imagine she didn't cook up some shenanigans with her son, and landed him in some trouble as well. 

Bonnie Plunkett

Bonnie Plunkett being an imperfect mother was more or less the point of Mom, as the recovering addict helped her daughter, Christy, work through her own recovery. She wasn't the best mother during Christy's upbringing, and she made her mistakes during the series, too. That said, she does love her daughter, and the family she helped raise. 

Lois Griffin

You don't need to see more than ten minutes of a Family Guy episode to see that Lois Griffin isn't the best parent. That said, she's definitely changed throughout the series, and become almost as unhinged as Peter in recent episodes. 

Skyler White

Skyler White gets a lot of flak, considering Walter White was the true villain of Breaking Bad, but it's hard to not fault her from taking Walt Jr. and getting out of the drug ring operation the moment she became aware of it. Other than that she was a good mother, but that one mistake is pretty hard to overlook. 

Kitty Forman

Whether it was That '70s Show or That '90s Show, Kitty Forman had a knack for instilling some bad to occasionally twisted advice to teenagers with a heavy dose of sugar. It's hard not to love her anyway, despite that, and the characters were so iconic that it's always worth keeping tabs on what Debra Jo Rupp and the rest of the That '70s Show cast is up to now. 

Cookie Lyon

I can honestly say that Cookie's decision-making and advice is no worse than any other member of the Lyon family in Empire, but they all make some terrible decisions. Between her spitefulness and scheming, she landed her sons in some sticky situations, some of which were more than a little dangerous. 

Betty Draper

Mad Men's Betty Draper might have the worst maternal instincts of any other TV mom on this list. Unfortunately, a lot of the ways she brought up their children was likely inspired by her own childhood, and gave many viewers the impression she disliked them or didn't care about them. 

Marge Simpson

I would say that, for the most part, Marge Simpson is a great mom. The Simpsons' matriarch does have her moments, however, and in those chaotic times can impart some bad advice. Perhaps the worst was telling her children to aim low in life as to not disappoint others, which seems like terrible advice for Bart, in particular. 

Joyce Byers

Joyce Byers has had a rough number of years, so it feels unfair to judge her based on the last time we saw her in Stranger Things. With that said, she was barely holding the homefront down and seemingly only had bad haircuts to hand out to the teens as they all dealt with life. 

Catelyn Stark

The Seven Kingdoms takedown of the Stark family was pretty wild, but Catelyn's campaign to avenge her husband might've led to some tactical missteps on her own end. Let's not forget the trauma we all endured watching the Red Wedding, which she had a part in.

Jessica Huang

Jessica Huang is a fantastic tv mom, but she also has a way of getting things done that may not always be the best way of doing things. She can be crafty and devious, but almost everything she ever does is out of love for her sons and family. 

Selina Meyer

Veep's Selina Meyer progressively gets more unsympathetic throughout the series, but her parenting skills may make some people dislike her from the start. Pushing her daughter into ending relationships due to political optics for her own career is just one of many ways she was a bad parent to come to with a problem. 

Wendy Byrde

When you loop your children into your operation of laundering drug money for the cartel, you're bound to give a lot of bad parenting advice along the way. Wendy doles out plenty of bad advice throughout the course of Ozark, making her one of the worst offenders on the list. 

Malory Archer

Malory Archer wasn't the best mother to her child, Sterling, and her self-centered nature and skewed view of the world due to her extreme wealth made her even worse to come to for advice. With that said, it's a bit ironic that her line "Do you want ants? That's how you get ants," is some great advice fans frequently reference. 

Claire Dunphy 

Claire Dunphy's advice to her children, at times, could come off as controlling. There are definitely points in Modern Family where her advice is molded by what she would like her children to do, rather than what is best for them. Her advice to Haley about not living in the past when Dylan came back into her life feels like a great example.  

Benny Lopez

George Lopez's mother, Benny, often created more problems for him than not on The George Lopez Show, and from what we know about his upbringing, she wasn't a great mother. Part of this was due to the fact Benny was also raised by bad parents, but fortunately, George was able to break the cycle and be able to overcome the mistakes of his upbringing despite his mother's poor advice. 

Sophia Petrillo

Sophia Petrillo doled out countless pieces of advice to her daughter and roommates on The Golden Girls, and I would say a good chunk of it was solid. Sophia is a wildcard, however, and occasionally, some of her advice was informed by her occasionally reckless lifestyle, which made it less useful to the women, but hilarious for viewers. 

Francine Smith

Francine Smith gives out tons of bad advice, but given the kookiness that can go down on American Dad, it's hard to fault her for it. Sometimes, you just gotta train your son to fight a school bully when you've had about two-hundred, or "two-fiddy," battles of your own back in the day. 

Dr. Beverly Hofstadter

The Big Bang Theory plays Leonard's relationship with his mother for laughs a lot, but the fact that she treated her child more as a test subject and imparted advice that crushed his self-confidence and shaped his anxiety definitely makes her one of the worst mothers on the list. Despite that, they do reconcile, if only because she felt like him marrying Penny was something he did right for once. 

Gemma Teller-Morrow

Gemma Teller-Morrow never had to drag her son into the life of motorcycles, guns, and crime, but every time Jax tried to leave she pulled him back. I think it's more than fair to say Gemma was driven by her own interests and would actively work against any others, which led to quite a few times where she offered bad advice. 

Evelyn Harper

Two And A Half Men's Evelyn Harper was a terrible mother, and in the small number of times she'd actually parent her sons, she had a litany of bad advice. Some would argue her upbringing is what led both Alan and Charlie to have such dysfunctional relationships with women, which I totally get. 

Livia Soprano

Livia Soprano gave out her fair share of bad advice, and even worse, tried to push it off like she was innocent in it all. Her subtly pushing Uncle Junior to put out a hit on Tony is just one of the moments that makes The Sopranos one of the best shows streaming on Max. 

Lucille Bluth

Neither Lucille or George Bluth were great parents when their kids were growing up, and that continued when they turned into adults. Whether it's her business advice to her children or the coddling of Buster, it's surprising the Arrested Development matriarch wasn't treated like a child more than the actual teens.  

Peg Bundy

Peg Bundy's parenting style was just about as outrageous as her clothing choices, but there's no denying she loved her kids. The mom from Married...with Children bucked just about every cultural norm of the traditional housewife, and wasn't the best at giving out advice. In her defense, she owned it, and never claimed to be someone she was not. 

Briana Barksdale

Not many mothers would convince their sons to not tell on drug dealers if it meant they'd spend a considerable time behind bars. Brianna Barksdale from The Wire isn't most people, however, and was able to convince her son, D'Angelo, to do just that rather than to sell the operation out to the authorities. She also managed to pull him back into the business when he'd try to pull away, so she's not winning mother of the year awards any time soon. 

Marie Barone

Raymond's mother, Marie, was number one at meddling, and would even use her advice as opportunities to conspire against her daughter-in-law, Debra. It seemed like Marie was always working an angle to get what she wanted, and she was not above doling out bad advice if it got her that much closer to the goal she ultimately had. 

Monica Gallagher

Monica Gallagher wasn't around her children often in Shameless, but did try to give advice with the best intentions. Unfortunately, someone in her position wasn't really able to always give the best advice even if she meant well, and the children often ended up trusting themselves more than their mother.  

As I mentioned before, some moms are better than others, and no mom is perfect. I'd reckon that, provided someone is at least making sure they aren't in line with the worst offenders on this list, they're doing a solid job. 

Animation is one of the earlier moving art forms, and has provided countless artists the means to bring their stories to life, be it through the black-and-white hues of Bosco the Talk-Ink Kid or the multicolored bliss of Fantasia. Toons can be as simple as the Oscar-winning “The Dot and the Line” from legends Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble, or they can be as endlessly complex as Wallace and Gromit’s stop-motion universe. Television has provided audiences with 80 years of memorable projects –- including some forgotten Saturday morning gems — with new shows debuting at a rapid pace, and we’re here to celebrate the very best animated series of all time.

From classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Fred Flintstone to modern favorites like Monkey D. Luffy and the Belcher family, CinemaBlend’s staff is saluting them all. So join us in paying tribute to the funniest, coolest, smartest, and most moving animated series that have graced our TV screens over the decades.

75. The Jetsons

Despite being the first show ABC ever broadcast in color, The Jetsons was canceled after a single season and only 24 total episodes. It just couldn’t find the right audience, at least until the reruns started airing on Saturday mornings and an entire generation of kids fell in love with the futuristic setting and zany plotlines. George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Astro and Rosey eventually became so popular in syndication that more than 20 years after its cancellation, a further fifty-one episodes were produced, as well as a movie. It’s an unconventional success story but perhaps one fitting for a show filled with futuristic tech that hilariously never works as intended.

74. Aqua Teen Hunger Force

When Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block premiered in September 2001, Aqua Teen Hunger Force was one of its surreal cornerstones, and it’s pretty much stayed that way ever since. The long-running series follows three anthropomorphic fast food items – Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad – who get into all kinds of trouble with their neighbor(s), locals, and interdimensional beings. ATHF helped usher in a new era for adult animation at the turn of the century, and it's remained just as hilarious and timeless during that historic run. But for as wild and nonsensical as it gets, there’s a certain charm that makes it not just one of the funniest shows on Adult Swim, but in all of TV animation.

73. Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends

Though not lauded quite as high as animation giants such as Walt Disney or Hanna-Barbera, Jay Ward delivered many of the medium’s most lasting creations, with The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle at the center of his zany, intelligent, and meta-before-meta-was-cool storytelling skills. The titular moose and squirrel’s serialized rivalry with the devious Boris and Natasha can never be forgotten, while the history-adoring side characters Sherman and his pup Mr. Peabody became a pop culture magnet unto themselves over the years. Now if only we could get a Fractured Fairy Tales spinoff for the 21st century…

72. What If...?

Upon its launch, part of the reason why a Disney+ subscription was so appealing involved the streaming service's new content directly connected to major IPs like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And while we’ve been treated to a number of live-action shows, the studio also took a major risk with the multiversal animated series What If…? The comic book anthology series offers alternate realities to the MCU characters and events we know and love, and shows how the entire franchise could be radically altered if just one character's arc differed. Additionally, the voice cast of What…If? features many Marvel favorites reprising their roles to tell these ambitious stories that could never be produced in live-action.

71. The Proud Family

The Proud Family was all about Penny Proud and her wild, yet relatable, journey through high school. While the premise was simple, this show’s fabulous crew of characters is what made it iconic, and its depiction of the day-to-day lives of an African American family is what made it groundbreaking. From our lead Penny to her father Oscar, her besties Dijonay, Zoey, LaCienega and Sticky Webb — and of course Sugar Mama — this family is the best, and we’ll adore them forever.

70. Beavis and Butt-Head

Besides The Simpsons, arguably no animated series from the 1990s sparked a bigger array of multi-generational reactions around the country than Beavis and Butthead. As soon as it premiered on MTV in March 1993, Mike Judge’s groundbreaking, edgy, and unsavory cartoon became a national sensation while following two objectively moronic teenagers barely navigating school, life, nachos, and a carousel of music video commentary. Video games, movies, tons of merchandising (both official and bootleg) flooded the market in the years that followed, and there's a reason revivals keep happening: it's a great show, dammit. Mm-heh-heh.

69. Schoolhouse Rock!

Schoolhouse Rock! is an animated gem that has been passed down from generation to generation for all the right reasons. Originally debuting on TV back in 1973, the show's approach to combining educational programming with toon-filled songs cemented it as a true classic with more lasting value than most. From grammar-focused tunes like “Conjunction Junction" to the iconic intro-to-governmental-processes track “I’m Just a Bill” to even its Preamble song, Schoolhouse Rock! has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing many other shows, and even inspiring some spoofs along the way to its permanent place within pop culture.

68. Static Shock

The DC Animated Universe got a true shock to its system when Denys Cowan's Static Shock zapped onto TV screens in the early 2000s as a Saturday morning offering on Kids’ WB. Viewers were treated to some truly exciting, funny and heartfelt episodes that tracked the heroic exploits of teenager Virgil Hawkins in Dakota City. Thanks to late series creator Dwayne McDuffie and his talented team, Static Shock remains a dynamic piece of comic book fun, serving up some serious action mixed in with thoughtful social commentary on occasion. In short, this is a super-powered gem that’s rightfully still revered to this day.

67. Dexter's Laboratory

What child hasn't wished they had a secret location in their house that provided the means to do the most fantastic things their heart desires? Dexter’s Laboratory helped many youngins live vicariously through its titular brainiac, and the general hilarity of his meddling sister Dee Dee derailing it all helped make this one a definitive Cartoon Network classic. From the brain of the similarly brainy Genndy Tartakovsky, Dexter also boasted other animated shorts like Dial M For Monkey and The Justice Friends, which were all equally as enjoyable. To this day, I bet there are many who owe their ability to say “cheese omelet” in French to this wonderful series.

66. Kim Possible

“Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me,” because it’s time to talk about Kim Possible. Mixing a high-stakes spy drama with high school shenanigans appropriate for Disney Channel-aged audiences, this show is an action-packed good time. Largely centered on Kim’s missions to take down Dr. Drakken and Shego with the help (or more like attempted help) of her bestie Ron Stoppable and his naked molerat Rufus, Kim Possible defined many childhoods and taught generations of kids, and specifically girls, that anything is possible with the right mindset and gadgets.

65. Muppet Babies (1984)

How amazing are Jim Henson’s Muppets? The list goes on, but one key factor would be that Kermit and the gang brought to life what remains one of pop culture’s only genuinely great examples of “Your favorite characters, but they’re babies.” Trading TV studios and New York City exteriors for a Nanny-run nursery where the power of make-believe knows no bounds, Muppet Babies showed viewers of all ages that imagination is powered best when one is surrounded by friends to the end. Unfortunately for avid fans, the show’s abundant use of licensed TV, film, and music clips will likely keep it from ever hitting home media.

64. Family Guy

For one reason or 69 others — get it, Peter? — certain TV shows are able to get away with wildly edgy content without getting “canceled," either literally or figuratively. Granted, Seth MacFarlane's long-running fave Family Guy actually did actually get canceled by Fox back in 2002, but the '80s-adoring comedy was able to return from its shallow grave just two years later due to extraordinary DVD sales, a hit syndicated run, and the embrace of Adult Swim. and high ratings from reruns in syndication. Ever since that 2004 revival, viewers have followed the antics of Peter, Lois, Chris, Meg, Stewie and Brian along with all the ridiculous and often offensive cutaway flashbacks that fill their lives.

63. Robot Chicken 

Watching Robot Chicken calls to mind many chldhood memories of inventing scenarios with action figures modeled after classic movie and TV characters. That's essentially what Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s stop-motion animated Adult Swim hit is: people playing with their toys. But with a bigger budget and more talented voice actors than any kids I ever played with. With boundary-pushing and insightful humor in the mix, the Emmy-winning Robot Chicken is sketch comedy at its most refreshingly unique, rebelliously raw, and deliciously nostalgic, and is not bogged down by the limitations that might come with a live-action production.

62. The Flintstones

For many people, The Flintstones is one of the first cartoons we remember watching on TV. This classic Hanna-Barbera series about a lovable caveman and his family navigating a prehistoric world field with outrageous stone-age variations of modern-day appliances and tools, is just as funny and attention-grabbing as it was upon its release more than 60 years ago, which is really saying something about its quality. On top of such indelible characters like Fred Flinstone, Barney Rubble, and the Great Gazoo, the show also has one of the most iconic opening themes of all time.

61. Freakazoid!

Though not the most marquee-ready superhero, Freakazoid!’s titular protagonist is the creation of Batman: The Animated Series legends Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, with Steven Spielberg and Tiny Toons vet Paul Ruegger leading the charge. So yeah, it’s a perfectly bonkers mix of comic book mythos mixed with slapstick and fourth-wall-breaking comedy, complete with a mini-universe of B-tier heroes and villains such as Candle Jack (but don’t say his name). Lasting two seasons from 1995-1997, Freakazoid! ss a joy for viewers of all ages, anchored by the stellar voice work of stars Paul Rugg and Ed Asner.

60. Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers

Long before the series was reimagined as a hilarious Disney+ movie starring John Mulaney and Andy Sandberg, Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers started out as a tremendous and timeless action-adventure toon about a pair of chipmunks fronting a crew of anthropomorphic animals. Thanks in part to that earworm theme, it never gets old watching Chip, Dale, Gadget Hackwrench, Monterey Jack, and Zipper solve all manner of crimes (both big and small, really small) and save the day before the end of each episode, and the show can still hold the attention of our kids all these years later.

59. Teen Titans

Some viewers probably weren’t sure what to make of Teen Titans upon its debut, but the series eventually became a hit – and for good reason. The quirky superhero romp is the definition of cartoon greatness, as it skillfully blends action and comedy, ultimately using both to great effect. Yet, most importantly, so much heart is on display amidst the explosions and sheer wackiness as well. Because of that, Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Beast Boy and Raven remain not only one of DC’s best TV super teams, but also one of its greatest familial units. And, yes, that theme song still slaps.

58. Gargoyles

The oft-underrated Saturday morning toon Gargoyles is one of those shows that manages to deliver more than the kind of action you’d expect from Disney's weekly animated fare. It’s a dark and complex drama series with dynamic characters, beautiful animation and stories that sometimes border on Greek tragedy. Many viewers understandably still have such reverence for the tales that EP Greg Weisman and his team told about the mighty Goliath and his clan of night guardians. It’s ironic that a group of beings that turn cold as stone are among some of the warmest heroes to ever grace a TV screen.

57. DuckTales

Having quite possibly the catchiest theme song on this list that's chock-full of them is probably enough reason to include DuckTales on this list, but of course, the show has so much more going for it. Scrooge McDuck and his nephews, previously only bit players in Disney cartoons, earned the star spotlight for a show that was about as close to an action/adventure cartoon as Disney had delivered at the time, making it something fresh new, and exciting. But it was still “Disney” and thus more accessible to younger viewers than other ‘80s cartoons looking to sell action figures, drawing from Carl Banks' timeless comic run.

56. Hey Arnold!

Amidst all of Nickelodeon's best chracters, perhaps no greater role model for younger viewers exists than the football-headed protagonist of Hey Arnold! In fact, Craig Bartlett’s series offered something very few animated programs have (then or since): a diverse ensemble whom kids could potentially relate to or aspire to be like. With a stunningly grounded urban aesthetic, even in its most peculiar momens, and a hefty set of valuable life lessons that often came out of dark situations, admittedly — not to mention an absolute banger of a jazz score — Hey Arnold! is a masterstroke for the medium.

55. The Real Ghostbusters

1984's Ghostbusters inspired an immediate sequel, but when live-action follow-ups stalled, Sony did the next best thing: created this magnificent riff on the beloved property. No, they couldn’t get BIll Murray and Dan Aykroyd together every three years, but they could animate Peter, Ray, Winston and Egon for a series of animated adventures around New York City, the world, and even realms beyond. The best part about The Real Ghostbusters is that it understood the irreverent tone of Ivan Reitman’s two movies, but split the difference to also appeal directly to kids who just wanted to see Slimer. When we really need a hit of that nostalgic rush, these are the Ghostbusters stories that most deserve revisiting.

54. Teen Titans Go

DC Comics adaptations often get knocked for being too serious, but that's not the case with Teen Titans Go, an effervescent, energetic, and rapid-fire funny series centered on Robin, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire. The show embraced irreverent humor, leaning hard into its heroes' stereotypical behaviors, from Robin’s crippling need to be a leader to Raven’s broody Goth Girl energy and beyond. Without hinging on continuity or major cameos from A-list DC heroes (at least, not until Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, which was equally excellent), this slap-happy toon basically gave young kids a comic book portal where they could enjoy “waffles, waffles, waffles” without having to brood over anyone's parents getting gunned down in an alley.

53. The Powerpuff Girls

Sugar, spice, and everything nice wasn’t even half of what we got with The Powerpuff Girls. Like many other animated classics, it was a show made for kids that adults could easily also enjoy. The superpowered Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup deal with typical childhood troubles like sibling rivalry and bed wetting while also saving their town from a truly ingenious rogue’s gallery. These endearing kindergartners, their friends and foes (like arch nemesis Mojo Jojo, and Powerpuff wanna-be Princess Morbucks) provide us with laughs, lessons and intrigue, all wrapped in a parody and pop-culture focused package that doles out plenty of surprises.

52. Tiny Toon Adventures

Following in the footsteps of the iconic Looney Tunes squad was always going to be a tall order, but the Stephen Spielbeg-produced Tiny Toon Adventures understood the assignment. While the characters may have been inspired by those that came before, each one from Babs and Buster to Plucky and Hampton, was given just as much freedom to be entirely new characters, not simply the “new versions” of the classics. The humor was always on point, with plenty of gags for younger viewers, alongside references only the older “kids” watching would get.

51. Courage the Cowardly Dog

Making a cartoon for children that's as creepy as it is funny is no easy task, but Courage the Cowardly Dog found a way to execute that balance quite beautifully, relying mostly on overtly bizarre and/or paranormal villains. Courage protecting his owners, Eustace and Muriel, against everything from a cursed mummy to a duck with a mallet never gets old. It’s the most deserving Cartoon Network original that needs a revival, which could potentially still happen someday, considering Courage was part of a Scooby-Doo crossover movie released in 2021. Until that day comes, fans can revisit the entire series with a Max subscription.

50. Adventure Time

Most classic adventure cartoons engage in storytelling in a more earnest manner, but only a few effectively capture the joys of make-believe like Adventure Time — which for many is the absolute cream of the crop for Cartoon Network’s original programming. Creator Pendleton Ward’s fantasy-comedy follows Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) and Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio) as they navigate the weird and wonderful, post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, having a mathematical time along the way. With its charming animation, ingenious creatures, clever world-building, and a lighthearted tone that never abandons spellbinding excitement, the fun truly never ends.

49. Big Mouth

It’s not every day that audiences get a hilariously offensive animated show that actually provides accurate representation of growing up LGBTQ+. On the surface, Netflix's Big Mouth, which rocks an all-star cast led by co-creator Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, simply shows the trouble and turmoil of puberty, sexuality, hormones, and the everyday struggle that we call “life.” Lucky for viewers, it is also much, much more than that. The show follows a group of young people who tend to be accompanied by “hormone monsters” (who now have their own wacky spinoff series) who help guide them through the changes and struggles that come with growing up.

48. Arthur

Kids owe PBS for so many great animated series, but Arthur might be its crown jewel. For over 20 years, Marc Brown’s storybook aardvark, along with his friends and family, endeared themselves to the public. The author and the show’s writing staff, through their efforts, taught youngsters firm lessons in responsibility, community, empathy and much more. What’s particularly impressive is that the grade-school comedy managed to remain consistent in conveying such morals during its lengthy run. Of course, when the program wasn’t dropping vital nuggets of knowledge, it was simply exuding pure, imaginative fun. What we have here is a truly timeless show, and one that’s sure to delight audiences for generations to come.

47. Pokémon

Part of the reason Pokémon remains one of the top franchises worldwide is because the series can have a different meaning for every generation that consumes it. The kids of 2024 can watch the same show O.G. viewers watched in the late '90s and appreciate those characters in new ways, given there have been plenty of successive projects that have come loaded with over a thousand different Pokémon for children to latch onto and make their favorite. The show's awesome battles haven't quite held up when it comes to the franchise's many video games, but perhaps someday, Game Freak will give the people what they want.

46. Spider-Man

Spider-Man fandom has been known to grow from many sources, including the comics and multiple generations of live-action blockbusters, but the Spider-Man animated series from 1994 holds a special place in the hearts of millennials – as it should, because it is amazing (pun totally intended). In retrospect, the content censorship is ridiculous (this is a show where Spidey wasn’t even allowed to punch people), but the filmmakers still found ways to deliver exciting adaptations of comic book stories, and some episodes are even better than the source material. We have yet to see a better version of the Venom origin story than what was created here.

45. Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Thanks in large part to the success of Tim Burton’s Batman from 1989, it was at one point decided that the best version of the Caped Crusader is the dark and brooding version. That has now been the go-to mode for the superhero for decades – but at the very least Batman: The Brave And The Bold reminded us for a time just how much fun the Dark Knight can be. The deep voice and silly sensibilities of Diedrich Bader make him one of the best to ever play the hero, and every episode delivers a fun team-up opportunity. Every DC character is represented with love, but there’s an argument to be made that John DiMaggio's Aquaman is the all-time best version of the Atlantean king.

44. Doug

The entire Nicktoons library was a big deal for '90s kids, and who was more relatable than Doug Funnie on Doug? Through his journal entries and soaring imagination, the preteen opened up about the seemingly everyday events of his life, from getting a haircut to trying liver and onions, and we totally felt that. We understood the middle school awkwardness, the anguish of his crush on Patti Mayonnaise and just how good it felt to rock out to your favorite band (The Beets, of course! “Aw-wee-oo! Killer tofuuuuu!”). We wanted Skeeter to be our best friend and a dog as cool as Porkchop. Not to mention, the opening credits and theme song are pretty iconic.

43. Pinky and the Brain

Let’s be honest here: Pinky and the Brain was repetitive. In every episode, the two main characters did “the same thing we do every night, Pinky… try to take over the world!” But it was the way that the odd couple mice played off of each other — with Pinky being the doofus assistant to the Orson Welles-inspired mastermind mouse that is The Brain — that allowed this Animaniacs episode segment to thrive as its own standalone series. It's one we still quote to this day, using many of the cast members’ favorite jokes. Like everything in Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain benefitted from an “anything goes” approach to humor, meaning that stories would involve Brain’s archnemesis (a hamster named Snowball) or a bit where Pinky gets elected President of the United States. And it all worked because the creators understood how to be intelligent while also being goofy.

42. X-Men: The Animated Series

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe revitalized how big and connected comic book adaptations could be, few film and TV examples truly brought to live what people loved about the medium. X-Men: The Animated Series was one of the first, giving audiences comic book-accurate versions of the beloved mutants that felt like they jumped right off the page. The show offered long-term serializing storytelling just like the source material, something that was essentially unheard of for a Saturday morning cartoon. But whether one was an avid reader or not, these were (and perhaps still are) the definitive versions of the X-Men. It’s no wonder that decades later, the series was revived as X-Men '97.

41. Infinity Train

Created by Regular Show writer/artist Owen Dennis, the Cartoon Network-turned-Max series Infinity Train is the crown jewel of overlooked and under-discussed animated series. A highly imaginative coming-of-age sci-fi fantasy,  not the most common sub-genre, the series centers on a different interconnected story and character set in each of its four seasons, with everything taking place on a mysterious and impossibly long train where most cars present challenges for the characters to figure out and overcome. It’s an emotionally gripping and exciting tale that never goes off the rails, with a stacked cast of familiar voices.

40. Futurama

The second mega-hit series created in part by Matt Groening, Futurama has always been far more than just The Future Simpsons, thanks to its unforgettable cast of meme-ready nutjobs, egomaniacs, and bending-proficient robots. From Fry’s dopey optimism to The Professor’s absent-minded genius to Hermes’ ability to drop everything if a limbo stick comes around, the series balances its strong personalities with tons of space-faring, paradox-thwarting, time-traveling mayhem that never stops being fun. Both one of the smartest and silliest animated series of all time, and filled with some of the nerdiest jokes possible, Futurama has remained a beloved small-screen entity in part because the Planet Express crew has managed to survive multiple cancellations at Fox and Comedy Central, reaching its third lifeform at Hulu, presumably because the Hypnotoad demanded it so.

39. Mickey Mouse (Classic Disney Shorts)

There are few animated characters more famous than Mickey Mouse, and it’s safe to say the House of Mouse wouldn’t be everything it is today without Disney’s classic Mickey Mouse animated shorts that debuted in the 1920s. Smartly written and brimming with slapstick comedy, these quick hits of quirky fun introduced us to the loveable mouse — who displayed courage and strength but in a way that was achievable for any of us — along with the equally iconic Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy. Included in this series is 1935’s “The Band Concert” — Disney’s first color cartoon, which quite literally paved the way for Disney animation for 100 years and counting. And while it may not be part of that exact era, give me Goofy bungling up ski lessons any day.

38. Dragon Ball Z

Though it wasn’t the first show in the franchise, Dragon Ball Z introduced countless kids and teenagers to iconic characters like Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Gohan throughout the ‘90s, especially after the anime series became a mainstay in Cartoon Network’s Toonami afternoon block. This intense cartoon about a group known as the Z Fighters who attempt to protect Earth (and later, other planets) from diabolical forces was something many of us ran home from school or off the bus to catch each weekday. The introduction of increasingly dangerous and destructive villains like Frieza, Cell, and Boo (each had their own saga) continued to raise the bar as the series went on, and make this still a gem worth revisiting.

37. Rocko's Modern Life

Is there a classic Nickelodeon show from the ‘90s that captures the spirit of the era more than Rocko’s Modern Life? This zany, surreal, and extraordinary animated series debuted in 1993 and quickly found an audience thanks to its unique style of humor that appealed to both children and adults. With characters like the neurotic titular wallaby, his best friends Heffer Wolfe and Filburt, and the various members of the Bighead family, there was so much to love about the show. It pushed the envelope with its humor and art direction and had a lot to say about the modern world, hence its name. The mammalian gang even returned to fans in 2019 with the special Static Cling.

36. Animaniacs

We still have no idea how Animaniacs creator Tom Ruegger got the greenlight to make everyone's childhood better with this hilarious, clever, but extremely inside-baseball showbiz comedy aimed at mature kids. Yes, on the surface, the Animaniacs works as a variety show, an evolution off The Muppet Show during which the hosts – the Warner siblings, one with a Liverpool accent – would set up individual cartoons. But in between, the banter and humor offered up in Animaniacs consisted of some of the funniest, most outrageous, and unpredictable jokes that would spoof Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and the idea of fingering Prince, as it were. Sometimes the show managed to be educational, but mostly it was pure lunacy, and we loved every second of it.

35. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Mysteries are the most entertaining genre of storytelling. What’s more satisfying than a tidy reveal at the end of a whodunit, and a villain exclaiming how they would have gotten away with it, if not for those meddling kids? Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? followed a very popular “monster of the week” format, but wasn’t afraid to push the envelope to freak out little kids who tuned into a cartoon and were terrified by haunted suits of armor, killer clowns, and more. From its unforgettable theme song to the vocal contributions of radio icon Casey Kasem as Shaggy, Scooby-Doo Where Are You? walked so that Goosebumps and Gravity Falls could run.

34. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated

Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated is a breath of fresh air within the long-running franchise birthed by Hanna-Barbera. For this particular production, the typical case-of-the-week format isn’t in play, as serialized storytelling is utilized. It’s a great approach that really fleshes out the meddling kids and the titular canine in a way that past incarnations don’t. The humor associated with this entertainment property is definitely employed in this iteration. However, what’s also exciting is how the writers and artists aim to deliver some truly scary monsters, all seemingly tied to the antagonist Mr. E. While it’s admirable that the show sticks to its predecessors’ roots in many ways, its goal to shake up the classic formula results in an overarching mystery that’s both compelling and creepy.

33. Archer

Creator Adam Reed’s singular vision and undying creativity turned Archer from a ribald spin on James Bond into one of the most well-rounded pieces of spy fiction in existence. H. Jon Benjamin’s unmistakable voice gives life to the booze-swilling agent’s snappy insults and TV-MA euphemisms alongside a downright stellar cast that also includes Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell and more. The series is a testament to the importance of characters compared to plot, with Archer’s core group shifting from years of traditional storytelling to multiple side-mission seasons such as the Miami-set Vice, the subconscious-set Dreamland, the jungle-filled Danger Island and others. On a jokes-per-minute basis, it stands next to comedy giants like The Simpsons and Airplane!, and can drink them both under the table.

32. Batman Beyond

Debuting in 1999, Batman Beyond jumps decades forward into the future and showcases the story of a now-retired Bruce Wayne who is acting as a mentor to the next generation Dark Knight, Terry McGinnis, as voiced by the legend himself, Kevin Conroy. The show earned multiple award nominations, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards. Bruce and Terry have just enough similarities and frustrating differences to keep their dynamic captivating while still wholesome, which makes this particular animated series one of the most enjoyable to watch in the franchise. Terry is forced to work twice as hard in order to balance out both his personal life and his crime-fighting side persona, as he both learns from and teaches his mentor as they both work to stand up for what they both clearly believe in.

31. Star Wars: The Clone Wars

While a lot is owed to Genndy Tartakovsky’s Star Wars: Clone Wars, the animated side of George Lucas’ sci-fi universe truly took off in 2008 with the launch of Cartoon Network's Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The series is, in large part, what it is due to franchise guru Dave Filoni, who thought his hiring was a prank. Filoni’s respect for Lucas’ work permeates the entire CGI show, but there are also some cool elements that he himself adds to the canon, including the now-beloved Jedi Ahsoka Tano. With incredible storylines, sweet animation and strong voice acting, this show works well on its own but also stands firmly alongside the films it builds upon.

30. Bob's Burgers

One of the many things to love about Bob’s Burgers is just how close, loving, and, well, lovingly strange the main characters at the center of the show are. The Belcher family is (mostly) committed to keeping their small, family-run burger shop up and running, but their kooky adventures usually take the whole family away from the restaurant. Exasperated pessimist Bob, his happy-go-lucky wife Linda and their kids, Tina, Gene and Louise get into a number of hilariously weird scrapes that, honestly, most of us only wish we could have to make life more intriguing. Add to that Louise’s near-constant scheming, Tina’s awkwardness, and how the whole family interacts with a town full of endearing oddballs, and you have yourself a wonderfully weird winner. Tell 'em Teddy sent ya.

29. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the perfect show for a perfect moment in time. It combined outrageous and over the top late 80s imagery with some of the first mainstream depictions of skater culture and added ninjas, an outrageous backstory and a steady stream of cheesy catchphrases. Deep in the sewer of our hearts, amidst roundhouse kicks and impossibly yellow April O’Neil jumpsuits, they carved out a place for themselves, and more than thirty years later, their ooze still remains in the form of reimagined shows, new movies and billions of dollars worth of merchandise. And despite all the success, they're still just heroes in a half-shell, and they're green. (Hey, get a grip.)

28. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-Present)

In 1999, if you told someone a silly gap-toothed sponge would one day be as recognizable to the children of the world as Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny, they would’ve laughed. And yet, SpongeBob SquarePants continues to entertain the children of today, and has been lovingly embraced by the Millenials and Gen-Z who grew up with it as well. The internet is loaded with memes dedicated to the franchise, and there’s still plenty of debate as to what is in a Krabby Patty. With plenty of episodes and even some spinoffs, it feels like SpongeBob and friends will be entertaining children for many years to come.

27. Rugrats (1991)

Rugrats premiered in 1991 on Nickelodeon as one of the first three Nicktoons, aimed at a younger audience than Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show. It was a staple for kids throughout the ‘90s and into the early 2000s, with nine seasons about the adventures of babies Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil, with regular appearances from characters like the parents, Angelica, and (eventually) Dil. The show could swing from silly to serious, with memorable episodes that ranged from covering the grief of losing a parent to the spectacular Reptar On Ice, with a dinosaur love song that still rings in the hearts of plenty of ‘90s kids. There’s a reason why this Nicktoon show went on to inspire Rugrats movies and a 2021 reboot.

26. Harley Quinn

What happens when you blend DC Comics mythology with the kind of crass adult comedy you find in shows like Family Guy and South Park? You get Harley Quinn, which follows Kaley Cuoco’s version of The Joker’s former squeeze going on adventures with Lake Bell’s Poison Ivy, her best-friend-turned-girlfriend, and getting into hijinks with fellow supervillains and superheroes alike. One doesn’t need to be a hardcore DC fan to appreciate Harley Quinn, although that definitely helps with catching the deep-cut references and Easter eggs. As long as you're in the mood for clever writing and all the edgy, not-safe-for-kids humor you could ask for, Harley Quinn is a must-[censored]-watch.

25. Gravity Falls

With hands on our bible of beasts, baubles and bafflement — Journal 3, naturally — we can solemnly swear that Gravity Falls is the weirdest, wildest and gobblewonkiest project that’s ever come out of Disney, bursting through the castle doors like rainbows from a gnome’s mouth. Created by Alex Hirsch, the mystery-hinged funfest centers on a pair of siblings, Jason Ritter’s Dipper and Kristen Schaal’s Mabel, living with their kooky and perhaps unstable great uncle, Grunkle Stan (voiced by Hirsch). And for anyone who loves codes, hidden messages, deep lore, crytozoology, conspiracies, and everything sharing that fringe space, Gravity Falls is the holy grail of animated shows. (And that grail is filled with Pitt Cola.)

Despite nearly universal love and acclaim, Disney cut Gravity Falls’ run short at just two seasons, although the actual supplementary Journal 3 (which Hirsch co-wrote) is expansive and unique enough of an experience to at least count as a one-off special. There’s still hope that fans will one day go on more adventures in the Mystery Shack with Soos, assuming Bill Cipher doesn’t muck anything up, but even if these 40 episodes are all that ever get produced, it was perfection.

24. The Boondocks

Aaron McGruder’s adaptation of his own comic strip, The Boondocks, is a must-watch for those trying to better understand racial relations, culture, and racism in the United States. With the help of some voice acting from Regina King, Riley and his brother Huey navigate the Black experience of living in a predominantly white suburb.

The Boondocks thrived on taking hot-button issues and forcing the viewer to think about not just the issue but their own reaction and perspective of that issue. The Boondocks deserves applause for how it pushed the envelope in its four seasons and offered thoughtful commentary in a way few other animated shows can.

23. Justice League

Superheroes joining forces in the DC Animated Universe wasn’t anything new prior to 2001 thanks to special pairings in Superman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond’s “The Call” two-parter, but Justice League placed teamwork front and center. Viewers watched Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl vanquish terrestrial, alien and magical threats together, and it was a blast.

Justice League continues to be appreciated for its crisp animation, mature storytelling and stellar character development, as well as for transforming John Stewart from a B-list character to the definitive Green Lantern for a generation. Justice League makes an effective crash course for those wanting to dive into DC lore without having read any of the comics.

22. Star Trek: Lower Decks

Being such a well known and praised franchise for decades, die-hard fans were quite surprised when it was announced back in 2019 that the Star Trek franchise would be taking a shot at an adult comedy with a brand new animated show, Star Trek: Lower Decks. Written by Rick and Morty’s Mike McMahan, the show takes place in the 24th century and instead of focusing on the high-ranking officers on the Bridge Crew, it gives viewers a glimpse into the “lower deck” officers with the more humble jobs that keep the ship running…smoothly? The show often references the rest of the Star Trek earlier entries and breaks down sci-fi tropes, often in a very NSFW way, and should delight both seasoned and new fans alike.

21. Sailor Moon

If you’re of a certain age, Sailor Moon may be the first anime you ever saw in your entire life. It’s one of those ‘90s anime that was sandwiched between Fist of the North Star in the ‘80s, and the explosion that was Dragon Ball Z, and Pokemon in the later ‘90s. Even so, Sailor Moon still managed to stand out, and it still stands out today. It may be because Serena (or Usagi, if you prefer sub over dub) is so dang loveable. As is her relationship with Darien (AKA, Tuxedo Mask).

And of course, we can’t forget the many other Sailor Scouts, as they all have their own unique personalities and inner worlds. In truth, Sailor Moon is the kind of cartoon that appeals to both young girls, but also grown men in their ‘30s and ‘40s, and really, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

20. One Piece

Shows like One Piece don’t come along often, and really, we’re not sure there is any other show on television that’s like it. It’s one thing to have an astronomically high episode count, but quite another for that story to be serialized and tell a great story of a pirate adventure that’s been wowing viewers for over two decades. The character development and growth of the Straw Hat Pirates and the world-building it boasts makes this an easy choice for top-tier anime, and it’s great that Netflix finally took notice and made an equally enjoyable live-action series.

It’s a modern-day epic story equatable to Gilgamesh or Beowulf, and feels like a lived-in universe more than any other anime out there. It’s totally worth the time investment for those who feel overwhelmed by tackling the 1000+ episodes of this ongoing series.

19. The Critic

The Critic, which revolves around New York film critic, Jay Sherman (voiced by A League of Their Own’s Jon Lovitz) sometimes hits way too close to home. What we mean is, with many of us being critics ourselves, a lot of Jay’s fussy qualms about movies seem super spot on, such as the eye roll he gave to the made-up movie, Beverly Hills RoboCanine Cop and a Half 2 (Starring Clint Eastwood!).

But that’s just the beauty of The Critic, because even though Jay was often fed up with having to review so many mediocre movies, he still loved his job, and stayed a movie fan to his core. Which, again, hits very close to home. Plus, it didn’t hurt that the series had The Simpsons writers, Al Jean and Mike Reiss as showrunners. It stinks!...that we don’t have any new episodes of The Critic to watch these days.

18. Daria

Daria once described herself to a therapist as actively working to make people dislike her. She’s not wrong. Daria's main character is, at times, deeply unlikeable. She speaks as if she’s a detached observer into her own life, making callous observations in a dry, dispassionate voice. She’s like a real life narrator, condescendingly commenting on the world around her as everyone else plays volleyball and talks about who they’re going to prom with.

Despite all her efforts, however, it’s impossible to hate Daria because she’s really funny and also not wrong most of the time. High school is often pretty stupid and populated with try-hards who don’t know themselves or have any idea where they’re going. Listening to Daria judge them feels like therapy, even if, deep down, we know she’s just as lost as they are.

17. Over The Garden Wall

What’s most impressive about Over The Garden Wall is just how effectively it slips under your skin and rattles you. The familiar sibling dynamic between Wirt (Elijah Wood) and his little brother Greg (Collin Dean) is disarming, as are the fantasy elements and talking animals… but never forgotten is the terror that comes from the show’s central premise: two boys getting lost in the woods and trying to find their way home. Each chapter starts with a light touch, but ends up gripping you by the throat and invading your nightmares.

The episodes brim with fantastic and horrific imagination - from the shadowy beasts that lead souls astray to the disturbing Auntie Whispers (voiced brilliantly by John Cleese). There are only 10 episodes and none of them run over 12 minutes, but Over The Wall leaves a deep impression, and it’s wonderful to revisit annually during Spooky Season.

16. King of the Hill

I tell you what, it’s hard to get better than King of the Hill. The long-running hit (which has a Mike Judge-led revival coming to Hulu soon), focused on Hank, Peggy and their son Bobby Hill, and their day to day life in the small town of Arlen, Texas. This slice-of-life animated show used something a lot of people probably take for granted - the absurdities of relationships, work, growing up, marriage and other aspects of daily life - turned them up to 11 and made every episode across 13 seasons feel like we were laughing at our own friends and family.

Don’t we all know at least one person obsessed with lawn care? Or one boy who ain’t right? If not, you’ll certainly wish you knew the residents of Rainey Street and could call them neighbors, because mundane, working class life has never looked like so much looney fun.

15. Mickey Mouse (2013 shorts)

Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic characters in the history of animation. He’s been everywhere and done everything. What made the new series of shorts that began in 2013 and ended in 2023 special wasn’t that they did anything differently, (though certainly the visual style was completely new for the character) it was that they went back to the beginning and let Mickey be the Mickey he was always designed to be.

The modern run of shorts, simple called Mickey Mouse, let the big-eared protagonist be the hero, but they also let him be silly, angry, surprising, and ridiculous. They pack more gags into a five-minute short than would seem possible. The shorts were new, but also served as throwbacks to earlier Mickey eras when the character had more creative freedom before he became the icon we know. They were a breath of fresh air after decades of a stagnant and sterilized mouse.

14. The Legend Of Korra

There is sometimes debate on whether Avatar: The Last Airbender or its follow-up series, The Legend of Korra, is the better cartoon. But, when it comes to us, all we have to say is, why not both? Because honestly, you can’t lose with either series. That said, The Legend of Korra definitely is special in its own right. This is a more grown-up take on the world of Avatar, where each season introduces a new threat to our heroine, Korra (Voiced by the magnificent Janet Varney).

With each season, however, we see Korra adapt and change in ways that Aang never got to do, which is enhanced by Korra’s fantastic Team Avatar of Bolin, Mako, and of course, Asami. Oh, and speaking of Asami, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how groundbreaking this show was, as Korrasami is still one of our favorite TV couples of all time.

13. South Park

Possibly the most controversial animated show of all time, South Park. With 26 seasons under their belt, Trey Parker and Matt Stones’ on Comedy Central follows the story of four young boys and the typically pop-culture chaos that surrounds them. The show’s intro blatantly states that the show “...should not be viewed by anyone.” South Park pulls no punches and gives no f’s. T

The creators have pulled some crazy stunts in the past, like attending the 2000 Oscars while being nominated, wearing dresses, and high on LSD. They have also attempted to get their own show canceled, been banned in China, as well as hitting a television milestone by going “bleep-free” with the use of the “f-bomb” live on air. It’s a show that could not be launched today, but since it has such huge weight in the zeitgeist, expect to see some more offensive Colorado antics for some time.

12. Star Wars Rebels

Star Wars Rebels picked up the action set in the galaxy far, far away after The Clone Wars ended, and the animated series ran from 2014-2018 on Disney XD to expand on the era ahead of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with a found family of original characters. Not only did the show prove that Star Wars doesn’t need to rely on legacy characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to tell a fantastic story and deliver arguably one of the best deaths in the franchise’s history, but it set up some stellar stories that are being expanded in live-action with Ahsoka.

There was no certainty that Rebels would succeed back in the beginning despite the popularity of The Clone Wars, but the story was solid during its original run and stands the test of time for first-time watchers and re-watchers alike. And its characters, ships and plots have remained core to the universe even beyond its conclusion.

11. Invincible

Invincible was released for those with an Amazon Prime subscription during the height of superhero mania. Despite concerns about superhero fatigue, the animated series carved stands out within the genre. Namely by being the animated answer to The Boys, and being an R-rated and wildly violent cartoon show. Invincible focuses on the title character aka Mark Grayson who is a young person coming into his own as a wildly popular hero who boasts the same powers, if not the same prowess, as his father Omni- Man, who is revealed to be something quite a bit more dangerous than anyone readily expected.

Adapted rather faithfully from Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker's comic book, the story is emotional, the action sequences are bloody and brutal, and Invincible’s voice cast is led by A-list talent like Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, and more. And the show is so popular that Omni-Man spawned a character in Mortal Kombat 1.

10. Justice League Unlimited

Everything that was great about Justice League got ratcheted up a notch with Justice League Unlimited. Thanks to the team’s founding heroes expanding its ranks — minus Hawkgirl, who returned later in Season 1 — this continuation allowed the DC Animated Universe to shine the spotlight on even lesser-known heroes, from Green Arrow and The Question to Booster Gold and Huntress. Like its predecessor, the show wholeheartedly embraced its printed page while also putting unique spins on its starring protagonists and antagonists.

Although there were various standalone episodes peppered throughout Justice League Unlimited, the show was at its best when delving into its serialized stories that built off plot threads from the previous DC Animated Universe shows, namely the Cadmus and Secret Society arcs. That makes Unlimited arguably feel like the most comic book-y entry in this shared continuity. While the DCAU would be revisited a handful of other times following the show’s conclusion, Unlimited definitely marked the end of an era, and it stuck the landing wonderfully.

9. Phineas and Ferb

The concept of two brothers spending their summer vacation trying to figure out a way to spend it comes with endless possibilities, and Phineas and Ferb explored them creatively and expertly. Following a formula where every episode the titular characters are always finding an over-the-top thing to do or build. Meanwhile, their sister Candace tries to bust them while their pet platypus Perry goes on a mission to stop his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz and his latest -enator.

Over the years, Phineas and Ferb mastered its formula and had a blast with it. Watching the brothers build a roller-coaster, create a backyard beach, get their parents' favorite band back together and oh so much more was not only fun but creatively invigorating. Not to mention, many episodes also featured incredible original music – like the Emmy-nominated song “Ain’t Got Rhythm” – meaning you’ll be humming along and thinking about this show long after the episode ends.

8. Looney Tunes

To describe Looney Tunes as a classic is completely appropriate, and yet, somehow not quite enough. This collection of animated shorts (produced from 1930 to 1969 and then revived in the late 1970s) has provided generations of audiences with wacky adventures featuring some of the most recognizable and quotable cartoon characters ever created. Even if you’ve only seen a handful of the many, many cartoons made by Warner Bros., you likely know that Bugs Bunny usually outsmarts everyone, Sylvester and Tweety are hilarious adversaries, Daffy Duck is at his funniest when he’s angry or on the losing end of anything, and that Roadrunner is way more trouble than it’s worth to Wile E. Coyote.

Looney Tunes is yet another example of how something could, technically, be pleasantly silly enough for kids, but just mature enough to get and keep the attention of adults. (Who doesn’t know what it’s like to repeatedly miss your target like Elmer Fudd?) When you watch one of these belly-laugh inducing entries, the only thing stopping you from watching another (and another) will be a power outage… That’s a joke, son!

7. Rick and Morty

A decade ago, if you asked us to name our Top Five most thoroughly inventive, consistently thrilling, amusingly thought-provoking, and deeply moving science-fiction series, we would have never guessed an Adult Swim original comedy would make the cut. Nevertheless, Rick and Morty — co-created by the now-fired Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon — has risen above its crude animation, and even cruder humor, to be widely remembered as, not just one of the funniest sci-fi TV shows, but among the genre’s all-time finest.

It is no surprise the series was bred from a Back to the Future parody short, as the pairing of alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez with his grandson, Morty Smith, feels like a more volatile Marty and Doc situation, which is also just one of the many ways the series brilliantly pokes fun at and pays homage to pop culture. However, the best Rick and Morty episodes — in addition to introducing eye-popping, otherworldly, and downright absurd concepts — honor the series’ more relatable themes, such as family and existential dread, which cleverly sneak up on you while you experience the duo's latest crazy adventure through time and space.

6. Attack On Titan

There’s a lot of great anime out there, from wholesome shows like Spy X Family to much more action-heavy series like Demon Slayer and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. But when it comes to anime that just generally rivals some of the greatest television shows of all-time, then look no further than Attack on Titan, which we once called the best under-the-radar show on television. Because no show swerved like Attack on Titan did, and it all falls upon its protagonist/antagonist, Eren Yeager, who the audience is firmly behind…until we aren’t.

That’s right, Attack on Titan initially seems very simple in premise — Titans bad, people good — but soon changes dramatically to the point where we wonder if we may have had it all wrong the entire time. Are the titans were the ones who were misunderstood, and the humans were the bad guys. Plus, this is the rare exception where the anime may be superior to the manga, and if you know anything about manga, that is no small feat. This is an anime for the ages.

5. Bluey

Bluey has simply become must-watch programming for families, and don’t be surprised when Mom and Dad find themselves just as entertained as the little ones. The infectious theme song ropes you in as it introduces Mum (Chilli), Dad (Bandit), little sister Bingo and big sister Bluey, but it’s the heart-filled interactions between the Blue Heelers that have kept people coming back. Some episodes are laugh-out-loud funny — “I slipped on my beans!” — and others will hit you right in the feels and cause tears to flow freely.

Parents have become endeared to Bluey because it inspires us to be better. It encourages us to play with our kids and gives us permission to act silly in public. Why care what strangers think if you can make your kids laugh, right? But Bluey also shows the harder moments. Sometimes Bandit and Chilli don’t have time to play. Sometimes they don’t know what to say or just need some peace and quiet after partying too hard on New Year’s Eve. We need permission to want those things in real life, too.

4. The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the most popular and successful animated show in history because it’s hilarious in so many different ways. No matter what your sense of humor is, there’s almost certainly a Simpsons character that’s funny in the exact way you’re looking for. From highbrow literary references thrown out as asides to people falling over and getting injured in embarrassing or gruesome ways, and everything in between, each episode is jam-packed with jokes intended to do very different things and to appeal to very different people.

If it happened in a lesser show, it might feel like pandering, but with The Simpsons, the "whatever sticks" approach always felt like layers and variance. That’s a testament to the quality of the writing. Most shows that try to do too much are overtly better at one of the things they’re trying to do, which makes the rest seem less than or out of place. Not The Simpsons. Thanks to fantastic, complicated leads and the funniest supporting network of side characters in TV history, the writers can be funny in so many unique, challenging, satirical, irreverent and sometimes prophetic ways, and they have for more than 750 delightful episodes.

3. Avatar: The Last Airbender

From scathing commentary about imperialism to discussions of spirituality, trauma and extinction, Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender packs deep philosophical meaning into its animated stories. This universe, centered around people boasting the ability to bend elements, follows Avatar Aang on his journey to master the elements and defeat the Fire Lord. This series from Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko is a masterful classic, filled with fun side-quests like the trio’s journey to Omashu, as well as complex politics surrounding the Royal Fire Nation family, sassy characters (we’re of course talking about Sokka and Toph), insanely well-developed story arcs like Zuko’s, and it's all taied together with mind-boggling action,

Like the Avatar, ATLA gets stronger with time, and as Aang mastered the elements, the series grew with him. No matter how old you are, this series hits hard, and the more you watch it the better it gets. Avatar: The Last Airbender seems destined to always feel timeless, and like the Avatar’s powers, this show will likely continue to be passed down through generations for years to come.

2. BoJack Horseman

It’s understandable if you watch the first episode of BoJack Horseman and don’t quite click with it. It’s a show that throws you headfirst into its world  – providing a deep inside look at Hollywood and celebrity in a reality where humans coexist with humanoid animals. That being said, as one of the first Netflix original creations, it’s a series that greatly benefited from the streamer’s binge model, as to dig deeper into the show is to fall in love with it and everything it has to say.

All six seasons of BoJack Horseman are witty, clever, and hilarious, with countless background gags that make it incredibly rewarding on rewatch – but what makes it special is just how real it is. The aesthetic may be silly, but the characters are all ultimately broken people and there is an unflinching and powerful examination of their individual damage over the course of the show. The penultimate episode of every season manages to be as emotionally devastating as anything that Hollywood has ever produced for the small screen, and each one is both shocking and mesmerizing.

1. Batman: The Animated Series

Unquestionably one of the best examples of any animated TV show appealing to both kids and adults, Batman: The Animated Series continues to stand as perhaps the greatest triumph in the media history of DC Comics’ Caped Crusader. BTAS, and by extension The New Batman Adventures, followed in the footsteps of the Tim Burton Batman movies by bringing the character back to his darker roots and inserting viewers into an anachronistic Gotham City dripping with noir flavor. Here we have a Batman who strikes fear into the hearts of criminals just as easily as he inspires the innocent.

Anchored by the late Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne, Batman: The Animated Series effectively walked the line of honoring the source material while also putting unique spins on characters like The Joker, Mr. Freeze and Two-Face, while also launching neo-icons like Harley Quinn, Renee Montoya and a handful of others who’ve become mythos mainstays. Even ignoring that BTAS launched the beloved DC Animated Universe, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski's show serves for many as the gold(black) standard by which all other Batman adaptations are judged. 1992 may be a long time ago, but BTAS still feels wonderfully timeless.

Hopefully the next 80 years of animated series can stand up to the classic eras that have already come and gone, as well as everything happening currently. But for anyone who hasn't yet watched everything listed above, now you know the assignment, mmk?

Conventional wisdom says that “when one door closes, another door opens.” In the case of the 32 TV shows we’re about to discuss, that saying isn’t just blowing smoke. Rather, when these titles saw change or cancellation staring them down, shows like Futurama and Buffy The Vampire Slayer jumped ships -- and kept on sailing. Behold, these conquering heroes. 

Futurama

Starting life as a Fox network original, Futurama’s shiny metal lifespan was initially cut short due to being canceled after four seasons. Years down the road, Comedy Central would revive Matt Groening’s irreverent fan favorite, and Hulu would later save it from cancelation as well. As a result, Planet Express’ doors were kept open… with some gaps of time, and a couple of direct to DVD movies in between. 

The Great British Baking Show

The cozy comfort that is The Great British Baking Show switched channels in both the UK and the US, though not as often as its swapped co-hosts. In its home nation (where it’s still allowed to be called The Great British Bake Off), the program started at the BBC in 2010 and eventually moved to Channel 4 after seven seasons. Meanwhile, the rights to that show in the US were first with PBS in 2014 but are now scattered between The Roku Channel and Netflix. 

Gilmore Girls

A show like Gilmore Girls doesn't always make a switch because of being canceled. Rather, in the final season of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s pop culture touchstone, The WB became The CW, after merging with fellow defunct network UPN. As for the miniseries Gilmore Girls: A Year in the LIfe, it did originate at Netflix but eventually received a homecoming of sorts when it aired on The CW in 2020.

Arrested Development

One of, if not the first network series revived through the powers of streaming, Arrested Development seemed to constantly struggle through its three seasons at Fox. And then, the good folks at Netflix revived what seemed to be one of the Internet’s favorite shows for two additional seasons. They were even nice enough to recut Season 4 into traditional episodes, once the initial character-centric installments were met with a less than stellar reception.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The story of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s broadcast history is rather interesting to follow. Starting out as The WB’s big Tuesday night hit in 1997, it transferred to fellow upstart network UPN in 2001. After two more seasons, Buffy would go off the air…just a couple years shy of the merger that turned The WB and UPN into what we now know as The CW.

Cobra Kai

Hey folks: remember when YouTube had original series? That’s exactly how Cobra Kai started, as YouTube Red/Premium was where the Karate Kid legacy-quel first got its legs. After two seasons aired, and with YouTube apparently not interested in anything past season 4 (according to Deadline), Netflix opened its doors and let Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) bring his dojo over to its streaming paradise. 

Last Man Standing

As Last Man Standing was sitting at six seasons, ABC canceled Tim Allen’s sitcom in 2017. That decision was supposedly due to some disputes between the network and the series’ production company, 20th Television. Which made it all the more interesting when Fox revived the series that it was already producing, for two more seasons. 

Supernatural

Just how long was Supernatural on TV? Well… it started in 2006, as a show on The WB; and then became a flagship title of its next parent, The CW, once WB merged with fellow fledgling network UPN. So while you’d know the Winchester brothers’ adventures for playing on The CW for 14 of its 15 seasons, that first aired under the house that Michigan J. Frog built. How’s that for magic?

A.P. Bio

For its brief lifespan of four seasons, A.P. Bio kicked things off at NBC and was revived as a potential Peacock subscription driver and aired two more seasons as such. Alas, the streaming reaper came for the series in 2021, ending Whitlock High’s time on our screens all too early. And what’s even sadder is we never did learn about what happened to Devin (Jacob McCarthy) after he mysteriously disappeared following Season 1? 

Family Matters

TGIF had a bit of an interesting shakeup in its later years, thanks to series like Family Matters and Step by Step defecting from its original home. Jumping from ABC after providing eight seasons of Urkel (Jaleel White) and his antics with the Winslow family, the former wrapped up on the CBS network with one final season. And depending on who you talk to, Season 9 is probably best forgotten by the world.

Archer

Archer’s 14-season run was both a hilarious parody of the James Bond movies, while also being funny and bittersweet in its own ways. While it was never canceled, and blew past the original plans to end in Season 10, a network shift did come after Season 7 aired in 2016. And that was thanks to FX Networks creating a new imprint for comedy and soccer programming, FXX. 

Babylon 5

In the beginning, Babylon 5 was a syndicated TV show that, much like Star Trek: The Next Generation before it, had no singular network home. Distributed through the Prime Time Entertainment Network for its first four seasons, creator J. Michael Strazynski didn’t think the show would get a fifth season. With a series finale already filmed, TNT stepped in to grant one last round of episodes (and a new Season 4 finale), for 1998. And according to Strazynski’s blog post from when it all happened, “Sleeping In Light” would have played just as fine at the end of Season 4. 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Here’s a fun scenario to ponder: what do you do when a series like Brooklyn Nine-Nine wants to keep existing, but home network Fox doesn’t want to go past Season 5? Well, you send the series to its true home: NBC! As the Andy Samberg-led ensemble was one of several shows saved from cancellation in 2018, the final three seasons could be chalked up to production company Universal Television saving one of its own.

Manifest

After Manifest’s wild Season 3 cliffhanger, the series’ cancellation by NBC left creator Jeff Rake, as well as the show’s fandom, all hoping for closure. While it wasn’t the full second half that Rake took to Twitter to mourn in 2021, streaming provider Netflix did step in for one final season, after finding great success with past seasons being available on its platform. 

Columbo

Detective Colombo (Peter Falk) ran through two pilots and seven seasons on NBC, between 1968 and 1978, looking to solve his cases with “just one more thing” he needed to ask about. But when it came to his eponymous series’ own fate, it received “just” three more seasons on ABC, from 1989 to 2003. 

Community

If it was up to NBC, Dan Harmon’s Community would have never gotten to the six seasons it called out for in its own universe. With that final, prophecy-fulfilling season airing on the now defunct Yahoo! Screen platform, part of a prophecy, that involves "a movie," has been fulfilled.

Everybody Hates Chris

With Chris Rock’s semi-autobiographical sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, the network shift came from a natural place: a merger. Beginning its life in 2005 on UPN, the sitcom Rock co-created with Ali LeRoi would become an original series on The CW in the 2006-2007 TV season. It would continue to air until 2009, as it would then be canceled after its fourth season. 

The Expanse

The Expanse came to an end after six seasons, with the first three airing on Syfy and the last batch going to Amazon’s Prime Video platform. But apparently, in an interview with Polygon, authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (collectively known as James S.A. Corey),said  they don’t even see the show as cancelled, but rather “paused” after Season 6. If a show can be renewed after a fan campaign draws in the likes of Wil Wheaton, George R.R. Martin, and Patton Oswalt, who are we to doubt there’s still gas in the tank? 

American Dad!

Fox ran Seth MacFarlane’s topically inclined animated comedy, American Dad!, for 11 seasons, before pulling the plug on the Family Guy originator’s co-creation with Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman in 2013. However, it didn’t take long for cable station TBS, which had been airing reruns for some time, to snag itself a new original program. So just under a month after the series “ended” on Fox, it came roaring back to life in its second healthy home. 

Friday Night Lights

Most people probably remember Friday Night LIghts as an NBC series, and considering its first two seasons aired there, that would make sense. However, if we’re going by season count, you’d technically call Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton’s ensemble drama a 101 Network series; thanks to the last three of its five seasons airing on that platform between 2008 and 2011.

The Critic

For a two-season wonder like The Critic, you’d think it would have been easy to keep it in one place for the whole run. That couldn’t have been further from the truth, as the first season aired on ABC in 1994, followed by the second season going to Fox in 1995. It’s something that would be joked about in the Jon Lovitz’ comedy’s third and final revival, as a series of webisodes on AtomFilms/Shockwave distributed between 2000 and 2001.

Matlock

Lawyer Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) broke a lot of cases over six seasons on NBC, between 1986 and 1992. And before anyone could ask if we’d see Ben again, the fall of that very last year saw Matlock jumping over to ABC, for its final three seasons. While cast members may have changed, the iconic theme song and the public’s love for this series did not.

JAG

Here’s something fun to consider: JAG technically has two network shifts. The major one saw David James Elliott’s Lt. Harmon Rabb, Jr. go from NBC to CBS, right after Season 1’s conclusion in 1996. At its second home, the series would run for nine more seasons and spawn the hit spinoff NCIS; which is basically the procedural world’s version of Cheers and Frasier. However, the 22nd episode of Season 1, the true season finale “Skeleton Crew,” wouldn’t air on TV until 1999 on the USA Network. 

Longmire

Neo-noir/western detective series Longmire began its life as a pretty popular title on the A&E Network back in 2014.. Three seasons in, despite being a strong performer, the cable channel axed the Robert Taylor-starring series, with no rhyme or reason. Of course, that didn’t stop Netflix from reviving the series, giving it another three seasons that ran from 2015 until its second and final cancellation in 2017. 

Lucifer

After three seasons, and a finale that was specifically designed to keep the show running, Lucifer was canceled due to a “pretty narrow” audience. That, and the series was made by an outside studio, which only made the decision apparently clearer. It was Fox’s loss though, as Netflix not only brought Tom Ellis’ demonically good time back from the grave,but  the streamer gave it three more seasons to finish up. 

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Was it ever important for Mystery Science Theater 3000 to stay at one network? Not totally, though there were some hiccups in how films were chosen in later seasons because of such switches. Starting life in 1988 as a public access show for KTMA-TV, MST3K would move to Comedy Central for the bulk of its run between 1989 and 1996. One last broadcast move would happen in 1997, giving this show its final TV-bound home… before it went to Netflix for two seasons between 2017 and 2018, and then to its own indie platform, The Gizmoplex, in 2022. 

One Day At A Time

The reboot of Whitney Blake and Allan Manings’ sitcom, One Day at a Time, gave the world a new perspective on a very familiar formula. This Latinx-flavored version only lasted for four seasons sadly, with three of those seasons streaming on Netflix. After being canceled by the big red streamer in 2019, the series would be revived by Pop TV for one final abbreviated season, which aired in 2020.

Girls5Eva

Girls5Eva was a series that had a pedigree that seemed destined to last more than two seasons at Peacock. Yet the Tina Fey co-created/Sara Barellies-led ensemble found itself out the door after Season 2 ended. Though that’s not where the music stopped, as Netflix resurrected the show, proving that the cancellation reaper doesn’t always have the last word.

Doug

Most people remember Doug as a four-season Nicktoon that delved into the inner mind of Doug Funnie (Billy West) as he navigated his teenage years of crushes and bullies. But if you’re a true die-hard, then you, of course, remember Disney’s Doug…It was Doug but an ABC-tweaked incarnation that ran as part of the One Saturday Morning block. 

Cougar Town

Over four seasons of Courteney Cox’s ensemble sitcom Cougar Town, there were things that could change and things that couldn’t. While co-creator Bill Lawrence’s Twitter crusade to rename the show never came to be, the former ABC series eventually became a TBS original in the back half of its life span. And no, the network change didn’t help the case to rename the series at all.

Damages

Through 2007 to 2011, FX had a hit legal drama on its hand with Damages, starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. When it came to the end of the third season, EW reported that the costs of the series weren’t worth the viewership to the network. Which lead The 101 Network to enter talks and eventually pick up the series, for its final two seasons. 

Clueless

Can one network alone hold the charisma of Cher Horowitz (Rachel Blanchard)? As if! While original network ABC wasn’t sold on Clueless until reruns had proven them wrong, UPN kept the series adaptation of the ‘90s movie classic going for another two seasons. If only ABC had taken a little more time to feel things out. 

Whether it’s because of cost issues, audience demand, or just good old-fashioned mergers, sometimes you’ve got to move to another network to keep the party going. These series did just that, and for better or worse, fans got more time to hang out with some of their favorite TV characters as a result. 

Regarding movie and TV characters that have withstood the test of time, I can think of no better characters than the sarcastic ones. These people we remember the most years later for their hilarious jokes, awesome one-liners, and deliveries that just can't be beaten. Today, we'll review the most sarcastic TV characters and the ones from movies. 

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Out of the entirety of the Friends cast, I don't think there's been another character that stands out just as much as Chandler Bing. From his first moments on the series to his last, Chandler was hands down the most sarcastic of the leading group, and some of his lines have lived on for years long after the series ended. Friends was undoubtedly one of Matthew Perry's best TV shows.

Deadpool (The Deadpool Franchise)

Deadpool from the Deadpool franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is sarcastic by nature. No matter what fight he's dealing with, there's always a joke that comes flying out not that long after, whether it be a lighter joke or a very much Rated-R quip, Ryan Reynolds' character always has a quick remark.

Roman Roy (Succession)

The Succession cast is always serious about what is happening in the show – as they should be. It's a lot of money they are dealing with. 

But Roman Roy? He is the most unserious character ever and will break any tension with a sarcastic quip that will undoubtedly sit in viewers' minds for hours long after the TV show ends. Kieran Culkin was a beast at his delivery. 

Tony Stark (The MCU)

Out of the original Avengers, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr. in one of his best roles) is hands down the most sarcastic. I'm pretty sure half the time, it was just Downey Jr. acting like himself on screen because he's Tony Stark in real life. I'll never get over how he called one of Thanos' henchmen, Squidward, literally. 

Sherlock Holmes (Elementary & Sherlock) 

It's hard to pick just one Sherlock – so why not both? Benedict Cumberbatch from Sherlock and Jonny Lee Miller from Elementary both perfectly capture what it's like to play Sherlock Holmes – as well as his sassy and sarcastic nature when solving the case. They are some of the best portrayals of Sherlock out there – I'll give Robert Downey Jr. an honorable mention, too, for his role as Sherlock in the Sherlock movies.

Max Black (2 Broke Girls)

Kat Dennings has probably some of the best one-liners in all of 2 Broke Girls as Max Black. Coming from a broken home, the character came swinging right out the gate with hilarious one-liners and wits that made me laugh for hours on end – even if deep down, we all know she uses sarcasm as her emotional shield.  

Comic Book Guy (The Simpsons)

Few characters on this list have been around for decades, but Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was primed for that. Appearing in the second season of The Simpsons, the character has remained a mainstay in the series for his sarcastic nature and love of all things comic books, making snide comments to anyone who challenges his mastery of the medium.

Juno (Juno)

Juno from Juno is probably the most relatable teenage character in movies (besides, maybe, the whole teen pregnancy part). She's witty and sarcastic and uses it in situations where you probably shouldn't use humor, but it's what brings you comfort. Admittedly, Juno was my favorite movie character for a long time. 

Gregory House (House)

There are many medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and so many others, but nothing can beat House and its namesake doctor, Gregory House. A man who is incredibly smart but has a drug problem, he uses sarcasm in his everyday job, which not only makes him hilarious but also causes him to run into some interesting patient situations. 

Hades (Hercules)

I will stand by the fact that Hades is hands down the best Disney villain overall. Not only is he so sarcastic and makes jokes about death and Greek mythology all the time, but he's able to use that hilarity and turn it sinister, turning into a pretty scary villain when he needs to be. But you can't hate him because he's just so funny. 

Roger Sterling (Mad Men)

When I first watched Mad Men and attempted to find someone I liked from the cast, the first person that came to mind was Roger Sterling. Portrayed by John Slattery, Sterling had some of the best storylines on the series – and brought that sarcasm despite all his heavy problems. 

Tyrion (Game Of Thrones)

There are some great Tyrion quotes out there that I could reference for hours about how sarcastic this man is, but they wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, rewatch Game of Thrones for Tyrion's sarcastic nature – I assure you, you will laugh just as much the first time you watched this series thanks to Peter Dinklage's excellent performance. 

Seinfeld (Seinfeld)

I mean, come on. Of course, we must put Jerry Seinfeld from Seinfeld on this list. The man was born to be a sarcastic comedian, and in every episode of this series, something will come out of his mouth to make you laugh. 

Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

The Grey's Anatomy cast has ebbed and flowed so often throughout its long run that it's sometimes hard to remember everyone there. But Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, has been in the show for years, and honestly, she's one of the few that I see the reason why. Not only is she hilarious in her sarcastic nature, but her facial expressions are to die for. 

Lucifer (Lucifer)

When you're the ruler of Hell, you tend to have a sense of humor from all the darkness going around, and of course, Lucifer from Lucifer is very much like that. And he has a sense of humor that is unlike anyone else. I'm pretty sure Lucifer can charm anyone with his sarcastic nature and pretty smile – and yes, he would most likely delight me, too, with his sarcasm.

Alex Russo (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

As someone who grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, Alex Russo is why I am the person I am today. Funny, quippy, and sarcastic, this girl always knew how to make anyone laugh, regardless of the situation. And it's certainly a show to watch if you love Selena Gomez, as she plays Russo. 

Fallon Carrington (Dynasty)

If you want a character that genuinely lives for drama, then Fallon Carrington (played by Elizabeth Gillies) from Dynasty is the one for you. She grew up with money and power, but because everyone was always fighting each other within her family, she learned how to stand up for herself quickly – which manifested into some of the most sarcastic moments of the show. 

Stiles (Teen Wolf)

I'm 99% sure Stiles from the Teen Wolf cast can use his sarcasm as a weapon. Before he was affected by any supernatural forces, he was genuinely just a funny kid who used sarcasm in every way possible, and yes, I am still missing Dylan O'Brien in this role, because he was just the best. 

David (Schitt's Creek)

In modern-day television, no one is as sarcastic as David from the Schitt's Creek cast. Played by Dan Levy, this character had so many moments of sass that they are printed on t-shirts all over the place now. I still laugh just as hard when he says, "You look like the downfall of society," years later. 

Charlie (Two And A Half Men)

Fun fact – I binge-watched Two And A Half-Men for the first time in 2023, and yes, I am now aware of how funny Charlie Sheen was in this show as Charlie. He is probably the most sarcastic TV character I've ever gotten the chance to watch – and no matter how many times I view the episodes, I still laugh just as hard. 

Seth (Superbad)

The Superbad elevated many people among its cast up to fame, and one of those just happened to be Jonah Hill, who played Seth in the film. From there, we see how hilarious and sarcastic Hill could be when he played Seth and somehow made me laugh despite his strange nature – and his weird obsessions. 

April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)

Aubrey Plaza's best TV shows certainly includes her role in the Parks and Recreation cast, where she played April Ludgate. Her deadpan-style comedy and the way she responded to any joke is what made her such a great addition to this cast, and in any rewatch, she's always the standout star. 

Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Arguably, you could place anyone from the Big Bang Theory cast on this list, but Sheldon stands out. He's sarcastic, intelligent, and pretty much the face of the franchise – I mean, he got his series afterward, so it's not surprising he's on this list. 

Betty Rizzo (Grease)

Betty Rizzo is an exciting pick on this list because while she is undoubtedly sarcastic and a mean girl, we all know she's going through some serious personal stuff. Regardless, she channels her emotions into her sarcasm and truly comes up with some funny one-liners that have lived on – and of course, we can't forget the sarcasm queen's song, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Miranda (Sex & The City)

Miranda Hobbes from the Sex and the City cast was the sarcastic and funny friend I'm sure we all want in our thirties. Portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, Miranda is a career-minded woman who has probably one of the most cynical takes on relationships and men in general, and she makes it known plenty through her sarcastic quips.  

Daria (Daria)

Daria's sarcasm from the show Daria is what made her famous. The adult animated sitcom -- a spinoff from Beavis and Butt-Head -- was released in the late 1990s and featured the story of Daria, a cynical high school student who was hilarious in every way. Let's be honest; we all wanted to be her. 

Sterling Archer (Archer)

Archer is all about Sterling Archer – who makes this animated series so much more fun with his sarcasm. As a secret agent who is as narcissistic as he is sarcastic, he makes this show as hilarious as some of the best TV shows.

Loki (The MCU)

I must include the supervillain (or hero, depending on how you look at him), Loki. From his first appearance in the MCU to his TV show on Disney+, Tom Hiddleston has made Loki one of the most sarcastic supervillains in the MCU. It's no wonder he keeps coming back again and again. 

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

"Florals? In the spring? How original." You can't get better than Miranda Priestly. Meryl Streep portrayed the character in The Devil Wears Prada cast, and this character used her sarcasm as a weapon to anyone who dared go against what she wanted. Truly, no one did it as well as Priestly. 

Severus Snape (The Harry Potter Franchise)

While Severus Snape was a man of few words in most of his appearances in the Harry Potter franchise, he was full of sass and sarcasm. Played by Alan Rickman, Severus Snape was a powerful wizard, and in some of his best moments, he used his sass and sarcasm against everyone, especially his students. 

Saul (Better Call Saul)

I mean, it's Saul Goodman. He's the king of sarcasm. There's a reason why Bob Odenkirk received an entire spinoff dedicated to the character after starring in Breaking Bad – he's an okay-ish lawyer with no shortage of sarcasm to offer. He can somehow always get someone out of trouble.

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

What do you do when all your friends and family have bending abilities but you don't? You use sarcasm as a weapon, of course, and that's what Sokka did in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hands down, Sokka was the funniest of the leading group of characters in the popular Nickelodeon show.

Richard Hayden (Tommy Boy)

David Spade is another iconic actor known for his sarcastic characters, and one of his best is Richard Hayden from Tommy Boy. His scenes with Chris Farley made him all the funnier and stands out as one of his best movies. 

Billy (Billy Madison)

Adam Sandler is known for being sarcastic in many of his movie roles, and one of his most iconic was Billy in Billy Madison. A spoiled man, Billy was hilarious in every way and used his sarcasm and dimwitted nature to get whatever he wanted – which, later on, hilariously backfires. 

There are plenty of great sarcastic characters out there to love and enjoy, but these guys certainly stand out as some of the best. Now if you don't mind me, I'm going to look up a compilation of Chandler Bing's funniest moments and laugh my butt off again and again. 

Animated spy comedy Archer was announced to end with Season 14 before the season even premiered, so there was every reason to expect that the finale that aired on October 11 in the 2023 TV schedule was the last time that fans would see the likes of Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), Cyril Figgis (Chris Parnell), and the rest of the hilariously bizarre cast of characters. Now, however, FX has announced that the show is already set to return to television with a three-part finale event, which really sounds like an approach to cancelled shows that I think every streamer and every network should take. 

While Archer wasn't quite cancelled in the sense that fans were blindsided by the news following the last episode of the season, the Season 14 finale was expected to be the end of the road for the spy agency. Instead, FX announced at New York Comic Con that Archer is getting a bonus finale event, called Archer: Into the Cold. It even already has a premiere date: Sunday, December 17 at 10 p.m. ET, simulcast on both FX and FXX. The animated series originally aired on FX before being moved to FXX for Season 8 onward. 

The network didn't announce what exactly the plot is going to be for Archer: Into the Cold, and I for one am curious about how much time will have passed for Archer and Co. before the finale event picks up. The Season 14 finale ended with a 30-day deadline for the spy agency; will that deadline have expired by the time the Into the Cold episodes air, or will they still have time left? 

Only time will tell if FX and FXX dish many details ahead of the finale event, but just knowing that it's happening has me thinking about all the shows that would have benefited from this approach. How many have been cancelled too late for the team behind the scenes to actually craft a finale to tie off loose ends? How many have ended on cliffhangers that will never be resolved? And how many fans are waiting for closure that will never come? 

If only every network and streamer followed FX's example in following the end of a final season with one last event, so many cancelled shows could have satisfying endings. The May cancellation bloodbath earlier this year cut short a number of series without giving them time to wrap up. Other recent shows to get the axe without a proper conclusion include Hulu's How I Met Your Father (to the vocal dismay of fans) and Amazon Prime's The Wilds despite cast members sharing thoughts on a third season,  

Plus, there are older shows that lack actual endings, including Hannibal (which Mads Mikkelsen has repeatedly shown interest in continuing) and the original Quantum Leap. Then there are the recent cancellations despite previous renewals, which include Prime's A League of Their Own and Peripheral. If any or all of these shows got a few bonus episodes or even a TV movie to tie off loose ends, they could be remembered for having great endings instead of known for ending without any answers. Don't even get me started on Good Girls or Legends of Tomorrow!

And sure, some shows couldn't wrap up every loose end and answer every question in the span of a few bonus episodes, but I truly wish that every premature cancellation could be followed by at least something that would count as a proper goodbye. I wouldn't have been mad if Archer ended with the Season 14 finale as originally expected (and ending with fourteen seasons can hardly be called a premature cancellation), but I'm awfully excited that FX gave the order for the three-part event later this year. 

Of course, the three-part finale event won't debut until December 17, but you can find all fourteen seasons streaming now with a Hulu subscription. 

Even though today’s TV landscape looks radically different from the status quo even a decade ago, with the growing abundance of streaming services, it hasn’t yet disrupted the fact that shows drop like flies every May as networks shape their upcoming schedules while going wild with cancellation and renewal announcements. 2023 certainly hasn’t been the stage for a rebellion on that front, as all kinds of shows’ fates have been sealed this month already, and there are weeks to go. (Though such fates aren’t always permanent, with S.W.A.T.'s cancellation being reversed after Shemar Moore echoed fan complaints.)

Below, we’ve rounded up all the big shows coping with cancellation news in May 2023, with both new entries and established favorites facing the axe, with the ongoing WGA writers strike possibly fueling some of those decisions.  

Call Me Kat (Fox)

Call Me Kat and the world at large suffered the death of Leslie Jordan in October 2022, and while the Fox comedy did a formidable job of handling things in the aftermath, the sitcom’s already modest numbers only dropped throughout its third season. Mayim Bialik shared her reaction to the cancellation with a prediction for where things could have gone next. 

The Winchesters (The CW)

On paper, a prequel spinoff to one of TV’s most fanbase-friendly series sounds like a lock. Unfortunately, EP Jensen Ackles’ attempt to dive back into the history of Supernatural’s Sam and Dean coincided with The CW being bought out by Nexstar Media, which took over with a vested interest in culling pricy original programming. Following The Winchesters’ cancellation, Ackles started efforts to save the show via a new home. 

The Company You Keep (ABC)

Coming off of the hit NBC drama This Is Us, Milo Ventimiglia teamed with a Walking Dead vet and an FBI vet for ABC’s flashy con man drama The Company You Keep. Unfortunately, the show underperformed in its Sunday night time slot, and the network pulled the plug less than a week after its season finale aired. (This Is Us’ Jack technically survived longer.)

Man Vs. Bee (Netflix)

 Marking the TV return of Mr. Bean and Black Adder genius Rowan Atkinson, Netflix’s Man vs. Bee played up the comedian’s strengths, but it was possibly too quirky a comedy to develop the buzz it needed to convince the streaming service to order a second season. It’s technically hard to know if this actually happened in May, as the cancellation report surfaced in a somewhat untimely manner.

East New York (CBS)

Despite a promising debut in Fall 2022, CBS’ East New York soon dealt with behind-the-scenes problems over producer terminations, and its initially solid viewership and ratings stats dropped over time. Though it remained on the bubble longer than other shows, the network canceled East New York a week before its finale aired.  

Archer (FXX)

While there’s no conceivable way Archer could outlast the pop culture presence of its James Bond inspiration, lasting longer than a dozen seasons is a huge feat that producers for other shows on this list would love to boast. But all good things must come to an end (phrasing), and FXX announced that the upcoming Season 14 will be the animated spy comedy’s last one.  

Alaska Daily (ABC)

Hilary Swank’s ABC newspaper drama Alaska Daily wasn’t exactly a social media phenomenon, but built up a faithful audience that was extremely hopeful it would get renewed after its finale aired in March. After waiting for more than a month, however, the network dropped the disappointing news that the drama had been canceled. 

Yellowstone (Paramount Network)

After becoming one of TV’s biggest surprise successes, Paramount Network’s Yellowstone is now shockingly heading for its endgame via the remaining Season 5 episodes that haven’t yet been filmed. Issues started earlier this year over reports of behind-the-scenes feuds with Kevin Costner over scheduling. While the details behind the rumors have yet to be clarified, Paramount execs confirmed that Season 5 will be the neo-western’s last outing, though fans can still look forward to upcoming Yellowstone shows such as the straight-to-series sequel spinoff that’s set to immediately follow up on the flagship’s narrative. 

Walker: Independence (The CW)

Similar to how The Winchesters’ future was set in stone by The CW’s buyout, the past-set spinoff Walker: Independence didn’t get much time to build up a core audience before its twist-driven finale was followed up by cancellation news. What makes this more interesting, however, is the fact that Jared Padalecki’s mothership drama Walker was one of the few scripted projects that The CW chose to renew.  

Lockwood & Co. (Netflix)

Fans of Jonathan Stroud’s Lockwood & Co. series were delighted when Joe Cornish fronted an adaptation for Netflix, and by and large, the show drew positive responses from just about everybody who watched the supernatural mysteries play out. But it would appear that not enough positive-minded people watched it to justify budgeting out a second season. 

Big Sky (ABC)

Despite taking its story in a different direction with its third season (subtitled Deadly Trails), ABC’s Big Sky didn’t appear to bring in new audiences. Even with the additions of beloved celebs Jensen Ackles and Reba McEntire, its viewership sagged below the second season’s averages, and Big Sky was canceled nearly a year after Ackles’ casting was revealed. 

Fantasy Island (Fox)

It’s weird to think we’re at a point in pop culture where there have been two completely different Fantasy Island projects in just the past three years. Fox’s TV reboot wasn’t anything like Jeff Wadlow’s 2020 film, for better or worse, and managed to last two seasons (and a humdinger of a Melrose Place reunion episode) before it was canceled.  

Kung-Fu (The CW)

This update of David Carradine's classic '70s drama was laudable for featuring one of broadcast TV's biggest (and only) Asian-American casts. Sadly, Kung Fu has also been one of broadcast TV's least-watched series, despite earning three seasons in full before it fell to The CW's own mini cancellation bloodbath.

Sweet Tooth (Netflix)

Thankfully for Sweet Tooth fans, the fun and family-friendly fantasy drama has been watched by enough Netflix subscribers that the service gave the thumbs up for showrunner Jim Mickle can close out Gus and the hybrids' story in a proper fashion with a third and final season. But despite its endgame news hitting in 2023, we'll likely be waiting until 2024 to see how closely the story matches up with the end of comic mastermind Jeff Lemire's original tale.

True Lies (CBS)

Coming nearly 30 years after the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis blockbuster hit theaters, CBS' True Lies wasn't destined for the same greatness, though having James Cameron on board as an executive producer should have helped the drama earn a big enough audience to make it through two seasons. Alas, its stereotypical narratives didn't win many over, not even with a guest-spot from the movie's co-star Tom Arnold.

For now, these are the "only" victims of the monstress herd of May TV cancellations, but keep checking back to see if and when newly disappointed entries get added. And check out our 2023 TV schedule to see what other shows are on the way soon.

Throughout his run of James Bond movies, Daniel Craig’s calendar was quite full. Even though he had time to make films like Logan Lucky in between outings as 007, that doesn’t mean the man was able to take every gig he’d wanted. Case in point, Craig is actually a superfan of the FX series Archer, and the executive producers admitted that they’ve tried to cast him as a guest star several times. The big problem was, he was too busy playing James Bond and other cinematic favorites. 

Executive Producer Casey Willis was part of an Archer panel interview conducted by IGN. It was there that Willis admitted the show has tried to recruit the outgoing 007 on numerous occasions. Along with that story came the ultimate revelation of just much Daniel Craig remembers from the series. In Willis' words:

Considering Daniel Craig’s sense of humor being as healthy as it is, a potential Archer guest spot has a lot of promise. Craig’s vocal stylings have already made audiences laugh through his exaggerated southern accent in Knives Out. At this point, the Archer writers' room could throw a dart at a board, select a random accent and affiliation, and let the former 007 have fun. 

It feels good to know that somehow Daniel Craig has been following Archer since its 2009 debut, just three years after the Craig era of James Bond began. One could assume that with the pressures of the role being what they were, watching FX’s dark comedy was a comfort to Daniel Craig in the early years. Unfortunately for him, the calendar of projects and upcoming Daniel Craig movies has kept him from being a part of the fun.

At the moment, the actor does have a commitment to uphold, with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery premiering at TIFF this September. With one more Netflix-funded sequel keeping Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc in action, there might be a gap for Craig to either face off against or align with Sterling Archer and his friends. Though if that day should ever come, Sterling may actually want to watch Spectre, as the fictional super spy admits in the video below that he's never seen it:

Talk about being woefully unprepared. For now, you can next see Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. We current don’t have a release date for that film, but we do know that it’ll be a part of the fall section to the 2022 Netflix movie schedule. Meanwhile, Archer returns for Season 13 on August 24th, only on FX and Hulu. 

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has to be hands down one of the best comedies that TV has ever seen in my opinion. With a renewal that was set for 18 seasons, the black comedy sitcom is now the longest-running comedy series ever. With ridiculous stories, characters that you just love to hate, and a great setting with plenty of quirks, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has proven to be a hit.

However, with how long it has taken for Season 15 to arrive on FX, fans of the show might be looking for something else to fill their time with. While you could spend your time watching the best movies on Netflix or the best movies on Amazon Prime, there are plenty of other shows just like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to watch right now.

Mythic Quest (2020 – Present) (Apple TV)

Co-created by one of the very creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney, Mythic Quest delivers hilarious jokes and is a great option if you're looking for a good Apple TV+ original series. The series follows a fictional game studio that produces a popular MMORPG, titled Mythic Quest, and the struggles they are going through trying to promote their new DLC for the game, “Raven’s Banquet.”

The series was also co-created by Charlie Day, another one of the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, so you can almost bet that this series will be filled to the brim with dirty jokes, some inappropriate humor, and some ridiculously fun storylines. Even if video games aren’t your thing, you’ll love this show. I promise you. The second season just finished, so give it a watch if you haven’t already.

Stream Mythic Quest on Apple TV.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 – Present) (HBO Max)

Another classic comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm stars Larry David, and follows a fictional version of his character, living his life as a semi-retired television writer/producer in Los Angeles, and all the crazy adventures that he gets into.

Larry David has to -- hands down -- be one of the most known comedians out there, so it’s only natural for a show like his to have run for so long. Curb Your Enthusiasm has some awesome jokes, where you’ll most likely be looking them up on YouTube later to re-watch them. I mean, the episodes are written or co-written by Larry David, so you know it’s going to be hilarious. There are eleven seasons of it. If that's not good enough proof for how funny it is, I don't know what will be. For fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Stream Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO Max.

Rent Curb Your Enthusiasm on Amazon.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – Present) (Hulu, Peacock)

If you ever thought there should be a comedy about a police department, look no further than Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In this comedy, we follow the story of Jake Peralta, a young NYPD detective in Brooklyn's fictional 99th Precinct, who often comes into conflict with his commanding officers and co-workers, with hilarious hijinks often ensuing.

Let’s just say that the cast of this show is really what makes it, which is how I feel It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia works. Andy Samberg has amazing chemistry with his castmates, especially with Melissa Fumero as Amy Santiago and Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords. The show was so popular that it was picked up by NBC after Fox cancelled it. With Brooklyn Nine-Nine's last season going to premiere soon, it’s the best time to binge it. 

Stream Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu

Stream Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Peacock.

Rent Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Amazon.

The Office (2005-2013) (Peacock)

I feel like if you’re a fan of comedies, you’ve most likely heard of The Office at some point or another, if not have seen every episode. Based on the British television show of the same name, The Office covers the daily lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, with the presence of the camera acknowledged by the workers, as well as their insufferable boss, Michael Scott.

For fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, this is another case where some of these characters (led by the excellent Office cast) are truly ridiculous and they carry the show exceptionally, with some of the crazy storylines they add on. Michael Scott is this boss you love to hate, played brilliantly by Steve Carell. Dwight Schrute is this weird man with his own issues and lives on a farm, Jim and Pam are adorable – you’ll always find someone to root for in this comedy.

Stream The Office on Peacock.

Rent The Office on Amazon.

30 Rock (2006-2013) (Peacock)

Another all-time classic, 30 Rock is one of the best shows to watch for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans. Starting off the series, we follow the story of the boss of a variety show, who has to somehow manage her relationships with the show’s crazy star, and the nice executive producer, all while this slowly evolves into chaos.

30 Rock, created by Tina Fey and starring her as well, is so freaking funny. There’s not a single other comedy out there that has made me laugh more than 30 Rock because you’re dealing with legit comedians writing these stories and intriguing scenarios. While I do have a place in my heart for dark comedy like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, there’s just something about 30 Rock that makes it stand out above the rest. That, and the cast for this show was incredible. You need to see it just for how many stars were in it.

Stream 30 Rock on Peacock.

Rent 30 Rock on Amazon.

Arrested Development (2003 – 2019) (Netflix)

I think in terms of comedic jokes and sitcoms, Arrested Development comes the closest to matching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s comedic style. In this comedy, we follow the story of the Bluths, a formally wealthy yet extremely dysfunctional family, and their day-to-day lives once they start to realize that they can’t do what they used to do anymore.

Arrested Development makes good use of using running gags and catchphrases, but they fit so well within the context of the show. Besides the jokes that continuously land, all of the cast rocks it in their roles, led by the talented Jason Bateman, alongside plenty of familiar faces, like Tony Hale and Michael Cera. It’s not as dark as some of the other sitcoms out there, but it’s definitely one of the most clever comedies, in my opinion.

Stream Arrested Development on Netflix.

Rent Arrested Development on Amazon.

Archer (2009 – Present) (Hulu)

In the first of two animated series on this list, Archer is definitely one of the best shows to watch if you’re a fan of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In this comedy series, we get to know the exploits of eight secret agents and supporting staff of the International Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as ISIS, and all their dysfunctional adventures.

The FX (later FXX) series is ridiculously silly. Anything you could expect to happen in a show like this will. Plus, it’s animated, so you know there will be plenty of other possibilities in terms of what stories they can tell. There’s also a good amount of emotion infused with the story, so it’s not just constant jokes and action scenes, something that I believe It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans will enjoy immensely.

Stream Archer on Hulu.

Rent Archer on Amazon.

You’re The Worst (2014 – 2015) (Hulu)

Another FX (later FXX) show, You’re the Worst follows the story of a self-involved writer named Jimmy, and a self-destructive PR executive named Gretchen, who are both trying to attempt a relationship alongside their friends, Edgar and Lindsey. Through this, it created a never-ending cycle of craziness and plenty of fun.

What really makes You’re the Worst stand out amongst other sitcoms out there is its willingness to tackle more complex issues, just as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has done in the past, albeit through a more comedic perspective. You’re the Worst has talked about issues such as clinical depression, PTSD, and so much more. While it’s not as dark or clever as some of the other comedies on this list, in my opinion, I still think it’s worth your time for sure.

Stream You’re the Worst on Hulu.

Rent You’re the Worst on Amazon.

South Park (1997 – Present) (HBO Max)

God, this is the comedy of all comedies, in my eyes. South Park is the classic animated series that has been running for more than twenty years now, chronicling the stories of Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and Eric, four young boys in Colorado in the fictional town of South Park.

You want to talk about dark comedy, literally look no further than South Park. This is the cartoon series to watch if you’re a fan of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The creators of this show are not afraid to tackle some dark themes and make crazy jokes – some of which from their older episodes would probably not be okay today. Regardless, the series is iconic for a reason, and everyone should give it a shot for its hysterical jokes and interesting art style.

Stream South Park on HBO Max.

Rent South Park on Amazon.

Happy Endings (2011 – 2013) (Netflix)

You know, now that we’re at the end of this list, I’m beginning to see a trend with dysfunctional families appearing – but that’s just how we roll when we’re a fan of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In Happy Endings, viewers get to know the story of, this time, a group of dysfunctional best friends, all of which live in Chicago.

I’m always going to be so unhappy that this show only received three seasons. It was so funny. For fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, I feel like this comedy would closely resemble the friendships we’ve come to love, showing how ridiculously far we would go for our friends in the case of something crazy. From crazy couples to business deals gone wrong to everything else, Happy Endings covers it all – and you’ll be laughing along to it.

Stream Happy Endings on Netflix.

Rent Happy Endings on Amazon.

While we do have more shows on the 2021 fall TV schedule to hopefully look forward to soon, I still miss It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Even so, you might now be able to find a nice replacement for the time it’s off the air. I’m going to go get a Philly cheesesteak to deal with the pain – maybe watch some Happy Endings in the meantime.

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Adult animation.

It is a form of TV entertainment that has taken over our screens in the last twenty or so years. From that takeover, we have experienced some of the best of what television has to offer in terms of comedy, wackiness, and fun. One of those shows that took off in this genre was none other than the show about the Belcher family on Bob’s Burgers.

While each of the characters has their own interesting stories and quirky character traits, they still somehow all come together to form something of a beautiful show. However, just because Bob’s Burgers has some awesome episodes and is a great example of what adult animation can be like, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a million other options for fans of the genre to check out. Today, we take a look at shows like Bob’s Burgers, from some animated classics like South Park, all the way to more recent shows such as BoJack Horseman.

Central Park (Apple TV+)

I had to put this as the first option on this list because it’s literally created by the same people who do Bob’s Burgers. Central Park, an Apple TV+ musical comedy, revolves around a family living in Central Park who must face off against a greedy land developer who wants to turn Central Park into more apartments and commercial spaces for her own profit.

I know the premise sounds a bit generic, but trust me when I say there’s nothing quite like Central Park, even if you’ve watched Bob’s Burgers. The musical numbers in this show are off the charts amazing, the characters are fantastic and so funny, and there’s an all-star cast behind it, with the likes of Josh Gad from Frozen, Daveed Diggs from Hamilton, Tituss Burgess from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and so many more. It’s certainly worth a watch.

Stream Central Park on Apple TV+.

Regular Show (HBO Max)

While Cartoon Network was known for plenty of amazing cartoons like Courage the Cowardly Dog or The Powerpuff Girls, one show that I felt was highly underrated was Regular Show. This series is all about Rigby, a raccoon, and Mordecai, a blue jay, and their common daily lives as friends while working as groundskeepers at a park, spending most of their days trying to avoid work and have fun instead.

While this isn’t as raunchy as some of the other shows on this list, Regular Show has humor that can’t quite be beaten, just like Bob’s Burgers. The jokes are some of the funniest out there for a show that was on a children’s channel prior to becoming popular with adult audiences. And some of the storylines are genuinely interesting and so much fun.

Stream Regular Show on HBO Max.

Rent Regular Show on Amazon.

South Park (HBO Max)

Oh boy. You want to talk about adult animation, look no further than South Park. This classic Comedy Central television series, which now has 24 seasons, follows the daily lives of third graders (later fourth graders) Kyle, Stan, Eric, and Kenny, and their misadventures in the fictional Colorado town of South Park – where a lot of different people mix and mingle and cause trouble all the time.

The show has been under controversy for several of its episodes in the past, but that hasn’t stopped South Park from becoming a huge hit. For fans of the adult humor in Bob’s Burgers, this is the perfect show for you. Not only is it raunchy and so much fun with its comedy, it really just keeps the same basic format for most of its seasons, so you don’t need to catch up previous episodes. You can start wherever you want. I mean, it’s South Park. It's iconic.

Stream South Park on HBO Max.

Rent South Park on Amazon.

Family Guy (Hulu)

Another classic in adult animation. I’m quite sure this was the first show which introduced me to the genre in the first place. Family Guy, created by Seth MacFarlane, focuses on the Griffins, otherwise known as Peter, Louis, and their children, Meg, Chris and Stewie, along with their anthropomorphic pet dog, Brian. And oh boy, does this family and the show have their moments of craziness, from zombie apocalypses to pedophiles to everything in between, Family Guy has done it all.

There are so many moments in Family Guy that truly make you go “huh?” because it’s just such an out-there show. However, that doesn’t change the fact that there are still times in the show that have you laughing your head off. Bob’s Burgers might have a bit more of a wholesome family than the Griffins, but you’ll find yourself connecting with them just as much.

Stream Family Guy on Hulu.

Rent Family Guy on Amazon.

BoJack Horseman (Netflix)

Now, let’s take a look at a Netflix original. Since its premiere, BoJack Horseman has been a runaway success. This popular show follows an alternate world, where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side by side, taking place in “Hollywoo” (the D was stolen), and centers on BoJack Horseman, a washed-up star who wants to return to relevance once his autobiography is written.

Not only is BoJack Horseman a super comedic show, but for fans of Bob’s Burgers, the heartfelt moments will hit you the hardest. Compared to many of the series on this list, BoJack Horseman has some dark moments that really hit you and make you think about life in a certain way, connecting with the viewer on another level, just as there are moments in Bob’s Burgers that get to you. Plus, with a cast list that includes Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, Will Arnett and so many more, how can you not give it a shot?

Stream BoJack Horseman on Netflix.

The Simpsons (Disney+)

I feel like I don’t even need to explain what The Simpsons is about, but here I go for those who don’t know. The Simpsons is about the titular family, the Simpsons, and the adventures they have in their daily lives in Springfield, from Bart being a troublemaker, to Homer making mistakes at work, or anything else.

For Bob’s Burgers fans, this is literally the blueprint for all adult animated TV shows. Did you love the Belcher family? You’ll like the Simpsons family, who have literally been around since the 1980s. That’s a long time for America’s most popular animated family. I don’t even need to convince you to watch this – you’ve probably already seen an episode or two in your lifetime. And, while the earlier seasons do stand out a bit more, there’s no denying that no one can quite replace The Simpsons.

Stream The Simpsons on Disney+.

Rent The Simpsons on Amazon.

Futurama (Hulu)

Fox has produced a lot of great, hit shows, but nothing could quite beat Futurama once it came to Comedy Central. Created by Matt Groening, the same man behind The Simpsons, this popular adult animated show is almost like a workplace sitcom, where we are focused on the employees of Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company.

If you want to talk about amazing animation, I always felt that Futurama was ahead of its time with some of the scenes they would produce. The family dynamic of the main group will have anyone who loves Bob’s Burgers smiling. Even though these employees aren’t related by blood, there’s no denying that they all clearly care for each other, no matter what happens. It’s a lot of fun for many reasons.

Stream Futurama on Hulu.

Rent Futurama on Amazon.

Rick and Morty (HBO Max)

Oh, Rick and Morty. I feel like there’s this preconceived notion that you have to be into science to enjoy this show, but you don’t at all. In fact, Rick and Morty is anything but super science-based, and they explain so much to you. This popular show, created by Dan Harmon, centers on the titular Rick and Morty, a brilliant scientist and his grandson, who go on crazy scientific adventures across the galaxy.

There’s a reason why this show was renewed for so many seasons all at once. Not only is the comedy top-notch, and the animation pretty cool, the side characters are even entertaining with their stories, before everything usually combines near the end to create something perfect. It’s certainly not the same family dynamic as Bob’s Burgers, but the adventures and hijinks that this family gets up to certainly feel familiar. If you’re not burping like Rick near the end of your binge-watch, you didn’t binge correctly.

Stream Rick and Morty on HBO Max.

Rent Rick and Morty on Amazon.

Big Mouth (Netflix)

Another Netflix original on here – and honestly one of the best shows on Netflix, Big Mouth centers around a group of teens based on the creators, and their upbringing in New York, exploring themes of puberty, the human body, and of course, sex.

Out of all the other adult animated shows on here, I think Big Mouth gets the closest to raunchiness in relation to South Park. However, fans of Bob’s Burgers will instantly be reminded of the awkwardness of Tina when faced with the characters of Big Mouth, and if anything, will laugh even more because uncomfortable situations regarding teens growing up are explored with a surprising amount of depth, creating a healthy and comedic conversation about what it’s like to grow up. Plus, some of the songs in this are killer and iconic in their own right.

Stream Big Mouth on Netflix.

Archer (Hulu)

Archer follows the story of eight secret agents, all with their own issues and dysfunctional in their own way, who work for the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), a fictional intelligence agency.

I know, that already sounds like a riot considering that name for the company, but there is just something about Archer that reminds me of Bob’s Burgers, even though it’s not remotely the same. It’s possibly the comedy that comes from its eight main characters, or it could be the interesting animation choices that are made, or the heartfelt lessons that are learned occasionally – either way, I find myself rewatching Archer often. I think it’s worth a shot if you love Bob’s Burgers.

Stream Archer on Hulu.

Rent Archer on Amazon.

With all the 2021 Summer TV shows starting to premiere soon, I need to double-check to make sure any of these shows are having new seasons or episodes coming out. I know that, no matter what, I’ll be sitting in front of my TV, waiting anxiously for the next entry to join these awesome adult animated shows.

Jessica Walter has always been known as a figure of snarky authority, with a commanding voice and comedic timing that was always welcomed. Those talents helped her become a legend on stage and screen, with roles in shows like the Jim Henson/Disney sitcom Dinosaurs, Fox/Netflix’s cult hit Arrested Development, and the FXX animated hit Archer making up a good portion of her career’s more recent legacy. In light of that joy, it’s with a heavy heart that we report that Ms. Walter has passed away in her sleep, at age 80.

Per reporting from Deadline, Jessica Walter’s passing was confirmed in a statement by her daughter, Brooke Bowman. No ultimate cause has been reported at this time, and in lieu of flowers, Ms. Walter requested that donations be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Though her passing is a sorrowful occasion, Jessica Walter leaves behind a legacy of sharp witted laughter that endeared her to her fans and co-stars oh so warmly.

Born in 1941, Jessica Walter started her career with Broadway hits such as Neil Simon’s Rumors, but eventually found herself becoming a fixture in the world of television. Walter’s resume on TV was a healthy mix of various classics, with everything from Mission: Impossible to Babylon 5 included among her credits. Jessica Walter was even part of an early attempt at adapting the Doctor Strange legacy of Marvel Comics, playing the villainous Morgan le Fay in the 1978 television movie.

Of course, Ms. Walter had a handful of roles that were her ultimate calling cards. TV fans would best know her for three different roles. Through her vocal talents, Jessica Walter made an impression as both the loving, but firm Fran Sinclair in Disney’s Dinosaurs, as well as the abrasive, but hysterical Mallory Archer, the mother to the titular spy in FXX’s Archer. Meanwhile, her live-action credits contain some notable roles that helped enrich Ms. Walter’s legacy.

In a similar context as her Archer character, Jessica Walter won great acclaim as Lucille Bluth, the hilariously out of touch matriarch in creator Mitchel Hurwitz’s Arrested Development. But movie fans might recognize Walter as stalker Evelyn Draper, the antagonist in Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut Play Misty For Me. Over any of these achievements comes the greatest honor that Jessica Walter, or any other legendary actor could achieve: the love and respect of her co-stars. Nowhere is that better realized than this early reaction from one of her on-screen sons from Arrested Development, Tony Hale:

Be it warmth, wit, or anywhere in-between, Jessica Walter could do it all. It’s those talents, and her loving spirit, that make her departure bittersweet, and her legacy assured. CinemaBlend would like to extend its deepest condolences to Jessica Walter’s friends and family in this difficult time of mourning.

Tom Kane is a prolific voice actor with credits on some beloved shows playing some beloved characters, but sadly, Kane has lost the ability to speak. Kane's daughter broke the news to fans to explain why her father hasn't been active recently, using his Facebook account to spread the news that he suffered a stroke earlier this year, as well as his current status.

Known for projects including Archer, The Powerpuff Girls, and a variety of Star Wars series playing a variety of characters, Tom Kane's stroke left him with some effects that may prevent him from returning to his voiceover work. His daughter, Sam, provided a detailed update via Facebook, saying:

Although Tom Kane has been left without the ability to "efficiently communicate verbally" and cannot read or spell, his daughter still has some reassuring words for fans concerned about the voice actor. He's still "very much himself," to the point that he approves of Sam posting the news on his Facebook page and will see the responses. It's already clear that there will be no shortage of responses for him to see. At the time of writing, the post has already accumulated more than 960 comments, with over 400 shares and more than 2,600 reactions.

Among Tom Kane's many credits over the the span of his nearly 30-year career in voice acting are roles in both the original run and revival season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (as Narrator, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Admiral Yularen, and more), Star Wars Forces of Destiny (as Yoda with other Clone Wars stars), Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (Admiral Ackbar, who met an untimely fate), Star Wars Rebels (Admiral Yularen), the recent Lego Star Wars Holiday Special (as Qui-Gon Jin and Yoda), multiple video games, and more.

Star Wars legend Mark Hamill (who recently reprised his role yet again) responded to the news of Tom Kane's stroke with a touching post on social media:

Even if Tom Kane never does voiceover work again, he leaves a powerful legacy in the business with a remarkably long list of credits that show off his versatility as a voice actor, including multiple roles in not just the same franchise, but also the same projects. On top of his Star Wars contributions, he has voiced Woodhouse and Hans Hessler for Archer, Professor Utonium (among other voices) on The Powerpuff Girls, Monkey Fist on Kim Possible, Takeo Masaki in various Call of Duty video game releases, and Ultron in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, to name just a handful.

Our thoughts here at CinemaBlend are with Tom Kane and his family as he works to recover following his stroke.

On the surface, not many similarities are readily available when thinking about horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis and professional drunkard Sterling Archer, yet audiences will get to enjoy that completely unexpected pair-up for FXX's Archer when Season 11 premieres in September. Archer writer and executive producer Casey Willis dropped the big reveal that Curtis joined the new season not just for a mere one-off episode, but rather as a recurring guest star. And we all have Halloween to thank for it, though Michael Myers isn't earning any of our appreciation.

Archer was one of many TV series that took part in the rather subdued Comic-Con@Home event, but was somehow one of relatively few shows to actually unveil the kinds of surprises that Comic-Con attendees are used to getting in traditional outings. Joined by cast members Judy Greer, Aisha Tyler, Lucky Yates and Chris Parnell, Archer EP Casey Willis waited until the middle of the panel to make a pair of awesome announcements. First, he revealed that comedy genius Simon Pegg will show up in Season 11, and then said this:

As awesome as it will be to get Star Trek and Shaun of the Dead vet Simon Pegg into the Archer-verse for an episode, it will be that much better to have Jamie Lee Curtis around for multiple episodes. I'm going to blindly assume that True Lies callbacks are definitely going to be used, though it wasn't James Cameron's action flick that connected the actress to Archer, but rather David Gordon Green's 2018 Halloween revamping. As Casey Willis implied, Judy Greer was almost entirely responsible for Curtis getting involved for Season 11, though it helps that the latter was already a huge Archer fan. In Greer's words:

In the first place, how awesome is it that Jamie Lee Curtis and her son Thomas can use Archer as a bonding mechanism? (No, not as a bond-age mechanism, Pam.) Not that it's much of a surprise that Curtis would be a fan, considering she balances her horror cred with plenty of solid comedic roles, and is married to mockumentary maestro Christopher Guest. Enjoying a TV show doesn't automatically mean wanting to turn that fandom into a job, but it sounds like Curtis was quick to take Judy Greer up on the guest-star offer.

Considering the lack of info Casey Willis and Judy Greer shared about any new characters, it's hard to know what to expect from Jamie Lee Curtis when her animated counterpart shows up on Archer. However, we can guess with nearly 100% confidence that Curtis will be voicing a realistic human being in a modern-day setting, since Season 11 marks the first time in several years that Archer will return its characters to the real world following the titular spy's three-season coma. No more Dreamland nostalgia, Danger Island adventures or space-related wackiness for the crew, with audiences finally learning what actually happened after the Season 7 finale.

While I can dream of Jamie Lee Curtis being brought in as a co-boss with Jessica Walter's Mallory Archer, it would make more sense for Curtis' mystery character to have a connection with Judy Greer's naive and constantly evolving Cheryl Tunt. Could this be the season when we finally meet Cheryl's mom, who has only been mentioned in passing in previous seasons? That might be a little too on-the-nose, considering the pair's mother-daughter relationship on Halloween. But if it ain't broke, and it ain't a seemingly immortal monster in a mask, then why change anything?

Having had its original May premiere date postponed due to TV production lockdowns, Archer Season 11 will now make its long-awaited debut on FXX on Wednesday, September 16, at 10:00 p.m. ET, with two back-to-back episodes kicking the new non-coma season off. (Remember when it was supposed to end after Season 10?) While waiting for all the phrasing mishaps, be sure and keep current with our Fall 2020 TV Premiere schedule to see what new and returning shows will be debuting soon.

Comedy fans should know that the funniest TV shows on Hulu are an essential reason why it is one of the best streaming services to subscribe to today. From some of Hulu’s original TV shows to beloved classic sitcoms of the past, the following are some of the most hilarious series you can find with a Hulu subscription, in my opinion.

30 Rock (2006-2013)

Starring: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin

What it’s about: An inside look at the uproarious antics going on behind the scenes of a live sketch comedy TV show.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Also created by former SNL star and writer Tina Fey, 30 Rock is a sharp industry satire that would slowly evolve into a wonderfully absurd workplace comedy.

• Stream 30 Rock on Hulu

English Teacher (2024-Present)

Starring: Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig

What it’s about: The struggles of a modern-day high school faculty member, as seen mostly through the eyes of the openly gay Evan Marquez.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Also created by Brian Jordan Alvarez, English Teacher is more than just another funny comedy set at a school but a surprisingly profound snapshot of the most polarizing sociological topics of today, from both adult and teen viewpoints.

• Stream English Teacher on Hulu

Ramy (2019-Present)

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Amr Waked

What it’s about: The New Jersey-born son of Egyptian immigrants seeks spiritual guidance to better understand his Muslim faith.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Comedian Ramy Youssef (who also co-created Ramy) earned a Golden Globe for portraying a fictionalized version of himself in this funny and profoundly moving meditation on cultural identity.

• Stream Ramy on Hulu

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

Starring: D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor

What it’s about: Jaded by their lives in an Oklahoma reservation community, four Indigenous teens plan to escape by turning to crime.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: From creators Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo, Reservation Dogs sheds light on the life of the modern Indigenous youth through a cheekily comical guise.

• Stream Reservation Dogs on Hulu

Only Murders In The Building (2021-Present)

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez

What it’s about: A mismatched trio becomes a sensation when they start an investigative podcast about deadly crimes in their famed Manhattan apartment complex.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: No TV show has captured the modern world’s obsession with true crime better, and in a funnier way, than the Hulu exclusive, Only Murders in the Building, which has Season 5 in the works.

• Stream Only Murders in the Building on Hulu

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

Starring: Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olsen, Danny DeVito

What it’s about: The misadventures of a group of narcissistic and borderline sociopathic friends who own an Irish pub in South Philadelphia.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: If I were to give a name to this generation’s equivalent to Seinfeld, it would very likely be It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, despite the long-running (16 seasons and counting) FX original’s propensity to be a bit stranger and much, much darker than Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David’s classic ever proved to be.

• Stream It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Hulu

New Girl (2011-2018)

Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone

What it’s about: A recently heartbroken LA teacher moves in with three male strangers.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Zooey Deschanel brings her signature quirky charm to the small screen as the lead of creator Elizabeth Meriwether’s sitcom, but it’s her chemistry with the rest of the New Girl cast that makes it so irresistibly funny.

• Stream New Girl on Hulu

What We Do In The Shadows (2019-2024)

Starring: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasha Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch

What it’s about: A camera crew follows the daily routine of a group of naive vampires and their familiar.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Cross the mockumentary-style humor of The Office with the lore pioneered by Dracula author Bram Stoker and you get one of the funniest horror TV shows available on Hulu, What We Do in the Shadows – a series adaptation of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s horror-comedy movie classic of the same name.

• Stream What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu

Archer (2009-2023)

Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler

What it’s about: The adventures of the selfish, absent-minded top agent at the already dysfunctional International Secret Intelligence Service.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: While there have already been countless parodies of great spy movies and TV shows for decades, no one has poked fun at espionage quite like creator Adam Reed’s Archer, and not just because it’s animated.

• Stream Archer on Hulu

Cheers (1982-1993)

Starring: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson

What it’s about: The staff and clientele of a Boston pub form strong relationships with one another.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: In a time when family sitcoms were all the rage, the long-running, multi-Emmy Award-winning hit, Cheers – which Frasier was spun off from – redefined the sitcom family as the people you see every day when you stop for a drink on your way home from work.

• Stream Cheers on Hulu

Futurama (1999-2023)

Starring: Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal

What it’s about: A 20th-century pizza deliverer is accidentally frozen and wakes up 2000 years later.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: The present-day looks funnier when shown through the lens of the futuristic society from Futurama, which – like co-creator Matt Groening’s other most famous creation, The Simpsons (which this series also referenced often) – pokes fun at pop culture mercilessly but makes it even more fun with sci-fi elements.

• Stream Futurama on Hulu

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Starring: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan

What it’s about: A man tells his children his own love story… consisting mostly of anecdotes about his friends.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas and featuring a now-A-list cast, How I Met Your Mother became a widely beloved pop culture staple for its interesting comments on modern romance and surviving adulthood.

• Stream How I Met Your Mother on Hulu

Scrubs (2001-2010)

Starring: Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison

What it’s about: An underachieving doctor learns about more than just medicine while working at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Fans of medical dramas and quirky sitcoms looking for a series that combines the styles of both should look no further than creator Bill Lawrence’s Scrubs, which is surrealistically funny but can be heartwarming and even heartbreaking at times.

• Stream Scrubs on Hulu

The Great (2020-2023)

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult

What it’s about: A humorous retelling of the rise of Catherine the Great as the governess of Russia.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: By being a bit loose with the facts, The Great also succeeds in being an amusing and thought-provoking reflection of modern-day society with more old-fashioned production design and lavish costumes.

• Stream The Great on Hulu

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams

What it’s about: A camera crew follows the eccentric, diverse faculty at a Philadelphia elementary school with a low reputation.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: The documentary-style sitcom is nothing new but star and creator Quinta Brunson’s Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary is a refreshing entry for its irreverent, high-brow sense of humor.

• Stream Abbott Elementary on Hulu

Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

Starring: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy

What it’s about: A wealthy family is forced to live in a rural community they purchased as a joke when it becomes their sole asset after losing everything else.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Few “riches-to-rags” stories have been as uplifting, influential, and absolutely hilarious than this Canadian import, which is co-created by Schitt’s Creek cast members and real-life father and son, Eugene and Dan Levy.

• Stream Schitt’s Creek on Hulu

Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)

Starring: Tyler James Williams, Terry Crews

What it’s about: A funny, fictionalized look at the childhood of comedian Chris Rock.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: Rock co-creates and narrates Everybody Hates Chris, which is a fun, autobiographical twist on the family sitcom.

• Stream Everybody Hates Chris on Hulu

Modern Family (2009-2020)

Starring: Ed O’Neil, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet

What it’s about: A documentary crew follows an aging divorcee, his new, younger Colombian wife, his daughter and her childish spouse, her younger brother and his husband, and their respective children

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: From creators Christopher Lloyd (not that one) and Steve Levitan, this sweet, Emmy-winning mockumentary-style ABC sitcom authentically, and tastefully, defines what it means to be a Modern Family.

• Stream Modern Family on Hulu

The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Starring: Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Betty White, Rue McClanahan

What it’s about: A quartet of single women – including the down-to-earth Dorothy, her outspoken mother, Sophia, the dim but endearing Rose, and the romantically active Blanche – learn to survive each other as roommates in Miami.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: As the title of The Golden Girls suggests, our central characters prove that, despite having entered their golden years, they have not yet lost their biting sense of humor.

• Stream The Golden Girls on Hulu

Rick And Morty (2013-Present)

Starring: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke, Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden

What it’s about: An alcoholic mad scientist drags his meek, teenage grandson on dangerous, often life-changing adventures to different worlds.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: While it is essentially an animated parody of Doc and Marty McFly’s relationship in Back to the Future, Rick and Morty (co-created by Community mastermind Dan Harmon) has become one of the most acclaimed science-fiction TV shows in recent memory.

• Stream Rick and Morty on Hulu

Atlanta (2016-2022)

Starring: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz

What it’s about: A penniless college dropout takes on the responsibility of managing his cousin’s up-and-coming rap career.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: I might be cheating by including this Emmy-winning FX original because, as seen in many of the best Atlanta episodes, it is more than a comedy but a dystopia of surrealist mundanity that can make you laugh, cry, frighten you, or leave you ultimately bewildered by its stunning creativity and brutal honesty.

• Stream Atlanta on Hulu

Letterkenny (2016-2023)

Starring: Jared Keeso, Nathan Dales, Michelle Mylett, K. Trevor Wilson

What it’s about: An inside look at rural Canada through the eyes of the diverse, eccentric citizens of the eponymous town.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: You will never think of the Great White North in the same way again after the Letterkenny cast teaches you a whole new vocabulary, gives you a fresh perspective on a wide variety of topics (including classic pop culture moments), and has you howling with laughter, if you can keep up with the rapid-fire dialogue.

• Stream Letterkenny on Hulu

Bob’s Burgers (2011-Present)

Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal

What it’s about: Bob Belcher struggles to keep his restaurant in business and his sanity intact as he and his eccentric family endure a series of unusual, yet oddly relatable, mishaps.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: The animated culinary comedy Bob’s Burgers (easily the sweetest and most endearingly quirky of anything in Fox’s Animation Domination slot) has also inspired an acclaimed feature-length spin-off released in 2022 and an actual cookbook, too.

• Stream Bob’s Burgers on Hulu

Key & Peele (2012-2015)

Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele

What it’s about: A series of irreverent short films from the minds of the titular comedy duo.

Why it is one of the funniest TV shows on Hulu: The former MADtv cast members took the world by storm with one of the best sketch comedy TV shows in recent memory, Key & Peele, which showcased hilarious bits featuring a name pronunciation-challenged substitute teacher and man hired to translate President Barack Obama’s words into furious rants.

• Stream Key & Peele on Hulu

These TV shows, old or new, are just what a Hulu subscriber needs to keep them laughing until they cry.

Archer is never one to shy away from pushing the envelope, and the ninth season -- known as Archer: Danger Island -- took place with good old Sterling Archer in a coma and imagining a wild series of events featuring a talking bird, a bizarre quest, and Nazis, all set back in 1938. The season seemed to cram a whole lot into the eight episodes, but it turns out that there's one story that was left out due to time. During the Archer panel at San Diego Comic-Con, executive producer Casey Willis explained the plot that didn't make it to TV, and it has everything to do with that Danger Island baby monkey.

As viewers may remember, there was a certain scene in Danger Island that saw a baby monkey crying over the body of his mother after she was killed by the Nazis concocted by Archer's mind. It was a tragic sight as reminiscent of Bambi and his mom in Bambi as to a couple of the Ewoks from Return of the Jedi. The glimpse of the mourning baby monkey was the first and last we saw of him, meaning that he was a very unfunny part of what is usually a very funny show. If everything had gone according to plan, the baby monkey would have had his revenge. Unfortunately, the show simply ran out of time to tell the baby monkey's story in Danger Island.

The Archer panel did reveal what would have happen if there had been enough time for the orphaned monkey to have his story brought full circle. Here's what Casey Willis says would have happened in a perfect world:

The baby monkey could have exacted his revenge if not for the fact that there was already too much going on that couldn't be cut. As of now, the death of the mother monkey goes unavenged, and it's not like a future season of Archer can really take the gang back to the island. The entire season took place in comatose Archer's mind, so there's no fixing the great injustice done to the young monkey. We'll never get to see the monkey grow from the baby mourning his mother to a wrathful creature ready to kick ass and take names.

The good news is that Archer does still have more stories to tell. The show already has another season in the works, and it will take the whole team to space. The new season will also run for only eight episodes, so we have to hope that the Archer team manages to fit everything they want into what will be available to them. There probably won't be any more monkey tragedies in space, but we should never rule anything out when it comes to Archer. That said, there's no guarantee that Archer will last beyond Season 10 on FXX, so we'll have to try and enjoy everything that comes our way.

If you want to relive some of the Archer days before the trip to Danger Island, you can find the first eight seasons streaming on Hulu now. The show was previously available on Netflix, but it left the streaming service back in March. If you want some current streaming options, swing by our Netflix premiere schedule and our Amazon Prime guide. If streaming isn't always your style, take a look at our summer TV schedule.

Spoilers below for the Archer: Danger Island season premiere, so be warned before continuing on. No worries about quicksand or poison darts, though.

With each year that passes, one of the most glorious entertainment constants is Archer's return to primetime, with recent years flipping up genres and narrative structures in huge ways. Season 9, subtitled Danger Island for all the obvious reasons, winningly strays even farther from the show's James Bond roots, maintaining largely just the characters' long-established personality traits. Perhaps the most baffling alteration is Archer's resident mad scientist Kreiger substituted with a wordplay-loving macaw named Crackers. I reached out to executive producers Matt Thompson and Casey Willis about the most fun new Danger Island element for them, and Crackers won the gold. In their words:

The first time Crackers is heard in the Archer: Danger Island premiere, he's cackling rather un-birdlike about 1930s Sterling Archer having forgotten to put his eyepatch back on post-coitus. Soon after, he's cracking sarcastic along with everyone else, with only a ramblingly half-assed explanation to be found, and only after Charlotte freaked the hell out abou tit. Which means it was absolutely Archer-perfect, and feels like a strangely natural evolution for Kreiger. Perhaps because of both of them are redheads, or perhaps because actor Lucky Yates seems like the kind of guy who might know how to be reincarnated as a macaw. Or as a parakeet meant to be a prize for taking a poop. No judgment here.

In any case, I'm just glad to know Crackers was as fun to conceive and write for as he is to watch. I do love the fact that such efforts were made to keep him as realistic as possible. At least as far as some physical aspects go, if not the mental ones and the animal's specific vocal range. Seeing Crackers dancing to that record looked much like how a bird moves, if a bird could be imbued with Kreiger's creep-schmuck introversion.

Having watched the first handful of episodes of Archer: Danger Island, I can say that the show really does go the extra mile with all the familiar components of old school adventure serials. Which means it necessarily shares very little with the post-2010 lifestyles all these characters started the show with. So when I asked Matt Thompson and Casey Willis if there were any new elements that had to be left on the cutting room floor for one reason or another, here's how they responded.

For the record, I think my favorite moment in the episode was Archer and Crackers' exchange before the latter was thrown from the plane, specifically for that great alternate take on the "Oh, you're talking to me?" line. I love how Archer can spin a specific line twice in short order like that, because then it just makes me want them to keep on doing it, and for whatever reason, I appreciate a show that makes catchphrase legitimately hilarious, while making it look so seemingly effortless. None of that is what she said, sarcastically or not.

Now head to the next page to check out which Danger Island addition is a fun (and logical) homage to Archer characters of yesteryear.

Because it wouldn't be a season of Archer without lots of callbacks and gags that longtime fans can appreciate, while still being amusing enough for late-comer viewers. Understandably, I wondered if there were any specific bits from the premiere that executive producers Matt Thompson and Casey Willis loved getting to throw in there.

A reverse of the law firm Stratton-Whitney, Whitney Stratton, IV's name isn't just a random callback, of course, but (assumedly) a piece of present-day Archer's subconscious. Because of the events at the end of Season 7, Archer is technically still in a coma (even though it seems to be something of an Inception thing, after last year's Dreamland), and it would make sense that he would be banging the newlywed wife of a man named for the two guys who swirlied him so hard, he aspirated water in his lungs...and presumably urine. Also, because they had also just reentered his life and died relatively after, which was not long before that coma business.

And hot damn, did Jon Daly deliver that "Porridge" line with awards-consideration prestige, or what? Good show, good show.

With hopefully no real end to the series in sight, Archer: Danger Island airs Wednesday nights on FXX at 10:00 p.m. ET. Watch out for that snake-rat/rat-snake, and be sure to check out our summer premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are coming.

Supernatural has tried just about every wacky way to put on an episode by this point in the thirteenth season, and the Scooby-Doo crossover may be the show's wackiest episode to date as Sam, Dean, and Castiel were sent into an animated adventure to interact with (and totally disillusion) the Scooby gang. The "Scoobynatural" crossover produced solid ratings for Supernatural, which leads us to wonder if more animated crossovers could happen. Read on for our picks of the best animated shows that could totally fit with Supernatural!

The Flintstones

The Winchester boys are no strangers to traveling back in time, but being sent back to a prehistoric time that has dinosaurs coexisting with people in animated glory? That would be a new one. Given Dean's enthusiasm for Scooby-Doo, it would make sense if he also watched The Flintstones as a kid, and I can practically already hear him yelling "Yabba dabba doo!" If the Impala didn't cross over with them like it did in "Scoobynatural," they would have to improvise weapons with whatever the Flintstones and Co. have on hand. They'd have a hard time getting their hands on iron, let alone shotguns and holy oil. Oh, the shenanigans that would ensue! Would Dean hit on Betty and Wilma like he did on Daphne? Probably, and he'd probably get the same results as he did with Daphne.

Archer

If a crossover with The Flintstones seems a little too G-rated for Supernatural (even after all the murder and mayhem of the Scooby-Doo crossover), a crossover with Archer would certainly be much more adult. Sam and Dean wouldn't have any problems getting weapons if they teamed up with the Archer group of spies, and what project isn't made immeasurably better with the vocal talents of H. Jon Benjamin? Dean would definitely be on board with Archer's love of women, booze, and shooting things, and I can imagine Sam commiserating with Lana over their antics. I'd almost want this crossover to happen on FXX than The CW so we could see the whole crew embracing all things Archer, but I'd take it for sure on The CW.

The Simpsons

Is there any list of animated shows that would be complete without The Simpsons? Admittedly, on the one hand, Supernatural and The Simpsons don't exactly share a genre the way Supernatural and Scooby-Doo kind of do, although The Simpsons did feature an X-Files crossover way back in the day. On the other hand, Supernatural and The Simpsons are basically the two shows that are going to be on forever. Supernatural just scored a renewal for Season 14! The apocalypse could come and destroy civilization as we know it, and Supernatural and The Simpsons would still be going. Of course they should cross over! If nothing else, the Winchester boys could drop by the annual Simpsons Halloween special.

Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series is pretty widely considered one of the best animated series of all time. The voice cast (including Kevin Conroy as the Caped Crusader and Mark Hamill as one of the most chilling Jokers of all time) was stellar, the stories were dark and nuanced, and it brought a non-campy version of Batman to the small screen. Dean is a fan of Batman, and how much fun would it be to see the Winchester boys consistently outfought and outsmarted by Batman? Fans are used to seeing Sam and Dean kick ass and take names on Supernatural; pit them up against Batman, and hilarity would surely ensue. Both Conroy and Hamill have reprised their roles over the years, so perhaps they could even be convinced to contribute. I can practically hear the Boy Wonder jokes about Castiel already.

The Addams Family

Honestly, part of me is surprised that Supernatural hasn't found a way to crossover with The Addams Family at some point in its thirteen seasons already, even if in live action rather than animation. The Addams family living in their spooky mansion seems like the exact kind of family Sam and Dean would have encountered over the years. In fact, the spooky mansion could be the perfect way to bring the Winchesters back into animation. Why couldn't they stumble on some kind of portal when investigating a real-life version of the Addams Family mansion and wind up hanging out with Gomez, Morticia, and Co.? Much, much stranger things have happened on Supernatural.

Rick And Morty

Perhaps the only more bizarre family unit getting into supernatural-esque shenanigans on TV is the duo of Rick and Morty. Alcoholic mad scientist Rick and his more easily distressed grandson Morty have even explored multiverses, so a crossover between Supernatural and Rick and Morty could technically be canon to Rick and Morty, simply taking place in one of the unexplored multiverses. The animation style for Rick and Morty is also strikingly different than Scooby-Doo, and it would be fun to see the Winchesters done up in Rick and Morty-style. Who knows? Maybe a crossover could even give Rick and Morty some of that Supernatural magic that has kept it going for more than a decade. Fans would certainly appreciate word of a renewal at this point.

Tune in to The CW on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET for new episodes of Supernatural. For more of what to watch now and in the coming weeks, be sure to swing by our midseason TV premiere schedule and our summer TV premiere guide.

After a few months that have been a little slower in terms of big releases, March is going to be a big month in home entertainment. Not only will Star Wars fans finally see the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi finally get to check out the extra features with that set, but the box office behemoth Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, as is Justice League and a slew of movies with Oscar potential and, oh yeah, the Blu-ray and DVD release for Thor: Ragnarok is also coming. If there's not one movie on the list that appeals to you in some capacity, I can only surmise you love niche films or aren't a movie fan at all. Because honestly, I write this list every month and there's almost never this much interesting stuff coming out within a few short weeks of each other.

Of course, if you are looking for the February 2018 list, we have you covered.

Tuesday, March 6 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Thor: Ragnarok

Blue Planet II

Lady Bird

Wonder Wheel

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Scorched Earth

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Ninth Season

The Breadwinner

Curse of the Mayans

Aliens Ate My Homework

Faces Places

Novitiate

Atlanta: The Complete First Season

The Clapper

Week of March 6 Early Digital Releases

I, Tonya (March 2)

Jumanji: Welcome To the Jungle (March 6)

Downsizing (March 6)

Tuesday, March 13 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Justice League

The Shape of Water

Call Me By Your Name

I, Tonya

Fear The Walking Dead: The Complete Third Season

The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1

The Disaster Artist

Ferdinand

Major Crimes: The Sixth and Final Season DVD

Children of the Corn: Runaway

Into The Badlands: Season 2

Kickboxer Retalition

Lego DC Super Heroes: The Flash

Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures - Season Two

Knightfall: Season 1

Kendra on Top: Season 6

The Good Fight: Season 1

Week of March 13 Early Digital Releases

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Tuesday, March 20 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle

Pitch Perfect 3

Archer: The Complete Season Eight

Downsizing

Ichi The Killer

Dirt

Small Town Crime

The Vanishing of Sidney Hall

Tuesday, March 27 DVD And Blu-ray Releases

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

The Americans: The Complete Fifth Season

Mr. Robot: Season 3.0

The Last Men in Aleppo

Legion: The Complete Season One

Acts of Violence

The Last Movie Star

Week of March 27 Early Digital Releases

Molly's Game

Phantom Thread

Every month, Netflix subscribers bear witness to a constant influx of mostly original new programming, which balances the constant exodus of licensed properties. The latest announcement for March 2018 has quite a few noteworthy additions, including Jessica Jones Season 2 and Game Over, Man!, but customers will no doubt also raise their eyebrows over the large number of TV shows that will get removed from the service, as the FX comedy Archer and around 20 more shows will have some or all of their seasons stricken from Netflix's library in the coming weeks.

The biggest loss in the bunch is definitely Archer's seven seasons -- Netflix hadn't ever picked up Season 8 -- and this would be a tough show to lose no matter what other series were involved. With a voice acting cast that is second to none, the series is heading into its ninth season this year, which will be another strange twist on the format that the past few seasons have offered fans, and now it seems fans shouldn't expect to stream it on Netflix in the future. And this isn't the biggest loss just because it's one of the smartest, funniest and most binge-worthy comedies on TV. It just literally is the biggest loss, with none of the other exiting shows featuring nearly as many as seven seasons. You can check out the full list below, with each show's exit date marked in parentheses.

Aside from Archer, which is still available on Hulu, another one of the most noteworthy departing shows include the first two seasons of NBC's The Carmichael Show, the acclaimed race-oriented sitcom from comedian Jerrod Carmichael. Comedy Central's animated park ranger comedy Brickleberry is also going away, with all three seasons leaving the woods. WGN America's witchy horror drama Salem's second and third seasons will say goodbye to Netflix, though the first one already isn't there.

While only two seasons of The Killing will be leaving Netflix in March, it's perhaps the most interesting entry in the list. Why? Because after AMC initially cancelled The Killing after Season 2, Netflix and Fox Television Studios stepped in to help negotiate the third season's production. And then after AMC re-cancelled it after Season 3, Netflix produced the six-episode final season and was the exclusive home for it. So the company apparently gets to hold onto that third season, which is pretty cool in and of itself.

And then there are a bunch of other short-lived series that are saying farewell, but don't go thinking that their limited episode supplies mean they're all worth skipping. The Seth MacFarlane-produced Bordertown took some interesting storytelling approaches to America's border politics. The FX boxing drama Lights Out was as gripping as could be, with Holt McCallany delivering a stellar performance throughout. The well-cast Traffic Light is worth a quick binge for some relationship laughs, and Shawn Ryan's Chicago Code also had a pretty stellar first season that just didn't find enough of an audience.

All of the shows on the list appear to have been distributed by 20th Television, the syndication arm of 20th Century Fox Television, which likely means Netflix's deal with the company expired. By all means, a new deal could get struck up in the near future, but with all the money Netflix is pouring into its original content, there might not be much money left for licensing soon.

So remember to watch as many of these shows as possible before they're taken away from Netflix for the foreseeable future. To see what's coming to Netflix, though, you can head to our March New Release list, and then jump to our 2018 Netflix schedule to round it all out. When that's done, our midseason premiere schedule will guide you the rest of the way.

Anyone wondering what would happen if Archer and Eggsy from Kingsman: The Secret Service were in the same room needn't wonder any longer. Check out the hilarious exchange between the two spies in the new video below and continue reading:

As Eggsy would say, "brilliant." The short did a wonderful job of paying respect to each properties' quirks and characters while at the same time allowing the best parts of each to shine. While Eggsy got the upper hand on FX's American spy, Archer did manage to drink all his booze and find the Kingsman weapon stash on accident. Plus, he managed to not get shot, which seems like a win for Archer compared to other days.

It seems obvious that combining the world's of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Archer would fit together so well now, but why did it take so long for this to happen? At least someone came up with the idea prior to the release of Kingsman: The Golden Circle, otherwise who knows how long it would've been until this wondrous mashup made its way to the web. Could this short video to promote the film mean a larger crossover is in the works for an episode of Archer?

If it were to happen, it needs to be sooner than later. Archer creator Adam Reed indicated a year ago he has no intentions of continuing the show past Season 10, and Season 8 just ended in May. Given the episode count of the past two seasons, that possibly leaves less than 20 episodes for a possible Kingsman crossover episode, should the respective parties want to recreate the magic of this video again.

If they do, the potential episode could likely outshine the Bob's Burgers crossover with Archer that aired not that long ago. If they find a way to work Colin Firth into said theoretical episode, that likely becomes a definite and an event fans of spy comedies would not want to miss. Of course, this is all hypothetical, and there's no indication anyone involved in this amazing mashup will ever collaborate again.

Assuming it doesn't get canceled by FX for some crazy reason, Archer probably has about two seasons left and the hilariously irreverent Kingsman: The Golden Circle is due out in theaters September 22nd. Maybe the film will flip the script and crossover with a live-action Archer in the sequel? That's probably not happening, but if it did Archer's producers already have the perfect actor to play the bumbling spy. Those who may have noticed Netflix popped up a very similar show to Archer, Pacific Heat, will be interested in learning Adam Reed isn't all that miffed about it. For a list of new summer shows worth a watch, visit our summer premiere guide.

The phrase "Golden Age of Television" has been thrown around consistently over the course of the last decade or two. With shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Sopranos paving the way for hard-hitting dramatic narratives to take over the small screen, TV has never been more prestigious. That said, there's an argument to be made that few series have risen up to replace these long gone "golden age" series in the world of drama. However, there's no need to fret just yet.

TV dramas' heyday may have come to an end, but that leaves us free to bask in the heat of The Golden Age of TV Comedy. With that in mind, we have gone through the current television landscape and pulled out the 15 best series that showcase how far small screen comedies have come over the years. On that note, let's start this list with one of the most groundbreaking animated series in recent memory.

Archer

Adam Reed's Archer has shown a level of flexibility that's almost unheard of in the realm of animated comedies. Formerly little more than a James Bond spoof with jokes to spare, Archer (if not its swilling titular character) evolves considerably with each passing season, and has never shown any fear with regards to completely upending its own premise for the sake of trying something different or exciting. Beyond that, the show's writing remains razor sharp, and long-running jokes still continue to pay off after eight seasons, so if Adam Reed has another eight in him, we'll gobble it all up. Phrasing!

Rick and Morty

All of the comedies on this list are great, but Rick and Morty stands out for the way in which it has become an absolute pop culture phenomenon in its two short seasons on the air. Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's Adult Swim genre-masher has found a perfect synergy by combining tried and true science fiction tropes with existential nihilism, and what started as a liquored-up parody of Back to the Future has (d)evolved into something that (in all honesty) shouldn't have the broad schwifty appeal that it has achieved.

Catastrophe

Let's make one thing clear: not every great comedy that airs in America comes from America. There has always been great small screen entertainment being made across the pond, and easily one of the best imports of late is Catastrophe. It centers on co-creators Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan's characters contending with an unexpected pregnancy following a one-night-stand, and the Amazon Original has received rave reviews since its debut in 2015, and it's turned into one of the streaming platform's best comedies -- which is saying something when we consider the rest of Amazon's content. (Plus, Carrie Fisher!)

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

If Archer has become a better series for its ability to evolve and change over time, then It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia has become a modern classic for the exact opposite reason. The FXX sitcom is closing in on the record for the longest-running live-action comedy of all time, and the core DNA of the series has remained relatively unchanged since it first premiered back in 2005. That consistency is unheard of in pop culture, and It's Always Sunny continues to deliver again and again. Hiatus be damned.

Veep

Even if Veep was not the show that definitively helped Julia Louis-Dreyfus escape the dreaded "Seinfeld Curse," the endlessly vulgar HBO political satire would still go down in the annals of comedy history. Earning more Emmys than a single person could ever physically hold, the biting series has consistently delivered over the course of its (mostly) six seasons on the air, and its particular brand of fault-highlighting comedy only gets sharper as political humor becomes more and more relevant in our current media landscape.

Horace and Pete

Of all the entries on this list, Louis C.K.'s surprise series Horace and Pete stretches the idea of what even constitutes "television" the farthest. Independently funded, created, and distributed by the iconic stand-up comedian, the dark and dreary take on the Norman Lear sitcom formula is a complete experiment in how to manipulate the format, and it's all channeled through Louis C.K.'s trademark cynicism in a way that feels equally theatrical and honest. Horace and Pete is a rare show by several values, and it's worth seeking out.

Master of None

Aziz Ansari's Master of None has become one of those rare comedies that have managed to elevate itself to the status of high art. Channeling the best of Woody Allen and its co-creators' ideals, Master of None is a full-bodied comedy viewing experience. It's completely unafraid to try new and innovative things episode after episode -- such as letting one-third of an episode play in silence as it follows the story of a deaf girl, or recreating Vittorio de Sica's The Bicycle Thief in black and white.

Broad City

Arguably none of the comedies on this list speaks to the millennial audience more than Broad City. Equal parts Girls and Workaholics, the Comedy Central sitcom has managed to create an eclectic and absurd depiction of New York City that still manages to feel overwhelmingly grounded within the never-ending friendship of yas kweens Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. The series has served as a springboard for both of these actresses, but it still manages to deliver as their stars continue to rise above all the weed smoke.

Atlanta

If you are in the market for an absurd combination of grounded and gritty human drama and David Lynch- esque surrealism, as scored by Migos and Sam Cooke, then Donald Glover's Atlanta will feel right up your alley. The Emmy-winning series offers an unflinching and colorful look into the lives of Atlanta's struggling lower class, while also feeling like it plays out in an entirely higher plain of existence. The focus and format changes from episode to episode and each narrative is exponentially weirder than the one that preceded it.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has fought tooth and nail to maintain consistent ratings since it debuted on The CW in 2015. That is nothing short of deserving a funeral dirge spoof, because Rachel Bloom's musical comedy has handily turned into one of the most clever and unpredictable romantic comedy series on TV. Much of this has to do with Bloom herself, as the wise-beyond-her-years actress throws herself into each and every scene with an intensity and manic energy not seen since the heyday of a comedic icon like Lucille Ball.

BoJack Horseman

BoJack Horseman, in many ways, stems from the same school of thought as Rick and Morty for the way in which it balances its colorful animation style and lighthearted sense of fun with downright depressing themes that are all too real. However, the substance-abusing Netflix comedy also manages to stand apart for its ability to skewer the Hollywood/Los Angeles landscape in ways that HBO's Entourage could've only dreamed of. What other show can make the entire film industry AND three kids stacked in a trenchcoat (pretending to be an adult) equally hilarious?

Silicon Valley

In our current device-obsessed times, there quite literally might be nothing more ripe for satire than the tech bros of Northern California. The browbeaten brainchild of Office Space's Mike Judge, Silicon Valley has handily become one of the most enjoyable HBO series since its premiere in 2014. The series' ensemble is damn near perfect -- T.J. Miller and Jimmy O Yang are priceless together -- and the Seinfeld-esque plotting and character development has quickly turned Silicon Valley into one of the most quotable and attention-grabbing comedies on TV.

The Mick

It has become increasingly difficult to find high-quality comedies on network television, as the small screen landscape continues to provide new outlets for different creatives. That said, a unique gem such as The Mick occasionally rises from piles of wine bottles. The freshman series has become a modest hit for Fox since its debut this year, thanks in large part to a killer cast led by Kaitlin Olsen's ability to channel and surpass the energy she brings to Sweet Dee on It's Always Sunny. (Fitting fact: Creators Dave and John Chermin were Always Sunny writers.)

The Eric Andre Show

An acid trip of a TV series, The Eric Andre Show is the type of comedy that necessarily only comes around once a generation. Equal parts Jackass, The Tom Green Show, and "Johnny Carson after swallowing way too many psilocybin mushrooms," the Adult Swim talk series is a masterclass in awkward, alternative humor, with its titular host ambushing his B and C-list celebrity guests with some of the most innovative and gut-busting pranks imaginable. Throw in a deadpan Hannibal Burress as sidekick, and you have a recipe for magic.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

In many ways a spiritual successor to 30 Rock, Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt proves that the SNL alums still know how to craft a hilarious comedy landscape even without Fey in the cast. Centering on a wide-eyed young woman eager to live life to the fullest after being freed from an underground bunker, Kimmy Schmidt quickly established itself one of the best original comedies on Netflix in its two short and joke-stuffed seasons on the streaming platform -- with the highly anticipated third season debuting this month.

What's your current favorite small screen comedy? Let us know below! Beyond that, we still have plenty of summer TV debuts on the horizon, so make sure to check out our summer TV premiere guide and fill out your television viewing calendars accordingly!

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Success has a tendency to breed imitation in the world of animation. The Simpsons very clearly served as inspiration for Family Guy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles paved the way for Street Sharks, and the list goes on from there. With Netflix's new original series, Pacific Heat, now available on the streaming service, many people have started to draw notable visual and plot comparisons to FX's Archer. However, Archer's art director, Neal Holman, doesn't seem to mind. He explained:

Neal Holman addressed the similarities between Pacific Heat and Archer in a recent interview with Uproxx, and he wished the fledgling Netflix cartoon well. Coming from a place of empathy, he reminisced on Archer's struggle to find its own voice during its early years, and he seemed willing to give the new cartoon a chance. This definitely makes plenty of sense; Holman spent much of his career working on Sealab 2021, a series that directly cribbed the animation from a previous series (Sealab 2020) and used it for its own storytelling. He knows this business, and he knows how tough it is to start a show.

The overarching premises of each series definitely invite such comparisons. Pacific Heat centers on a misfit group of Australian police officers that fight criminals while dealing with their own interpersonal drama. Archer's first seasons similar followed the dysfunctional employees of a spy agency (although they recently ditched the spy element) who did battle with arms dealers and KGB agents abroad, while coping with their outlandish work lives at home. There are apparent differences, but the core concepts are quite similar.

Having noted this, it's definitely hard to ignore the insane visual and stylistic similarities between Pacific Heat and Archer. Take a look at a shot from the new Netflix series below.

Now, for the sake of comparison, check out a similar shot from an episode of Archer's first season below.

Hard to ignore, right? Whether intentional or not, it's fairly clear that Pacific Heat has drawn a certain degree of inspiration from Archer. There are differences, but overall both series use incredibly similar styles. As long as Pacific Heat finds its own way, Neal Holman doesn't seem to mind.

Of course, it's worth noting that it remains to be seen whether or not Pacific Heat will have the opportunity to find its voice in the future. The first season of the new series premiered earlier this month on Netflix, and it has generally been met with negative reviews -- garnering 33% favorability with critics, and 22% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. It may look like Archer, but it hasn't come close to achieving Archer's popularity yet.

CinemaBlend will bring you more information related to Archer and Pacific Heat as new details become available to us. For now, make sure to check out our comprehensive midseason premiere guide for more information concerning all of the most highly anticipated spring television debuts!

Last time we saw Sterling Mallory Archer, the secret agent turned cocaine dealer turned private eye had suffered a seemingly fatal gunshot wound and fallen to the bottom of a swimming pool in the Hollywood hills. Sunset Boulevard references aside, fans have spent the last few months wondering about the future of Archer and his FX series. It now seems that Adam Reed envisions a definitive ending for Archer, and it will occur three seasons from now. Reed explained:

During a recent appearance on the Murmur Podcast (via Deadline) Archer creator, Adam Reed, revealed that he plans to end Archer after three more seasons on FX. Reed originally envisioned ending the series after its upcoming eighth season, but he apparently came up with an idea that he's quite fond of that will allow him to run the show for three more abbreviated seasons, and then properly send these characters off with a bang -- phrasing.

With Archer coming to an end, there are obviously plenty of loose ends that need to be tied up. Not only do we need to find out how the titular spy survived a gunshot wound to the stomach, but we also want to finally learn the truth behind his mysterious father. There are 24 episodes left, which means that there's still plenty of story left to tell.

Anyone who watches Archer will instantly be able to tell you that differentiating between seasons is far from difficult. The core ensemble of characters has remained relatively consistent since the show's inception, but Adam Reed has never shown any hesitation towards completely changing the premise of the series. Despite the fact that Archer started off as a spoof of the _James Bond _franchise, the show has continuously evolved -- one season the characters became Florida-based cocaine dealers, and last season saw them start a film noir-esque P.I agency in Hollywood. If Reed claims that the next three seasons will be different, then we feel inclined to believe him.

Although we're saddened to learn that Archer will soon come to an end, we're also excited to see what the next three seasons have in store. CinemaBlend will bring you more information related to the future of the series as new details become available to us. For now, make sure to check out our fall TV premiere schedule and mark your calendars accordingly!

While we're always guaranteed to get some of the best jokes on TV in each season of Archer, we're not all promised a familiar setting in which to see those jokes. And though Season 8 will take some cues from this past season of Hollywood starlets and private investigation gags, it's going to be a complete (if not permanent) reimagining. Or perhaps just an "imagining," as this noir-leaning season is being dubbed Archer: Dreamland, since it will take place completely inside of Sterling Archer's comatose mind. According to creator Adam Reed, who spoke with Cinema Blend and other outlets at Comic-Con:

It's a strange thing to picture something taking place in Archer's unconscious mind carrying a season and being more serialized than the saga of Veronica Deane and Alan Shapiro in Season 7. But that doesn't stop it from being an amazing way to follow up the strange cliffhanger in the finale involving Archer's possible death (and the introduction of his clone). While still sticking to the James Bond-ish guns that held this motley crew together for this long, Dreamland will take its P.I. lifestyle to the 1920s for a murder mystery in which many of these characters will be meeting for the first time (so to speak), giving it a completely new vibe.

In the footage shown to audiences at this year's Comic-Con (via IndieWire), Archer is a dapper dan putting his detective skills into the search for whoever killed his partner Woodhouse, in a nod to the late actor George Coe. Central to the proceedings will be a nightclub where Lana serves as part of the musical entertainment (with Aisha Tyler doing her own singing) along with the trumpet-tooting Ray, while Krieger will be a presumably bananas bartender. Cyril and Pam are detectives, though Pam is now living life as a man, and Mallory will serve as "M" in a blatant nod to the 007 inspiration. And let's not forget the great Jeffrey Tambor returning as Len Trexler, who gets to return as a mob boss.

And while this might seem like a random left turn that hints at a lack of creative fuel, that's not at all the case. Here's what executive producer Matt Thompson had to say when I asked if FX's three-season renewal brought on any changes that single-season renewals didn't.

Now, obviously Season 9 is going to have Archer waking up from his coma and getting back into life after having lived through another completely fictitious (on top of already being fictional) adventure. But what if he's been in that coma for 5 years and everyone else is noticeably older now and everything has changed. And what if Season 10 took place underwater? The sky, or the ocean, is the limit for random creativity when you know you've got years left to go. And we can't wait to see just how roarin' Archer makes the '20s when the show returns.

With what will hopefully contain some of the magnificent fight scenes of seasons past, Archer: Dreamland will premiere at some point in 2017, possibly on FXX, or possibly on FX.

Streaming services have given TV fans plenty of options for binge-watching content, but there's still a certain thrill in watching great shows live as they air. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell the great shows from the terrible shows until a few seasons have aired; by that point, plots may have progressed too far for any new viewers to jump right into the action. Even shows that open each episode with a "Previously on" can't always give enough context to catch anybody up from the beginning.

Luckily, Netflix has a vast library of TV shows with past episodes to enable folks to catch up with a series. We went through the best TV that Netflix has to offer and discovered 10 great current cable shows that are available for streaming. Netflix can almost always be counted on to get all seasons of a show streaming before the next season premieres, so take a look at our list of great cable shows and prepare to tweak your queue!

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a crazy comedy the revolves around the shenanigans of a group of shameless alcoholics in their Philly bar. The show has evolved over the years to stay fresh as season after season passes. The world would really be a much less hilarious place if not for the Lethal Weapon 5 subplot or the Nightman Cometh musical extravaganza or Charlie Day dancing around in a green body suit. Always Sunny finished Season 11 in early 2016, and it's already been renewed through Season 14. Catching up now would really be an investment in a funnier future.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 10

Where It Airs Live: FXX

Bates Motel

Bates Motel is a must-see horror series that has taken the premise of the iconic Psycho film and expanded it into an ongoing show that is as compelling as it is chilling. Norman Bates and his mom Norma run a small motel in Oregon. Their lives are anything but peaceful as Norman's mental state becomes dangerously unstable, and Norma is willing to go to some unnerving lengths to keep Norman safe and close. Bates Motel has finished four seasons, with the fifth and final set to debut in 2017. There's plenty of time to catch up on Netflix before the next set of episodes hits the airwaves.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 3

Where It Airs Live: A&E

Shameless

Shameless is a dramedy that follows the stories of a family in Chicago that struggles - and generally fails - to function. The series is led by William H. Macy as the single alcoholic father of six children, all of whom have problems of their own. Episodes range from pretty dark to mostly hilarious to surprisingly steamy. Shameless has aired six seasons so far, and a Season 7 is on the way. The premiere will air on Sunday, October 2 at 9 p.m., so newbies won't necessarily need to binge-watch to catch up in time for Season 7.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 4

Where It Airs Live: Showtime

Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul is a spinoff prequel of Breaking Bad, which is really reason enough to give the series a try. Breaking Bad was pretty awesome, and its spinoff is a witty further look at some of the most interesting side characters from Walt and Jesse's many meth misadventures. Bob Odenkirk is fantastic with the drama as well as the comedy. Better Call Saul has already been renewed for a Season 3. If the show continues its trend from Seasons 1 and 2, we should expect Season 3 to hit the airwaves in February 2017.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 1

Where It Airs Live: AMC

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is a mystery thriller aimed at teens, but it's pretty addictive for folks of all ages. The titular pretty liars are the former members of a clique that fell apart after the death of their queen bee Alison. Clues emerge that Alison's death may have been more scandalous than anybody guessed, and the girls are plagued by messages sent by a mystery antagonist known only as "A." A uses intimate information about the four friends to force them into unsavory actions. Pretty Little Liars is set to end after Season 7, the first half of which is currently airing. The second half will debut in winter 2017.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 6

Where It Airs Live: Freeform

The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is the phenomenally popular zombie apocalypse thriller that has people everywhere talking on Monday mornings between October and April each year. A group of survivors led by former sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes struggles to survive after the zombie virus sweeps the nation. They must cross major moral lines if they want to live in a world with few allies and lots of ways to die. It's not the happiest or easiest show to watch, but it's awfully engaging. There's no end in sight for the series that draws millions of viewers each week. Season 7 of The Walking Dead debuts on October 23 at 9 p.m. ET.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 6

Where It Airs Live: AMC

Rectify

Rectify is a drama all about the wrongfully-convicted Daniel Holden in the years after his exoneration. He spent nearly two decades behind bars for rape and murder; adjusting to life outside of prison when he had been a resident on death row takes its toll. Fans of Netflix's Making a Murderer series might enjoy Rectify for the fictionalized story that bears some serious similarities to the real life Steven Avery case, and viewers who enjoy some suspense with their drama may find themselves on the edges of their seats. The fourth and final season premieres in fall 2016.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 2

Where It Airs Live: SundanceTV

Archer

Archer is an animated spy comedy that spoofs James Bond tropes to perfection. It's not a show that's necessarily for everyone, though, due to pretty frequent crudeness. Still, the running gags and continuity are enough to bring laughs in every episode. Sterling Archer is a suave spy who likes to drink and loves the ladies, but he also has mommy issues made worse by the fact that his mom runs the spy agency where he works. Archer lives in a danger zone that has been known to result in everything from ants to tinnitus. The series was renewed for a whopping three seasons after Season 7. Season 8 will debut in January 2017.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 6

Where It Airs Live: FXX

Turn

Turn is a period drama that tells the tale of the Culper Ring of spies that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. It's not exactly a documentary of everything that happened in history, but the excitement of 18th century espionage is enough to justify suspending disbelief. The show has recently been cancelled. Luckily, Turn will get a fourth and final season in 2017 to finish the story of the Culper Ring and bring the Revolutionary War to an end. If Season 4 follows the trend of Seasons 1 - 3, we can count on Turn returning in April and running until June next year.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 2

Where It Airs Live: AMC

Z Nation

Z Nation is pretty much the other post-apocalyptic zombie drama, and there are some similarities to the much bigger Walking Dead. Fortunately, Z Nation is different enough from the juggernaut AMC series that even Walking Dead fans can watch without feeling like they've seen it already. This zombie apocalypse story chronicles the cross-country journey of a team of survivors as they try to transport a man whose apparent immunity to the zombie virus may hold the key to a vaccine. The first two seasons have run from September to December, so any folks looking to catch up at a moderate pace may need to get a move on. A Season 3 has already been ordered, so we should be getting more Z Nation sooner rather than later.

How Many Seasons Are Available Right Now: 2

Where It Airs Live: Syfy

While no generally sane person would ever refer to Archer as a romantic comedy, the central quasi-romance of Sterling Archer and Lana Kane has given viewers one of TV’s best and most dysfunctional couples for years now. While recently speaking with Lana’s voice actress Aisha Tyler concerning the Blu-ray release of Archer Season 6, I asked if she wanted the two former spies to end up together if and when the FX series ever ends.

Not even the simplest branch of mathematics has an answer that’s as perfect as Aisha Tyler’s response. It’s both funny and well thought-out for a question about the fate of fictional illustrations, and it is absolutely the most feasible future for Archer and Lana to have, honestly. Well, assuming their job doesn’t change once again, taking them from private investigations to something that separates the core characters for the rest of time. But that wouldn’t be a very good plotline for creator Adam Reed to adhere to.

Like Tyler, I don’t see Archer and Lana championing monogamy and holy matrimony at any point in their lives, regardless of how many wedlock-born children they create together. There’s just too much alcohol in the world for Archer to be expected to remain knowingly faithful, and there’s too much sense in Lana’s brain for her to accept his philandering as part of any permanent solution. Plus, who would be the best man and maid of honor in that wedding? Cyril and Pam? Scary.

As one of the most attractive TV characters of either the animated or live-action variety, as well as one of the smartest and most badass, Lana can easily take on any relationship she wants to, and yet she sticks with her swilling co-worker. Because as Tyler also said, there are quite a few moments on Archer, particularly in the first episode of Season 7, when you can tell that the guy truly does care for Lana. Just…in that Sterling Archer kind of way that makes you suspicious. He did meet her parents last season, though, so that’s something.

Archer airs Thursday nights on FX. While you’re waiting for new episodes, head over to Amazon to pick up a copy of Archer Season 6 on Blu-ray. And when that’s done, check out Aisha Tyler’s soon-to-be-ending Kickstarter campaign for her feature directorial debut Axis, a drama that takes place entirely inside of a car, which she will also star in alongside Arrow’s Emily Bett Rickards and Entourage’s Jerry Ferrara.

Since FX’s animated spy comedy Archer debuted in 2010, the show has continued to be a wild send-up of action adventure dramas and the characters who usually populate such stories. After many seasons as international spies, and one season as a drug cartel (don’t ask), the Archer crew is changing things up again by moving to Hollywood and becoming private investigators. So, why the swing away from spying? Archer writer and creator Adam Reed, who also voices Ray Gillette on the show, has some very good reasons for switching things up on screen.

Adam Reed spoke to HitFix in anticipation of the debut of Season 7 of Archer, and when asked, let them in on why he felt the need to step away from what had been the very foundation of the show for the newest season. Considering that the show was, primarily, about spies taking on dangerous missions in far flung locations across the globe, Reed’s comments about the new direction of the show make quite a bit of sense. While national and world politics can be a great source of comedy, those things can also make it hard to find any lighter moments. Reed and his team had certainly already, completely by accident, stepped into something that became a real world concern when they named their fake spy agency the International Secret Intelligence Service, which does, unfortunately, shorten to ISIS.

Archer originally focused on the adventures of super-spy Sterling Archer; a suave and self-centered James Bond type who works for his mother, Malory, at the spy agency she runs. His missions usually involve his off-again-on-again love interest and fellow super agent Lana Kane, and other ISIS co-workers, Ray, Cheryl, Pam, Krieger and Cyril. The action comedy later took the main characters on a season long arc as wanna-be drug kingpins and then thrust them back into espionage with jobs at the CIA.

Seeing as how the previous season ended with the team running afoul of the CIA and actually getting blacklisted, it’s pretty clear that Adam Reed had a new line of work in mind for the Archer crew for a while. And, if spy skills are transferrable to any other line of work than private investigations, I simply can’t think of what that line of work would be. If Archer and his pals can make it out of heated international espionage situations alive, then they can surely watch for evidence of a cheating spouse or two.

Adam Reed also noted in the interview that our favorite former spies will be in the private dick business “beyond this season,” so the Hollywood adventures won’t be ending any time soon. What do you think; will private investigating be enough of a DANGER ZONE for you to keep watching Archer, or do you need more high-level spy craft in your animated spoofs? Let us know in the comments.

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As time goes by, the line between TV and film becomes more and more opaque; television storytelling has become more mature, and with that so too have style as well as production values. One of the areas in which television has increasingly caught up to film is the realm of action sequences. All of this progress seemingly came to a head in 2015, as we saw an incredible surge in the number of impeccable action sequences hit the airwaves. From the fantastical to the darkly gritty, fight scenes ruled all in 2015.

With that in mind, we have taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of the ten best fight scenes from 2015. These scenes have been selected and ranked based on the quality of their production, as well as the emotional and dramatic effect they had over their respective shows. Starting with great (No. 10) and descending to outright perfection (No. 1) checkout the list we put together and give us your input: what was the best TV fight scene of 2015?

10.Supergirl- Supergirl vs. Reactron

DC comics continues to stake its claim on the television landscape in a way that Marvel simply hasn’t been able to compete with at this point – at least outside of Netflix. Supergirl represents one of the DC’s latest ventures into the small screen world, and the Melissa Benoist-fronted CBS series is thus far up to a – wait for it – super start. Of all the battles Kara (Benoist) has been through thus far, arguably the best of the year has been her skirmish with Reactron (Chris Browning), an irradiated villain who harbors resentment against Kal-El.

Properly bringing Kryptonians to the small screen can prove challenging for TV networks. By their very nature, they are incredibly effects-driven, and require immense coordination on the part of the cast and crew. Supergirl’s battle with Reactron showcases just how far filmmaking techniques have come in the way powers as grand as Kara’s can be shown on screen. In terms of in-universe ramifications, the fight also proves to be one of the definitive moments in which Kara realizes she does not have to live in the shadow of the Man of Steel, but can in fact become her own woman and hero.

9. The Walking Dead – The Wolves Attack Alexandria

After numerous teases and minor glimpses, The Wolves finally made themselves known to the Alexandria Safe Zone in a major way. While Rick (Andrew Lincoln), Daryl (Norman Reedus), and the rest of the colony’s heavy hitters were away dealing with a massive walker horde miles away, many of the arguably less capable Alexandria residents had to fight for their lives and fend off the vicious attackers. Playing out over the entire episode, the assault’s best moments revolve around Carol (Melissa McBride) and her resourcefulness in making sure that The Wolves never get their hands on Alexandria’s extensive arsenal of firearms.

The attack of The Wolves is important because it exemplifies the core message in The Walking Dead: The walkers have never been the primary antagonists on The Walking Dead. The show’s primary concern is what becomes of people and how they turn on each other when society crumbles. Arguably no other action sequence in the history of the show has exemplified this theme more than the attack of The Wolves. Unlike The Governor, or Joe and the Claimers, The Wolves have an almost zealot-like mentality, and rely on brutal weapons like knives or machetes.

8. Game of Thrones - White Walker Invasion

The most recent season of Game of Thrones received acclaim for the White Walker invasion, which takes place in the episode titled “Hardhome.” During the episode, Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) convinces thousands of Wildlings to stand with him when the White Walkers descend on Hardhome. It’s a battle scene many fans consider not only to be one of the best of the year, but one of the best the show has ever produced.

Snow once again proves himself to be the most noble protagonist of the series as he stands his ground in the face of annihilation. The episode ends with all of the death being for nothing as the White Walker King merely resurrects Snow’s dead allies as White Walkers themselves. This sequence makes the list because of the way in which it strikes a balance between exhilarating and horrifying. The otherworldly nature of the White Walkers – especially the children – is perfectly executed, giving them a haunting, insurmountable feeling.

7. The Flash - Arrow/Firestorm/Flash vs. Reverse-Flash

For months Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) trained and worked with Harrison Well who (spoiler alert) turned out to be none other than the Reverse-Flash (Tom Cavanagh) who murdered his mother, and (another spoiler alert) was not Harrison Wells at all, but actually Eobard Thawne. The first season of The Flash is jam packed full of twists and turns, but once Barry finds out the true nature of the Reverse-Flash, you can bet things go from 0 to 100 real quick (pun wholeheartedly intended). Squaring off with his sworn enemy outside of ST.A.R. Labs, Barry enlists the help of Ronnie Raymond AKA Firestorm (Robbie Amell), and Oliver Queen AKA The Arrow (Stephen Amell) to take him down.

Each of the fledgling heroes brings their own specific set of skills to this melee, and the result of their collective effort is the ultimate apprehension of the man who killed Nora Allen. It’s the sort of scene that proves heroes from The CW’s Arrowverse can interact without the need for a dedicated crossover episode. More importantly, however, this scene provides some of the greatest emotional catharsis The Flash or Arrow has ever brought to the small screen as Barry fulfills his lifelong dream of taking down the man in the yellow suit.

6. Archer - Archer vs. Conway Stern

When Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler) are tasked with extracting a CIA agent from Buenos Aires, they find themselves more than a little shocked when they learn their target is none other than Conway Stern. While Lana wants to act like a professional, Archer wants nothing more than sweet revenge for the time Conway literally stabbed him in the back during Season 1. Before they can even make contact with Stern, Archer kicks open his hotel room door and goes on one of his characteristic rampages while Lana fixes herself some tea and waits for the dust to settle.

Aside from being the only animated sequence on this list, the fight between Archer and Conway stands out because of what it does for the FX spy series. For starters, it highlights just how far the Archer’s animation has come since the series first premiered in 2009 – going from quick punches and slaps all the way to this brutal, full-fledged brawl. It’s also noteworthy because it represents the culmination of six years worth of resentment. Archer has never taken continuity incredibly seriously, so to see the series bring back one of its earliest villains in the form of Conway – and to have his previous actions mean something to this episode – marked a huge moment for longtime fans of the FX cartoon.

5. The Leftovers - Kevin Fights In The Realm Of The Undead

The Leftovers has proven itself time and time again as one of the most surreal dramas currently airing on TV. Over the course of the HBO series’ second season this idea has only become more and more apparent. The recent episode “International Assassin” finds protagonist Kevin (Justin Theroux) immersed in the realm of the undead after seemingly being killed off following consumption of some nasty poison. In this realm, he finds himself in the shoes of an international assassin (as the title suggests), and as one could expect he engages in a pretty amazing fight sequence early on in the episode.

We know this is HBO and all, but for a TV fight scene it’s pretty damn gritty. All of the blows Kevin receives and dishes out carry a very noticeable weight typically reserved for the Craig era Bond films or the Bourne movies. As the two men slam each other into walls and desperately beat each other to a pulp, we as the audience cannot help but feel a palpable sense of pain and exhaustion. The overall episode did provided audiences with an immense level of character development for the character of Kevin, but we just can't forget the high quality of this brawl either.

4. Ash vs Evil Dead - Ash vs. Trailer Park Deadite

It wasn’t until Ash vs. Evil Dead premiered that we all collectively realized just how much we needed more Deadite carnage in our lives. After spending so much time running and hiding from his fate as the world’s most biggest badass, the evil stored within the Necronomicon finally catches up to Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) at his trailer in rural Michigan during the show’s pilot episode “El Jefe.” Cornered and seemingly without any other options, Ash accepts his fate – as well as his boomstick and chainsaw – and once again returns to the only thing he was ever really good at: dismembering the undead.

Ash vs. Evil Dead’s pilot episode was directed by the franchise’s creator Sam Raimi, and his influence is plain to see. The sequence in which Deadites attack Ash at his trailer showcases numerous innovative yet low-budget techniques (such as strapping the camera to the barrel of Ash’s shotgun) that harken back to the style of the original Evil Dead films. Bruce Campbell also brings his A-game to the scene, gleefully throwing himself into every punch, kick, and stunt as if he were a man 30 years younger. Basically, hail to the king because the king is back.

3. Arrow - Team Arrow Rescues Andy Diggle

Season 4 of Arrow has proven itself to be a definite improvement over the mediocrity that characterized last year’s arc. One particular area that has seen immense growth is the quality of the show’s action – which severely dipped after Season 2. The 2015 episode titled “Brotherhood” sees Team Arrow taking on Damien Darhk’s (Neal McDonough) H.I.V.E and attempting to capture John Diggle’s long-lost brother Andy. The battle is lengthy, ferocious, and gives each member of Team Arrow a chance to showcase their specific skillset, from Laurel’s (Katie Cassidy) newfound skill with a police baton, to Oliver’s (Stephen Amell) marksmanship, and even the strength of Ray Palmer’s (Brandon Routh) A.T.O.M suit.

Arrow has come a long way since it first premiered in 2012. Back then it really was nothing more than a dark and gritty tale of a street-level vigilante going against the corrupt one-percent of his city. Over time the show has increasingly incorporated elements from the DC lore, and made Team Arrow more and more into true superheroes with each passing season. This sequence gives every member of the team a chance to shine – which proved doubly important for Laurel who often gets short changed as Black Canary – and gives the action room to breath by not relying on too many quick cuts. It shows a group of well-trained individuals fighting tooth and nail to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, and coming out unscathed on the other side. The entire episode features some truly great action – proving stunt coordinator James Bamford should direct more in the future – but this scene stands out as the coup de grâce.

2. Banshee - Nola vs. Burton

If Banshee’s place on this list seems odd to you, it’s probably because you don’t even watch the severely underrated series; it's a show that has completely flown under the radar but deserves your attention as well as your respect. Despite the Cinemax series' limited exposure, the Season 3 fight between Nola and Burton proves that Banshee is more than worth your time. The episode “A Fixer of Sorts” sees the series bring one of the truly greatest TV fight scenes of the year – if not ever – come to fruition. Nola (Odette Annable) stages an attack on Proctor’s (Ulrich Thomsen) mansion, and comes across Burton (Matthew Rauch). The two engage in a vicious battle with fists, knives, and various parts of a nearby car until only one is left standing – well, sitting that is.

One of the more over-the-top entries on this list, there was no way we couldn’t include the melee between Nola and Burton. The fight is long, brutal, and downright gruesome. Although it doesn’t actually take place over the course of a single take, the production team takes special care to strategically use editing to mask the cuts. As a result, we get a fight scene that firmly keeps the action and the actors front and center, without any reliance on overly shaky camera or quick cuts to hide the filmmaking magic. The fight also expertly utilizes flashbacks to convey the mentality of both fighters involved in the skirmish.

1. Daredevil - Hallway Fight

While Season 1 of Marvel’s Daredevil is pretty much airtight from start to finish, the Netflix series’ second episode – titled “Cut Man” – was the one that proved the show wasn’t messing around. After spending an entire night hunting Russian mobsters, and getting his ass handed to him in the process, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) finally tracks the gangsters to where they have taken a kidnapped little boy. Slowly making his way through the building where the boy is being held, Matt gathers his energy for one last charge and leaps into action, tearing through the Russians, and rescuing the scared child from a fate arguably worse than death.

What makes this fight scene so good is the way it communicates Murdock's exhaustion and pain. Through one single take the camera follows the blind hero as he takes just as much damage as he inflicts, and never cuts to give the audience a reprieve from the action. By the time the scene comes to an end, Daredevil and the bad guys find themselves panting and leaning against the walls of the building just to stay upright. This isn’t Thor or Captain America, this is just an average (albeit well-trained) man trying to do the right thing. After all of the violence and chaos, the scene ends with a clearly drained Matt taking off his mask to tenderly reassure the scared boy that he’s here to help, hammering home the underlying pathos of the action-heavy sequence.

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Those who remember the season known as Archer Vice already know that the animated series Archer is no stranger to changing formats – and it seems that the show will once again be heading in a new direction for its seventh year of existence. We know this because creator Adam Reed announced at San Diego Comic-Con this afternoon that the program is going to be “refreshing” in its upcoming episodes, and introducing a whole lot of new elements for our favorite super spies to play with.

At Comic-Con today, Reed was joined by producer Casey Willis, H. Jon Benjamin, Jessica Walters, Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates on stage for the annual Archer presentation, and it took little time at all for him to announce that the series would be undergoing some very interesting changes for its next episodes. Asked by moderator Liz Shannon Miller what we could expect from the seventh season of the show, the showrunner explained,

Obviously Adam Reed was unwilling to go into details as to exactly what why Archer is changing, but it will be interesting to see just how influential on the entire show the changes will be. The gang got out of the spy game two years ago and into the business of international drug smuggling, so it’s hard to imagine that anything is really off limits, and the potential for exploration is infinite. For all we know, the new outfits, weapons and vehicles could be a reference to the fact that Archer, Lana, Cyril, Cheryl, Mallory, Krieger, and Pam will be heading to Mars in the next season.

While more information will be needed before I can accurately gauge how I feel about this suggested change, I must admit that I’m of two minds about it. On the one hand, Archer built itself up on its international espionage approach and it would be unfortunate if the series were to move away from its fun/ridiculous retro spy vibe. On the other hand, though, one can’t fault the writers from working to find ways to keep the material fresh year after year.

How do you feel about these suggested changes for Archer? Are you on board? Hit the comments with your thoughts.

Netflix has a number of movies and TV shows set to be available streaming in March and among them, one of the most 80s movies that ever 80s'ed, Teen Witch. How's Netflix possibly top that? Well, the March list does include the arrivals of Archer Season 5, How To Train Your Dragon 2, Finding Neverland and the college-set Cosby Show spinoff A Different World, among other titles.

Here are the list of movies and TV shows that Netflix will make available throughout the month of March. (Please keep in mind that dates and titles are subject to change).

Week of March 1

Finding Neverland - 3/1/2015

The Brothers Grimm - 3/1/2015

Teen Witch - 3/1/2015

Patch Adams - 3/1/2015

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - 3/6/2015

Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden - 3/6/2015

My Own Man - 3/6/2015

Archer Season 5 - 3/7/2015

Glee Season 5 - 3/7/2015

Week of March 8

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn 3/9/2015

Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club - 3/9/2015

How To Train Your Dragon 2 - 3/11/2015

Week of March 15

3rd Rock From The Sun Complete Series - 3/15/2015

A Different World Complete Series - 3/15/2015

You're Not You - 3/17/2015

Bloodline - 3/20/2015

Week of March 22

Mad Men Season 7, Part 1 - 3/22/2015

Garfunkel and Oates Season 1 - 3/25/2015

Turn Season 1 - 3/25/2015

Trailer Park Boys: Season 9 - 3/27/2015

Starting at the beginning of the month, Netflix has some interesting things lined up, including the arrival of Aziz Ansari's new comedy special, The Brothers Grimm and Teen Witch. For those of you who weren't watching Teen Witch in a loop on HBO in the 90s, the 1989 film stars Robyn Lively as a teen girl who learns she's a witch and uses her newly acquired powers to be cool. Like big hair, hot shades, convertible-cruising totally-80s cool. The movie is all the right kinds of cheesy and charming, and Netflix has gotten it right in delivering it to the masses among their streaming content. Let's celebrate that with a random bit of rapping...

Also among the movies in March's streaming list are Patch Adams, starring the late great Robin Williams, Finding Neverland, How To Train Your Dragon 2 and Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club.

On the TV side, AMC's Mad Men adds the first part of its final season, along with the first season of Turn. TV classics A Different World and 3rd Rock from the Sun join the lineup as well. And we'll be seeing recent seasons of Glee and Archer.

Also arriving early in the month, Netflix has their new original comedy The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt set to arrive early in the month. Besides being a new series from 30 Rock's Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Kimmy Schmidt is also a new starring vehicle for the adorably funny Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids, The Office). The comedy, which centers on a former cult member who escapes to New York, was originally lined up to air on NBC, but was later purchased by Netflix, likely dramatically improving the series' odds of existing beyond a handful of episodes before suffering the fate of most new NBC comedies these days.

While it’s only been in the latter part of its evolution that television has fully embraced sexuality as a driving force of live-action entertainment, TV animation has almost always had a little more breathing room in using attractive scantily-clad characters to tell tales. (Especially once comic book characters started appearing more often.) There is probably a far-reaching wave of influence over children that is worth studying here, but that definitely is not what this story is about.

Here, I’m reverting back to the days of maturity-lite pre-pubescence to rank the 20 hottest animated females of all-time-ish. Such a highfalutin concept does come with a few admissions. I generally stuck to American cartoons – so those hoping for the wide-eyed world of anime may be disappointed – and, except for one instance, strove for variety by not using more than one character from the same show. Otherwise, I tried to be as all-encompassing as possible for a 32-year-old with a family. So pop on some pre-Code Betty Boop cartoons to carry us through this world of 2D beauty.

20. Lois Griffin

Where You Know Her From: Family Guy

Beyond being one of the coolest and funniest moms on TV – cutaway gag to Donna Reed dropping a dildo into a pie – Lois Griffin is also a raging fury of sexuality. The fact that she expends a lot of that flirtatious energy on seducing the brick-dumb Peter is mildly off-putting, but not enough to knock her off the list. She’s the one area of Quagmire’s awful fetish farm that makes sense – among hundreds of others, ahem – and it’s a shame that such beautiful loins produced something as awful as Meg, who definitely did not make this list.

19. Storm

Where You Know Her From: X-Men: The Animated Series

While I was initially more attracted to Rogue when I was a kid, I didn’t really grasp on to the fact that physical intimacy would be fatal. And so now I’ve come to understand that Storm is truly the best of this mutant bunch. For one, she’d always be the dominant one – it’s impossible not to be when your eyes glow like that – and she can create cool breezes or light thunderstorms to make any encounter that much more perfect. Fighting Sentinels is a good first date, right?

18. Erin Esurance

Where You Know Her From: Esurance commercials

The only commercial pitchwoman on this list, Erin Esurance began life as a catsuit-wearing spy, taking down bad guys while hocking insurance policies. Though successful, the campaign was then made weirder by having Erin animated to look younger and sexier, which really only worked to make the Internet burst at the seams with fan creations depicting Erin in even more heightened sexual poses. That’s when the pink-haired badass packed up and shipped out, but she’ll always mean more to me than saving 15 minutes with Geico or being in Allstate’s good hands.

17. Janine Melnitz

Where You Know Her From: The Real Ghostbusters

Another character who experienced a slight transition in looks and tone, as she was both a hardnosed secretary and a nerd-hot fifth wheel, Janine was as much a Ghostbuster as the four guys, only without having to always go out and bust ghosts. But any iteration of Janine is welcome in my book, as the combination of red hair and glasses wins every time. Plus, her attraction to Egon means she’s into smart guys, and what’s a better example of one’s intelligence than putting this list together?

16. Gi

Where You Know Her From: Captain Planet

If we’re being honest, Captain Planet is one of my least favorite cartoons ever, and is as painful to watch now as it was when it first aired. But as a kid who was less interested in saving the ozone, and more interested in girls and stuff, the Asian Planeteer Gi was always a welcome sight. (Not that Linka wasn’t.) Because she loves the water, Gi would probably be all about knocking boots at beaches and water parks, and in keeping her away from the rest of the team, I could ensure never having to awkwardly make small talk with Captain Planet. Villainous perfection.

15. Carmen Sandiego

Where You Know Her From: Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

The big bad from one of the coolest computer games of all time, Carmen Sandiego is a wily thief whose crimes are based more on challenges than malice. More to this list’s point, she’s a dashing lady who is always into the chase, and she’s the first character I can think of, real or animated, that ever made me think a hat was hot. The fact that she was voiced by Rita Moreno certainly didn’t hurt, though it’s impossible to say her name without thinking of Rockapella’s boner-reducing theme from the early 1990s game show. Worth it.

14. Æon Flux

Where You Know Her From: Æon Flux

In the early 1990s, one of the only places to find avant-garde animation on TV was MTV’s Liquid Television, which gave the world the leather-clad assassin Æon Flux. Because ladies in science fiction rarely own T-shirts and blue jeans, Æon Flux generally had more skin showing than outfit, and it was all seen in a largely dialogue-free series of badass action sequences, in which she flipped and cartwheeled all over the place. Losing to her at Twister is on my bucket list.

13. Francine Smith

Where You Know Her From: American Dad

While she’s occasionally a good mom, the bubbly blonde housewife Francine is better known for her more morally questionable acts. She’s the hot mom you can get fucked up with, and also possibly stab someone with in a fit of rage. Psychos are hot, yo. It helps (in this particular case at least) that Seth MacFarlane’s writing squad ups the ante when it comes to Francine’s perversities. Plus, when she’s not completely trashed, she’s surprisingly smart in certain subjects, particularly “what it’s like to have an orgy with Dexy’s Midnight Runners.”

12. Stripperella

Where You Know Her From: Stripperella

Come on! There’s no way a list like this could ever exist without Stripperella on it, as she’s the one character whose sexuality is not only embraced and used to her advantage, but basically the only reason she exists. Created by Stan Lee, Stripperella is an exotic dancer who leads a double life as a secret agent superhero-type, and she’s voiced by Pamela Anderson at a time when the actress wasn’t making headlines with Tommy Lee’s dong. The show – and by default, Stripperella’s huge boobs – remain criminally underseen.

11. Mary Jane Watson

Where You Know Her From: Spider-Man: The Animated Series

Peter Parker’s most iconic love, Mary Jane has drawn ginger-lovers’ eyes for many years in the comics, and she’s never looked better than she did in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. There’s something about mid-1990s animated sweaters, I guess. She and Peter turned a blind date into a solid romance, and then she ends up disappearing and it doesn’t get resolved before the series ended. Maybe I’m weird for liking a little unexplainable mystery with my women, but that wasn’t a turn-off.

10. April O’Neil

Where You Know Her From: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Watching Megan Fox suck shit as April O’Neil in last year’s abysmal Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles only bolstered my appreciation for the version from the original cartoon series. She’s a hardworking TV reporter who is sick of taking shit from her boss, which is attractive in and of itself, and there’s something about that yellow outfit that brings me out of my shell. (Turtle joke!) It seems likely that the behind-the-scenes life of April and the Turtles would involve some bestiality, but that’s not something I think about a lot. Honest.

9. Hello Nurse

Where You Know Her From: The Animaniacs

Helloooooo, Nurse! Animaniacs was a series full of throwback gags to the golden age of animation and Hollywood, and it turned an old vaudeville phrase into an hourglass-figured hottie that served as a nurse for the Warner Bros. lot. (Believe it or not, the only movie studio nurse on this list.) And though her medical expertise takes a backseat, Hello Nurse’s dollish looks are definitely used for PG-rated lewdness throughout the series, as Yakko and Wakko continually want in on that. I think I’m actually coming down with a cold or a broken arm or whatever, and could use medical assistance.

8. She-Ra

Where You Know Her From: She-Ra: Princess of Power

While the superheroes and mystical good guys of today bring tactical advantages to their costumes and outfits, that really wasn’t the case in the 1980s, when She-Ra wielded her Sword of Protection against bad guys while wearing a dress that magically covered her nethers, despite showing off around eight feet of her thighs. (Seriously, her cape did a better job of covering things.) She was smart, powerful, agile, and had her own talking unicorn that would allow nerve-wracking sex in the clouds. You won’t find that on anybody’s eHarmony profile.

7. Betty Rubble

Where You Know Her From: The Flintstones

Betty Rubble is another character whose animated beauty is supplemented by her voice, as Bea Benaderet’s performance as Betty made her sound like the perfect wife. I mean, she is married to the doltish Barney. The fluffy blue dress and bow are great, but it’s that giggle that makes Betty such an iconic animated hottie. (Bedrock slang for hottie: rock-beautiful.) Incidentally, Child Me also thought that teenager Pebbles from The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show was a looker, but Adult Me felt like I was doing something wrong by looking at pictures of her now. History cleared, except for Betty.

6. Wonder Woman

Where You Know Her From: Super Friends Have you ever wanted to join the Mile High Club in an invisible jet, soaring over whatever landmarks or music festival happens to be out there? That could happen with the always lovely Wonder Woman, assuming she isn’t too busy saving the world or whatever with Batman and Superman. Of all the Super Friends, Wonder Woman is the most likely to show love and compassion under any circumstance, and she’s also the one most likely to use her lasso for S&S purposes. (That’s super-sadism and super-masochism.)

5. Catwoman

Where You Know Her From: Batman: The Animated Series

In all honesty, just about every version of Catwoman out there is the epitome of sexiness. (Excluding Gotham’s street urchin.) But no animated version will ever look better on all-fours than the Selina Kyle introduced by Batman: The Animated Series, largely because that series is so perfect in the first place. Plus, she’s in leather and likes to rub up against things in feline-mode. That she might rob me of everything I own is but fine print. I’d also like to note that just about every female in this series, villain or hero, was drool-worthy.

4. Josie and the Pussycats

Where You Know Them From: Josie and the Pussycats

If you think I’m cheating by adding all three members of the Josie and the Pussycats to this list, then fuck it, I’m willingly accepting that distinction of cheater. What I wouldn’t give to be that one groupie at a Pussycats show that gets to go back the hotel room with Josie, Valerie and Melody for some musical pussyfooting. Although that bitch Alexandra would probably ruin it by letting a gold-smuggling mastermind hypnotist in the room before anything could happen. That’s showbiz!

3. Turanga Leela

Where You Know Her From: Futurama

I’m not going to pretend it’s normal behavior to have a one-eyed mutant in my Top 3; I think I gave up normal behavior back at number 20. Voiced by the always amazing Katey Sagal, Leela is a funny spaceship pilot, a wise warrior, a caring lover, and a good friend. And that’s all before you get to “looks great in next-to-nothing,” which has allowed Leela to live a second life as the subject of tons of erotic online fan art. Eye think it’s obvious that she is as close to the apex of…Oh, shit, I said “eye,” didn’t I?

2. Lana Kane

Where You Know Her From: Archer

LANA! Archer’s arguably most put-upon spy, Lana is legit gorgeous, thanks to the series’ more realistic animation style. With hyper-sass and wit voiced by Aisha Tyler, Lana brings as many laughs as she causes bruises, and her fractured sexual relationship with Archer is probably more relatable to my own life than anything in a romantic comedy. The fact that I have sympathy for Lana living such an unhappy-for-her life adds a strange twist to the sexual elixir, as does the fact that she’s a mom now. I feel like I’m coming at this from the wrong angle. Phrasing!

1. Daphne Blake

Where You Know Her From: Scooby-Doo, Where are You?

After two strong-willed and independent women, I’m going back to my very first cartoon love for this list’s top honor. (The kind of nostalgia that seems felonious, but isn’t.) With her red hair hanging down over her big green scarf and purple dress, Daphne could have been living a more luxurious life, but instead chose to hang around a talking dog, a stoner, a genius and a dapper Dan to debunk a bunch of supposedly paranormal incidents. I completely share that point of view. I’m not saying that always seeing her get tied up and bound by the bad guys had anything to do with why I was attracted to her as a kid. And now…that shit is still a mystery, I guess. I heart Daphne.

Head to the next page for a few honorable mentions and a poll.

This poll is no longer available.

Honorable Mentions

Evil-Lyn (Masters of the Universe)

Baroness (G.I. Joe)

Bugs Bunny as a Woman

Luanne (King of the Hill)

Jem (Jem)

A lot of crazy and envelope-pushing things have happened at TBS’ Conan over the years, but Conan O’Brien isn’t the kind of late night host who often gets into extended car-chase sequences while eliminating dangerous enemies with the coolest secret agent that’s ever existed. But it happens in the video below, when O’Brien meets Sterling Archer. Enjoy, as if it’s possible not to.

I can think of few pop culture avenues that cross paths as well as O’Brien in the Archer universe, but I admittedly never really considered what it would be like before. It’s Archer…with Conan O’Brien! Funny how things can be exactly what they are sometimes.

While speeding away from Russian mobsters with neverending ammo supplies, the mismatched duo get shot at, talk about Tinder, do NOT talk about O’Brien’s wife, and full carloads of bad guys get demolished. O’Brien also gets to join in on the “Phrasing” game, although his first effort is as poor as his initial understanding for how a gun works.

Plus, its stellar animation rivals the FX series’ sweetest action sequences. Sure, a lot of it is just them inside the car, but there are some nifty exterior shots. Who doesn’t want to just watch these two the whole time anyway? That Point Break remake should be about these guys. Done deal.

Of course, the best moment is when O’Brien excitedly says he’s in the Danger Zone. It’s a weird thing to see an animated version of a real person quoting a fictional character’s catchphrases back at them. Now, is it too much to ask for this to be a running gag on Conan? Can FX and TBS cross-promote for a little while to allow it? I really, really want to see O’Brien spending some time in Dr. Krieger’s lab in a future episode. Or having a drink with Pam. Or all of the rest of the examples.

Conan O’Brien paid some of his comedic dues in the animated world, having both written for and cameoed on The Simpsons, but I dare say his two-dimensional adventure here eclipses his vocal appearances on Matt Groening’s creation. And possibly anything else he’s done, which makes me wonder why O’Brien doesn’t have his own voice acting empire to accompany his series.

Watch Conan every weeknight on TBS. Maybe soon we’ll get to see him go on a surreal double date with Jay Baruchel from Man Seeking Woman.

You know how some shows peak in the first few seasons and then take a creative nosedive, getting dragged out for years without a return to form? Sterling Archer literally doesn’t even know how to fail. Wait…yes, literally. Entering Season 6, Archer is going through more big changes after a Season 5 departure into the world of coke dealing. But having seen the first six episodes, I can tell you one thing remains the same: this is still one of the most well-written shows on TV.

It’s also one of the lowest-rated shows out there, at least when it comes to amazing comedies, and that garbage has to stop. To guide my argument, here are five reasons why Archer is better than ever, and why you literally need to start watching it right now! Wait…not literally, depending on when you’re reading this, as Season 6 starts tonight on FX.

They’re Working for the CIA Now

Gone are the massive bundles of cocaine and dirty dealings with cartels – at least for now – as the somewhat coherent Vice storyline has been left behind for the one-and-done episodes of seasons past, with Archer and the gang now doing side jobs for the CIA on an official level. (Bye-bye forever, ISIS!) Some people will undoubtedly prefer Archer’s connected storytelling techniques, and I was a huge fan of that approach as well, but a big chunk of my love for this series is being able to put on nearly any episode at any point in time and enjoying it for its standalone genius without having to remember what’s happening in the plot. It’s Get Smart with Lucy levels of brain activity, and this season gives us some dangerous and twisting missions, along with an elevator-centric bottle episode that couldn’t embody this show’s spirit any better. And don’t get me started on the consistently giggle-worthy wordplay and catchphrases, because I’ll enter a quote vortex that I won’t soon escape from.

Lana and Archer’s Baby

To further cement Archer’s place in Perfect Sitcom-dom – because I really do think of this as a sitcom where the jokes are just far too fast and furious and animated to allow for a live studio audience – the arrival of Lana and Archer’s baby daughter Abijean, or A.J., has added far more humor than aggravation. And it feels like A.J. is the way creator Adam Reed is allowing slight changes to flow through this season. Where many series’ “baby seasons” are where things get hammered down by saccharine plotlines, Archer’s characters are clearly not comfortable with a child being around, which makes for some great moments of harsh adult childishness. (Is that irony, Cyril?) While it’s not great that Lana gets sidelined in some episodes because she’s doing baby-related things, it’s allowing her and Archer to bond in a different way than just quippy sexual tension. And the episode with guest Kumail Nanjiani, in which Archer is the alpha drunk father/babysitter, is another fine example of how this series can add high stakes to low-intensity narrative foundations.

Christian Slater and Barry are Back!

One of my biggest hopes for Season 6 was that Archer would bring Christian Slater back in some way as arms dealer Slater – no Mr. needed. And not only is he here, playing excellently off of Jon Benjamin, but he’s serving as another avenue for the spy team to find jobs. (Admittedly, the CIA influence isn’t felt too strongly in this first half, which is also lacking in Jessica Walters’ Mallory Archer, but I’m hoping it pays off.) Another one of Archer’s foes is back as well, as Barry the Cyborg reappears for more casually insane revenge-taking, and one of the series’ creepiest moments. That episode, “Edie’s Wedding,” is probably my favorite so far, with Pam taking Archer to see her sister, played by Fargo’s Alison Tolman, get married. Their sibling rivalry shows off even more of Adam Reed’s ability to craft insults, and the plot envelops it in a smart way.

Better Than Ever Action Sequences

Archer’s animation looks sharper now than it ever has, but there’s no denying the hard-outline look doesn’t allow for the most fluid movement. However, there were a handful of scenes in the first half of Season 6 that aimed high with action and animation direction, and not just for huge episode-ending climaxes with explosions. I’m talking middle of the episode, slightly shaky-cam cinematography, with things constantly happening onscreen. There is one fight scene in particular that feels like The Bourne Archer-matum, with an extended bit of close-up fisticuffs. And because this is Archer, the action is generally played for a laugh in some way, so that just makes it even better. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t Chuck Jones or anything, but it’s great to see the bar still getting raised on this series in some areas, especially since we already know that Season 7 is coming next year. Just don’t raise the bar too high, or Archer won’t be able to reach his bourbon while lying facefirst on the floor.

Cherlene is Gone, and Milton is Here

As Mallory’s dimmer-than-space assistant, Pam Greer’s Cheryl gets winning lines 90% of the time, but her Season 5 stint as country music star Cherlene sat worse with me than anything else Archer has ever done. It was funny, sure, but just too much of a character 180 to work completely. (The “microchip” reveal was priceless, though.) Thankfully, Cheryl is back to her old tricks, and she’s seemingly dumber than ever. But not so dumb that she couldn’t redesign the rebuilt ex-ISIS offices for the gang to work out of, a first-episode plot point that introduces Milton, the robot. Well, maybe robot is stretching it, as it’s basically a giant toaster on wheels that can navigate its way around things. But that’s what makes it special, dammit. I’m hoping Cheryl and Milton get their own adventure by the end of the season, perhaps within a butter and jelly factory.

Hide your wives, your daughters and (most importantly) every single drop of booze, because Archer is coming back this week for Season 6, and he cannot be stopped! Of course, he was almost stopped for an entire season, in a sense, as creator and writer Adam Reed originally intended to ship the super spy and his team of muddling miscreants off to prison for at least part of this season. But it ended up sounding just a little bit too much like that other critically acclaimed series about people in jail, Orange is the New Black.

For Season 5, known as Archer: Vice, the squad took a year off of clandestine spy work to attempt to sell a vast amount of cocaine, which went about as well as viewers would expect. It was these crimes, as opposed to the plethora of other wrongdoings Archer (and particularly Krieger) are guilty of, that would have landed them behind bars. Here’s how Reed put it in an interview with EW.

My head is about to explode – phrasing! – with all of the comedic opportunities missed by keeping Archer out of the big house. We could have had some courtroom drama, some great prison guard characters, and you just know Ray would have had a blast in an environment where male nudity was around every corner. Perhaps Pam, too, for the same reason.

Can you imagine if Orange is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan had given up on creating the show because someone had said, “Well, it’ll just look like you’re ripping off Oz.” That would mean the world would have never gotten to know Poussey and Crazy Eyes! But, by extension, it also means no one would have stood in the way of Archer: Max Security (or whatever) from existing. I guess we should all say what we really want here, which is for Sterling Archer to actual joining the cast of Orange is the New Black. I’m not saying it needs to be canon for both series or anything; I could easily make do with a crossover webseries.

If you head over to EW, you can find an awesome mocked-up image created by Archer animators to give fans a hint as to what a jailbound Archer might have looked like. Prison movie references galore!

Be sure and tune in to FX on Thursday, January 8 for Archer’s Season 6 adventures. Maybe Season 7 will take place inside of a bar in Boston. That hasn’t been done before, right?

January isn’t typically the biggest month for Blu-ray, DVD and streaming releases, but thanks to the glories of awards season and midseason premieres on television, there’s quite a bit of good stuff popping up over the next several weeks, ranging from Nightcrawler to the latest season of HBO’s Girls. If you want to know when your favorite movies are headed onto Blu-ray and DVD, as well as streaming services, this list is one to peruse. Check back each week for new reviews!

January 6

No Good Deed Blu-ray

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s latest thriller may use a lot of basic tricks to set the mood in No Good Deed, but nothing can compete with Idris Elba’s onscreen presence and Taraji P. Henson’s ability to look wide-eyed and kick ass at the same time. The movie is about a stranger, Colin (Elba) who invades a woman named Terry’s (Henson) home on a rainy night. While elements of the script could have been a little compelling, the movie looks great on Blu-ray, despite a nighttime setting and plenty of dark scenes. It’s a little light on the bonus features with three featurettes "Making A Thriller", "The Thrill Of A Good Fight," and "Good Samaritan," but you can purchase the set here.

Boyhood Blu-ray

Richard Linklater’s latest movie, Boyhood, has been praised for its core concept—following a young boy who grows into a young man over a period of more than a decade, a monumental achievement considering Linklater and leads Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette had no idea if the kid actors would pan out as they started to deal with much tougher material. But Ellar Coltrane and Lorelei Linklater crush it, giving us a movie that reminds viewers of and sometimes adequately reflects our childhoods. Boyhood had a small release and didn’t make it into a ton of theaters. That being said, IFC has put out a nice Blu-ray set that takes a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of the making of the movie. These aren’t always the best segments, but with a movie that took 12 years to make, you’ll learn how Linklater originally outlined the movie and how it changed as his cast changed and grew older. It’s pretty great. You can grab the set for a great sale price here.

Girls: The Complete Third Season DVD

The packaging for HBO Home Entertainment’s comedies has routinely never been as spectacular as their dramas, likely because the comedies are a less lucrative enterprise. Plus, since there are no CGi’d dragons, it doesn’t matter whether or not you watch the set in glorious HD picture. The DVD set for Girls: The Complete Third Season features Hannah (Lena Dunham), Marnie (Allison Williams), Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) and Jessa (Jemima Kirke) as they go on a brand new set of misadventures that end up landing them back at square one by the end of the season. Which should set things up pretty nicely during Season 4, which hits the TV schedule this weekend. You can catch up with Girls via HBO Go or order the set over at Amazon.

Other January 6 Blu-ray And DVD Releases

Archer (Vice): The Complete Fifth Season

Black Sails: The Complete First Season

Horns

Looking: The Complete First Season

Left Behind

Get On Up

Dinosaur 13

January 6 Early Digital Releases

Lucy

No Good Deed

Laggies

The Newsroom, Season 3

The Scorpion King 4

Love Is Strange

January 13

Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Fifth Season DVD

HBO graciously gave Boardwalk Empire a shortened fifth season during which the show was able to wrap up its storyline. In order to do that Terence Winter and the gang shot ahead to 1931. While the time hopping is chunky and the episode count is shorter (8 total) than fans would like, Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Fifth Season capably wraps up HBO’s Chicago, New York and Atlantic City-based drama in a manner that finishes up the stories of Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), Eli Thompson(Shea Whigham), Al Capone (Stephen Graham), Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon) and the other colorful personalities on the show. With so many endings and some new beginnings, the show doesn’t hold back on either the violence or strategy that captivated audiences through the episodes that came before. HBO Home Entertainment’s set is slimmer than most HBO sets, and the big extra is "Scouting the Boardwalk," which looked at how the behind-the-scenes team made the 20th Century come to life on the small screen. HBO also tossed in a freebie: the first two episodes of the acclaimed Steven Soderbergh series The Knick.

Men, Women & Children Blu-ray

Director Jason Reitman’s latest film Men, Women and Children takes a look at technology and consumption and the myriad of ways that our relationships are affected by modern-day communications. The story follows an ensemble cast and hops perspectives frequently, with certain characters’ stories overlapping. Most compelling among these is Judy Greer’s Donna Clint, a mother who developed a risqué website to post her daughter, Hannah’s (Olivia Crocicchia), photos. Don and Helen Truby (Adam Sandler and Rosemarie DeWitt) are busy learning to use the internet as a tool to meet other people, missing out on the fact that their son Chris (Travis Tope) has a porn issue. The stories themselves are well-layered and intriguing, but they are set to a narrator (Emma Thompson) who is obsessed with discussing things on a grand scale. For a movie that tries to be grandiose, Paramount Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray set scales down to just a few extras, including deleted scenes and two featurettes, "Virtual Intimacy" and "Seamless Interface." Men, Women & Children is worth a watch for its underlying statements about relationships, but it may be one to rent.

Gone Girl Blu-ray

Gone Girl is a slow, crazy burn. It’s a character study involving ridiculous people, and a carefully put together thriller that keeps audiences guessing. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a book adaptation in all the best ways. It takes the general outline and sticks to it, but it changes portions of the material that are clearly problems. It’s a master work by director David Fincher, and while it didn’t net as many Oscar nominations as some would have hoped, it did snag a nomination for lead actress Rosamund Pike who crushes it as Amy, the title character and protagonist of the fictional series of children’s books Amazing Amy. The Gone Girl set comes with a sample book from the series, as well as an army of special features. In all, it's the type of set you would expect from a movie that's so diligent, detail oriented and complicated.

January 13 Blu-ray And DVD Releases

The Twilight Saga: Extended Editions Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse Blu-ray

Jessabelle

The Scorpion King 4: Quest For Power

The Identical

The Two Faces Of January

Revenge of the Green Dragons

Love Is Strange

Rudderless DVD

Duck Dynasty: Before the Dynasty DVD

Middle of Nowhere DVD

Wetlands

January 13 Early Digital Releases

Ouija

Jessabelle

Bird People

January 20

Lucy Blu-ray

Lucy’s a fast-paced action movie with less-than-modest intentions. Director Luc Besson loosely ties in solid action with the idea that the brain can’t achieve more than 10% capacity. When a new drug enters Lucy’s (Scarlett Johansson) system, the young woman begins experiencing enhanced powers, including telekinesis and mind-reading. She may not have much time, but Besson’s sensory movie is sometimes nonsensical, but is more often fun and involving and is worth a first watch or a re-watch, depending on whether you caught the film during its initial release. Fans of Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s film should find a smartly packaged Blu-ray set.

Annabelle Blu-ray

Annabelle is the prequel to the hit horror flick The Conjuring. As such, there were high expectations going into the release of the Warner Bros. Film. Luckily, it has perhaps the world’s creepiest horror prop going into the movie it its title character, Annabelle, a possessed doll who causes trouble for young mother Mia (Annabelle Wallis) and bookstore owner Evelyn (Alfre Woodard) who unite causes to take down the evil in the doll. There’s nothing new about the setup or premise in the movie, but it certainly has its moments, and the doll itself should frighten sufficiently. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s set is a perfect companion to The Conjuring, although the extras on the set are nothing to write home about. Eight deleted scenes comprise a big chunk of the bonus features, and a few short featurettes are also included. It’s currently running as a bestseller on Amazon and you can nab the flick for a sale price.

The Boxtrolls Blu-ray

Laika has been putting together reasonably scary kids flicks like ParaNorman for the past several years. In 2014, the animation company embraced the weirdness even further with The Box Trolls, a family-friendly flick about an orphan named Eggs (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) who meets a snob named Winnie (Elle Fanning) and collectively use their oddball skill sets to save a group trolls named the Boxtrolls from the villainous Snatcher (Ben Kingsley), who wants to exterminate them. The likable thing about the stop-motion animation that Laika produces is that there is a lot going on in both the forefront and background in every scene, which gives kids and parents a lot to look at. Additionally, there are off-color jokes for the adults and plenty of fun gags for the kids, throughout. (If your child doesn’t shout "jelly" in the car a few times on the way home, I’d be surprised.) Peppered with lovely featurettes that are more for the interested adults than the kiddos and feature commentary from Directors Graham Annable and Anthony Stacci, The Boxtrolls is a welcome addition to the Laika cannon, although I don’t know if I’ll dust this Universal Studios Home Entertainment set off and pop it in as often as I will ParaNorman.

Check out a sampling of the bonus features with this exclusive clip.

Other January 20 Blu-ray And DVD Releases

Little House On The Prairie: Season 4 Blu-ray

The Zero Theorem Life’s A Breeze The Pirates

A Bet’s A Bet DVD

January 20 Early Digital Releases

Dear White People

Dracula Untold

The Best Of Me

January 27

Fury Blu-ray

There have been plenty of World War II movies, but David Ayer’s Fury is the first one that really puts us into the belly of the tank. It’s a movie that reminds me a bit of Norman Mailer’s classic novel The Naked and The Dead in that it is gutsy and filled with deeply detailed personalities that have been affected and change during the course of the war. Brad Pitt rocks a scar as Don "Wardaddy Collier," a soldier with a kind streak who bonds with newbie Norman "Machine" Ellison. The two are part of a tank crew that also includes Gordo (Michael Pena), Bible (Shia LeBouf), and Coon-Ass (Jon Bernthal). The movie is engaging but I wouldn’t call it entertaining, rather, Fury is an unsentimental, swaggering movie that doesn’t relent until the very end, after it’s given us every ounce of courage from the soldiers that populate the pages of its script. It’s an interesting movie, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray set is also worth a perusal, with a ton of deleted scenes (the press release says 50 minutes and it felt like an hour’s worth of extra content that adds to the story) and a "Directors Combat Journal" featurette, which looks at Director David Ayers experience with the complications of shooting tank warfare and more. You get a lot with the R-rated set, and you can get it for a reasonable price right now.

The Judge Blu-ray

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s release is a big one this week, thanks to Robert Duvall earning nods at this year’s awards ceremonies. David Dobkin’s thoughtful movie The Judge gets a lot of things right about living off a one-lane highway in Indiana. Characters get stuck behind the occasional tractor and stick close to home, thanks to enjoying the comfort of a close-knit community. The movie itself follows the troubled Hank Palmer, a high-end defense attorney with plenty of personal troubles, who heads home for the first time in years after his mother unexpectedly dies. While at home, he’s forced to confront the problems he has with the rest of his family, including brothers Glen and Dale (Vincent D’ and his father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Duvall). A murder case takes a backseat to the family dynamics, but overall The Judge is a pleasant movie to plow through. The Judge Blu-ray set has plenty of extras, but none are standouts. Check out the deleted scenes and the "Inside The Judge" feature.

Other January 27 Blu-ray And DVD Releases

PBS Masterpiece: Downton Abbey: Season 5

Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis

Open Windows

Mas Negro Que La Noche DVD

Big Driver DVD

January 27 Early Digital Releases

Nightcrawler

Kill The Messenger

The Remaining

Low Down

This poll is no longer available.

During the holidays, everyone wants to stay cheery and free from stress and bad moods, but there’s almost always a point when it just gets to be too much. If that happens to you, don’t resort to mountains of happy pills and red wine. (Pass those on to me.) A much better way to add happiness and laughter to your day is catching up on some of the best 2014 comedies that you may not have seen the first time around.

Comedies on TV (and now on streaming services) almost always get lower ratings than dramas, because they rarely have the same must-watch-live motivations that shows like Breaking Bad and The Good Wife have. Plus, comedies are much easier to repeat ad nauseum, which makes them easier to catch up on at a later date. Like now, with these 10 comedies you should already be watching. (Note: most of the ratings data found online is assumedly lower than more concise data, but even with that in mind, these series are still underwatched.)

The Comeback

Ever since HBO’s The Comeback left the network in 2005, it has accumulated a sizeable cult fandom who seemingly wanted nothing more than to see Lisa Kudrow’s self-obsessed Valerie Cherish get into more awkward Hollywood-lite shenanigans. But here we are, in the back half of the “how did this even happen?” second season, and far less than half a million people are tuning in when it airs live. C’mon, people! We’ve got non-aggravating Seth Rogen and an endlessly dark and cleverly post-modern look at fame and the TV industry. You DO need to see that.

You can find both Season 1 and the as-yet-unfinished Season 2 on HBO Go.

Louie

Louis C.K. is one of the most successful stand-up comics in the business right now, both in terms of creative freedom and critical acclaim from comedians and fans alike. Yet for some reason, nobody’s watching his goddamned TV show. After taking a year off between seasons, Louie returned this year, embracing continuous storylines and a sharper eye for drama, but it was still one of the funniest and most introspective comedies on TV this year. Louis C.K. broaches topics that other people won’t touch, and he’s got the always amazing Pamela Adlon and Ellen Burstyn to help him out this go around. So catch up immediately and let’s make next year’s Season 5 a ratings topper, shall we?

Seasons 1-3 of Louie are available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, but Season 4 has yet to see a widespread streaming release.

Jane the Virgin

I’ll be the first to admit my taste for comedy runs blacker than most, but even I need a break from expletives and death jokes every once in a while. The CW’s Jane the Virgin is the perfect reprieve, taking what could be a melodramatic plotline – a young virgin is accidentally artificially inseminated by her doctor – but keeping it light and heightened by adhering to its telenovela origins and using a deep-voiced narrator to break things up. The ratings are technically fine for a CW show, but that doesn’t mean the emphatically cheeky series doesn’t deserve to have Jane’s pregnancy experienced by more people.

Nathan for You

Nathan Fielder is kind of a genius. Not in a way that makes him capable of figuring out how to make nuclear fission the world’s energy savior, but in a way that makes him capable of selling a fake nuclear fission machine to anyone on Earth. (Remember Dumb Starbucks? That was Fielder.) His Comedy Central series Nathan for You uses him as a quasi-entrepreneur guidance counselor, assisting business owners in a myriad of strange ways. He’s not exactly making fun of anyone, although his subjects are almost always rube-ish in nature, and it’s the kind of series that just doesn’t exist anywhere else. And it probably won’t exist for that long if less than a million people are watching it on a weekly basis.

Both seasons of Nathan for You can be found on Amazon Prime.

Archer

Because Archer has lasted long enough to be heading into its sixth season, I have it in my head that the show is watched by many more people than it actually is. But as far as I can tell, the hilariously lewd spy series has never topped 2 million viewers for any episode’s live airing in all of its five years. Is everyone scared of Dr. Krieger’s experiments and fetishes? Does no one like Cheryl’s country music career? Is the mother-son bickering between Malory and Sterling just not oedipal enough? If Archer’s fate rested in the hands of audiences and not FX’s crack team of understanding execs, we would have never known Slater (Christian Slater). And that’s the kind of crime that the government just can’t stop.

While the first four seasons of Archer can be found on Netflix and Amazon Prime, Season 5’s Vice storyline has yet to make its streaming debut.

The Hotwives of Orlando

So, honestly, I’m really not sure how many people have seen Hulu’s endlessly fantastic original series The Hotwives of Orlando, because ratings are different for streaming services. But it seems like it’s still below everyone’s radar, and I just can’t calm down about it. Created by Dannah Phirman and Danielle Schneider (who also star), Hotwives is a pitch-perfect spoof of The Real Housewives empire, in a way that’s enjoyable for both people who love trashy reality TV and people who hate it. With killer performances from Casey Wilson, Tymberlee Hill and Andrea Savage, to name a few, this exercise in dim-witted indulgence should be in everyone’s top comedies of the year list. (Extra points for supporting roles from New Kid on the Block Joey McIntyre and the always great Stephen Tobolowsky.)

You can watch all of The Hotwives of Orlando’s first season on Hulu Plus.

Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street

While animated series like Adventure Time and Sanjay and Craig have done a good job at appeasing both children and adults, it’s a lot harder for a live-action series to do the same. Thankfully, the imaginatively wonderful Amazon Original series Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street is here to take us all back to summers when the biggest problems we had to worry about were cooling off, building soapbox cars, and having fun. Only with some actual magic thrown in there for good measure. The spiritual successor to shows like The Adventures of Pete & Pete, this series has cult classic written all over it, but I’d prefer it if it were actually popular to mainstream crowds instead of just the cool kids.

The six-episode first season of Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street is available on Amazon Prime.

Broad City

I think we can all agree that there aren’t enough female-fronted comedies outside of network dreck like Bad Judge and its ilk. Thankfully, Comedy Central has been breaking that mold over the past few years, and Broad City is the apex of the network’s efforts. Created by Upright Citizens Brigade alums Illana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson (and executive produced by Amy Poehler), this fancy-free series puts the two actresses’ heightened mid-20s characters into low-stakes situations like figuring out whether or not to hide weed in one’s vagina and how to handle a meal in a fancy restaurant, with a ton of great guest stars to help out. And I’m pretty sure there are more laughs per episode than there are people watching them. Let’s make next year’s Season 2 an unmitigated success, or Hannibal Burress will try to date you.

The first season of Broad City is available on Amazon Prime.

Bob’s Burgers

Okay, so Bob’s Burgers probably gets watched by more people than anything else on this list, being a network comedy set on Fox’s well-established Sunday nights. But the show’s ratings have taken a major dip this year after starting off fairly strong (in the middle of Season 3), and it’s never quite reached the audience it deserves anyway. Blame it on Fox for thinking the animated series’ pre-primetime slot was a good idea – especially in football season – but it’s really all your fault for not watching. (That’s how Louise would break it to you, while Gene would tell you that your arm hair smells nice.) Created by Loren Bouchard, Bob’s Burgers remains as consistently funny as any show currently airing, and utilizes its characters and cast in every way imaginable. There’s no reason two H. Jon Benjamin-fronted series should be on this list.

The first three seasons of Bob’s Burgers can be found on Netflix, while the first half of Season 5 is currently available on Hulu Plus.

Epic Meal Empire

Based on the ridiculously popular extreme cooking series on YouTube, Epic Meal Empire brings Canadian pork lovers Harley Morenstein and his crew to TV proper. (And it’s the only reason I even figured out that the A&E-owned FYI was a network.) Each episode kicks off with a massive meal and then shifts to some kind of a large-scale project for a big group of people, like a fish-stuffed shark for a bunch of surfers or a high-calorie soup to a group of sumo wrestlers. The humor on display is delightfully cheesy, even when it’s explicit, and relies on puns around 25% of the time. There are far more bacon and bourbon lovers out there than there are tuning into this show. Let’s change that, and have a bite while we’re at it.

Now in its second season, Epic Meal Empire can be watched it in its entirety on FYI’s website.

Happy Movember, everyone. During the month of November, men across the country celebrate by growing out spectacular facial hair, a practice that is followed by athletes, actors and average individuals alike. Apparently, animated characters dig Movember, as well. This week Sterling Archer, the spy and detective lead in Archer, announced he is growing a Movember ‘stache.

The whole thing is pretty legit, with Archer taking to the Movember site to discuss supporting men’s health. Here’s what FX’s gentleman spy had to say.

This won’t be the first time Archer has had a big facial hair change. In fact, we’ve seen him with a pretty solid mustache before, during the Season 4 opener. During the episode, Archer was lying low and going under the alias Bob Belcher, which is a nod to Fox’s animated comedy Bob’s Burgers. Archer was unfortunately suffering from amnesia following his mother’s wedding and had no idea what he was doing working in the burger joint. Amnesia may have had an effect on his facial hair, but not on his spy skills.

Unfortunately, Archer isn’t on the air right now, so we won’t be able to check the progress of Sterling Archer’s mustache on FX. If luck is on our side, however, our main man will drop a picture on Facebook or the Movember site or somewhere else to let us see the beautiful representation of manliness get bushier and bushier as November powers forward. After all, the men of the world need a pick-me-up after longtime mustache hero Alex Trebek lost a fan poll and was forced to get rid of his luxurious man hair. Exactly which Communists voted against him keeping the facial hair is unclear, but it’s reasonable to think those people hate men’s health and are probably unhappy.

Archer is expected to return to the schedule for Season 6 in January of 2015, although the ISIS name will be dropped in the new season. As for whether or not Sterling Archer will have a moustache at that point, we’ll just have to cross our fingers and hope.

Earlier this year, Archer creator Adam Reed announced that Sterling Archer and the gang were going back to ISIS, their non-governmental spy agency, when Season 6 begins. In the meantime, the jihadist state ISIS (or ISIL or IS) started making headlines around the world for their brutal and inhumane tactics. So it is without a whole lot of surprise that the hit FX series is dropping the “ISIS” name from the series completely.

Though there is an ample opportunity for Archer’s animated world to react to this in a big, bold, satirical manner, viewers might not even notice the acronym’s excision from the show. At some point in the premiere, two movers are seen in the background, rolling the big blue ISIS symbol out of a room as Malory Archer (Jessica Walter) speaks to her son on the phone. That will apparently be the show’s only reference to its former moniker. Executive producer Matt Thompson explained to The Daily Beast the decision behind keeping it short and simple.

I’ll buy into that. Archer is a show known for taking jabs at general ideas about government agencies and political ideals, but Reed doesn’t often target specific real-world incidents. It was somewhat fortuitous that, as the group ISIS first adopted that name in 2013, Reed had taken Archer’s characters off on a new Vice storyline that involved them selling coke to try and keep their lifestyles afloat after the agency ISIS got shut down. Apparently Reed and FX were paying attention to the news at the time.

So do we get to see Krieger, Pam, Cheryl, Cyril and Lana legitimately working for the CIA for the next two seasons? There’s something about these misfits serving as employees of the actual U.S. government that makes me wonder if we wouldn’t be better off with them working with ISIS.

Archer Season 6 will presumably debut in January 2015.

Don’t you love when TV gets things right, such as allowing more and more Archer to keep existing in our lives? The booze-reeking FX series traveled to this year’s Comic-Con with a few updates about where Season 6 is going to take this quick-witted ragtag group of spies. It’s a pretty familiar place, and some familiar faces will be joining the cast for guest roles.

As Deadline reports, Sterling Archer (the Emmy-nominated H. Jon Benjamin) and his less talented co-workers will be heading back to their old dependable headquarters ISIS next year. A digitized version of ISIS, anyway. You may recall the building took a small downturn when it was demolished and taken over just as Archer Vice was kicking off. It’s being rebuilt, and it’ll have a brand new visitor hanging out in the lush offices.

Yes, Lana (Aisha Tyler) will have her and Archer’s baby Abijean at her side. And then there's Archer, who spends the opening episode bonding with a Japanese despot “amid bombs and blasts on a stranded island.” I wonder if that has anything to do with the arms and coke dealer Slater, played by Christian Slater. The actor will reprise his role in at least one episode, and Slater presumably won’t fall for any more of Archer’s shit this go-around. “Classic Rando!’

As well, the show will see Fargo breakout star Allison Tolman joining the cast in a guest-starring role next season as Pam’s sister. That should be super interesting, as Pam, voiced by Amber Nash, is definitely my favorite Archer character. She’s one of the most purely and unapologetically gluttonous people on TV. Her coke addiction during Archer Vice is still one of the TV highlights of 2014. Talking about the shift back to Archer’s traditional storyline, creator Adam Reed said the cause was a simple one: they ran out of cocaine.

During the Q&A, Reed also entertained questions about possible Archer crossover episodes. The Season 4 premiere memorably featured Benjamin playing Archer as Bob Belcher, the actor's character in Fox’s Bob’s Burgers. The animation during that opening was so amazing. Reed shot down a Walking Dead meet-up, but didn’t immediately balk at reaching out to other FX series like The Strain and The Americans. I dare not think of how cool either of those scenarios would be.

Will Archer try to become a good father? Or even a bad father? Find out when Archer returns to FX in 2015.

FX has lined up their Comic-Con plans, announcing panels and signing booths for some of their popular series. Archer, American Horror Story, Sons of Anarchy and their upcoming new drama The Strain will all be featured with panels at the San Diego convention set to take place later this month.

Here's the full line-up of FX series events at SDCC this year, starting with the Archer panel at the Hilton's Indigo Ballroom on July 25...

As has been the case in the past, Sons of Anarchy's panel will take place alongside numerous other TV panels in Hall H on Sunday. Sons of Anarchy Season 6 spoilers ahead (in case you're not caught up). Note that Maggie Siff is not among the panelists. While that may not be a huge shock to Sons fans who are caught up on last season, it's worth noting as we'll surely feel the absence of Tara among this panel. That in itself should serve as a dark teaser for the anticipated Tara-less Season 7.

Also taking place on Sunday in Hall H is The Strain, Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse's new drama, which debuts on FX this Sunday. As for American Horror Story, it looks like that panel will take place on Saturday, and will mainly focus on American Horror Story: Coven, judging by the title of the panel. However, the description does mention that the panel will tease the upcoming new season, American Horror Story: Freak Show. It's also well worth nothing that Michael Chiklis is on the panel, as he wasn't in AHS: Coven and is a newcomer among the cast of AHS: Freak Show.

FX has a long and storied history of keeping shows around for quite some time. With that in mind, it’s not a big surprise that the network would be in favor of keeping its well-liked comedy Archer around for a little longer. What is a bit of a surprise is how long the network has committed to keeping Archer on the air. Not only will fans get a sixth season of the animated comedy, but the network has also committed to a seventh season, as well.

On Friday, the cable channel renewed Archer for Season 6 and Season 7. Both new seasons will consist of thirteen episodes, following the renewal pattern FX has been using for most of the show’s tenure. According to Deadline, Archer will continue to air one season a year. Since the comedy program is currently airing its fifth season, a double renewal means the show will continue to air into 2016. The outlet is also noting that two additional 13-episode seasons would mark enough content to syndicate the series in the future, which is pretty good news, since FX’s series is still top notch upon rewatch.

Archer’s current season started with a bit of a twist, beginning with a name change to Archer Vice. After learning the ISIS was never actually sanctioned by the U.S. government, the team had to figure out a way to maintain their favored, high-end lifestyles and do what they do best: accomplish shit as a team. This led the team into cocaine deals and placed them squarely in the paths of smugglers, drug dealers and other types of professional criminals, leading into situations like the one, below.

Archer typically does over a million total viewers an episode. While those aren’t exactly Walking Dead numbers, animated comedies also aren’t exactly expensive to produce. Plus, the show is formatted in a pretty simple way. Sterling Archer and co. go on some sort of crazy, insane adventure involving weapons, violence, and usually alcohol or some other drug. At some point Archer behaves in a suave manner with a young woman. At another point, he and his mother argue. The rest of the team gets in plenty of quick quips and cutting remarks. And curtain. It actually doesn’t seem all that exciting when you look at it this way, but Archer is consistently one of the funnier comedies on television. Plus, with the new Archer Vice trend, we’ve seen the network allow the comedy to reach even further outside the box.

Season 6 won’t hit the network until 2015. In the meantime, Archer is still running through the rest of this month, so if you are intrigued by the Archer Vice concept, you can catch FX’s show on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.

Since we last watched ourselves some Archer there have been rumblings that Adam Reed, the show’s creator and sole writer, is getting bored with espionage. Thus the switch in direction from a spy show to a drug cartel show. It makes no sense as to how this could be the same series. After watching five episodes of the fifth season it’s clear that Archer Vice is indeed a new premise, but it’s blissfully the same show we’ve all come to adore. Somehow Reed has been able to build a new show that feels, and makes you laugh, the same as the previous iteration.

Like Community going forth with a “re-pilot,” Archer Vice finds the ISIS crew kicked out of their destroyed headquarters and embarking upon the season with what is essentially a new pilot episode. The FBI have seized everything, including Sterling’s swank pad, and have left the team with only one remaining possession from their spy game days: a tonne of coke. That’s a metric tonne, not a ton, as Cyril explains to the team.

For all of the changes, things still remain familiar. Here are the five things that have us excited about the new direction of Archer Vice when Season 5 premieres Monday, January 13 at 10:00 pm ET on FX...

ISIS Is Gone

It turns out that all of the time ISIS has been running spy missions, they’ve really been more like Blackwater missions. Malory Archer never had government approval to do the things she’s done. Essentially the entire core premise for the series has been ripped away, and exposed as a lie. This has been talked about already by executive producer Matt Thompson, and the news lead to wondering how this will alter the show.

The answer, it turns out, is that it flips the series on its side. It then kicks old Archer with a steel toed boot and watches as the series we knew and loved dies a bloody death. The ISIS offices are gone, Krieger’s lab is gone, Lana’s reduced to only having her guns but no bullets since she got those from work, and everything else iconic is gone. Except that these are still the same people, and while ISIS has been confiscated by the FBI, the team that ran the missions remains intact. They’re just performing a new task, which brings us to...

Archer And Company Are Now In The Cocaine Business

The team has turned their focus from being spies, to running a drug cartel. Exactly how they go about doing this is the central premise of the season. As the first episode ends they find themselves in possession of a great deal of cocaine, and decide that the best course of action is to sell it all. The problem is that no one has direct drug connections, everything from their previous life is spy related.

It’s determined that a big sale to big time drug runners will be the best way to deal with their newfound commodity. Everyone in the group turns naturally to what they do best, but not everything as a world class spy is interchangeable with being a drug smuggler. So the dynamics of the group begin to change as people take on new roles. New faces and foes begin to take shape as Sterling and his trusted associates make their way to South America to proceed forth on the new adventure. The best part is that many of the new characters are actually just familiar favorites that have been twisted a bit. Once again, here comes the transition to...

Everyone’s (Mostly) Different

Long time ISIS accountant Cyril reveals that he was once a lawyer, and had actually discussed this at length with ex-girlfriend Lana. Pam becomes a ravenous coke addict. Lana is pregnant and without any bullets. Chery/Carol (or whatever) is super rich and has no need to be in the coke business, so she’s becoming country music superstar Cherlene. Malory drinks and is dismissive of others, OK so even a ton of cocaine can’t change Malory Archer. Sterling is an egotistical maniac, yeah OK I’m seeing the pattern already with the Archer family.

The changes to the characters are not so much drastic departures, as they are tangential ideas. Nothing about what’s happening in the season is ridiculous in terms of character development. Sure, the whip smart dialogue and acerbic wit has changed focus, but it remains the same old style. It’s interesting to watch the familiar group, having the same relationship issues with one another, in a whole new environment. Despite all of the changes to the characters…

But Everyone’s (Mostly) The Same

The new Cyril may be a lawyer, but he’s still emotionally whipped by Archer. Pam is still inappropriately sex starved, and hoping the FBI will throw her a bone. She means a penis, inside her vagina. Lana still has her giant man hands, actually Malory Archer says it best when she asks, “I mean did you used to be a man?” Cherlene is incapable of singing, except when not being watched, and so remains a ditz who wonders if Lana’s waited too long to get rid of the baby.

What Archer Vice is doing so well as the show is revamped is to keep the core heart alive. Sure, conceptually things are different, but by using the characters in familiar ways while still departing from the norm, the series is comforting in its treatment of the people who used to occupy ISIS’s offices. This interaction between our favorite characters is still oh so familiar, as can be seen in….

These Insane Moments

“Oh my god! Beaker’s boss. Bunson freakin’ Honeydew. Ah. That was figuratively killing me.”-Archer

“And what happened with getting FBI on the fronts of the uniforms? Huh?” -FBI Agent

“Because she was busy having choke sex with a murderous cyborg, who then became the new head of the KGB.” -Cyril

“It’s the A-Team meets Scarface. That makes me….” - Archer

“Hannibal Montana?” - Lana

“Jesus! Be more gross and Chinesey!” -Cheryl/Carol/Cherlene

“My girlfriend’s not equal parts the Internet, a tube of Kentucky jelly, self loathing, and a sock.” -Archer

And those are just a few gems coming this season...

FX is gearing up for Comic Con with a number of series set to return to the convention this year. The cable network has managed to spread their panels out to cover almost each day of SDCC, Saturday excluded. Wilfred, Archer, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Sons of Anarchy will represent FX (and FXX) at Comic Con this year, with Wilfred leading off the pack late Thursday afternoon.

It looks like Wilfred panel and autograph signing will resume without the company of one of its stars. While series creator and star Jason Gann is mentioned among the talent for the panel, Elijah Wood is not. co-stars Fiona Gubelmann and Dorian Brown will be there, along with show runners Eli Jorne and Reed Agnew, and executive producer David Zuckerman. The autograph signing will take place ahead of the panel on Thursday. Meanwhile, Archer's booth signing will take place on Thursday, while its panel is set for Friday. Like Wilfred, Archer's panel will take place at the Indigo Ballroom in the Hilton Bayfront.

And then on Sunday, FX(X) will move over to Hall H for Sons of Anarchy and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It looks like a full house for both panels, which should please those fans who stick around to catch the festivities on the last day of the convention.

Check out the specifics on who's going to be in attendance for those panels below.

FX's announcement follows recent SDCC updates for other shows, including Dexter, The Walking Dead and a number of NBC shows. Keep up with our Comic Con 2013 TV coverage here.

FX announced on Wednesday that Archer is getting a fifth season. This should be good news for those who tune in for FX’s animated comedy; however, it may not be particularly surprising news. The show has been doing quite well in several demographics during Season 4 and six episodes in, the network decided the numbers are good enough to go ahead and greenlight the series for another round of episodes.

FX’s executive Vice President, Nick Grad, told Deadline the series “is one of the very best comedy series on television,” which sort-of reads as if the series was renewed due to critical acclaim. However, many a critically acclaimed show has been axed due to poor numbers, so I wouldn’t give all the credit to the critics. In fact, Archer has outperformed itself moving into every new season it has aired. Additionally, Archer now ranks as the second most-watched series by men in the 18-34 demographic (If you are wondering what’s #1, The Walking Dead takes that honor).

Season 4 of Archer still has quite a few episodes left to air, but if you’re already looking ahead to Season 5, you should be pleased to learn the comedy will return for 13 episodes. In a second bout of good news for the series today, Archer will also be running in the best comedy category at the Emmys. This may not seem like a huge deal, but animated comedies aren’t often given a shot at best comedy, although it has happened in the past. Maybe the renewal and the Emmy category transition will even bring a few more eyeballs to the show.

FX’s Archer airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Today marks the return of television's most spectacular spy spoof, Archer. So far the secret agent whose codename is Duchess has become a pirate king, battled a vengeful cyborg, and traveled into space to wage a battle over the future of Mars. And that was all just in season three!

To kick off the show's fourth season, Archer's cast and creators set out on a four-city tour called Archer Live! (Read my review of the New York event here.) Made up of scene readings/re-enactments, the screening of sneak peeks, and various fun and games, the show was jokingly described by H. Jon Benjamin as a "hate letter to fans." But amid the t-shirts launched into the audience from a snazzy handheld cannon, and the off-the-wall questions the crowd threw back to the cast, there were plenty of details dropped about Archer's fourth season. And I'm sharing them with you. So, obviously spoilers lie ahead.

Actually, a chunk of spoilers are shared in the new season's promo poster, including one detail that will radically rattle the world of Sterling Archer. Note, the wedding dress his mother is sporting? That's right, Malory gets married! And while Jessica Walter could not speak to more Arrested Development cameos in Season 4, she was eager to tell us all about Malory's new man.

His name is Ron Cadillac, and he's the biggest Cadillac dealer in the tri-state area. The new supporting character is voiced by Ron Leibman, Walter's real-life husband who has appeared on televisions shows like The Sopranos and Friends. Walter was delighted to tell us that she and Leibman broke with Archer convention by recording some scenes together, and that Ron will be at the center of an episode titled "Midnight Ron."

Also tipped in the poster—amid some jokes from the first few eps—is the setting of the series two-part finale. If you're looking for Archer and the gang at season's end, you better check under the sea. (And if you were an early watcher of Adult Swim or an early admirer of Archer creators Matt Thompson and Adam Reed, you know where this is going.) There will be a Sealab 2021 crossover wherein the ISIS crew travels to a certain sealab and crosses paths with a crazed Captain Murphy!

But this isn't the only crossover fans will see this season. On top of more references to Reed and Thompson's blistering and bizarre Adult Swim series Frisky Dingo, there's also an episode featuring characters from H. Jon Benjamin's other currently running cartoon show, Bob's Burgers with a special "appearance" from John Roberts, who plays Bob's loving wife Linda.

Other notable guest stars this season include Timothy Olyphant and Anthony Bourdain, playing Archer's best friend Luke Troy and the celebrity chef host of Bastard Chef respectively. While the Justified star was likely snagged out of FX synergy, the latter was a casting coup courtesy of Archer's Aisha Tyler. She discovered Bourdain was an Archer fan when he was a guest on her podcast Girl on Guy.

This season will also reveal Archer's fourth greatest fear—behind are alligators, crocodiles, and brain aneurisms—is the Bermuda Triangle, a location that will also factor into the season finale along with a downed plane, a nuclear bomb and a not a little bit of treason.

Season 4 will also include the return of Archer's bionic ex-fiancée Katya, and Barry (and other Barry) is back, well sort of. Though he's still stuck in space, he isn't done messing with Archer. Gillette, still crippled from the spaceship crash at the end of season 3, will go under the knife at the hands of Krieger. Finally, in an episode called "Papal Chase," we learn that Archer's faithful but abused servant Woodhouse has a celebrity doppelganger in the pope.

Basically, there's lots of badass and totally bonkers stuff in store. So tune in tonight.

Archer Season 4 premieres Thursday, January 17 at 10 p.m. ET. (Read Jessica's review here.) Season three is now available on DVD.

Somewhat reigned in by the almighty Malory Archer (Jessica Walter), the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) crew in Season 4 is still as filled with wild hijinks and as many one-liners that take the humor just a little too far as ever. However, with a different starting point and new adventures, including the teased and promised Bob’s Burgers homage—which is fitting since H. Jon Benjamin provides the vocal leads for both Sterling Archer and Bob—the season kicks off with a bizarre parody and just continues to get weirder from there on out.

In the new season, Archer is a little less Archer-oriented than usual, with subplots and backstories focusing on some of the other ISIS members and the people closer to the crew. In some ways, this makes the series less smutty than it normally is. Better put, Archer is more carefully smutty than usual, and it makes the truly horrifying but funny punchlines that much more impactful.

After catching three seasons of Archer, I didn’t think anything could possibly surprise me about Sterling Archer and co. While the characters, voiced by some of the best voice talent on television, including Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Adam Reed, and Amber Nash, haven’t changed much, and are still boozing and making the same crass or mean-spirited jokes at one another’s expense, the writing is definitely improving. The writers are working on scaling back on the humor 5% in order to improve the plot and the momentum of the series by 10 or 15%, or maybe they’ve just settled into a rhythm. Whatever they’re doing, it works.

Mostly the series is still about ridiculous office shenanigans and fighting against the goofy, often-Russian enemies of the ISIS, but as usual, Season 4 also offers a slew of new characters and guest stars. It’s hard to tell in early episodes if FX’s comedy series will be able to top such high-quality past guest voices as Patrick Warburton, as well as high-profile guest stars including Bryan Cranston and Burt Reynolds. Regardless, by now Archer is prominent enough to attract some big talent, and early on, that talent seems to be used appropriately, with FX's Timothy Olyphant (Justified) stepping in to an early role and making the most of it. Additionally, Ron Liebman has joined the cast in a more prominent role, one that leaves Sterling exasperated with his mother and a bit out-of-sorts.

One of the greatest qualities most animated programming possesses is an ability for audiences to be able to jump right in to any episode and capably understand the characters, their motivations, and whatever wild plotline is being explored that week. Like much animated fodder, Archer has this quality, but it’s much more enriching to tune in from week to week. Honestly, if you’ve never given the series a shot, I’d really suggest going ahead and jumping in when Season 4 premieres on FX on Thursday, January 17. At its best, Archer is a fast-paced adventure story that also manages to look at the banalities of working with the same group of people day in and day out, all while making brilliant observations about the hang-ups, insecurities, and generally personalities of its characters. The series is only getting better and better, so why not give it a shot?

Archer premieres Thursday, January 17 at 10 p.m. ET.

Packed with allusions, self-referential callbacks, rapid-fire banter and outlandish and irreverent characters, FX's Archer inspires a fervent fandom.-- and many of them were lined up outside New York's Irving Plaza a full two and a half hours before last Saturday's live show. Luckily for all of us, even with the sold-out crowd there wasn't really a bad seat in the house. Especially when it came to the t-shirt cannon. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Photo credit: Joel Murphy of Hobo Trashcan.

To kick off Season 4 of the espionage-centered comedy cartoon series and celebrate the release of Season 3's DVD, the cast and producers of Archer came together to perform scenes from the show, share clips, play games and answer questions. And though the event was far from being a finely tuned machine, it was one of the greatest live shows I've ever experienced. Yes, there were issues with the mics glitching, and some bits got clunky or ran long. But with a panel that included executive producer Matt Thompson, H. Jon Benjamin (Sterling Archer), Jessica Walter (Mallory Archer), Aisha Tyler (Lana Kane), Chris Parnell (Cyril Figgis), Amber Nash (Pam Poovey), and Lucky Yates (Doctor Krieger), who exchanged barbs and one-liners at a dizzying pace, it is easy to forget the show's snags.

It was a very special night. For one, Archer Live! marked one of the few occasions the cast was in the same room, outside of the occasional Comic Con panel. Despite their incredible onscreen chemistry, the voice cast of Archer typically records their lines solo, often from all over the country. Nash explained each actor offers several different reads on each line, and then the show's editors masterfully lace them together to create the electric and zinging pace that Adam Reed and Thompson developed working on 11-minute episodes of Sealab 2021 for Adult Swim.

Photo credit: Joel Murphy of Hobo Trashcan.

The show kicked off with Yates revving up the crowd with a quiz and costume contest complete with prizes. I leapt at the chance to win the coveted Archer Spy Pen, which warns the cap falls off for no reason, and did so by knowing that Judy Greer not only voices Cheryl Tunt, but also Krieger's virtual girlfriend. Shortly thereafter, Yates revealed something fans did not know about Krieger and his holographic ladylove: they are big fans of tentacle porn. (If you don't know what tentacle porn is, do not Google it. Some things can never be unseen. An educated guess will tell you all you really need to know.) Yates then showed us a clip of the Krieger-made tentacle porn that stars himself and his vgf and made the audience squeal and laugh in turn. Intrigued? You'll have a chance to see this bizarre bit of animation in Season 4 with an uncut version on its eventual DVD.

Still rattled, we were introduced to tonight's panel: "the darling from the south with a butthole for a mouth" Amber Nash, "lover of exotic fruits and prescription medications" Chris Parnell, "American treasure" Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter who "rescued the blind from a guide dog gone rogue" Jessica Walter, and H. Jon Benjamin…sort of. Those who've also watched Jon Benjamin Has a Van know the comedian with the sexy deep growl of a voice does not look like Archer. In fact, a special feature from the Season 2 disc—which screened later with Benjamin scowling beneath it—had quite a lot of fun with this fact. So, when they announced his name and a strapping young man who greatly resembled Sterling Archer took to the stage, the audience erupted in baffled giggles. The man opened his mouth, and we could hear Benjamin over the loudspeakers as his human puppet gamely played along, lacking any kind of sync. It was fantastic and led to the fake Benjamin picking a girl from the crowd to "kiss Archer" only to be pulled on stage, where the fake was swapped for the real Benjamin who stood on an apple box to reach her mouth.

Photo credit: Joel Murphy of Hobo Trashcan.

She became flushed and embarrassed and repeatedly shied from his kiss, sparking mock fury that was revisited throughout the night with Benjamin shouting, "I'm gonna' be bummed out all night…I know I'm 35 years older than you but come on! It's not like you never kissed a teacher before!" The lunacy didn't stop here. Skits were regularly ended with one of the cast grabbing a t-shirt cannon and firing it into the audience while the chorus of "Danger Zone" played on a loop. Walter, who in sharp contrast to Mallory or her Arrested Development character Lucille Booth, was radiant with warmth and excitement as she fired t-shirts into the balconies. Parnell stayed true to character, screaming "suppressing fire" as he shot his. Asking who wants to get shot in the nuts, Tyler plucked a smug teen from the audience and brought him on stage where she did just that. Finally, Benjamin ended his feud with the flustered fan by firing a t-shirt right to her.

In the midst of all this, three scenes were performed live. One from season three's "Drift Problem," where Pam drives Archer, Lana and Cyril away from the wrathful Yakuza. Since George Takei was not on hand to reprise his role as the Yakuza leader, Yates filled in with an impression that Tyler deemed, "only moderately racist." Benjamin retorted sagely, "We can all stride to be only moderately racist," adding it would make for a better world. There was also a scene from part one of season four's finale, but I'll get into that later this week in a special spoilers report. And lastly, they held impromptu auditions for who would play Cyril opposite Tyler for a re-enactment of "Skytanic"s final scene, where Lana and Cyril make up while pushing a massive bomb out of the rigid airship.

Photo credit: Joel Murphy of Hobo Trashcan.

When the show opened up to questions from the fans, queries ranged from the identity of Archer's father (they are not telling), to if Benjamin would hang out with the questioner (after a spotlight revealed him, the answer was no), to Arrested Development. Aside from confessing to her adoring crowd that Michael Cera's interested in a guest spot on Archer, Walter also shared her personal favorite line from the cult-adored series: "I'd like to cry, but I can't spare the moisture." Walter is so graceful and chipper out of character that her brief transformation to Lucille Bluth before our very eyes was utterly thrilling and caused such cheers from the audience that Benjamin grumbled that she should remember why she was on stage.

The event drew to a close shortly after a sizzle reel for Season 4 was shown, which elicited plenty of gasps and guffaws from the audience. When the show was over, people clamored to have t-shirts signed and pictures snapped with the cast, and I was exhilarated and exhausted. It was an event stuffed with gifts for the fans, both literal and figurative.

We were thrilled to be in the presence of the people behind the show we watch and quote obsessively, and with the repeated literal reaching out to the audience, Archer Live! offered more contact and inclusion than any Comic Con panel I've ever seen. We all had a chance to geek out in a safe space, and see our excitement for Archer reflected by its cast. But beyond that, it was fascinating to get a peek at the people behind the cartoons. Yates has an incredible and open energy that doesn't get much play in the fetish-obsessed Hitler clone Krieger. Tyler had a witty retort for every occasion, like joking that she couldn't strip to her bra and panties for "Skytanic" realism because she wasn't wearing any. (Instead, she insisted, she was favoring a "unitard and Mormon sexual suit.") Walter was utterly delightful and seemed the rightful queen of the scene. Parnell and Nash were playful and clearly awed by the audience response, and Benjamin's curmudgeon shtick might sound harsh on paper, but in contrast to the high energy of the rest of the cast, it played to cheers again and again. All in all, it was…it was…wait, I had something for this…Fuck it. It was awesome.

If you missed out on Archer Live!, don't fret because a recording of it will be included on the Season 4 DVD. In the meantime, watch for the debut of Archer Season 4 on Thursday, January 17th at 10:00 p.m. on FX. And get Archer Season 3 on DVD now, which includes a trailer for Archer's fan-made movie Gator 2, an idea he pitched in the Burt Reynolds' episode, "The Man from Jupiter."