Breaking Bad is generally considered one of the greatest modern TV shows of all time (and for good reason). With that, series lead Bryan Cranston still fields questions about the show over a decade after its conclusion. The crime drama came up again while Cranston was promoting the well received Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair. And, funny enough, Cranston found himself in the position of defending the Skyler White character from co-star Frankie Muniz.

Muniz, who played Cranston's titular TV son on Malcolm in the Middle, appeared alongside him during a recent Hot One Versus interview. During the interview, Muniz asked Cranston which of his most well-known TV wives was a better spouse, Lois or Skyler. From there, Muniz talked about how much he couldn't stand Skyler when he watched Breaking Bad, but Cranston stepped in and shared his take on it:

That response got Muniz to back off his comments, and I can't help but wonder if the former child actor sensed he wasn't going to successfully convince Cranston that Skyler was a bad person. Regardless of that, the conversation went subsequently flowed right along with no further back-and-forth about it.

Frankie Muniz's view of Skyler White being awful is hardly unique, as actress Anna Gunn has talked about receiving fan backlash over playing her character. A portion of the fandom seems to view Skyler as the villain in Walt's story, given he initially took up drug dealing to help his family amid his terminal cancer diagnosis. However, toward the end of the series, it became clearer that Walt's motivations were less about ensuring his family's future after his passing and more about attaining power.

Fortunately, more viewers have come to see Skyler as sympathetic in the years since Breaking Bad. I would also argue that I've seen more people readily view Walter as the real villain of the series, despite his goofier, unassuming moments (including the pizza incident with the roof).

With all that said, I still don't think it's hard to understand why Bryan Cranston picked Lois over Skyler as the better fictional wife. There's just something sweet about seeing Hal and Lois' relationship on Malcolm, specifically the way they remain close despite juggling the chaos brought on by their sons.

Then again, how can one measure the love a spouse has when comparing odd shaving rituals with laundering money for a drug cartel? Skyler White certainly has her flaws, but I think it's clear enough at the end of the day that she genuinely cares about Walt despite the wild circumstances that he put the family in. Would Lois do the same for Hal? I have to wonder.

Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair is available to stream with a Hulu subscription. Anyone looking for something a bit more intense, though, can check out Bryan Cranston's Emmy-winning turn as Walter White by streaming all five seasons of Breaking Bad with a Netflix subscription now.

In the last 20 years, there have been many conversations about the incredible talents of Bryan Cranston. The last 20 years, of course, covers the full run of Breaking Bad, but his time as Walter White also put into focus his impressive pre-Breaking Bad years. For seven seasons, he executed the work of a comedic genius playing Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, and per the creator of the series, it's because he is "essentially fearless" as a performer.

One can recognize this fearlessness watching his work on the new limited revival series Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair (which is now available to stream with a Hulu subscription), – and when I spoke with series creator Linwood Boomer and executive producer Tracy Katsky Boomer, they explained it was all a part of the creative process that was utilized a quarter century ago:

• Linwood Boomer: He's used to that from me. He's used to the, 'Hey, why don't we cover you with 10,000 bees?'
• Tracy Katsky Boomer: That's how they used to come up with storylines. They would come up with like, 'What would Bryan say no to?' And they would try to think of the craziest thing. Like, 'Well, he'd never say yes to 10,000 bees.' And then he'd come up and be like 'Bryan said "yes" to bees.'

The reference to the flying, stinging insects is a specific callback to Malcolm In The Middle Season 1's "The Bots And The Bees," but that was just one wild ride the show took him on. When the '00s sitcom was at its most cartoonish, Hal was usually in the middle of it, and he did everything from get strapped to the front of a bus (Season 4's "Baby (Part 2)" to get stuck under a "paintvalanche (Season 2's "Hal Quits").

That spirit is very much back in play in Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair. Without giving away too much, Hal ends up going on a bodacious drug trip that involves wild self-exploration – and it involves a sequence of rebirth and conversation with various parts of himself.

Discussing the actor's work, Linwood Boomer postulated that Bryan Cranston's openness to challenge in his work stems from his own creativity and the ability to build on the material presented to him. Boomer added,

Bryan Cranston's Hal is arguably the great highlight of Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair (which can be attributed to a perfect approach to the character), but everything about the new 2026 TV series is remarkable. If you haven't watched the acclaimed show yet, do it now, and if you've already watched it, do yourself a favor and watch it again.

One of the great benefits of being a Millennial Malcolm In The Middle fan is that I've been able to watch the show from two different perspectives. I was around the same age as the titular character when it first aired, and I watched locked principally into the viewpoint of the kids, but rewatching as an adult lets one more clearly see and respect the comedic chaos in the lives of Hal and Lois. My love for the brilliant sitcom has only deepened over the years as a result, and my appreciation of that fact makes me particularly love the approach with the parent characters in the amazing new revival Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair.

Now available to stream with a Hulu subscription, the limited series has excellent storylines for the formerly kid characters from the original show (plus the inclusion of the new sibling Kelly and Malcolm's daughter Leah), but when I interviewed series creator Linwood Boomer and executive producer Tracy Katsky Boomer earlier this month, they explained how Hal was the real catalyst for the project. The former said that he can very much relate to where the Bryan Cranston character is at his age, and understanding the changes in his own life inspired where Hal would be. He told me,

Through seven seasons of Malcolm in the Middle, Hal lived through constant chaos thanks to the unceasing rambunctiousness of his children, but when we catch up with him in Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair, he is ready for a very different kind of life. Kelly, his youngest child, is grown and ready to join their brothers in independence. His offspring aren't out of his life (for example, Reese is still around to monetize Hal's clumsiness with secret internet videos), but his relationship with them is ready to change.

Continuing, Linwood Boomer told me that he recognized Hal and himself entering a new phase – but, of course the emotional pull of being a parent never ends:

Lois was a completely different story, and fans of the original show will certainly appreciate the direction that was chosen for her in the writing of the new series. In short: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. From 2000 to 2006, Jane Kaczmarek played one of the most self-actualized characters on television, and there was no instinct to mess with that fact even after 20 years have passed. Linwood Boomer added,

For most revival shows, characters being exactly who they were even decades after we last saw them registers as bad writing, but I don't think there's a Malcolm In The Middle fan on Earth who would argue this wasn't the absolutely necessary approach to Lois.

Hal and Lois are ultimately the best part of the critically acclaimed Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair, but the whole show is truly terrific and a wonderful reunion with a brilliant cast of characters. If you haven't yet watched or haven't carved out time this weekend to check it out, I promise you that you are making a mistake.

There are a lot of things that can go disastrously wrong when a show is revived after 20 years, but Malcolm In The Middle fans need not worry about the legacy of one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Now available to stream with a Hulu subscription, the new limited series Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair is an absolute marvel: a seamless reunion with a collection of amazing characters who have aged in fascinating ways and a plot that brings out the best of all of them. It's laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly emotional, and has a perfect level of fan-service (tons of special cameos and references, but not so many as to feel overbearing).

The Show Is Almost Perfect. Almost

Personally, being a lifelong fan of the show, I couldn't really ask for anything more from the new streaming release… but I do find myself lamenting one pretty significant thing about it: the medium. Put simply, Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair feels like it is trapped structurally between being a reunion feature and a full return of the show, and it leaves one with the oxymoronic feeling of both satisfaction and really wanting more.

The new arrival on the 2026 TV schedule is comprised of four 25-minute serialized chapters, and if you get the feeling watching it that it feels like a feature that has been split into quarters, that's because it essentially is. Per ScreenRant, the revival was originally pitched as a film before it got redeveloped as a limited series. But even if you watch the episodes back-to-back-to-back-to-back as I did, you're left with a strange hunger that I'm not sure would exist if it were a simple feature.

There Is A Stark Difference From The Original Show

Part of the issue stems from how Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair co-exists with the original show, and it is being serialized instead of episodic. Unlike, for example, the equally amazing new season of King Of The Hill that premiered last year, we don't get a full dive back into the lives of the characters with multiple stories to inform where everyone is now, and have to settle for the single servings that are delivered. I love what it has to offer in this respect, but the contained scope would feel more natural within a feature instead of spread out in episodes that don't ultimately have individual identities.

For example, the plotline with Reese secretly filming the foolishness of Hal for monetary gain is amazing, but I also wish there could have been some kind of update about the status of his genius cooking skills. And while Francis' battle to get attention from Lois in the wake of big pregnancy news is super funny, I wish there was some way to also incorporate developments of his life apart from his family (as the original series did with his adventures in military school, Alaska, and the dude ranch).

Of course, there is a simple solution to this feeling in the aftermath of Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair: retroactively have the limited series essentially be a four-part reboot pilot that kicks off a new generation of the show led by Leah, Malcolm's daughter, played by Keeley Karsten. The potential is obvious, and it would just need to be capitalized on. Without the promise of more, though, there's a part of me that wishes Hulu would offer viewers an alternate cut of the revival edited into a single feature, as I can't help but feel the material is better suited for that format.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. You can stream it now with a Hulu subscription!

After years of talk of a Malcolm in the Middle revival, Malcolm and his family are finally back. Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair dropped on the 2026 TV schedule today, with four new episodes. Most of the original cast has returned to reprise their fan-favorite roles, and while reviews for the revival are mixed, it’s still a lot of fun. And a Stranger Things star’s cameo is icing on the cake. What makes it even better is the fact that one f-bomb-filled conversation led to it.

The finale of the four-part revival saw none other than Finn Wolfhard making a surprise appearance as an event planner hired by Jane Kaczmarek’s Lois for her and Hal’s (Bryan Cranston) anniversary party. It’s definitely unexpected, but after seeing Wolfhard hosting Saturday Night Live, it’s nice to see him doing more comedy. And it’s all because he’s a fan of the original show.

Creator Linwood Boomer told Deadline how the cameo happened, and it’s both filled with f-bombs and wholesome:

I would love to know Wolfhard's thoughts about not only being on the set of the revival but getting the chance to be in it. Because going from wanting to just visit the set because he’s a fan to being cast in it because a part was open sounds like fate. Plus, as a fan of the show, he must have been ecstatic about all this.

Considering filming for Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair wrapped almost a year ago, it’s impressive that they were able to keep the cameo a secret until the premiere. However, Wolfhard did spend a decade of his life working on the Netflix megahit Stranger Things. So, it's safe to say that he knows how to keep a secret.

Boomer’s wife, Tracy Katsky, who is an executive producer on the show, revealed that Wolfhard was “an absolute doll” on set. She also said that he kept “forgetting to deliver his lines” because he was so overwhelmed that Kaczmarek, as Lois, was screaming at him. If a blooper reel is ever released, I really hope these takes are included.

There is a lot more to look forward to with Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair aside from Wolfhard’s cameo. Those who loved Malcolm in the Middle should get a kick out of these four episodes. As of now, it’s unknown if there will be more, but these episodes are certainly better than nothing. Especially since Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and more are back in their beloved roles. Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair is streaming now on Hulu.

I love Malcolm In The Middle. I have a very distinct memory of being 12-going-on-13 when the pilot for the beloved sitcom first aired on Fox in January 2000, and since watching all seven seasons when they originally aired, I've rewatched every episode multiple times. I'm fascinated by the strange depth of the characters, and the writing is layered to the point where you can catch fresh jokes on your third or fourth viewing.

There has been only one downside to this passion: when you're paying close attention, you start taking notice of certain details that can eventually evolve into unanswered questions. One of the best things about my role here at CinemaBlend, however, is that I frequently get the opportunity to inquire about those kinds of details as part of my job – and that's exactly what I recently got to do when speaking with Malcolm In The Middle creator Linwood Boomer and producer Tracy Katsky Boomer in advance of the upcoming revival series Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair.

Is Malcolm's First Teacher In The Pilot Kitty Kenarban Or A Totally Different Character?

Speaking with the filmmakers over Zoom, I was very upfront about my geeky love for the original sitcom, and my first question cited the very first episode of the show – specifically the role played by actress Merrin Dungey. In the pilot, she is featured as Malcolm's teacher prior to him being accepted into the school's gifted program, and while Malcolm never goes back to her classroom, it's notable that Dungey's time on the show didn't end there: she returns in the sixth episode of Season 1 playing Kitty Kenarban, the mother of Craig Lamar Traylor' Stevie Kenarban a.k.a. Malcolm's best friend.

In the five episodes in which Kitty appears, her profession is never mentioned, which has long led me to wonder if she was possibly an elementary school teacher. It's a theory that seemingly holds water… but the Boomers clarified that is not the case. Rather than making up canon, they explained that Dungey's casting as Kitty was an exercise of abandoning continuity in favor of working with a talented performer:

• Linwood Boomer: No, and that was one of those things I remember that we always had... we had a few things where we would jettison something that had been established or canon, you know, if it meant that we could have... Merrin [Dungey] did so good in that pilot.
• Tracy Katsky Boomer: She came in and she was so good that then I think... it's like, well now we know this girl and there's gotta be a way, but the first teacher that he didn't have anymore… there just wasn't a big enough part.

Kitty Kenarban doesn't ultimately have a massive role on the show, but she does certainly have a fascinating arc: when she is first introduced, she is a helicopter parent who will do anything to avoid conflict, but when the health-challenged Stevie eventually starts becoming more independent, she abandons her family in pursuit of living the wild life.

Rewatching/looking at the actors who appeared on Malcolm In The Middle, one can note that Merrin Dungey isn't the only person who played two roles over the course of the show. Linwood Boomer specifically namedropped James Henriksen during the interview (who actually had four separate parts on the show), but others include Scott Adsit, Jennette McCurdy, Terry Rhoads, and Patrick Bristow.

Malcolm In The Middle most definitely wasn't the only show of its era to operate that way, and as explained by Linwood Boomer, the casting approach was logic based:

That was one question answered, but I still had another.

How Did Commandant Spangler Lose So Many Body Parts Without Ever Seeing Combat?

With the mystery surrounding Kitty Kenarban cleared up, I then turned the spotlight to another notable Malcolm In The Middle supporting character: Commandant Edwin Spangler.

Played by Daniel von Bargen, Spangler is a key antagonist in Season 1, featured as the charge of the cadets at Marlin Academy – the military school attended by Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson). His visage is particularly notable because he is missing an eye, a hand and a leg… but what makes him an interesting mystery is that he at one point admits to having never seen combat during his time in the United States Air Force.

So how did Spangler lose all of his parts? Linwood Boomer and Tracy Katsky Boomer were both tickled when I asked them, and the former recalled it as a joke for which he has great affection:

Without absolute certainty, they then discussed potential causes – recalling talk about an incident involving a lawnmower that resulted in his lost hand, and the possibility that his lost eye was because of an errant move with his hook.

In response, I threw a fan theory into the mix: in the episode "Malcolm Babysits," Francis and some of the fellow cadets discover the mummified corpse of an old Marlin Academy janitor, and one of the dead man's possessions is a Spangler voodoo doll that just so happens to have pins in its leg, hand and eye. Could it be that the much-hated general was the target of dark magic? The Boomers laughed heartily and loved that as an answer:

• Tracy Katsky Boomer: Yes! Can we just say that that's what it is?
• Linwood Boomer: I remember that was in there because we just wanted to establish that he's been despised for years and years and years, including by staff and how much they hated him.
• Tracy Katsky Boomer: But your version's really funny!
• Linwood Boomer: Honestly, there's so many things that the fans have put together that are so much smarter and sophisticated and more detailed and layered than... you know, we're just a bunch of dumb comedy writers.

They may think of themselves as a "bunch of dumb comedy writers," but they made a truly excellent show in Malcolm In The Middle… and now, after 20 years, we're finally getting more.

While Hulu subscribers can currently watch all seven seasons of the original run, the four-episode limited series Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair is set to premiere tomorrow, April 10. And I will tell you this: if you're a fan, you're going to be totally blissed out and are guaranteed to join me in hoping that it ultimately inspires a full new show.

It’s been two decades since Malcolm in the Middle ended its seven-season run on Fox, and if you often ponder how adult life has treated the titular genius middle child and his crazy family, you’re in luck. Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, set to hit the 2026 TV schedule on April 10, sees Frankie Muniz’s Malcolm being pulled back into his family’s orbit after intentionally distancing himself. Critics have seen the four-part revival, and they say the only thing that’s unfair is there isn’t more of it.

Almost all of the original cast members are reprising their roles for the Malcolm in the Middle revival, including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek. Unfortunately, Erik Per Sullivan has retired from acting and will not return as Dewey, but I’m interested to see how Caleb Ellsworth-Clark steps into that role. We’ll also get to meet Malcolm’s daughter Leah (played by Keeley Karsten … do I smell a spinoff?) and girlfriend Tristan (Kiana Madeira). Enough already! Let’s get to the reviews!

Kristy Puchko of Mashable says this is more of a celebration of one of the best sitcoms of all time than a reboot, and the “sensational” Life’s Still Unfair had her laughing, gasping and crying. She continues:

Matt Roush of TV Insider rates the four 30-minute episodes (which will be available with a Hulu subscription) 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a “raucous hoot.” Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair will leave you wanting more, but its “boisterous brevity” is also so satisfying. Roush writes:

Aiden Kelley of Collider gives the miniseries an 8 out of 10, writing that it’s a more-than-worthy return that is hilarious but really shines in its emotional moments. Kelley’s only complaint is that not all of the supporting cast can be done justice in such a short runtime. The Life’s Still Unfair review reads:

Amber Dowling of The Wrap agrees that the worst part of the Malcolm in the Middle revival is that it’s only four episodes. Dowling writes:

For Aramide Tinubu of Variety, however, neither the whimsy nor nostalgia justify the revival's existence, and it ends up feeling more like a wholly unnecessary reunion special bursting with cameos. Tinubu writes:

Critics mostly agree this is a nostalgia trip worth taking, and the biggest complaint in the Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair reviews that I read was that they wanted more than two hours of time with these beloved characters. All four episodes of the miniseries will be available to stream Friday, April 10, on Hulu, where you can also watch the original series’ seven seasons.

It has to be said that some weeks not a tons gets released on the various streaming platforms. And then there are weeks where it seems all the streamers conspired to release all their biggest content at once. Some of the best series and movies streaming in April are coming out this week. It’s a good thing Daredevil: Born Again is only coming out weekly, so there’s time for everything else.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord - April 6 (Disney+)

Despite relatively short screen time in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul is one of the more popular of Star Wars’ villains. The character has a long and deep history that you won’t be familiar with if you haven’t watched animated Star Wars shows like The Clone Wars, and now your Disney+ subscription will give you an untold chapter in Maul's life in the new animated series Shadow Lord.

The Testaments - April 8 (Hulu)

The Handmaid’s Tale was a critical and fan favorite, but don’t let the fact that it has come to an end lead you to end your Hulu subscription. Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel novel, The Testaments, is set to make its debut as a series this week, with One Battle After Another’s breakout star Chase Infiniti leading the cast.

The Boys, Season 5 - April 8 (Prime Video)

Of all the superhero content one can find on TV and in movies, The Boys, available with a Prime Video subscription, is truly unique. No other series is quite so violent or holds the same sort of lens up to the genre. The show has been incredibly successful, and hopefully, with this fifth and final season, it will be going out on top.

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair - April 10 (Hulu)

Of all the series reboots that we have seen in the last few years, Malcolm in the Middle is one that maybe was not on anybody’s bingo card. And yet this week we get the limited series that, as the subtitle says, promises that Life’s Still Unfair. The show finds an adult Malcolm who has spent his life avoiding his crazy family, forced to deal with them.

Outcome - April 10 (Apple TV)

In Outcome, coming with an Apple TV subscription, the biggest movie star in the world, Keanu Reeves, plays the biggest movie star in the world. Reef Hawk. However, while Keanu is the actor everybody loves, Reef is an actor that seemingly nobody likes. It’s a fact that leads him on a journey of self-discovery after a viral video ruins his reputation. From director Jonah Hill, the new movie looks to be equal parts funny and life-affirming, and it has an incredible all-star cast.

While there’s a lot to love streaming this week, the month is only just getting started. A new season of Netflix’s critically praised Beef comes out next weekend, and reality fans will be able to jump into a new season of Love Island on Peacock. Get ready.

After 20 years off the air, Malcolm In The Middle is finally coming back… albeit in very limited form. Next month, Hulu subscribers will have the chance to check out Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair, which brings back nearly the entire original cast of the show, but the run is only four episodes long. Based on what we've seen from the special reunion in trailers, it seems like it will be just enough to whet our appetite and leave us wanting more… and while that seems like it may be a negative, the good news is that series creator Linwood Boomer and executive producer Tracy Katsky Boomer seem open to going down that road.

In addition to featuring Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Masterson, Emy Coligado and Justin Berfield, Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair will introduce audiences to Malcolm's daughter Leah, played by newcomer Keeley Karsten, and it's through her that the creatives behind the show can see a future. When asked about a new era for the show by Entertainment Weekly, the married creatives said,

• Tracy Katsky Boomer: [Leah] could absolutely hold a show.
• Linwood Boomer: Keeley is an undiscovered star. As a performer, she has this crazy potential that would be silly for show business not to use.

In the revival series, Bryan Cranston's Hal and Jane Kaczmerk's Lois are planning a big celebration for their 40th anniversary, and that's a serious problem for Malcolm, as he has worked hard in his adult life to keep as much distance between himself and his parents and siblings as possible. Leah is a Gen Alpha teen who is described as a "chip off the old block," and her experiences navigating a life connecting with her chaotic family could provide a number of wonderful opportunities for stories.

Kaczmarek certainly sees a great deal of potential in making more Malcolm In The Middle, saying,

Of course, just because there is a lot of interest doesn't mean that everyone is going to be available (just look at all of the delays for the long-gestating Community movie). Bryan Cranston has probably the busiest acting slate among the ensemble, but commitment from Frankie Muniz will also be complicated because he is now a full-time NASCAR driver.

For now, there are no specific plans for the future beyond Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair… but one thing that could help push things in positive directions would be outstanding viewership for the new limited series. All four episodes will be available to stream on Hulu starting April 10 – and head back here to CinemaBlend in the coming days and weeks for more coverage of the exciting reunion.

Almost exactly one year after the Malcolm in the Middle revival was announced in December 2024, a first look reveals the returns of OG cast members Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Michael Masterson, and Justin Berfield, among others, along with the premiere date in the 2026 TV schedule. Malcolm apparently escaped all the shenanigans that plagued him (with much hilarity) in the original Fox series, but the four-part Hulu/Disney+ series will see him right back in the mix. Fortunately, the leading man was much more excited to be back than his character seems to be.

The revival managed to bring back most of the original cast, with the exception of Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey. The role will be handled by Joe Pickett's Caleb Ellsworth-Clark instead, and the first look indicates that the whole family is back to their old tricks, just nearly two decades later. Check it out:

The Malcolm in the Middle revival will debut on Friday, April 10 for anybody with a Hulu subscription (or Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers). All four episodes will all be available on the first day to binge-watch rather than releasing weekly like the good old days on Fox, and you can currently binge-watch all 151 episodes of the original sitcom with either streaming subscription. Based on just the brief first look, I'd say it's easy to see from Malcolm's perspective why the full title of the revival includes Life's Still Unfair!

While Malcolm is a father now, he clearly falls back into old habits when (reluctantly) reunited with his family. Actor Frankie Muniz had no such reluctance going back to when he announced the revival last year with his longtime on-screen parents. In the caption on his Instagram post back in December 2024, he wrote "OH MY GOSH! I'm so excited to announce that after 18 years." In the video, he went on:

While Muniz took a break from major acting roles after Malcolm in the Middle wrapped in 2006 to focus on NASCAR driving, he shared that he's been waiting for the revival order "for 18 years." Take a look at the video that first announced the four-part series, also featuring Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek:

After wrapping on the revival, Muniz shared on Instagram that the experience was "Straight-up incredible – like stepping back into Malcolm’s wild world but with all the love and chaos cranked to 11." The actor later responded to concerns that he'd be "pigeonholed" as one character by reprising his most famous role (via US Weekly), but he "wasn't going to say no because of that" after realizing how much Malcolm in the Middle touched many people. He has also explained how he approached balancing the Malcolm revival with racecar driving.

While the wait for Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair isn't nearly over, at least there's an end date in sight with the April 10 premiere. In the meantime, it's nice that there's the option to at least revisit how the original series ended as a refresher via Hulu, if not go back to binge-watch from start to finish.

Malcolm in the Middle is returning, as Frankie Muniz and the cast reunited to shoot a four-part miniseries that’ll debut amid the 2026 TV schedule. The prospect of seeing the stars reprise their respective roles is very exciting, and that’s especially true when it comes to Bryan Cranston. Fans seem pumped to see Cranston play devoted but occasionally irresponsible father Hal again, and even Aaron Paul is psyched. That was evidenced by the excellent, Breaking Bad-related comment Paul left under Cranston’s recent post.

An official teaser for Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair was released just days ago, and it reaffirmed that the show would premiere for Hulu subscription holders in 2026. However, the clip does delightfully play on the classic scene of Hal having his back shaved. Bryan Cranston shared the video to his Instagram, with a portion of his caption reading, “Some things never change.” Take a look at the video below:

I never thought I’d ever say this in any context, but that video of a man getting the hair on his back shaved is making me nostalgic. Based on the comments section, I’m not the only one who feels that way either. Aaron Paul – who played Jesse Pinkman to Cranston’s Walter White on Breaking Bad – hyped up his longtime pal. He also included an excellent reference to the Vince Gilligan-created drug drama:

While Walter White sports the white undergarments on a few occasions throughout Breaking Bad, the most iconic instance in which he wears the tighty-whities while cooking meth and later while trying to defend himself from drug dealers. I’d like to think that Cranston is now indeed giving the people what they want by reprising his role as Hal. Of course, fans shouldn’t expect the humorous father of six to be slinging meth when he returns in the miniseries.

Life’s Still Unfair focuses on Malcolm – now a father with a daughter of his own – as he reunites with his family to celebrate parents Hal and Lois’ 40th wedding anniversary. In addition to lead actor Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston, other franchise veterans like Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are also returning. Some of the stars have expressed enthusiasm about working together again, including Cranston, who’s kept tabs on his TV family in the years since the OG show ended its seven-season run on Fox in 2006.

I can’t see Cranston covering himself in blue paint again for the sake of this limited series, but what I can easily imagine is for Hal to have become somewhat kookier with age. My theory also extends to the various members of Hal’s family and, honestly, what would this franchise be without this large brood’s distinct eccentricities? Needless to say, like Aaron Paul, I’ll be tuning in for this TV revival.

For now, Malcolm and the Middle fans – as well as series newcomers – can stream all seven seasons of the show now on Hulu. A Disney+ subscription will grant access to the beloved single-camera comedy series as well.

It’s no secret plenty of stars will always be known for their iconic TV characters, and Frankie Muniz as Malcolm is no exception. What the interesting part to watch unfold is how each actor realizes and then responds to this unshakable title. For the Malcolm in the Middle star, it seems like the pigeonholing issues were no big deal for him when diving into the return. And I love how surprising his feelings are for the beloved brainiac.

Though the Malcolm in the Middle revival is still waiting in the wings ahead of landing amidst the 2025 TV schedule, Muniz landed US Weekly’s cover story. In preparation of the December Disney+ release, he covered a lot of ground with the publication, including returning to the family of eight. When asked about worries of getting boxed into a character, the racecar driver had a grounded answer. He’s proud to be associated with Malcolm because of his impact, and said:

I really do love how refreshing his answer is in regards to the fictitious fan favorite. As we know not every character’s legacy is held in such a way. And that’s especially true in the age of streaming, with plenty of TV (and movies) finding new audiences in waves. But, on top of it all, I really appreciate that Muniz still holds a place for MITM fans even though it’s been 20 years and he’s changed professions.

Now, two decades after the finale, it was announced that Malcolm in the Middle is coming back, and made the internet wild. Turns out, those rumors that had been floating around were planted by Muniz and his X account, ten years ago. He shares that while the creator of the show wasn’t interested then, it was Bryan Cranston that led the decade long charge to green lighting the reboot, saying:

I’m sure the whole ride has been a crazy one for the Big Fat Liar star. From landing the OG gig, having the internet onboard for a revival and continuously adored throughout has to make anyone’s tires spin. And, now with the MITM revival wrapped, I’m sure the cast, crew and Muniz are just counting down to its premiere. If the continuation hits like the aughts series, Malcolm and co are likely to have an even larger fandom.

We’ll have to wait and see just how well a grown up version of the classic FOX Network family fares. I hope it does well for many reasons, but Muniz’s commitment to Malcolm while balancing racing with filming may top the list. Here’s hoping that they all avoid the pitfalls and other concerns of a returning series.

Make sure to have an active Disney+ subscription this December to tune in! You can stream the original show there until then.

They say that “Mother knows best,” but I can think of a few movies and TV shows that challenge that belief. The following are some of the rudest, most cruel, and just plain evil fictional moms whom I am eternally thankful I never had to grow up with.

Margaret White (Carrie)

Sissy Spacek's title character from Brian DePalma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie possesses telekinetic abilities that make her a danger to others, but she is not the villain of the story. That would be her mother, Margaret (Piper Laurie in an Oscar-nominated performance), who is an abusive, extreme religious fanatic with deluded reasoning for cruelly punishing her daughter, whom she even considers to be a punishment for her own past sins.

Lucille Bluth (Arrested Development)

There are very few members of the Bluth Family from Arrested Development who do not boast hilariously despicable personalities. The worst of them all might just be the matriarch, Lucille (Jessica Walter), whose self-serving, elitist ego drives her to manipulate and arrogantly berate all of her "loved" ones, with her own children facing much of the brunt.

Momma Lift (Throw Momma From The Train)

In the 1987 dark comedy movie, Throw Momma from the Train, Owen Lift (Danny DeVito, who also directs) agrees to kill the ex-wife of his writing professor, Larry Donner (Billy Crystal), in exchange for murdering his mother. Honestly, it is hard not to empathize with Owen when Anne Ramsey first appears in her Oscar-nominated role as the loud, nasty, belligerent, and physically abusive Momma Lift.

Livia Soprano (The Sopranos)

Every Sopranos character has their standout qualities, but Livia Soprano (Nancy Marchand) has absolutely none. Her gangster son Tony (James Gandolfini) enters therapy to get over issues stemming from his terrible childhood living under her roof. However, she committed her worst sin against him when he was grown up, attempting to orchestrate his murder.

Lady Tremaine (Cinderella)

You could look at any iteration of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, and the title character's wicked stepmother could be considered an all-timer in this category, based on her unjustifiably horrid treatment of the innocent young woman. However, Eleanor Audley's portrayal in the Disney animated classic from 1950 is perhaps the most bloodcurdlingly cruel and chillingly intimidating.

Selina Meyer (Veep)

In Armando Iannucci's hilarious political satire, Veep, Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) uses and abuses as many people as possible to rise in the ranks of the United States Government. Receiving the worst treatment, however, is her own daughter, Catherine (Sarah Sutherland), whom she constantly belittles and shamelessly uses as a tool in her campaigns.

Mary Jones (Precious)

One of the most stunning examples of a comedian giving a stellar dramatic performance is Mo'Nique's Oscar-winning role in Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire as the title character's mom, Mary Jones. Not only does she physically and verbally abuse her teenage daughter (played by Gabourey Sidibe), but she also stands by when her husband takes advantage of her, only to blame her for the situation and accuse her of "stealing her man."

Cersei Lannister (Game Of Thrones)

In the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, there are many noble royals who breed despicable children, and just as many noble royals bred from despicable parents. However, Cersei Lannister (played by Lena Headey in HBO's Game of Thrones cast) is an example of a sadistic woman who also bred sadistic children, all of whom would end up meeting a bitter end as a result of her manipulative ways.

Joan Crawford (Mommie Dearest)

Arguably, the mother of all mean movie mothers is not a product of complete fiction, but allegedly based on fact. Faye Dunaway gives a frighteningly over-the-top performance as Academy Award winner Joan Crawford in a 1981 adaptation of Mommie Dearest, a memoir by the screen legend's own adoptive daughter, Christina.

Cookie Lyon (Empire)

The dog-eat-dog nature of the music industry has rarely been captured better than in Lee Daniels and Danny Strong's hit series, Empire, especially as seen through the eyes of Loretha "Cookie" Lyon. Portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in a Golden Globe-winning performance, the record executive and former convict is not opposed to pitting her own children against each other to benefit her own influence over the family's company, Empire Entertainment.

Pamela Voorhees (Friday The 13th)

If you really think about it, Pamela Voorhees (portrayed by Betsy Palmer in the 1980 horror movie classic, Friday the 13th) is not, in essence, a bad mother. It was her loving commitment to her son that drove her to murder the camp counselors she believes were responsible for his fatal drowning. In fact, proof that the sympathetic horror villain was a good mom lies in the mysteriously resurrected Jason and his bid to continue killing debaucherous teens in her honor.

Marie Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)

On the beloved TV sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frank Barone (Peter Boyle) is the more outwardly spiteful parent to Ray (Ray Romano) and Robert (Brad Garrett). At least he does not treat his sons like children, even as grown-ups, like his wife, Marie, does. Doris Roberts' multi-Emmy-winning role might be an even worse mother-in-law, with the way she puts down Ray's wife, Debra (Patricia Heaton), at seemingly every chance.

Lavona Golden (I, Tonya)

I believe the key to Allison Janney's Oscar win for portraying Tonya Harding's mother, Lavona Golden, in I, Tonya is how persuasively she argues that she is responsible for pushing the Olympic figure skater (played by Margot Robbie) to greatness. However, she takes absolutely no responsibility for instilling qualities of poor sportsmanship, incessant verbal and physical abuse, and her shamelessly manipulative ways.

Evelyn Harper (Two And A Half Men)

Holland Taylor is dynamite in her ferocious, four-time Emmy-nominated performance as the cold and vindictive Evelyn Harper on Two and a Half Men. It is no wonder that her sons, the commitment-phobic Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and hopelessly dissatisfied Alan (Jon Cryer), turned out to be, when you imagine what living with her must have been like.

Petunia Dursley (The Harry Potter Movies)

What makes Petunia Dursley (Fiona Shaw) easily one of the most despicable Harry Potter characters is her terrible role as a parent, but in more than one way. She treats her son, Dudley (Harry Melling), far too well, spoiling him beyond repair. Yet, her treatment of her eponymous orphaned nephew (played by Daniel Radcliffe) is abhorrent, from locking him in a cupboard under the stairs as punishment to making him into her home's indentured servant.

Colleen Donaghy (30 Rock)

Elaine Stritch earned five Emmy nominations for appearing on 30 Rock as the domineering and mercilessly critical mother of Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), Colleen. Jack once accidentally hit her with his car and, as a result of her unfavorable behavior, proceeded to wait eight minutes before deciding to call 9-1-1.

Ruth DeWitt Bukater (Titanic)

Frances Fisher's role in the Titanic cast, Ruth DeWitt Bukater, is an essential example of an overbearing, elitist, and manipulative movie mother. Perhaps her worst offense is forcing Rose (Kate Winslet) to marry her loathsome fiancé, Cal (Billy Zane), purely for the social status it will earn their family.

Brianna Barksdale (The Wire)

On The Wire, the only thing standing in the way of D'Angelo Barksdale's (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) switch to the right side of the law is his mother. Brianna (Michael Hyatt) is constantly manipulating her son into giving up so much for the benefit of their family's unlawful business, including serving a long prison sentence on behalf of his uncle, Avon (Wood Harris).

Eleanor Shaw Iselin (The Manchurian Candidate)

Discovering that you have been brainwashed into becoming a political assassin is terrifying. Discovering that your own mother is involved in the conspiracy, like what Eleanor Shaw Iselin (Angela Lansbury) does to her son, Raymond (Laurence Harvey), in the 1962's The Manchurian Candidate, is simply devastating.

Endora (Bewitched)

Some of the funniest moments on Bewitched would come courtesy of Agnes Moorehead as Endora, a literal witch who never once held back from expressing her resentment toward her mortal son-in-law, Darrin Stephens (original Dick York and later Dick Sargent). Of course, Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) is as much a victim of her mother's domineerance, and one can only imagine what sorts of wicked things she must have put up with while growing up with her.

Mrs. Robinson (The Graduate)

Watching The Graduate from the perspective of Elaine Robinson (Katharine Ross) makes the 1967 dramedy an even more maddening trip. It is bad enough that her mother (played by Anne Bancroft) attempts to ruin her relationship with Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), but to discover that he is her lover, too, sounds like a nightmare.

Irina Derevko (Alias)

To get a more authentic look at what the life of a spy must be like, I would not recommend checking out the James Bond movies, but the hit ABC series, Alias, which follows the adventures of double agent Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner). She was prepped for the traumatic hardships of espionage at an early age when her mother, Irina Derevko (Lena Olin), faked her death, but even that could not prepare her for when Irina betrayed her daughter in favor of the KGB.

Beverly Sutphin (Serial Mom)

The central character of writer and director John Waters' uproarious dark comedy, 1994's Serial Mom, is Beverly Sutphin (Kathleen Turner), a suburban housewife who would never harm her own children. However, she has absolutely no qualms about brutally harming other people for the sake of her children, which does not make things any better, of course.

Maya Lewis (Scandal)

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) had dedicated her life and career to making crises disappear on Scandal. On the other hand, her mother, Maya Lewis (Khandi Alexander), has, ironically, dedicated her life to making them happen. However, Olivia did not know that for almost two decades, and, in fact, she was under the impression that her mother was dead that whole time.

Mrs. Windle Vale (Now, Voyager)

Bette Davis stars in director Irving Rapper's 1942 drama, Now, Voyager, as Charlotte Vale, who longs for independence from her overbearing mother (played by Gladys Cooper), who constantly belittles her with comments about her being an embarrassment to their family. Apparently, Mrs. Vale could not stand the idea of her daughter protesting her dominance because the day she does just happens to be the day she succumbs to a sudden heart attack.

Ida Welker (Malcolm In The Middle)

While Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) could be seen as a mean mom, in retrospect, she put up with a lot while raising her five boys (six if you count Bryan Cranston's Hal) on Malcolm in the Middle. While I have nothing but respect for her, I have nothing but disdain for her mother, Ida (Academy Award winner Cloris Leachman), who is a cold, conniving, and downright horrid woman right to her core.

Zinnia Wormwood (Matilda)

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, 1996's Matilda stars Mara Wilson in the title role of a young girl gifted with telekinetic powers but cursed with despicable adult peers, including her uncaring parents. Not only is her mother, Zinnia Wormwood (Rhea Perlman), a vain, airheaded narcissist, but her father (played by Danny DeVito, who also directs) is just as bad.

Dr. Beverly Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory)

Almost every member of CBS' The Big Bang Theory cast has a mother with a strong personality, to say the least, but Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) has that claimed unmatched. Psychologist Beverly Hofstadter (Christine Baranski) never bothered to show Leonard any affection, considering she only had children for experimental and research purposes anyway.

Alice Ward (The Fighter)

Melissa Leo gives an Academy Award-winning performance in 2010's fact-based, acclaimed boxing movie, The Fighter, as Alice Ward. The portrayal paints her as a woman who is more concerned with what is best for the athletic careers of her sons, Micky (Mark Wahlberg) and Dicky (Christian Bale), than what is best for their well-beings.

Constance Langdon (American Horror Story)

As one of the most frequent recurring American Horror Story actors, Jessica Lange has played an amusing variety of characters on the seasonal horror anthology TV show. However, her scariest role may be the first, Constance Langdon, whose horrid parenting skills and refusal to take responsibility for them have resulted in chaos in her household and for others affected by her children's actions.

Lilly Dillon (The Grifters)

One might assume that Lilly Dillon (Anjelica Huston) would be happy that her son, Roy (John Cusack), has found love with Myra (Annette Bening), who is in the same line of work as she is: con artistry. However, Lilly is the type of mother who does not believe any woman is good enough for her son, which is why she plots to murder Myra in 1990's The Grifters.

Norma Bates (Bates Motel)

We never actually meet Norma Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's seminal 1960 thriller, Psycho, but we can imagine, from the way her son, Norman (Anthony Perkins), takes on her likeness when murdering people, that she was not an easy person to get along with. The A&E original series, Bates Motel, offers an inside look at the complicated relationship between Norma (Vera Farmiga) and young Norman (Freddie Highmore), which is littered with lies, manipulation, and murder.

Great sitcom families come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to the expansive landscape. From animated favs to semi-autobiographical cranktakorous comedians, and even classic Hollywood iconic fams, all show up, good, bad or ugly. Regardless of their grade or feelings for one another, each brood left an indelible mark on the television genre. Wherever you stand within your family tree, this list is for the fathers, mothers, step-parents, kids, siblings, cousins and much more.

The Addams - The Addams Family 5/5

Though they can be considered creepy and kooky, the Addams remain as relevant as ever in pop culture. Starting as a single-panel New Yorker comic strip, the blended oddballs continue to showcase true love through dark and dismal ways. The success of these longstanding family unit vibes is due to one of the best couples (outside of rom-coms), Gomez and Morticia, and their unwavering love and pride.

The Simpsons - The Simpsons 4/5

The long-running cartoon has become a recognizable pop culture staple worldwide. Even if Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie aren’t the Cleavers of the past thirty years, they still show up for one another however they can. Realistically, though, Marge has and continues to be the anchor of the Simpson family dynamics.

The Taylors - The Andy Griffith Show 5/5

Mayberry, North Carolina, wouldn’t be the same without the Taylors, in my opinion. Andy, Aunt Bee and Opie paved the way wholesomely for many other families, of any shape or size, in the sitcom landscape. Now and again, though, small conflicts would arise between the trio (I still can’t get over the Opie, slingshot and bird episode) that would get addressed head-on and with care.

The Bunkers - All In The Family 3/5

The Bunkers live in a working-class Queens home fueled by loud opinions, generational clashes, and sharp-tongued debates. Archie’s old-school views and Edith’s unwavering sweetness lend to the frequently boisterous home. Though daughter Gloria and husband, Mike, are no strangers to stirring the pot, either. Underneath it all lies a stubborn but constant love for each other amid all the high-strung dynamics.

The Jeffersons - The Jeffersons 4/5

The titular unit first starred on All in the Family as the Bunkers' neighbors. Not long after did George, Louise and their family moved on up. The Jeffersons showcased a pretty average but caring reflection of familial dynamics–dad’s arrogance clashed with mom’s calm, while their son, Lionel, tried to be a voice of reason. Along with the trio’s inner workings, extended relatives were added into the mix in a humorous but heartfelt way.

The Stephens - Bewitched 3/5

Though Bewitched was presented as generally lighthearted with a focus on comedic situations, the storylines made the Stephens’ experience some turbulence. Between Samantha’s relatives interfering in her everyday dealings, to Darrin initially doubting her abilities, and even her kiddos stirring the pot, the familial layers ran through a whole gamut.

The Sanfords - Sanford And Son 3/5

Fred and Lamont make up this parent-kid relationship, and while it’s relatively stable, the less-than-stellar communication skills hinder these two from leveling up. Notably, it’s a love-hate vibe between the two, with Fred’s habits and personal beliefs that cause the most trouble in their day-to-day lives.

The Munsters - The Munsters 5/5

Presented as a satirical counterpoint to the other familial shows during the 60s, the spooky eponymous unit was quite loving. Herman and Lily, Frankenstein’s monster and a vampire, respectively, were good-natured parental role models who welcomed open conversations, even when things went haywire.

The Petries - The Dick Van Dyke Show 4/5

The veteran black and white trio balances everyday life with Hollywood dealings. Filled with quick wit, heartfelt moments, and the occasional misstep (often turned laugh), they face the ups and downs of everyday personal and professional issues as a unit. The Petries are a great example of running a home with grace, humor, and even a little song and dance when needed.

The Gellars - Friends 2/5

Monica and Ross are typical sister-brother fodder. They both hang with all of their pals in a home I've wanted to explore forever, and from time to time, break out an iconic childhood dance number. When their parents come into play, that rating dives off a cliff. While Ross is viewed as a golden child, Monica continuously gets scrutinized or patronized for every element of her life, and her bro is MIA to defend her.

The Costanzas, The Seinfelds - Seinfeld 3/5

While Seinfeld isn’t centered on regular relative relations, the Seinfelds and Costanzas got featured somewhat consistently. Jerry and his parents' (and occasionally, Uncle Leo's) dynamics are pretty run-of-the-mill, but can be somewhat quirky. Meanwhile, George’s mom and dad illustrate the louder side of caring, but also outspoken heads of the family. Together, they’re a hilarious blended group poking and prodding at their kids.

The Banks - Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air 4/5

Like many of the other blended broods, the Banks show up at the end of the day for one another. Will coming to stay with the Bel-Air residents showcased from the jump what type of good-willed, community-driven people they are. Their actual reactions in their relationships on the surface may look quite different, though.

The Bundys - Married… With Children 1/5

The Married… with Children family is built differently. The Bundys are filled with insults, bad luck, and relentless sarcasm, paired with Al’s bitterness, Peg’s laziness, and the kids’ scheming--making it one unpredictable place. As miserable as they claim to be in regards to money, love and success, they’re stuck together—and wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Tucker-Pritchetts, Pritchett-Delgados and Dunphys - Modern Family 5/5

Ed O’Neill’s second run with a family sitcom was as notable as Married… With Children, but related much better to his loved ones, playing Jay Pritchett, the staunch but understanding patriarch. Between him and his OG kids, Claire and Mitchell, their respective families, his new wife and kids, and everyone interacting regularly, it’s more often than not a fun-loving and humanistic give and take of blended familial relationships.

The Flinstones - The Flintstones 3/5

The titular family of the first notable animated sitcom premiered back in the 1960s. And while it was widely successful and has multiple iterations a la The Addams Family, Fred is far from Gomez. But the fictionalized caveman continued to show up for his family even when the going got tough, or got him flustered.

The Belchers - Bob’s Burgers 4/5

As one of the most rewatchable shows ever, The Belchers' family dynamic is the stuff of magic. While they may be far from perfect, overly successful, or even popular (to some), the five humorously and oddly show up for one another every week. Now and again, Bob or one of the other four shows some defiance with the goings on, but it never lasts for long.

The Tanners (and co.) - Full House 4/5

The blended household has a lot going on within all of its floors, including regularly showing up for each other. Danny, Joey, Becky and Jesse do their best for the collective kiddos but can also lead them into trouble from time to time. All in all, though, the collective fam has nothing but the best intentions, except maybe when DJ’s neighbor's best friend, Kimmy Gibbler, comes around.

The McCulloughs - The Bernie Mac Show 4/5

The Bernie Mac Show is another classic, somewhat reflective look into the late comedian Bernie Mac’s real life. As the McCulloughs take in their two nieces and nephew after their mom has issues, lots of boundaries are explored for the new fivesome. With his bold humor but well-intended grace, they all learn to bond.

The Wilkersons - Malcolm In The Middle 3/5

Malcolm and the rest of his family live in middle-class chaos, outside of careers, much of which is due to the close-knit but quarrelsome four brothers. Regardless of how messy, wild, or outlandish it gets, Lois, with the help of Hal, is there to rein it all back in time and again. Through thick and thin, and a bonkers way of getting their feelings across, they continue to stick together.

The Barones - Everybody Loves Raymond 4/5

Ray and his family live in a whirlwind of sarcasm, guilt trips, and unsolicited visits, mostly stirred up by their impossibly close but constantly bickering dynamic. With Marie’s meddling, Frank’s gruff indifference, and Robert’s simmering resentment, Ray and Debra are rarely left in peace. Still, no matter how overbearing or absurd it gets, they always find a way to resolve any quip.

The Rocks - Everybody Hates Chris 4/5

The Chris Rock reflective sitcom is the perfect blend of comedy and heart between the core five. Even though the noted balance hangs true in most episodes, the reactions and happenings that fill out the original UPN show highlight the realities of their normalcy. All of them are trying their best in their personal and collective lives, and it’s an excellent showcase.

The Mitchells - Moesha 3/5

The Mitchells on Moesha broke barriers and still remains a part of pop culture due to breaking untrue industry perceptions. Though Frank ran his household in a tight manner, alongside his second wife, Dee (remarried after his first wife, Marguerite, passed), they faced issues head-on and together. (Including Frank’s past infidelities.)

The Lopezes - George Lopez 4/5

Another outstanding example of parents and their kids comes from the early ‘00s George Lopez series. Not that it didn’t have its issues, including Lopez’s spotty communication skills, the fivesome navigated their best through an array of ups and downs using humor and diverse perspectives.

The Davids - Curb Your Enthusiasm 1/5

In the off chance you’re not familiar with this somewhat factual Larry David sitcom, Larry has and always will be the problem. It’s exactly why Cheryl Hines divorced him during the long-running 12-season show. The writer and comedian loosely based this on his own marriage, but with a larger-than-life comedic spin to it.

The Mosbys - How I Met Your Mother 3/5

It may be a forgotten fact that the Mosby kids are sprinkled throughout the series, but their presence is the hinge of the show. From the small sampling we have of Ted with his son and daughter, it all seems pretty average (depending on who you ask). During the 9 seasons, Mosby ignores direct questions from his children, albeit comedically, and focuses on recounting the whole thing in order.

The Bluths - Arrested Development 2/5

The Bluth family and their fictional company were a comedic trainwreck from start to finish. Even though they all had shining moments of showing up for each other, their rich, out-of-touch ways, personally and professionally, wreaked some major havoc. With the corrupt and scheming patriarch George Bluth at the helm, sooner or later, all the issues were bound to hit a boiling point.

The Griffins - Family Guy 2/5

As one of the more outlandish cartoon families, the Griffiths don’t hold down the homestead title as well as others. From Peter to Stewie, each of them has some highlights, but their flaws and how they relate to each other through those traits are the glue that somehow holds them together. Overall, they have fine moments of true connectedness, but it's not commonplace.

The Landrys, Campbells - Sister Sister 5/5

The still lovable Sister Sister shows just how to work through a wildly unexpected happening together. Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry as long-lost twins of the same name to reunite and live with their respective parents under one roof takes a lot of gumption. By no means did the new era between the four run smoothly, but all were onboard to give it their best shot to let the sisters get to know each other.

Schitt’s Creek 5/5

Co-creators and real-life father-son duo, Eugene and Dan Levy, nailed this fictional riches-to-rags story’s foursome. The Canadian sitcom took over the world because of the Schitt’s humor, ridiculous banter, but a pure heart of gold for one another. From start to finish, we watched them grow as a family and as individuals who truly realized that our relationships are the most important thing any of us has.

The Hills - King Of The Hill 4/5

You’d never expect a place like small-town Texas to house one of the best animated shows and families of all time, but it does. The Hills reflect a completely average American family in suburbia, with, generally, semi-realistic issues they work through together. Hank may be a little rough around the edges when something goes wrong, but he usually works through it and celebrates by cracking open a cold one with his pals, uh-huh.

The Reynolds - It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 2/5

The Philadelphia area-based family isn’t for the faint of heart. They are a ragtag bunch that dysfunctionally can be supportive, but often through very muddied lenses of narcissism, manipulative behavior or shallowness. Somehow, through all of the dynamics, they continue to co-own and successfully tend a bar together.

The Solomons - 3rd Rock From The Sun 3/5

This case stands a little differently from the rest, in terms of human family dynamics vs. alien ones. As the Solomons, the quartet of ETs are wacky and get into a lot of antics Earthside that get them into trouble. But how they act toward one another as who they really are helps bump their score up.

Malcolm in the Middle is being revived with much of the original cast returning, including Malcolm himself, Frankie Muniz. The four-episode revival, which will be available with a Disney+ subscription at some point (hopefully on the 2025 TV schedule), kicked off filming in April. Muniz had to balance production with his racing career, and just hearing about it was exhausting. Now, filming has officially wrapped, and the former child star is making me hyped for the new episodes with his sweet post.

Muniz took to Instagram earlier this week to commemorate the end of filming, reflecting on returning to Malcolm's world after 19 years. Although there have been rumors in the past that a Malcolm in the Middle reboot or revival was in the works, nothing came to fruition until very recently, obviously. So all the excitement and emotions were warranted, as he wrote:

Since the revival is only four episodes, it makes sense that he feels like it just flew by, because it pretty much did. But that doesn’t take away the fact that he and his on-screen family reunited, sans Erik Per Sullivan, who retired from acting.

Muniz went on to explain how grateful he is for the experience and how it brought back his love of acting. Regardless of how long the revival is, I am seriously looking forward to getting reacquainted with the Malcolm in the Middle crew:

The heartfelt message came alongside two photos from filming, including one of Muniz likely dressed as the beloved titular character. While two may not seem like a lot, the actor admitted that he has “so many incredible pictures” of the cast he wanted to post. Unfortunately, Disney wouldn’t let him, so he told his followers to imagine a picture of them all together, having the time of their lives.

Hopefully, when the show actually comes out, we'll get some of those BTS pics. However, for now, I'll enjoy these:

Joining Frankie Muniz for the revival are Jane Kaczmarek and Bryan Cranston as his parents, Lois and Hal, as well as Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield as Malcolm’s older brothers, Francis and Reese, respectively. As previously mentioned, Sullivan will not be in the series as Malcolm’s younger brother, Dewey, since he retired from acting. Instead, Dewey will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Anthony Timpano, Vaughan Murrae, Keeley Karsten, and Kiana Madeira will also be featured in the show.

A premiere date for the Malcolm in the Middle revival has not yet been announced, but now that filming has wrapped, hopefully, it won't be long until a date and a teaser are released. For now, fans will have to settle for watching the original series with a Hulu subscription.

When I first heard about Malcolm in the Middle’s revival, I was flooded with memories of watching Frankie Muniz’s career-defining character break the fourth wall and try to navigate life all those years ago. As a middle child and a kid who was pushed into enriched classes at a very early age, I always felt a connection with what’s considered one of the best sitcoms of all time. I mean, I was in a strange and awkward transitional phase in my life, and the show’s main character was in a very similar situation.

After making plans to revisit the show for the first time in years, I recently started rewatching Malcolm in the Middle (I’m partway through the first season with a lot of catching up to do), and it has been quite an experience. Now a father to three kids of my own, a homeowner, and a guy quickly approaching middle age, I’m finding myself relating to this show in a completely different and unexpected way.

I Haven't Watched Malcolm In The Middle In Years, And This Rewatch Is A Blast

I’ll never forget watching the first episode of Malcolm in the Middle back in January 2000 and being completely blown away by the humor, rawness, and relatability of what was Fox’s newest show in its Sunday night lineup. I watched religiously for the first few seasons, making sure I was ready to go when it came on after The Simpsons, but I slowly started missing an episode here and there before eventually stopping entirely. It wasn’t that I no longer liked it (I would later watch reruns on FX in high school and college), but it was just one of those things, you know?

Let me tell you, going back to the very beginning with Malcolm and his family after all these years (it’s probably been at least 15 years since I watched an episode) is an absolute blast. This is something I plan on continuing as we get closer to the revival, which will hopefully come to Disney+ by the end of the 2025 TV schedule or some point early next year.

There's A Lot Of Nostalgia, Which Was Expected

Going into my Malcolm in the Middle rewatch, I had a feeling that there was going to be a lot of nostalgia, and I was right. This show came out when I was in the sixth grade, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that watching those early episodes took me back to the early 2000s when we were coming out of the ‘90s and into the promise of a new millennium.

Watching Malcolm fight with Reese (Justin Berfield) and Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) on a Saturday morning, get into all kinds of mischief, and ruin their parents’ anniversary dinner in an early episode takes me back to raising hell with my two brothers back in the day. Also, the scene where Malcolm first goes to his gifted class took me back to second grade when I was admitted to “Discoveries” (not “Gateway,” I wasn’t that smart) and the oddness and unfamiliarity of being pulled from my normal class. It’s a trip, but a good one considering these were my formative years and all.

I'm Finding Myself Relating To Malcolm's Parents

I thought the hit of nostalgia would be the best part about revisiting the family sitcom after all these years, but I was wrong. What’s really been a blast and so meaningful about going back to this beloved series is finding myself relating to Malcolm’s parents, Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), and finally seeing the various ups and downs of family life through their eyes.

As I mentioned above, I have three kids of my own – I know Francis (Christopher Masterson) means there are four kids at this stage in the show, but he’s still in military school – and so I totally see Lois and Hal’s struggle to provide for their family, keep the kids from killing one another, and try to find time for themselves. I’m not to the show’s third season just yet, but there’s that one scene where Hal tries to fix a lightbulb that hits so much harder as an adult. Honestly, it’s like watching a different show.

More importantly, My Perception Of Lois Has Changed So Much

Back when I used to watch, I always saw Lois as an iron-fisted TV mom who would go to great lengths to make life hell for her kids. Those thoughts mellowed out as the series continued and I grew up, but come on, I was an angsty 12-year-old when this show debuted back in the day, and had a problem with authority. Now that I’m in Lois’ shoes, I have a completely different perception of her character and her parenting methods.

Sure, Jane Kaczmarek’s unforgettable character takes things too far at times (the psychological warfare she used to figure out who burnt her dress was insane), but being a parent of three young kids who love tearing up stuff, lying about it, and fighting each other to take the blame has taught me that she wasn’t completely in the wrong in these situations. I, too, am tired after a day at work, and knowing that I’m just halfway through a double shift when I punch the clock is enough to make me go crazy some nights.

Also, The Portrayal Of A Non-Perfect And Cash-Strapped Family Is So Relatable As A Parent

Times are tough right now. They were tough with Malcolm in the Middle first premiered 25 years ago, but I was mostly shielded from the realities of life by my parents then. That said, watching a portrayal of a cash-strapped family with mismatched furniture, hand-me-down clothes, and anxiety when it comes to finances or even the future has been a cathartic experience. Add in a family that is far from perfect and more than a little rough around the edges, and it becomes even more relatable as a parent who’s still trying to figure this out.

There’s a rawness and realness to Malcolm in the Middle that I’m appreciating more this time around, and I can’t wait to see how that continues as I work my way through the rest of the series.

All seven seasons of Malcolm in the Middle are streaming for anyone with a Disney+ subscription, so now’s the perfect time to go back and watch an episode or two (or 151) before the revival premieres at some point in the near future.

Malcolm in the Middle is arguably one of the best sitcoms of all time, so it's not surprising that a revival has been greenit. Much of the cast, lead actor Frankie Muniz included, will be reprising their roles from the beloved Fox series for a four-episode series that will be streamable with a Disney+ subscription. While it will be exciting to see Muniz in the titular role once again, hearing how busy he’s going to be between Malcolm and his racecar career is making me exhausted -- though I understand his reasoning.

The former child actor initially put his acting career on hold in 2008 to pursue a career in racecar driving, though he'd been driving long before that. While he has since been pretty active acting-wise as of late, that hasn’t stopping him from still driving, as he's now taking part in stock car racing. While speaking with Chat Us Up, Muniz revealed just how busy he’s truly going to be during and after filming the Malcolm in the Middle follow-up:

Having more than one acting job at the same time or going from a concert to a set within hours is nothing new for some celebrities. However, now Muniz is really setting the bar high with racing and acting. After all, those are completely different professions that require a lot of energy. And Muniz will be racing quite frequently amid his on-set duties, and I'm already cringing just thinking about the scheduling work that must be involved here:

Considering Frankie Muniz is going to be going back and forth and getting on flights every week, it’s certainly not going to be easy. Just hearing about it makes me tired, and I can’t imagine how he's going to feel when he actually has to live all that. However, Muniz said he wouldn’t trade it for the world, and I appreciate that he's driven by a motivation to give both jobs his all:

Of course, if Muniz didn’t think he’d be able to handle it, he probably would have but the racing on a pause, for a bit. However, he does really care about the sport. He’s opened up about the amazing thing he loves about NASCAR, and it’s hard to imagine him giving it up again, even for a short time. The fact that he’s aiming to balance his two passions is impressive, and I'm confident that everything will out with his racing and filming obligations.

Meanwhile, the Malcolm in the Middle revival will see the returns of main cast members Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfrield. However, Erik Per Sullivan will not be returning as Dewey, as he retired from acting. So Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will be stepping up in his place. I'm looking forward to what's to come, and here's hoping Frankie Muniz finds sometime to rest amid all the work.

With the Malcolm in the Middle revival officially greenlit and in the process of getting going, more tidbits are being released. Fans like myself are excitedly keeping tabs on those new details and preparing for what's to come. The show's lead actor, Frankie Muniz, is also getting ready in one key way that makes me excited. However, I'm also sad that one of the show's key characters is being recast for the four-episode reboot that'll eventually be available Disney+ subscription holders at some point.

What Did Frankie Muniz Say About The Revival?

Over the last several years, there had been talk about a new production starring boy genius Malcolm and his family. It seems the reason the Malcolm revival took so long in the first place was due to the careful dedication in delivering something as good as the original. (That's music to my ears, given we're in a landscape full of follow-ups that vary in quality.) Now, what really has me pumped about revisiting my favorite screwy sitcom family is Frankie Muniz’s post on X. There, he shared he’s starting an ambitious rewatch of the show:

I'm not surprised in the slightest that he former child star has opted to rewatch the beloved sitcom, and I'm glad he is. The thought of him reuniting with his co-stars is just so exciting. However, it'll happen without one franchise OG.

Who's Not Returning For The Malcolm In The Middle Revival?

Upon the announcement of the show, which will hopefully hit the streaming schedule sooner rather than later, it was confirmed that Frankie Muniz would return. His co-stars, Jane Kaczmarek and Bryan Cranston (who has a great relationship with Muniz), were also said to be playing parents Lois and Hal again. Now, Deadline reports that Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield will reprise their roles as Francis and Reese, respectively. However, Erik Per Sullivan will not return, given his retirement from acting. With that, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will step into the role.

Dewey is actually my favorite brother, and Erik Per Sullivan was so perfect in the role. The character proves to be incredibly intelligent, but you also feel for him due to how much he feels his brothers' wrath. It's that level of pain that causes him to avoid inflicting such pain on his eventual younger brother, Jamie. Sullivan's reason for not signing on is understandable, and he will be missed. Still, I'm curious to see what Caleb Ellsworth-Clark does with this older iteration of Dewey.

And please understand me when I say I'm so pumped to see what's in store for this show. Until then, let me take a page out of Frankie Muniz's book and rewatch this series. Let’s just hope the the series recaptures the feel of its predecessor and leaves Muniz with even more wild MITM memories. Also, keep your eyes peeled for fresh shows that are set to hit the 2025 TV schedule.

You know those ill-behaved sitcom kids and bullish older brothers and sisters from family shows whom you are supposed to find funny? Well, to be perfectly honest, I do not find their irritating quirks very funny and sometimes even dread the moment they will appear on screen and highly anticipate their eventual exit. Here are some examples of the annoying TV siblings I am talking about.

Megan Parker (Drake & Josh)

In most episodes of Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh, the trouble the titular stepbrothers (played by Drake Bell and Josh Nichols) would regularly get into was of no fault but their own. However, they still faced a great deal of torment at the hands of their younger sister, Megan (Miranda Cosgrove), whose early pranks were adorably mischievous but later proved to be surprisingly sophisticated and even life-threatening, also making her a fictional child you should not mess with.

Bobby Brady (The Brady Bunch)

To be frank, I think each one of the kids from The Brady Bunch has their own annoying characteristics. However, Bobby was a bit of a special case, and not just because he was the youngest boy, but because he would come up with new ways to annoy the others in multiple episodes.

Trina Vega (Victorious)

Trina Vega (Daniella Monet) – the older sister of Victoria Justice's Tori Vega, the central character from Nickelodeon's Victorious – is a perfect representation of the exact kind of person I am most infuriated by. Her aggressively selfish delusions about her looks and talent have robbed her of any humility, convincing her she is justified in putting down anyone she believes is lesser than her, which is just about everyone she encounters.

Sue Heck (The Middle)

The Middle is a sitcom that gives you reason to find any of the central family's children annoying, but many seem to be especially perturbed by Sue Heck (Eden Sher). While some fans admire the brace-faced middle child's unbridled optimism, others feel she could take things down a notch.

Stephanie Tanner (Full House)

I think any fan of Full House would agree that the sitcom's most annoying character is not any member of the blended central family, but D.J.'s best friend, Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber). However, among the Tanners, middle daughter Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) would have to take the cake, especially in the earlier seasons when she displayed overdramatic and bratty tendencies and would withhold important information because "nobody asked" her about it.

Brad Taylor (Home Improvement)

Just about every character in the Home Improvement cast has something to like about them, but I think the one with the least criteria is Tim (Tim Allen) and Jill (Patricia Richardson)'s oldest son, Brad Taylor (Zachary Ty Bryan). In early seasons, he was the most notorious for tormenting his youngest and most meek brother, Mark, and his intelligence only seemed to regress as he got older.

Pim Diffy (Phil Of The Future)

The Diffy family from Disney Channel's sci-fi sitcom, Phil of the Future, would often come closest to revealing their true identities as a 22nd-Century clan trapped in the past because of the eponymous teen's younger sister, Pim (Amy Bruckner). Not only was she prone to relying on her family's futuristic gadgets for personal gain, but she also aspired to use them to take over the world.

Caillou (Caillou)

While the titular 4-year-old from Caillou had a younger sister named Rosie, he was easily the biggest baby of his family by behavior alone. I remember, even as a youngster, feeling so annoyed by the kid's crybaby temperament that I could not bring myself to watch PBS' adaptation of the illustrated Canadian children's books any longer.

Tonya (Everybody Hates Chris)

Tonya (Imani Hakim) from Everybody Hates Chris serves as a definitive representation of what happens when you spoil your children, just like her father, Julius (Terry Crews), did. As a result, the Rock Family's youngest turned out to be a mercilessly controlling bully, especially to the titular eldest kid (Tyler James Williams, a former child star who still acts today).

Reese (Malcolm In The Middle)

There are plenty of reasons why you could argue that the most annoying child character in the Malcolm in the Middle cast is Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan). However, his intelligence and temperance significantly outweigh that of the second oldest brother, Reese (Justin Berfield), who seemed to thrive on insubordination, made worse by his hopelessly foolish instincts.

Candace Flynn (Phineas And Ferb)

The titular stepbrothers from Disney Channel's beloved animated series, Phineas and Ferb (voiced by Vincent Martella and Thomas Sangster), want nothing more than to make every day of their summer vacation the best day possible. Thus, I find it genuinely distressing that their older sister, Candace (Ashley Tisdale), constantly goes out of her way to ruin their fun for vague and selfish reasons when she should just learn to relax.

Stewie Grffin (Family Guy)

Honestly, out of all these annoying TV siblings, I think I do enjoy Stewie Griffin (voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane) because the sophisticated infant is pretty funny. However, I have never understood why he is so committed to murdering his mother, Lois (Alex Borstein).

Kyra Rockmore (Kenan & Kel)

Something I noticed while rewatching Kenan & Kel as an adult is that Kenan Rockmore's (future long-running SNL cast member Kenan Thompson) younger sister, Kyra (Vanessa Baden), only has one defining character trait: her ridiculous crush on Kel Kimble (Kel Mitchell). The fact that the writers of the otherwise hilarious Nickelodeon sitcom never bothered to develop her beyond that quirk is truly what makes her annoying to me.

Ferguson Darling (Clarissa Explains It All)

What did Clarissa Darling (Melissa Joan Hart's first starring role, in Clarissa Explains It All) do to deserve a younger brother as snooty, pretentious, and invasive as Ferguson? I cannot help but wonder if Jason Zimbler's years playing such an annoying kid on the Nickelodeon comedy inspired the former child star to walk away from the spotlight and become a software engineer (according to The Sun).

Carrie Ingalls (Little House On The Prairie)

In the earlier years of Little House on the Prairie's run, Carrie (played by twin sisters Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush) and her struggles to pronounce comprehensible lines of dialogue was one of the most adorable aspects of the period family drama. However, as the series adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical novels went on, the third Ingalls child never really seemed to grow up, and viewers were not too charmed by her immaturity.

Henry Finnerty (Grounded For Life)

After actor Jake Burbage moved away from the set of Grounded for Life with his family, his character, Henry Finnerty, disappeared from the show's fifth and final season. I must admit, I was pretty relieved that I did not have to see any more of Sean (Donal Logue) and Claudia's (Megyn Price) third child – an incessant chatterbox with a tendency to stir up trouble in the household for no reason other than, perhaps, because he wants to watch the world burn.

Erica Sinclair (Stranger Things)

I can understand why some Stranger Things fans believe that Dustin Sinclair's (Caleb McLaughlin) younger sister, Erica (Priah Ferguson), and her unbridled boisterousness makes her the acclaimed Netflix sci-fi TV show's real MVP, especially in Season 3. However, let me just say that if I had her as a sibling, I would not know what to do with myself.

Matt McGuire (Lizzie McGuire)

Fun fact about myself: Lizzie McGuire first started airing on Disney Channel around the time my sibling was born. After getting pretty fed up with the ridiculously antagonizing rivalry between Hilary Duff's eponymous teen and her mischievous younger brother (played by Jake Thomas), I promised to never let my relationship with my sister evolve into anything remotely similar. So, I guess I have Matt to thank for that.

D.W. Read (Arthur)

Young aardvark Arthur Read turned out to be such a decent kid and yet, it seems that barely any of those same values were passed down to his sister, D.W. While the 4-year-old is might not be the most annoying character on the beloved animated series, her spoiled attitude and brutal honesty is jarring, especially for a PBS Kids show.

Cory Baxter (That's So Raven)

While That So Raven's Raven Baxter (Raven-Symoné) has the ability to see the future, she can't seem to notice that she can be deeply self-centered and bossy. However, her younger brother, Cory (Kyle Massey), is described in the first episode of the hit Disney Channel series as "a master in deceit and the art of psychological manipulations" and would typically apply these skills purely for his own benefit and to the detriment of others.

Dee Dee (Dexter’s Laboratory)

I will admit, the unusually intelligent and deeply arrogant title character of Dexter's Laboratory is someone I often had trouble warming to. On the other hand, I did empathize with him having to deal with his overactive and ditzy older sister, Dee Dee, and her tendency to make waste of his experiments on many occasions.

Ross Gellar (Friends)

Who says this list has to be exclusive to kids when there are also grown-up TV siblings as irritating as the most annoying character in the Friends cast, Ross Gellar? There are many reasons why David Schwimmer's character is just the worst and why his younger sister, Monica (Courteney Cox), is easily the more mature sibling. He is incessantly needy, hypocritical, and, perhaps worst of all, possessive over Rachel (Jennifer Aniston).

Sarah (Ed, Edd N Eddy)

With the exception of, maybe, Nazz, just about all of the unsupervised youngsters from Ed, Edd n Eddy were a handful, especially the dim-witted Ed (Matt Hill). Of course, even he was an absolute prize when compared to his younger sister, Sarah (Janyse Jaud), who is one of the most terrifyingly short-tempered kids on the cul-de-sac.

Laurie Forman (That ‘70s Show)

If it were not for Red (Kurtwood Smith) showing her favoritism, Laurie Forman would have taken a lot more heat from him and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) than her younger and meeker brother, Eric (Topher Grace), did on That '70s Show. Originally played by the late Lisa Robin Kelly before a casting shake-up brought in Christina Moore, Laurie constantly bullied her brother and belittled her mother, seduced Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) into cheating on Jackie (Mila Kunis) with her, and was even unfaithful in her green card marriage to Fez (Wilmer Valderama).

Timberly Johanssen (Hey Arnold!)

Some of the most distressing predicaments and misadventures that Arnold and Gerald went through on Hey Arnold! were caused by Gerald's younger sister, Timberly. For instance, there was the time the best friends tried their hand at selling chocolate turtles but lost all of their product when Timberly ate them, forcing them to make them from scratch.

Kelly Bundy (Married... With Children)

If Bud Bundy (David Faustino) was not blessed with a far higher intelligence than his aggressively selfish older sister, Kelly (Christina Applegate), I might be inclined to call him the more annoying child from the iconic blue-collar TV show, Married... with Children. Either way, these siblings were already destined for ruin growing up in a household run by Al (Ed O'Neill) and Peg (Katey Segal).

Debbie Thornberry (The Wild Thornberrys)

On Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberrys, the central character, Eliza (voiced by Lacey Chabert), always showed gratitude for the opportunity her parents gave her to travel the world and learn about different cultures and animal species. The same cannot be said about her conceited older sister, Debbie (Danielle Harris), who always had something to complain about on their many adventures.

Wayne Arnold (The Wonder Years)

Growing up in the late 1960s and early 1970s did not look easy from the perspective of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), especially when you have an older brother like Wayne. Jason Hervey's character from The Wonder Years was TV's definitive nightmare sibling during its six-season run from 1988 to 1993.

Cindy Brady (The Brady Bunch)

For her naivety and tendency to tattle on her siblings, Cindy (Susan Olsen) is among the young characters from The Brady Bunch I would least like to have as a sibling.

Alan Harper (Two And A Half Men)

Back when I watched Two and a Half Men, I always had empathy for Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) as a divorced father with perpetual struggles to find love and financial stability. However, for his hypocritical tendencies, sniveling pretentiousness, and for being a freeloader, I have more sympathy for the guy who has to live with him: his older brother, Charlie (Charlie Sheen).

Liv Rooney (Liv And Maddie)

One of the reasons why Liv and Maddie is one of the best TV shows for Dove Cameron fans to watch is her impressive, Daytime Emmy-winning performance as both of the titular sisters, who could not be more different. While Maddie is smart and kindhearted, Liv is absent-minded and completely full of herself.

Max (Max & Ruby)

Both of the titular rabbit siblings from the Canadian children's program, Max & Ruby, have their faults, considering the older Ruby's bossy nature. However, the three-year-old Max and his rambunctiousness and overeagerness were known to test her patience quite often.

Nearly a quarter century has passed since Malcolm in the Middle premiered on Fox back in 2000, but star Frankie Muniz had no trouble reflecting on his craziest moment from filming the seven seasons of the sitcom. The timing could hardly be better ahead of the 2025 TV schedule, with news breaking that Muniz as well as Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, and others will reprise their roles for a reunion. As for his favorite memory from the show that made him into a star of the early 2000s, Muniz went back to the very last episode.

The series finale of Malcolm in the Middle (which you can stream now with a Hulu subscription) aired on Fox back in 2006, but the memory seemed entirely fresh to Frankie Muniz when he spoke with Michael Rosenbaum on his Inside of You podcast about his favorite memory from back in the day:

Unlike on-screen dad Bryan Cranston and his jump from Malcolm in the Middle to Breaking Bad, Frankie Muniz stepped away from Hollywood rather than joining a new series in a regular role. He would explain why he went from acting to racing years later, and got honest about what he loves more about NASCAR driving than about acting not too long before the Malcolm revival was announced. (The revival will be available with a Disney+ subscription.) Muniz went on:

The production team saved an important scene to be Frankie Muniz's last as Malcolm... or so it seemed at the time, nearly two decades before news of the Disney+ limited series. The final scene wasn't easy on the actor despite having seven seasons of the show under his belt as the lead character already. He continued:

It certainly speaks highly of Muniz's work on Malcolm and the Middle and the finale in particular that he nailed his final shot of the show in one take! Now 39 years old, Muniz barely 15 when he shot to sitcom stardom on Fox when the show premiered in early 2000. Fortunately, he clearly has fond memories of even the sad and crazy times on set, and his excitement about returning to his iconic character is clear in the video announcement of the revival. Take a look:

Malcolm in the Middle returns as a four-part limited series, set to stream on Disney+. While no premiere date has been announced at the time of writing, some details have already dropped about the latest for the family. As it turns out, Malcolm will be pulled back into the chaos alongside his daughter when Hal and Lois demand that he be present for their party for their 40th wedding anniversary. I think it's safe to say that shenanigans will ensue, and we can only hope that other members of the family will show up as well!

For now, you can always revisit the original seven seasons of Malcolm in the Middle streaming on Hulu. The sitcom was part of an iconic Sunday night lineup for Fox in its heyday, airing between The Simpsons and The X-Files early on.

There were whispers earlier this year that a Malcolm in the Middle revival was going to happen, and now it is officially confirmed. One of television's most dysfunctional families is coming back for a limited series, and I'm so excited to see Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and more for one major reason.

I'm considering splitting my time next year between the 2025 TV schedule and watching the classic sitcom, so I can be prepared for this new adventure first revealed by Disney+. The story will revolve primarily around Muniz, Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek's characters and feature other members of the Malcolm in the Middle cast as well. Now, here's what we know about it so far and why I'm so psyched about it.

Malcolm In The Middle Will Return With New Episodes On Disney+

Malcolm in the Middle will return for a four-episode limited series, and if you have a Disney+ subscription, you'll be able to see Malcolm return home for his parent's 40th wedding anniversary celebration.

It's also noted that creator Linwood Boomer will pen all four episodes and that actors Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield will likely be approached to reprise their roles as Francis and Reese. As for Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, he left acting in 2010 and hasn't looked back. No word on other actors reprising their roles at this point, but I'm excited to hear more.

Another note is that it seems Malcolm will have a daughter and a wife. Assuming that holds true, we'll see new actors in those roles, but there's no word on who they may be. It makes me wonder if we will see Malcolm do his iconic fourth wall breaks or if his kid will take that over. For those thinking Malcolm can't be old enough to have his own daughter, Frankie Muniz just welcomed his own baby a few years ago. So, the family growing in realistic.

However, when it comes to what I'm most excited about, it comes down to the return of the OG parent played by Bryan Cranston.

I'm Thrilled To See Bryan Cranston Return To Comedy

While seeing the whole family interact will be fun, it's also going to be such a joy to see Bryan Cranston get back to Malcolm in the Middle as Hal. He played a character so kooky and outlandish that when Breaking Bad first came out, there was genuine confusion from people like me who thought he couldn't pull off such a serious role.

However, in more recent years, I think folks would more strongly associate Cranston with dramatic roles. So, it'll be really cool to see him get back to his comedic roots and a show he clearly still has a soft spot for, thanks to his connection with Frankie Muniz and others. Who would've thought that after years of wanting Heisenberg to return, we'd get Hal and be just as thrilled about it?

Details about the Malcolm in the Middle revival are still rolling in, but I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it in the coming months as we roll into the new year. Get pumped in the meantime by checking out the OG series with a Hulu subscription.

Bryan Cranston is now arguably best known for his beloved role as Walter White as part of the Breaking Bad cast. However, the actor got his real big break by playing the goofy, fun-loving father Hal on Malcolm in the Middle. Even though it's been close to two decades since the sitcom’s series finale aired and the cast has moved onto other projects, it doesn’t mean they've all totally lost touch. In fact, Frankie Muniz recently revealed the sweet way that Cranston still keeps tabs on him after all of these years.

It's fair to say that Frankie Muniz is all grown up, as he's now a husband and father -- who's transitioned to race car driving. Still, it doesn't hurt to have someone older in your corner. On the podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Muniz was asked who his role model in the entertainment industry is. Though he mentioned his faux father earlier in the interview, Muniz had to name-drop him again:

The fact that Bryan Cranston still checks in on his sitcom son all these years later is nothing short of sweet. On Malcolm in the Middle, Hal and Malcom's dynamic was particularly endearing, given the vast differences between the brainy child and goofy patriarch. The characters may have seemed mismatched, but they truly loved each other. With that, I can't help but smile knowing that the actors who portrayed them are still close.

Hal and Malcolm had hilarious moments on one of the all-time best sitcoms, one of which involved Hal inducting Malcolm into “The Brotherhood of the Wheel” via skating lessons. There was also the time when Malcolm helped Hal play chess. Few father/son duos were as quirky this one, and that's why some fans are likely eager to see a revival of the classic Fox show.

Frankie Muniz wants a Malcolm in the Middle sequel, and he reiterated that sentiment during his chat with Michael Rosenbaum. In previous interview, Muniz even stated that the show is taking so long to happen, because he and his collaborators don't want to rush it. Meanwhile, Bryan Cranston shares that same wish, with the Emmy winner even taking steps to make a revival of the comedy series happen. Like Muniz, I'd love to know what Malcolm and his family have been up to over the past 20 years -- including whether the boy genius became President of the United States like his mother wanted.

Bryan Cranston's role as Walter White will remain icon, but the same should also be true of his turn as the comedic Hal. What I'll now remember in addition to Cranston's work, though, is the warm way he keeps in touch with his longtime co-star. Here's hoping the two remain close and are able to reunite for a revival at some point.

Until then, know that Malcolm in the Middle is available to stream using a Hulu subscription. Also, those who want to see Mr. Cranston portray a suburban drug dealer can stream Breaking Bad with a Netflix subscription.

Moms are strong by nature but TV's toughest moms rule their roost with high standards, great expectations and strong discipline. From sitcom staples like Roseanne Conner and Clair Huxtable to dramatic dames like Cersei Lannister and Cookie Lyon, these iron-fisted mamas don't get the credit they deserve when it comes to their strict and stern parenting styles. Here are 32 of our favorites. 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne)

The fierce working-class "domestic goddess" at the center of the ABC sitcom Roseanne was always crazy-quick with a wisecrack and was never one to hold back an opinion. But though known for her loud, sarcastic and domineering nature, Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) was always loving and protective towards her four kids, daughters Becky (Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke) and Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and sons D.J. (Michael Fishman) and Jerry (Cole and Morgan Roberts).

Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

Despite having to juggle raising five children, maintaining a household and continuing a successful law career, The Cosby Show's Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) was always a vision of class and composure. While her husband Cliff was the more fun-loving and boisterous parent, Clair was the disciplinarian of the Huxtable residence and was assertive in teaching her kids about responsibility and respect. 

Peggy Bundy (Married... With Children)

With her refusal to cook, clean or cater to her boorish husband Al (Ed O'Neil), Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) from the beloved blue-collar comedy Married... with Children was TV's ultimate anti-housewife. Where other small-screen moms used their iron fist to ensure order and discipline, Peg unapologetically prioritized her own couch-sitting, Oprah-watching "Me Time" over traditional parenting and domestic work. But that doesn't mean she didn't regularly make time to voice her opinions about her lackluster hubby and kids Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino).

Wilma Flintstone (The Flintstones) 

When you're married to a literal caveman, it's no surprise that Wilma Flintstone had to be level-headed and strong-willed for the sake of her family. Throughout the classic cartoon series The Flintstones, the Stone Age mama was tender and caring to her hubby Fred and daughter Pebbles but was known to utilize a firm hand — and a frying pan — when things got a little too rambunctious in her household. 

Claire Dunphy (Modern Family)

Often regulated to being the strict mom opposite goofy dad Phil (Ty Burrell), Claire (Julie Bowen) is the hardworking and often anxiety-ridden head of the Dunphy household. In trying to wrangle her husband and three children — Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould) — The Modern Family matriarch can regularly be neurotic and controlling but every ounce of that effort clearly comes from a place of love. 

Jessica Huang (Fresh Off The Boat)

Just as her husband Louis (Randall Park) described her, Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) from the ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat is "aggressive yet elegant." No-nonsense, traditional and very competitive, she pushes both her spouse and their sons Eddie (Hudson Yang), Emery (Forrest Wheeler) and Evan (Ian Chen) to succeed in their careers and academics, respectively. For example, she's plenty pleased with Evan's future plans of becoming "doctor/president," but less so when Eddie reveals that he wants to go to culinary school instead of college.

Cersei Lannister (Game Of Thrones)

Like many things in her life, Cersei Lannister's (Lena Headey) relationship with her children throughout Game of Thrones was often fueled by her own pride and need for power. However, that doesn't mean that Cersei wouldn't kill for her kids — and she did. When it came to the safety of Joffrey (Jack Gleeson), Myrcella (Nell Tiger Free) and Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman), she parented with a leonine fierceness, to the danger of her enemies. 

Florida Evans (Good Times)

First introduced as a feisty maid in Maude, strong-willed Chicago mother Florida Evans (Esther Rolle) is the heart and soul of the original Good Times. Despite considerable financial issues and a never-ending list of chores and responsibilities, Florida always kept her household in line, offering up stern but loving discipline and instilling valuable morals in her three children J.J. (Jimmy Walker) Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis), and Michael Evans (Ralph Carter). 

Lois Wilkerson (Malcolm In The Middle)

As the mother of five highly mischievous and unruly young boys, we really can't blame Malcolm in the Middle's Lois Wilkerson (Jane Kaczmarek) for being a touch stubborn, overbearing and hotheaded. Lois genuinely cares about her children, but her idea of discipline is jokingly dubbed "sadistic" by the boys: "Your punishment isn't over until that bathroom floor is so clean you'll be eating off it. Which is what you'll be doing for the next three weeks," she memorably punished son Reese in Season 6. 

Norma Bates (Bates Motel)

Now, we're certainly not suggesting that Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) had a healthy parenting style throughout the A&E horror drama Bates Motel, but she certainly was a devoted, if domineering, mother to Norman (Freddie Highmore). Norma can be clingy and critical of her son — and has especially harsh opinions about the girls Norman hangs out with — but she always does everything in her power to protect him. 

Emily Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

It seems like the only people Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) is more judgmental of than her own daughter Lorelai (Lauren Graham) — no picnic in the mom department, herself — are her maids, who she seemingly hired and fired every other episode of Gilmore Girls. The wealthy matriarch of the eponymous family is known for her high standards, snooty attitude and controlling nature: a textbook example is forcing Lorelai and granddaughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) to attend Friday night dinner at her home every week, no exceptions. 

Debra Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)

A classic example of a TV mom having to play the "bad cop" to a "fun dad" type is Debra Barone (Patricia Heaton) from Everybody Loves Raymond. While husband Ray (Ray Romano) often gets up to nearly as many hijinks as their kids Ally (Madylin Sweeten), Geoffrey and Michael (Sullivan and Sawyer Sweeten), Debra is all business. She's responsible, hardworking and not afraid to speak her mind — except, it seems, when it comes to her meddling mother-in-law Marie (Doris Roberts). 

Harriette Winslow (Family Matters)

The matriarch of the Winslow family (largely played by Jo Marie Payton but replaced with Judyann Elder in Family Matters' final season) knows order and discipline: she left the police force when she became pregnant with her eldest, Eddie (Darius McCrary). Raising three kids, Harriette is regularly the voice of reason in the Winslow household but is a sharp-tongued disciplinarian when she needs to be. 

Colleen Donaghy (30 Rock)

Portrayed by the legendarily brash Elaine Stritch, the mother of Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) always dishes out tough love when it comes to her son. With just one of her many characteristically biting quips (“Don’t talk to me like that Jack. I breastfed you for nine years!”) Colleen is able to instantly turn her slick, successful businessman of a son into a fearful little boy. 

Beverly Goldberg (The Goldbergs)

The Goldbergs' Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) puts the "mother" in "smother" — hugs are mandatory and she can often be found meddling in various areas of her kids' worlds, from school to sports to social life. But the snuggies-loving matriarch can be strict, tough and opinionated, not only when it comes to her children Erica (Hayley Orrantia), Barry (Troy Gentile) and Adam (Sean Giambrone) but also herself: "I have failed as a mother!" is the character's main catchphrase. 

Galina ‘Red’ Reznikov (Orange Is The New Black)

Yes, even prisoners need a mother figure and Litchfield Penitentiary has Red (Kate Mulgrew). Compassionate but very cunning — this is a woman who was in cahoots with the Russian Mafia, after all — she rules her block of the prison with a watchful eye, explicitly prohibiting her girls from partaking in drugs whilst running a well-oiled smuggling ring to get them the contraband goods they need. 

Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

Firstly, we're specifically talking about Aunt Viv as portrayed by Janet Hubert for the first half of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. (Daphne Maxwell Reid took over the role in season four after Hubert was dismissed from the show.) As no-nonsense as she was nurturing, Hubert's take on the character was more fiery than her successor, a strong, confident university professor who wasn't afraid to lay down a hard lesson to her three children, her students or her troublemaking nephew (Will Smith). 

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)

Marge is the blue-haired, bee-hived moralistic center of the Simpsons family. With a fam that includes an oafish husband like Homer, a notorious prankster like Bart and an eternal infant like Maggie, The Simpsons matriarch has to run a tight ship to maintain order in her antics-filled household. She doesn't approve of the kids' violent video games or cartoons, has followed Bart's whereabouts through his cell phone and is always pushing her family to go to mass. As Homer says of his wife: "If it were up to [Marge], all we would ever do is work and go to church."

Violet Crawley (Downton Abbey)

Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Dame Maggie Smith), is not exactly known for being a cuddly grandmother sort. Instead, the stately Downton Abbey matriarch is defined by her dry wit, direct nature and deep investment in maintaining the family's traditions, honor and legacy. 

Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)

Barbara Howard (Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph) didn't just raise kids of her own at home — she's raised whole classrooms full of impressionable youngins as a kindergarten teacher at Willard R. Abbott Elementary School for the past two decades. Super old-school (no, she will not be learning that new teaching technology, thank you very much) and strictly religion, she's the kind of teacher who quiets rowdy classrooms the second she steps foot into them. 

Tami Taylor (Friday Night Lights)

As both a mother to teen daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) and little Gracie Belle (Madilyn Landry) and a counselor at Dillon High School to countless students, Connie Britton's tough yet compassionate Tami Taylor regularly guided the youth with equal parts firmness and fairness. Through five seasons of Friday Night Lights, she was a sounding board and a calm authority, but always with a little bit of Southern sweetness sprinkled on top. 

Jill Taylor (Home Improvement)

The lion-hearted leading lady of the Taylor family, Jill (Patricia Richardson) raises her three sons Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith) with a stern hand and Type-A attitude while also remaining lovingly perceptive and good-naturedly allowing for silly moments. However, you know that when she addresses her husband Tim (Tim Allen) or her sons by their full name, somebody is definitely in trouble. 

Cookie Lyon (Empire)

Talk about one tough cookie: Empire's queen bee Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) tells it like it is, demands respect and doesn't tolerate nonsense in any aspect of her life, including when it comes to her children Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray). She can be extremely headstrong and brash, but she definitely has a caring and compassionate side and she always puts her family first. 

Sophia Petrillo (The Golden Girls)

Sarcasm and sass certainly seem to be genetic in the Petrillo household: both mom Sophia (Estelle Getty) and daughter Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur) possess each personality trait in spades. As Dorothy's actual parent and the surrogate mother of her roommates Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) and Rose Nyland (Betty White), Sophia doles out wisecracks and criticisms often — about Dorothy’s lack of love life, Blanche’s promiscuity and Rose’s stupidity — but beneath all of her hilarious put-downs beats a lot of love. 

Nalini Vishwakumar (Never Have I Ever)

Never Have I Ever's Nalini (Poorna Jagannathan) can be hard on her teen daughter Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) but her overly strict and at times overbearing nature stems from not only her traditional Indian upbringing but also her sheer love and concern for her child. (As fans no doubt remember, Nalini lost her husband to a heart attack before the start of the series, a trauma which sparked temporary paralysis in her daughter.) Sometimes it's hard for her to show tenderness, but her heart is always in the right place. 

Olivia Walton (The Waltons)

Yes, Olivia Walton (Michael Learned) is an exceedingly sweet and compassionate lady, but there's one area of her life in which she does not play around: her parenting. She prompts all seven of her children (John-Boy, Jason, Mary-Ellen, Ben, Erin Walton, Jim-Bob and Elizabeth) to have good manners and posture, requires them to read the Bible and never miss Sunday service, and will resort to scolding her children if they misbehave. 

Carmela Soprano (The Sopranos) 

Steely and steadfast, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) is like any good Italian-American mom: she's armed with a deep sense of obligation to her family, works hard to create a (somewhat) stable environment for daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and son A.J. (Robert Iler), and can make a mean lasagna. With her husband Tony (James Gandolfini) busy with Mafia business, Carmela does the lion's share of the parenting and when it comes to chastising her children, she's proven to be just as formidable as her spouse.

Thelma Harper (Mama’s Family)

Known simply as Mama, Thelma Harper (Vicki Lawrence) from the NBC sitcom Mama's Family headed her household with a sharp wit, an acid tongue and a quick temper. Bluntly outspoken and hilariously grumpy, the series version of the character was actually reportedly softer-edged than the original iteration conceived for The Carol Burnett Show. And despite Mama's frequent bickering and bad attitude, all of her cooking, cleaning and curmudgeonly care is clearly out of love.  

Gemma Teller Morrow (Sons Of Anarchy) 

A more hard-edged mama than her other famous TV mom character Peg Bundy, Katey Sagal's Gemma Teller Morrow is unapologetic about how protective she is of not only her son Jax (Charlie Hunnam) and grandchildren but also her surrogate family, the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. Equipped with equal parts savagery and vulnerability, she's adapted to her gritty environment and can be tough, competitive and manipulative in the lengths she'll go to to defend those she loves.

Penelope Alvarez (One Day At A Time)

Don't let her quirky, fun-loving demeanor fool you — as One Day at a Time's main madre Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) is quick to remind you, she's a "total badass." As a single Cuban-American mother, a nurse practitioner and a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, "Lupe" has a strong work ethic and sense of discipline, which she makes sure to instill in her children Elena (Isabella Gomez) and Alex (Marcel Ruiz).

Evelyn Harper (Two And A Half Men)

Son Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) doesn't jokingly call her "the queen of darkness" for nothing. Yes, the wealthy and five-time-widowed Evelyn (played by Holland Taylor) can be quite cold, callous and critical when it comes to her sons Alan and Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and grandson Jake (Angus T. Jones). She majorly disapproves of Alan's failed marriages as well as Charlie's personal hobbies — granted, the latter is drinking, gambling and womanizing, so she might be onto something. 

Lynette Scavo (Desperate Housewives)

Having to deal with four demanding children (Porter, Preston, Parker and Penny) as a stay-at-home mom while her husband Tom (Doug Savant) is at the office every day, Lynette (Felicity Huffman) is understandably stressed much of the time, which tends to manifest itself as a neurotic and controlling nature. She also often tends to go over the top when it comes to disciplining her children — for example, she once ditched her kiddos on the side of the road to teach them about following orders. 

Sometimes the younger characters on a TV comedy are the heart and soul of the show. However, there are plenty of other sitcom kids who might be the reason you stop tuning in... or refuse to have children of your own. 

We will admit that it took a good chunk of time to sift through the greatest sitcoms ever and find characters who really earned the right to be called "horribly misbehaved" and, in fact, you might find some of our choices a bit controversial. Please bear with us as we look back on the sitcom kids that really need a time-out.

Louis Stevens (Even Stevens)

The role that made Shia LaBeouf a star was Louis Stevens, who is the central focus of the hit Disney Channel original comedy series, Even Stevens. However, the sometimes well-meaning seventh grader is the pariah of his family, due to his severe lack of responsibility and reputation for pulling childish, yet impressively elaborate, pranks.

Zack Morris (Saved By The Bell)

Out of all the main teens from Saved By the Bell, the fourth-wall-breaking Zack Morris seems like the one you would most likely want to identify with, from his confident demeanor to his ability to stop time. Yet, a series by Funny or Die called Zack Morris is Trash has since convinced the world, including Zack actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, how problematic his character was by pointing out his smug ignorance and self-serving ambitions.

Dennis Mitchell (Dennis The Menace)

Everything you need to know about Dennis Mitchell (Jay North) is in the title of his late '50s, early '60s sitcom inspired by the eponymous comic strip, Dennis the Menace. Of course, to be fair, George Wilson's young neighbor never sets out to start trouble but has issues following rules, which often causes accidents at other people's expense.

Eddie Haskell (Leave It To Beaver)

The precocious title character of Leave It to Beaver (Jerry Mathers) and his older brother, Wally (Tony Dow), certainly got themselves into trouble on many occasions but their overall behavior was saintly compared to Eddie Haskell (Ken Osmond). Wally's best friend would try to hide his rudeness and scheming nature by putting on a mild-mannered front, but Mrs. Cleaver (Barbara Billingsley) could still see right through him.

Zack Martin (The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody)

After years of sharing the same role (such as Julian in Big Daddy), Cole and Dylan Sprouse each got to play their own half of the titular brotherly duo from Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. While future Riverdale cast member Cole played the intelligent and more mature Cody, Dylan got the role of the more self-centered and rebellious twin brother, Zack, who was typically the brains behind any troubling circumstances they would find themselves in.

Eric Cartman (South Park)

The inciting incident in many of the most outrageous episodes of South Park often has something to do with Eric Cartman. Anything and everything the loud-mouthed bully says and does is a reflection of his hateful personality that goes wildly beyond childish misbehavior. Perhaps more people would respect his "authoritah" if he was not such a despicable human being.

Bam-Bam (The Flintstones)

Both of the kids from Hanna-Barbera's The Flintstones are irresistibly cute, but we much would rather be in Fred and Wilma's place and raise Pebbles. We do not envy Barney and Betty, who should have never given Bam-Bam his signature club in the first place and should have taken it away many, many times.

Reese (Malcolm In The Middle)

All of the boys in the Malcolm in the Middle cast, even including Frankie Muniz's unusually intelligent title character, had their moments of impertinence, but no one else was on the same level as Reese. Justin Berfield's character seemed to live for insubordination, despite probably not understanding what that word means.

Megan Parker (Drake & Josh)

In Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh, Josh Nichols (Josh Peck) gained both a stepbrother in Drake Parker (Drake Bell) and a stepsister in Megan (Miranda Cosgrove), who now had two targets to torment. However, the pre-teen girl's "pranks" went far beyond anything that could be considered cute and childish and often bordered on life-endangering. 

Bart Simpson (The Simpsons)

Where do we begin with Bart Simpson, who opens every single episode of The Simpsons by writing a different incriminating activity on the school chalkboard during detention? We could mention just one example of his many pranks that did not end well, such as when he handed Homer (Dan Castellaneta) a Duff can be shaken so vigorously that it blew the roof off of their house.

Darlene Conner (Roseanne)

In the early seasons of Roseanne, Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) especially boasted a relentlessly smart mouth and perpetual laziness. However, you could say that she was not much different from her own mother (Roseanne Barr) when you really think about it.

Kelly Bundy (Married... With Children)

The real problem with the elder Bundy child, Kelly (Christina Applegate), from the iconic blue-collar TV show, Married... with Children is her aggressive selfishness and hopeless absent-mindedness. As far as any misbehavior in her life goes, she only has our sympathies, considering the people who raised her.

Mateo Villanueva (Jane The Virgin)

Mateo Villanueva (Elias Janssen) came from humble beginnings, being the son of the chaste Jane (Gina Rodriguez) and Rafael Solano (Justin Baldoni) after an accidental artificial insemination. However, even some of the biggest fans of Jane the Virgin believe that the child turned out to be something of a spoiled brat for the most part.

Axl Heck (The Middle)

Rarely is the oldest child from a sitcom family the one that starts the most trouble, but the Hecks' first-born son, Axl (Charlie McDermott) has earned it. The reason, in particular, is the awfully rude and belittling way he treats his younger sister, Sue (who almost got a The Middle spin-off led by Eden Sher), on a nearly constant basis

Ben Gellar (Friends)

A young Cole Sprouse was once part of the Friends cast in the role of Ross Gellar's (David Schwimmer) first child, Ben, whom we discover enjoys pulling gross and even harmful gags on his father, mother Carol (Jane Sibbett), and stepmother Susan (Jessica Hecht). Then again, it was Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) who gave him the idea for some of these pranks, so she might be the one to blame after all.

Pearl Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)

It appears that Mr. Krabs' (Clancy Brown in one of his best roles) selfish and demanding personality not only rubbed off on his (probably) adoptive daughter, Pearl (Lori Alan), but also made her much worse. The teenage whale throws uproarious temper tantrums over the smallest inconveniences which, given her size, often cause damage.

London Tipton (The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody)

Before Brenda Song became known for her relationship with Macaulay Culkin, she was a Disney Channel star, stealing the show in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as London Tipton. All you really need to know about the dim-witted teen heiress to a hotel magnate is in her catchphrase: "Yay me!"

Brad Taylor (Home Improvement)

There are not too many unlikable characters in the Home Improvement cast, but our default choice for the "misbehaved kid" from the long-running sitcom would have to be Brad. For years, the most definitive personality trait for Tim (Tim Allen) and Jill (Patricia Richardson)'s oldest son (played by Zachary Ty Bryan) was the cruel treatment of his youngest brother, Mark, often with help from middle sibling Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas).

Miley Stewart (Hannah Montana)

She may have been the protagonist of the smash hit Disney Channel comedy, but the power and influence that Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) gained from her secret life as a pop music sensation clearly went to her head, based on her often rude disposition toward her own family members or even to strangers. In fact, her problematic behavior was the driving force of the plot for 2009's Hannah Montana: The Movie.

Candace Flynn (Phineas And Ferb)

Voiced by High School Musical's Ashley Tisdale, Candace Flynn might argue that her eponymous younger brother and stepbrother were really the ill-behaved ones in her family. However, any true fan of Phineas and Ferb knows that Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (Thomas Sangster) made summer better with all of their wildly inventive activities and she wasted a lot of time trying to ruin their fun when all she needed to do was chill out.

Beans (Even Stevens)

The only young character on Disney's Even Stevens who was more mischievous than Shia LaBeouf's Louis was his little buddy, Bernard Aranguren, whom he dubbed "Beans." Played by Steven Anthony Lawrence, the bacon-loving menace could be a reliable friend, but his devotion to the Stevens family could be seen as blatant free-loading.

Bud Bundy (Married... With Children)

David Faustino's character on the risque family sitcom Married... with Children was much smarter than his sister, or his father, Al (Ed O'Neill), and mother, Peg (Katey Segal), for that matter. If only he would apply his intelligence toward things other than half-baked schemes or his own libido, we might be proud of him.

Kenan Rockmore (Kenan & Kel)

When rewatching Kenan & Kel recently, it occurred to us that, while the accident-prone and absent-minded Kel (Kel Mitchell) is often blamed for the trouble he and Kenan (Kenan Thompson) get into, it is really not his fault. The true troublemaker is Kenan, who is practically addicted to the rush of pulling off crazy schemes that always blow up in his face.

Trina Vega (Victorious)

On Nickelodeon's Victorious, Victoria Justice's central character, Tori Vega gets accepted into a performing arts college after years of living in the shadow of her older sister, Trina (Daniella Monet), who is not quite as worthy of the honor as she thinks. If only Trina were more humble and not aggressively oblivious of her shortcomings, she might not use her belief that she is more attractive and more talented than literally anyone else around her as an excuse for constant put-downs.

Cory Baxter (That's So Raven)

In the very first episode of Disney's That So Raven, the psychic title character (Raven-Symoné) describes her younger brother as "a master in deceit and the art of psychological manipulations." There is no doubt that Cory (Kyle Massey) was highly intelligent for his age, but applied his brains to lies and schemes to take the easy way out of things and try to get rich.

Liv Rooney (Liv And Maddie)

One of the best TV shows for Dove Cameron fans to watch is her breakthrough Disney Channel series in which she plays both titular roles from Liv and Maddie. It is no wonder why Cameron earned a Daytime Emmy for her dual performances for the way she seamlessly differentiates the two, with Liv Rooney being the polar opposite of her smarter and far more selfless twin sister.

 Pim Diffy (Phil Of The Future)

On Disney Channel's Phil of the Future, teenage Phil Diffy (Raviv Ullman) and his family try to hide that are from the 22nd Century secret while trapped in the mid-2000s. However, the one who typically came closest to spilling the beans and getting in the most trouble was Phil's younger sister, Pim (Amy Bruckner), who was not just an adorable menace but had genuine ambitions for world domination.

Arnold Jackson (Diff'rent Strokes)

The late Gary Coleman's endearing performance on Diff'rent Strokes made him one of the adored child stars of his generation. If not for his charming demeanor, that might not have been the case as his character, Arnold, should have gotten in trouble far more often for his mouthy habits.

Kate Sanders (Lizzie McGuire)

There are some moments from Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire, which almost got a Disney+ revival, that hints at a time when Lizzie (Hilary Duff), Miranda (Lalaine), and Gordo (Adam Lamberg) were friends with Kate Sanders (Ashlie Brillault). It is hard for them, and for us, to believe that they could have ever had a cordial relationship with the uproariously bullish and prissy student who practically seems to dedicate her life to belittling the trio.

Vanessa Thomkins (The Bernie Mac Show)

Most of Vanessa Thomkins' (Camille Winbush) interactions with her eponymous uncle on The Bernie Mac Show involved her talking back to him and undermining his every attempt to be a parent to her. In her defense, her rebelliousness is likely a symptom of her abandonment issues and tougher home life before being taken in by Bernie and Wanda. 

Sam Puckett (iCarly)

We always felt that the pairing of Janette McCurdy's iCarly character, Sam Puckett. and Ariana Grande's Cat Valentine from Victorious was way too unlikely when they got their own Nickelodeon sitcom. However, when you think about it, it is honestly hard to believe at times that someone as kind and thoughtful as Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) would become such great friends with an unashamed bully like Sam.

Caillou (Caillou)

Admittedly, the animated adaptation of the Canadian illustrated children's book series is not a sitcom. However, the titular four-year-old from Caillou was so ill-tempered, that he even irked viewers from PBS Kids' target demographic.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that some of the best TV theme songs are courtesy of some of the greatest musicians in pop culture. Iconic TV theme songs can be as fondly remembered as the characters on the show, sometimes even more so. These are themes that still slap because they were created by the best of the best. Here is our list of some of the great songs that became iconic TV theme songs.

Friends - The Rembrandts

The legend goes that REM was first approached to have their song "Shiny Happy People" used as the theme song to Friends, but they turned the producers down. According to Michael Stipe, the producers then turned to the LA-based dup The Rembrandts to write an REM-like song. Frankly, "I'll Be There For You," the song that became a hit as the theme doesn't sound much like REM, but it's a great song, even if the band found the fame very stressful and almost quit over it. 

Orange Is The New Black - Regina Spektor

The creative team behind Orange Is The New Black found the perfect voice in Regina Spektor to compose and perform the theme song for the show. "You've Got Time" was written for the show and lyrically and musically it fits the show perfectly. 

The Wire - Tom Waits

The Wire did something unique with its theme song. Each season, the same song, a dark, brooding song called "Way Down In The Hole" written by Tom Waits and included on his 1987 classic album  Franks Wild Years. In the first season, it was performed by The Blind Boys of Alabama. Waits' original version was used for Season 2. Seasons three and four saw the theme performed by  The Neville Brothers and a group of local Baltimore kids dubbed  DoMaJe, respectively. For the fifth and final season, singer-songwriter Steve Earle, who also played Waylon on the show, did the song. 

The Golden Girls - Andrew Gold

"Thank You For Being A Friend" is certainly most well known for being the theme to the classic sitcom The Golden Girls, but it was written and recorded by singer Andrew Gold almost a decade earlier and became a top 25 hit in 1978. Singer Cindy Fee sang the TV version. 

Get A Life - REM

In the early days of the Fox network, they were throwing anything and everything at the wall to see what stuck. One brilliant show that never found its audience was Get A Life starring Chris Elliott, now most famous as being from the cast of Schitt's Creek. The show even featured "Stand" by REM as its theme. 

Boardwalk Empire - The Brian Jonestown Massacre

HBO's Boardwalk Empire may have been set in the 1920s, but the theme is from the 1990s. The song, "Straight Up and Down" comes from the excellent 1996 album Take It From The Man by the notorious Brian Jonestown Massacre. Side note - that's the best band name ever. 

A Different World - Aretha Franklin

When A Different World was spun off from the most popular sitcom of its era, The Cosby Show, you know they had to go big with the theme song. It doesn't get any bigger than the Queen of Soul herself, the legendary Aretha Franklin, who sang the theme song for Seasons 2 through 5 after Phoebe Snow sang it in the first season. Later Boyz II Men took over. 

Freaks And Geeks - Joan Jett

Joan Jett didn't give a darn about her bad reputation, nor did the characters in Freaks and Geeks, making the rocker's song, "Bad Reputation" the perfect theme song for the beloved cult show. 

The Big Bang Theory - The Barenaked Ladies

A show about nerds deserves a theme song by a band made of, let's be honest, other nerds. The Barenaked Ladies had a slew of hits in the '90s with their unique brand of dorky, catchy tunes like "Brian Wilson" and "If I Had A Million Dollars," and that aesthetic was perfect for The Big Bang Theory's theme about the origins of the universe. 

China Beach - The Supremes

In the late 1980s, Baby Boomer nostalgia was at its peak, with shows from the '60s being rebooting left and right, and shows like China Beach, about the Vietnam War, finding success on the airwaves. The theme song had to fit the era, and so the producers chose "Reflections" from 1967 by Diana Ross and The Supremes. 

South Park - Primus

An offbeat cartoon like South Park needs an offbeat theme song, so there was no better choice than to enlist Les Claypool and Primus to write and perform it. The theme has become iconic and Primus has even occasionally played it in concert. You just can't imagine the show beginning with anything but that twangy intro. 

The Proud Family - Solange And Destiny's Child

Let's be honest, it's kind of shocking that The Proud Family only aired for two seasons on the Disney Channel in the early '00s. It was a ground-breaking cartoon featuring an African-American family and as such, it deserved a theme song by legends like Solange and Destiny's Child. 

Entourage - Jane's Addiction

HBO's Entourage has one of the coolest intros of any TV show of its era as the characters cruise through Hollywood in a vintage convertible. The Jane's Addiction song "Superhero" plays over the scenes, adding to that coolness. It's a song that comes from JA's 2003 release Strays, but feels very much like it could have been written for the show. 

Dog The Bounty Hunter - Ozzy Osbourne

Dog The Bounty Hunter was a wild show, and having one of rock's wildest characters, Ozzy Osbourne perform the theme song was a match made in heaven. It doesn't sound much like a song you'd expect from the heavy metal legend, but you can't mistake his trademark vocals. Really, it's the best part about the show, if we're honest. 

Miami Vice - Jan Hammer

Jan Hammer might not be a household name, but he's played with some of the biggest jazz and rock legends of all time. His career stretches back to the late 1960s and throughout the '70s he played with legends like Billy Cobham, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, and John McLaughlin. He also composed virtually all of the music for Miami Vice throughout the show's entire run, including the iconic theme song. 

House - Massive Attack

If you watch House on a streaming service, you likely won't hear the song it originally used as its theme, "Teardrop" by Massive Attack. Instead, there is a generic song that vaguely sounds close to that song but is not nearly as good. 

That '70s Show - Cheap Trick

The theme to That '70s Show has a disjointed history. The song, "In the Street," was originally written and performed by Big Star, and released in 1972. A slightly reworked version, renamed "That '70s Song" was performed by Todd Griffin for the show's first season. Starting in Season 2, Cheap Trick recorded a version of "That '70s Song" which remained the theme for the rest of the show's eight-season run. 

The Drew Carey Show - The Presidents Of The United States of America

The best-known theme song from The Drew Carey Show is "Cleveland Rocks" by the Seattle band The Presidents of the United States of America. However, it actually had a completely different theme in its first season, a song by Carey himself called "Moon Over Parma." 

All That - TLC

Nickelodeon's All That was groundbreaking in a lot of ways. An SNL for kids that helped launch the careers of actors like Nick Cannon, Kennan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Gabriel Iglesias, and Jamie Lynn Spears. It has to be said that the TLC, who performed the theme song also got a boost from the show, though they were already pretty huge when they recorded it. 

Malcolm in the Middle - They Might Be Giants

In a lot of ways, Malcolm in the Middle defines what being a kid in the early 2000s was all about. Though it was about Milennial childhood, the band who recorded the theme song, They Might Be Giants, are Gen X stalwarts. "Boss of Me" even won the group a Grammy. 

Dawson's Creek - Paula Cole

Paula Cole's song "I Don't Want To Wait" was first released on her 1996 album This Fire and hit #11 on the Billboard charts in 1997. In 1998, it became the theme song for Dawson's Creek and has become simply iconic in the years since. 

The Wonder Years - Joe Cocker

Of course, a show set in the '60s had to have an epic '60s song for its theme song. For The Wonder Years that meant going with Joe Cocker's version of The Beatles' "A Little Help From My Friends." Due to its appearance at the beginning of every episode, Cocker's version is at least as well known by Gen X as the original by the Fab Four, if not more. 

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - The Who

The original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, set in Las Vegas, spawned spin-offs set in Miami and New York, and all the shows used songs by The Who as their theme songs. For the original, it was "Who Are You," for CSI: Miami it was "Won't Get Fooled Again," and for CSI: NY it was "Baba O'Riley." The short-lived CSI: Cyber, which only had 31 episodes also used a song by The Who, "I Can See For Miles."

One Day At A Time - Gloria Estefan

When One Day At A Time was rebooted by Netflix in 2017, this time about a Latino family, the famous theme song was recorded by one of the greatest Latin artists of all time, Gloria Estefan. You couldn't have asked for a better match. 

Weeds - Malvina Reynolds

Malvina Reynolds has one of the most fascinating stories in 20th-century music. She didn't even start her career in earnest until she was in her forties and her biggest hit, "Little Boxes," was written and recorded until she was in her 60s. The song, first released in 1962, became a hit again as the theme song to Weeds in the '00s. 

The O.C. - Phantom Planet

The most famous member of Phantom Planet is an actor and drummer, Jason Schwartzman, so it tracks that they would find their biggest success when their song "California" was picked to be the theme song of The O.C. Without a doubt, it's a banger and fits the show perfectly. 

Gilmore Girls - Carole King

Carole King's massive hit album Tapestry sold millions of copies on the strength of two hit songs, "I Feel The Earth Move" and "It's Too Late." A third song from that album, "Where You Lead" was re-recorded by King and served as the theme song to Gilmore Girls decades after it was first written. 

Married... With Children - Frank Sinatra

When it comes to 20th Century recording artists, it doesn't get any bigger than Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. You wouldn't expect one of his biggest hits, "Love and Marriage" to serve as the theme to a raunchy sitcom like Married... With Children, and yet it works perfectly. 

Veronica Mars - The Dandy Warhols

The show Veronica Mars and the band that performed the theme song, "We Used to Be Friends," by The Dandy Warhols, have something in common. Both the show and the band were critically lauded and gained a loyal and rabid fanbase, but neither really broke through to a broader mainstream audience. Fitting partners, for sure. 

Party Of Five -  BoDeans

For more than a decade, starting in the early '80s, Wisconsin band BoDeans worked hard to develop their career in music. It all came together for them in the early '90s with their album Go Slow Down, which featured their hit "Closer To Free." The song ended up as the theme song to Party Of Five and has since become iconic. 

Sanford & Son - Quincy Jones

When it comes to TV theme songs, there is not bigger banger than the theme to Sanford & Son. The infectious, impossibly funky tune was written by one of the all greats, composer and producer Quincy Jones. So if you ever wondered what made it so great, there's your answer. 

Ed - Foo Fighters

For decades, The Foo Fighters have been on top of the rock n' roll world. There isn't much that the Dave Grohl-led band hasn't done and that includes having a song serve as a theme song to a TV show. Ed was an underrated hit show on NBC in the early '00s and the Foos' "Next Year" was a great choice for a theme.

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.

As classic shows continue to return in the form of revivals or reboots, Malcolm in the Middle is one such property that could be joining that list. The beloved Fox sitcom ran for seven seasons from 2000 to 2006 and, in recent years, it feels like many of the series' alums have discussed it possibly making a comeback. In 2022, Frankie Muniz, who portrayed the titular character, revealed that his on-screen dad Bryan Cranston had gotten the ball rolling on a possible revival. Now, Muniz says the production is close to happening, and he shed light on why it's taken so long.

Both Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston expressed interest in more Malcolm as early as 2015. Yet there was uncertainty regarding whether such a project would actually happen. Following Muniz’s comments in 2022, the inspiring former child star and professional racecar driver told PEDESTRIAN.TV that the revival is percolating:

While fans probably shouldn’t get ahead of themselves based on the various updates up to this point, this does sound pretty promising and exciting. Of course, the Big Fat Liar star couldn’t give out too many details. Yet the fact that creatives are apparently on board for it is a good sign.

Revivals, spinoffs and reboots seem to be ruling the entertainment landscape right now, and some have been better received than others. It's probably fair to say that, in some cases, fans would prefer that a beloved film or TV property just be left alone. Frankie Muniz is seemingly aware of what a potential revival for Malcolm would mean for people. During his interview, he went on to stress how he doesn’t want to taint the series and move forward with a sequel of sorts just for the sake of it:

At the very least, it does sound like he's treading this creative path lightly, and that could bode well for the supposed project. The OG series was a hit during its run in the early '00s and, thanks to the continued love and Hulu subscribers checking it out, it's remained relatively popular. It's honestly hard to say what a revival would even look like story-wise -- or whether it would be a full-fledged show or a one-off special. Either way, I'm intrigued by what might come of this.

If the lead actor gets his wish for a Malcolm in the Middle sequel, one would hope that he'll be joining by the majority of the original cast. On top of Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston, it'd be great to see Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan and Catherine Lloyd Burns to also return. There are still plenty of unknowns when it comes to this purported production. However, if it's done right, it could be a lot of fun watching the continued adventures of Malcolm and his dysfunctional family.

Have you ever stopped to think about how your favorite characters in screen media do not realize they exist in a movie or TV show? Well, that covers most characters, while a chosen few actually are aware of their fictional parameters, and even address it to their viewers in a fun trope referred to as “breaking the fourth wall.” The following are some of the most iconic, or even underrated, characters from cinema and television that often like to get meta. 

Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

Matthew Broderick's mischievous title character in Ferris Bueller's Day Off has one central goal: to take it easy. He demonstrates his secrets to master-level trouble-making directly to the audience — whom he also urges to head home in an iconic post-credits sequence — in John Hughes' celebrated high school movie classic from 1986.

Malcolm (Malcolm In The Middle)

Despite being the last-billed main actor, the Malcolm in the Middle cast was led by Frankie Muniz in the title role. The unusually intelligent youngster would profess his own life's dissatisfactions through the TV screen on a regular basis.

Rob Gordon (High Fidelity)

Director Stephen Frears' adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel, High Fidelity, stars John Cusack as Chicago record store owner Rob Gordon. The only thing that infatuates him more than music is the women who broke his heart,  the stories of which he recalls directly to the audience.

Deadpool (The Deadpool Movies)

In Marvel Comics, Wade "Deadpool" Wilson is driven so mad by his appearance post-mutation that, in addition to hearing voices, he becomes aware of the fact that he is a comic book character. While the voices do not make a sound in star and producer Ryan Reynolds' cinematic adaptations, the Merc with a Mouth is still perfectly self-aware of his fictional existence and goes so far as pointing out flaws in the writing and poking fun at the actor who plays him when turning his head to the camera.

Fleabag (Fleabag)

The title character of multi-Emmy-winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge's hit British comedy series, Fleabag, could be described as a free spirit, if not for her bouts of anger and confusion when struggling to navigate adulthood. The audience has unrestricted access to her most cynical inner thoughts, which she frequently shares when speaking directly to her viewers.

Jordan Belfort (The Wolf Of Wall Street)

One of the few examples of a fourth wall-breaking character based on a real person is Leonardo DiCaprio's Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. Not only does he narrate director Martin Scorsese's adaptation of the former stockbroker's memoir (also one of the best Margot Robbie movies), he opens the film describing the dangerously wild nature of his daily routine directly to the audience.

Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes)

Breaking the fourth wall is pretty much a tradition in Looney Tunes shorts, but the art is absolutely perfected by the characters' de facto leader, Bugs Bunny. With his sly remarks and literal winks to the camera, he lets the audience feel like they are in on the joke with him, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes the rascally rabbit truly one-of-a-kind. 

Zack Morris (Saved By The Bell)

Talking to the camera was not the only meta characteristic possessed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar's scheming character on the hit coming-of-age sitcom, Saved by the Bell. Zack Morris also had the ability to manipulate time, as demonstrated when he paused the surrounding action for his own soliloquy whenever he felt like it.

Jared Vennett (The Big Short)

There are actually several characters from Adam McKay's Oscar-winning adaptation of Michael Lewis' non-fiction book, The Big Short, who break the fourth wall. However, it is Ryan Gosling as Deutsche Bank salesman Jared Vennett who spends most of the film directly addressing the audience, sometimes introducing celebrities like Margot Robbie to explain financial jargon to the viewers. 

Stanley “The Mask” Ipkiss (The Mask)

Nigh-omniscience (the state of knowing all, including the audience observing you) is something that often comes with being a cartoon character, which is essentially what Stanley Ipkiss becomes when he puts on a mystical vizard. In one of the funniest scenes in 1994’s The Mask, Jim Carrey’s green, grinning anti-hero fakes his death with a speech that literally earns him an award, prompting the appearance of an applauding audience that even the criminals who tried to kill him react to.

Dora Márquez (Dora The Explorer)

Even with Boots, Backpack, Manny, and her other adventurous comrades by her side, Dora the Explorer still needs help navigating her adventures from the youngsters watching her on Nick Jr. She even politely gives her viewers time to answer when asking them about their favorite part of the journey at the end of each episode.

Wayne Campbell And Garth Algar (Wayne's World)

Breaking the fourth wall helps one of Mike Myers’ greatest creations make a seamless transition from TV to the big screen in one of the best Saturday Night Live movies, Wayne’s World. Even when they are not filming their cable access TV show, Wayne Campbell (Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) keep their running commentary on pop culture, their own lives going, and the state of their own movie by speaking to the metaphysical camera in front of them.

Claire Underwood (House Of Cards)

It was not until Season 4 of House of Cards that Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) revealed that, like her ruthless politician husband, Frank (Kevin Spacey), she was aware of the Netflix subscribers observing their every move. After she is widowed, Claire becomes the central character and the audience’s sole metaphysical companion.

Garfield (Garfield And Friends)

Just like in the comic strip he originated from, Garfield addresses the audience in his many screen adaptations, such as the popular animated series, Garfield and Friends. The hungry, lazy cat appears to have a telepathic link with the viewers since his mouth never actually moves when he delivers commentary.

Garry Shandling (It's Garry Shandling's Show)

The whole conceit of It's Garry Shandling's Show is that the late comedian (who also co-created the series) is aware he is the star of his own sitcom and his interactions with the studio audience play a role in the plot of each episode. Running for four seasons in the late 1980s and earning four Primetime Emmy nominations, the comedy was a hilariously unique and uproariously meta experiment for its time.

Clarissa Darling (Clarissa Explains It All)

Before she played the eponymous role of ABC’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa Joan Hart played the eponymous role of Nickelodeon's Clarissa Explains It All. Just as the title of the '90s sitcom suggests, the outspoken teen comments on her relationships with her friends and family and common aspects of teenage life in general, sometimes even through clever fantasy segments.

Peter Griffin (Family Guy)

While Family Guy is often branded as a rip-off of The Simpsons, Fox’s adult animated comedy from creator Matt Groening does not dabble in meta absurdity nearly as much or ever as overtly as Fox’s adult animated comedy from Seth MacFarlane. Actually, just about every Family Guy character is aware they are on a cartoon series, but Peter Griffin (voiced by MacFarlane) acknowledges the audience most often… maybe even too often?

The Colonel (Monty Python's Flying Circus)

Sometimes, if an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus would get too silly (which was every episode, if we are being honest), a military colonel played by Graham Chapman show up. He would then bring the sketches to a halt and urge the cast and crew to move on to something that better matches his own personal humorous preferences.

Will Smith (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air indulged in poking fun at itself numerous times during its six-season run on NBC in the ‘90s, such as references to the major cast shake-up of Daphne Maxwell Reid replacing Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks. However, the central character Will Smith (played by the Oscar winner of the same name) was the one who did most of the talking to the camera and, in one episode, even went beyond breaking the fourth wall and broke the ceiling, acknowledging the set lighting above them.

Austin Powers (The Austin Powers Movies)

Breaking the fourth wall is actually a staple of many of Mike Myers’ characters, including groovy secret agent Austin Powers, who likes to thank the audience for laughing at his puns and double-entendres and even commenting on the mechanics of his spy movie spoof trilogy. For instance, in the third installment, 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember, he actually relies on the subtitles to converse with a Japanese businessman, only to misunderstand him when some of the white text blends into something of the same color in the background.

Billy Ray Valentine (Trading Places)

For a while in the 1980s, you could expect someone to break the fourth wall in an Eddie Murphy movie, including the comedian himself, and one of the funniest examples comes from Trading Places. When the Dukes Brothers are explaining commodities to Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy), Randolph (Ralph Bellamy) uses the BLT as an example of where he might find bacon, prompting him to hilariously express his annoyance with a silent, perfectly timed glance at the camera.

Rick Sanchez (Rick And Morty)

On one of the all-time best animated series, Rick and Morty, Rick Sanchez is one of the few characters who address the fact that the bizarre and absurd adventures he and his grandson, Morty, endure, are all part of a television show. We suppose that sort of heightened awareness comes from being the smartest person in the universe.

The Grinch (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

In Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas — one of the best Dr. Seuss movies — the titular, holiday-hating curmudgeon (Jim Carrey) proves that he has more than just his dog, Max, to keep him company whenever he speaks to the camera. He even interacts with the narrator (voiced by Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins), asking him to speak with “a little more stealth” as he breaks into Cindy Lou Who’s home.

Augustus Hill (Oz)

Harold Perrineau’s character on Oz, Augustus Hill, is unlike any other inmate at the eponymous Oswald State Correctional Facility, serving as the series’ narrator. He opens and closes each episode of the gritty HBO drama by addressing the audience with a monologue discussing the philosophies of the prison lifestyle.

Lemony Snicket (A Series Of Unfortunate Events)

As Lemony Snicket, Patrick Warburton speaks through the screen when recalling the treacherous adventures of the Baudelaire Orphans on Netflix’s series adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Just like in the original YA book series, the author is more than just the series' narrator, as he also exists within the world of the show.

Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk: Attorney At Law)

Deadpool is not the only fourth-wall-breaking hero in the Marvel Universe, but the first character to go meta in the MCU was Bruce Banner’s cousin, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), who explains to the audience how she became “She-Hulk” in the first episode of her self-titled Disney+ miniseries. The final episode sees her actually leap out of her own show and into the streaming platform’s menu and enter Marvel Studios: Assembled so she can have a talk with “Kevin” about crafting a better ending.

Robin Of Loxley (Robin Hood: Men In Tights)

In one of Mel Brooks’ best movies, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, the famed archer (Cary Elwes) acknowledges a couple of times, even in just a quick glance. However, every character in the medieval spoof is aware they are in a movie, as shown in the moment Robin and others actually pull out the script to ensure he gets another shot in the archery contest at the end.

George (George Of The Jungle)

The fourth wall is kept open for just about the entirety of Disney's cartoonish live-action adaptation of the animated series, George of the Jungle. Brendan Fraser's absent-minded, Tarzan-esque hero makes frequent nods to the camera and sometimes interacts with the narrator, and is not the only character to do so either.

Eloise (Eloise At The Plaza)

The eponymous star of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight's popular illustrated children's books made her screen debut in ABC's 2003 made-for-TV movie, Eloise at the Plaza. Played by Sofia Vassilieva, the precocious child provides details about her residency in a New York City penthouse, her relationship with her nanny (Julie Andrews), and gives other spur-of-the-moment commentaries to the audience.

Basil Exposition (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me)

In 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, as the titular groovy sleuth (Mike Myers) is about to travel back to 1969, he is compelled to ask a few very complicated questions about the science behind this trip. Basil Exposition (Michael York) recommends not worrying about such things and just enjoying the ride before suggesting the same to the people watching.

Robin "Rob" Brooks (High Fidelity)

Hulu's 2020 series adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel, High Fidelity, reimagines record store owner Rob Gordon as a woman, played by Zoë Kravitz. However, like the original protagonist, Rob Brooks is also a neurotic music obsessive who shares her deepest insecurities, particularly in the realm of romance, to the audience.

Zack Greenburg (The Zack Files)

Without explanation, Zack Greenburg (Robert Clark) has attracted the attention of aliens, suddenly developed psychic abilities, receives a phone call from his own conscience, and more strange phenomena. If things could not get weirder for the teen, he sometimes directly acknowledges the viewers of his own early 2000s Canadian show based on Dan Greenburg's book series, The Zack Files.

Have you ever taken inspiration from these fourth-wall-breaking characters and professed your own witty commentary out loud to an imaginary camera, or is that just us?

It is one of the most classic TV formulas there is: on most shows centered mostly around a particular family, the husband is an overzealous, absent-minded, scheming ignoramus and the wife is the one who holds the relationship together by bringing her spouse down to earth… and even to justice. The following are some of the most iconic TV wives who have earned a special place in our hearts for never backing down from reminding the men in their lives who the boss really is.

Debra Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)

The show may be called Everybody Loves Raymond, but the titular sports writer (played by comedian Ray Romano) was seen constantly sparring with his wife, Debra Barone (two-time Emmy winner Patricia Heaton), over his frequent immaturity and ill-advised decisions. At least they could bond over their mutual dysfunctional relationship with Ray’s parents (played by Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts)

Jill Taylor (Home Improvement)

Home Improvement has a double meaning, referring to the attempts of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor (Tim Allen) to keep up the morale in his household, as well as maintain it with repairs and renovations. Either of those attempts has been known to prove disastrous on many occasions, as Tim’s wife (and the Taylor home’s main voice of reason), Jill (Patricia Richardson), is quick to point out to him.

Carla Turk (Scrubs)

In the second episode of Scrubs, surgeon Christopher Turk (Donald Faison) and registered nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes) start a relationship that leads to marriage in Season 3. It’s a mostly idyllic romance that does come with its conflicts, which are predominantly related to Turk’s friendship with J.D. (Zach Braff) — one of the most iconic pop culture bromances — which often teeters toward something deeper.

Cheryl Mabel (According To Jim)

One of the greatest mysteries in sitcom history is how Jim Mabel (Jim Belushi) manages to stay married to Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith) for so long, or at all for that matter, in According to Jim. The mother of three is constantly forced to contend with the contractor’s countless lies and schemes and severely one-sided philosophies on gender dynamics.

Angie Lopez (George Lopez)

Between George Lopez’s titular blue-collar worker (played by comedian and co-creator George Lopez) and his wife, Angie (Constance Marie), she could be considered the more naive of the two, but is definitely far more level-headed. Not to mention, Angie is way out of her husband’s league in terms of looks, if we are being honest.

Claire Dunphy (Modern Family)

None of the relationships on Modern Family are necessarily perfect, but Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) really could not be more different in terms of temperament. She is easily the one who wears the pants in the household and has to bring her slightly dim-witted husband down to earth time and time again.

Louise Jefferson (The Jeffersons)

One of the things that makes The Jeffersons a spin-off as good as its parent series, All in the Family, is the conflict-heavy, yet loving, dynamic of its titular couple. There are very few things that do not get George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) burning with rage, but that is where his wife, Louise (a.k.a. "Weezy), played by Isabel Sanford, comes in to calm him down.

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)

Arguably, the ultimate example of a TV wife forced to put up with an infantile husband just might be Marge, voiced by Julie Kavner on The Simpsons. The amount of mishaps and outright disasters that Homer (Dan Castellaneta) is directly responsible for is astounding and the fact that Matt Groening’s cultural phenomenon is the longest-running animated program of all time does not lessen this aspect of the couple’s relationship.

Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

Out of all the characters in the Breaking Bad universe — including even cold-blooded murderers like Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) — Skyler White (Emmy winner Anna Gunn) is one of the most hated among fans, which we find baffling. One might assume that audiences would have more sympathy for a woman after she discovers that her husband, Walter (Bryan Cranston) is a criminal, even if some of her subsequent decisions are certainly not ideal either.

Gina Waters-Payne (Martin)

In one of the best Tisha Campbell TV shows, Martin, the actor plays Gina Waters — the girlfriend-turned-wife of the title character, played by comedian Martin Lawrence. The businesswoman was always the radio and TV personality’s strongest supporter, but would also be the first to bring him back down to earth when need be.

Peggy Bundy (Married… With Children)

Admittedly, Katey Segal's Married... with Children character, Peggy Bundy, is, just about, the quintessential example of the ditzy sitcom wife. However, even she had a wit that made her a perfect match for her husband, Al (Ed O'Neill), and his cynical, insulting manner.

Carrie Heffernan (The King of Queens)

Doug (Kevin James) and Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini) from The King of Queens are the kind of couple who bring out the best in each other by seeing past their respective shortcomings. That being said, Carrie would never shy away from pointing out when her mail carrier husband's shortcomings got the best of him.

Lily Munster (The Munsters)

The vampiric Lily (Yvonne DeCarlo) spends so much time on The Munsters snapping at her husband, Herman (Fred Gwynne), for his bumbling antics, it practically becomes one of her most essential characteristics. Of course, in Herman's defense, he does have a second-hand brain.

Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)

The main selling point of The Honeymooners was Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) and his get-rich-quick schemes, something his wife, Alice (Audrey Meadows) always tries to warn him about. The bus driver would typically ignore her advice and go through with his plans, only to learn that he should have listened to her in the first place.

Trudy Proud (The Proud Family)

We have a fun idea for a game someone could play while watching either classic episodes of The Proud Family or Disney+’s reboot, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. The goal is to tally how many times Trudy Proud (Paula Jai Parker) calls out “Oscar!” when her husband (voiced by Tommy Davidson) makes an overzealous judgment or misbehaves in general on the animated series.

Amy Farrah Fowler (The Big Bang Theory)

When Mayim Bialik joined The Big Bang Theory cast as Amy Farrah Fowler, she bore many similarities to her love interest-turned-husband — the monotone and rudely forward Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). However, further down the road — and after becoming friends with Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) — she becomes the voice of reason in their relationship and, ultimately, makes him a better person.

Audrey Bingham (Rules Of Engagement)

Patrick Warburton's Jeff Bingham claimed to be the one who knew all the eponymous Rules of Engagement in this CBS sitcom. Of course, his wife, Audrey (Megyn Price) was truly the more level-headed and sensible one between them.

Kitty Forman (That '70s Show)

The often forcibly optimistic Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp) usually tries to ignore or downplay the cynicism and overt rudeness that Red (Kurtwood Smith) directs toward her or the rest of the That ’70s Show cast. However, she has been known to totally fly off the handle and leave her normally outspoken husband speechless and history would certainly repeat itself in the Netflix sequel series, That ‘90s Show.

Rainbow Johnson (Black-ish)

On Black-ish, Anthony Anderson’s Andre “Dre” Johnson is certainly the more strict parent than his wife, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) to their five children. This is among the reasons why Rainbow often boldly plays offense with her husband, in addition to when she believes his actions or ideas are completely absurd.

Jamie Buchman (Mad About You)

The title of Mad About You has two meanings. Not only does it refer to how madly in love with each other Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie Buchman (Helen Hunt) are, but it also references how, literally, "mad" they tend to get at each other — especially Jamie for her husband's typically innocent mistakes.

Lois Griffin (Family Guy)

Peter Griffin (voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane) is lazy, infantile, and problematic to a cartoonish degree (which, admittedly, is fitting, given that he is a cartoon). Of course, this leaves his wife, Lois (Alex Borstein), to hold things together, which often involves doing her best to keep Peter from making an even bigger fool of himself.

Estelle Costanza (Seinfeld)

It becomes clear how George Costanza (Jason Alexander) turned out to be the most neurotic of all the Seinfeld characters when you meet his parents. All Frank (Jerry Stiller) and Estelle (Estelle Harris) do is keep each other in check — or, more accurately, heinously scold each other — but most might agree that Frank often deserves it more.

Jordan Sullivan (Scrubs)

In reality, Jordan Sullivan (Christa Miller) is never actually married to Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) during the duration of Scrubs because it is learned they divorced before Season 1. However, the bulk of their post-marriage, romantic relationship could be described as an intense quarrel of dry, mean-spirited sarcastic wit that makes them a perfect match for one another.

Lois (Malcolm In The Middle)

Hal — Bryan Cranston’s role in Malcolm in the Middle — is an undeniably loving and devoted father, but he is also an accident-prone nervous nelly. So, it is a good thing that he and their four (and later five) sons have Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) to keep things afloat, if not with a little tough love.

Jay Kyle (My Wife And Kids)

Even the best TV wives have their shortcomings, such as Janet “Jay” Kyle (Tisha Campbell) from My Wife and Kids, who was always quick to put on the defense whenever her family criticized her naiveté. Well, two can play that game and Jay is a fierce participant, especially when her husband, Michael (co-creator Damon Wayans), lets his childish ego run wild or takes his strict parenting style too far. 

Beth Smith (Rick And Morty)

Much like her scientist father, Rick Sanchez (formerly voiced by co-creator Justin Roiland and replaced by Ian Cardoni), Beth Smith (Sarah Charlke) is smart and independent, but also brutally honest when it comes to criticizing her loved ones. As far as we are concerned, these qualities make her a perfect match for Jerry (Chris Parnell), who is often in need of being told when he has made, or is about to make, a huge, potentially life-threatening mistake.

Wilma Flintstone (The Flintstones)

The qualities that make Wilma Flintstone (originally voiced by Jane Vander Pyl in the early 1950s and 1960s) one of the all-time greatest TV wives are, essentially, the same qualities that earn Alice Kramden the same honor. Fans have been saying for decades that The Flintstones is, essentially, a pre-historic, animated reimagining of The Honeymooners — complete with her constant badgering of Fred (most notably played by Alan Reed) for his half-baked schemes.

Claire Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

At the time The Cosby Show was the most popular series on TV in the mid-to-late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Huxtables were seen as having the ideal family dynamic, with parents Cliff (Bill Cosby) and Claire (Phylicia Rashad) typically knowing the right thing to say to their kids when in need. That being said, the many times Cliff would, instead, resort to facetiousness and tomfoolery was often shut down or rebuffed by Claire as soon as she had the chance.

Penny Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory)

Between the two main romantic leads of The Big Bang Theory, experimental physicist Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) is clearly the more book-smart one. However, his eventual wife, Penny (Kaley Cuoco), is definitely the one with the street smarts, which she uses to help him realize whenever he may have made a miscalculation.

Molly Flynn (Mike & Molly)

Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell) from Mike & Molly is, just about, one of the smartest, kindest, and most level-headed TV husbands in sitcom history. Of course, that does not mean the Chicago police officer is never prone to a flub, and his wife, Molly (Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy), is always quick to call him out.

Judy Miller (Still Standing)

Bill (Mark Addy) and Judy Miller (Jami Gertz) from CBS’ Still Standing are among the few TV couples who both indulge in crazy schemes, sometimes in collaboration. However, Judy typically only joins in on her husband’s plans in an effort to make them more efficient after pointing out their flaws and absurdities.

Wanda McCullough (The Bernie Mac Show)

On The Bernie Mac Show, when the titular comedian (starring as himself) is made the guardian of his nephew and two nieces, he has no parental instincts to latch onto outside his own industrial strength opinions. Luckily, his wife, Wanda McCullough (Kellita Smith), provided more suitable, nurturing guidance for the children and her boisterous husband in check with her unmatchable sass.

With how many doting and reserved TV wives there have been, it always refreshing to see a strong, independent woman telling her husband like it is.

Bryan Cranston earned accolades for his dramatic works like Breaking Bad and Your Honor. However, he played everyone’s favorite lovable and inept dad Hal on the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle for seven seasons. Much like his over-the-top character, Cranston is known for doing stunts in his roles. For one Malcolm in the Middle stunt, he discovered that being covered in blue paint is very bad for the body.

The Your Honor star opened up about the near-deadly stunt on The Graham Norton Show (via EW). He revealed that the moment played out when the TV patriarch poured a bucket of blue paint on himself during the Season 2 episode “Hal Quits.” The character became a painter after quitting his job, leading to Cranston dousing himself in paint. The Oscar-nominated actor explained how the stunt was supposed to go, saying: 

It seems that the Malcolm in the Middle team wasn’t aware of this fact before Cranston performed the pivotal scene. Of course, the scene played into Hal’s chaotic nature, but it appeared the writers didn’t know about the risks before the Breaking Bad star and the crew got on set. Unfortunately, that backfired when the actor went all-in on the joke. Cranston said:

Thankfully, the crew was able to help the Malcolm in the Middle alum before the situation caused permanent damage. Pores must be clear to regulate body temperature. Bryan Cranston’s ordeal was reminiscent of the rumor about iconic Goldfinger Bond girl Shirley Eaton dying from suffocation due to the gold body paint. (Born in 1937, the former Bond actress is still alive today.)

While Bryan Cranston has come a long way from Malcolm in the Middle, he still loves his time as a sitcom dad, having spearheaded a potential revival. While there hasn’t been any word on the Fox sitcom reboot in a while, it appears the Emmy winner is ready to return to the comedy. In the meantime, you can catch up on the show by streaming it through a Hulu subscription. If you're looking for some coming up sooner rather than later, follow up the Malcolm revisit by checking out our 2024 TV schedule.

Modern-day sitcoms have truly stood out as some of the best, but the ones solely focusing on families and their dynamics have always been my favorite. And you want to know which show reigned as supreme for several years? Modern Family. The series, which ran from 2009 to 2020, gave us great stories, an excellent Modern Family cast, and plenty of guest stars on Modern Family who became big shots afterward. 

But now that Modern Family has come to a close, I’m sure plenty of fans out there are looking for the next best thing to watch after binging through all those seasons. Well, get excited, because we have plenty of options for shows like Modern Family that are available to watch now. 

Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)

First up on this list is Schitt’s Creek. This series follows the Rose family, who have always lived a life of luxury. But one day, that life is taken away from them, and now all they are left with is this little town they bought as a joke years before, which is called ‘Schitt’s Creek.’

There’s a reason why Schitt’s Creek was such a huge hit when it was first released and only continued to grow in popularity as time went on. 

Not only is the Schitt’s Creek cast incredibly talented and filled to the brim with excellent acting, but the story is unlike anything else and so much fun. I could rewatch Schitt’s Creek and never get bored by the end of it. 

Stream Schitt’s Creek on Hulu.

Black-ish (2014 – 2022)

This series ran from 2014 to 2022 and was a huge hit. Black-ish, starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, tells the story of an upper-class Black American family where the children are raised in a white neighborhood, and it delves into the the patriarch's personal struggles to feel connected to his culture. 

The series talks about many societal issues regarding race, sexuality, etc. The show was so successful that two spinoffs were created from it – grown-ish and mixed-ish. While the show ended in 2020, it’s still relevant three years later and probably will be for some time. 

Stream Black-ish on Hulu.

The Simpsons (1989 – Present)

I mean, you can’t get better than The Simpsons. The iconic animated series has run since the late 1980s for 30+ seasons and follows the daily lives of the Simpson family, usually through the hilarious situations they get into, whether it be Homer at work, Bart at school or any other family member.

I just began watching some of the earlier episodes of The Simpsons after seeing many of its later seasons. While some of the episodes from later on can be less than spectacular, there is still so much good television from this show. I can understand why it became the legend it is now. There’s comedy and so much heart within the first few seasons. Trust me, for fans of a family sitcom, you’ll laugh your butt off. 

Stream The Simpsons on Disney+. 

Fresh Off The Boat (2015 – 2020)

Created by Nahnatchka Khan, Fresh Off the Boat is a sitcom based on the Eddie Huang autobiography of the same name and details the story of a Taiwanese-American family adapting to life in Florida in the 1990s. 

Like Black-ish, this series focuses on several societal issues that are talked about consistently, such as immigration, fitting in at school and so much more. It’s certainly one of Randall Park’s best shows, but the rest of the Fresh Off the Boat cast is super talented, too. Also, the series ran for six seasons, so you have a nice long binge ahead of you. 

Stream Fresh Off The Boat on Hulu.

Single Parents (2018 – 2019)

While this series was short-lived, it’s perfect for Modern Family fans. Single Parents is exactly as the title would describe – it follows the stories of single parents who must raise their children alone in a constantly evolving world. 

I will never forgive ABC for canceling this show after two seasons because there was a lot of growth potential. Not only was the cast honestly perfect, with stars such as Leighton Meester, Jake Choi and more, but the stories weren’t seen very often in family sitcoms because it was focused on one parent rather than a whole family unit. Give it a chance if you can. 

Stream Single Parents on Hulu.

Arrested Development (2003 – 2018)

Originally running from 2003 to 2006, and then returning for Seasons 4 and 5 on Netflix in 2013 and 2018/2019, Arrested Development is a great sitcom to watch if you love Modern Family. Starring Jason Bateman, the series is like Schitt’s Creek, in that we follow the Bluths, a family who once had wealth, but it had all but vanished. Even so, the Bluths continue to try and live wealthy lifestyles – which ends chaotically. 

There’s a lot to love about Arrested Development. The family is utterly dysfunctional, which makes for hilarious comedy, but the Arrested Development cast makes everything work so well with their talent and comedic timing. It's such a great show for Modern Family fans -- and a little crazier too.

Stream Arrested Development on Netflix.

This Is Us (2016 – 2022)

This Is Us ran on NBC from 2016 to 2022, and it detailed the story of Randall, Kate and Kevin, three siblings who grew up together. Now, they live in different areas of the country, and their stories always connect and lead them back home, no matter how far. 

While I don’t classify This Is Us as a comedy because it gets very deep very quickly, I would say it’s perfect for fans of Modern Family because the family unit is very much there, and these siblings, no matter what, still find ways to be there for each other in their darkest hours. Not only that, but the This Is Us cast is spectacular. 

Stream This Is Us on Hulu.

Malcolm In The Middle (2000 – 2006)

Malcolm in the Middle was a huge sitcom that detailed the story of a dysfunctional middle-class family and mainly starred Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, a child prodigy in the family who was always running into hilarious situations with his siblings and the world around him. 

Malcolm in the Middle was an excellent sitcom and went on to win several awards, including seven Emmy Awards. You can also check out a pre-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston in his funniest role ever – one that he truly rocks. And if Cranston makes a revival of the series, I’m all in.

Stream Malcolm in the Middle on Hulu.

The Middle (2009 – 2017)

The Middle ran for nine seasons and is a great sitcom starring Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn. In Indiana, the show follows a lower-middle-class family living their lives day by day and how they constantly get into hilarious situations. 

The series was a massive hit for ABC and was a part of the same time Modern Family was released. The cast is full of exciting characters with different personalities, making it enjoyable and entertaining. 

Stream The Middle on Peacock.

One Day At A Time (2017 – 2020)

Last, but not least, we have One Day at a Time. This series acts as a reboot of the 1970s TV series of the same name, and follows a Latino family living in L.A. It focuses on an Army veteran who is trying to run her household and keep a roof over her children’s heads while also dealing with PTSD at the same time. 

I seriously love One Day at a Time. Not only is it a great Latinx TV show to watch because of the representation, but the amount of topics that are discussed, from mental health to sexism to immigration, are astounding to watch. The cast is also great, and that includes a great Rita Moreno role as part of the show.

Stream One Day at a Time on Netflix.

There are so many great shows like Modern Family out there, and these are just scraping the surface. But hopefully now you might have an idea of some great series’ to check out when you have the chance. 

Remember Frankie Muniz? The Malcolm In The Middle and Agent Cody Banks actor was a huge deal in the early ‘00s and now he’s an all grown up 37-year-old with a wife and father to a baby boy they welcomed in spring 2021. How does he look back on his years as a major child actor? It sounds like he’s got a real level-head about it all. 

Muniz notably starred in the lead role of Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 to 2006 (from the ages of 15 to 20) alongside Bryan Cranston. When reflecting on his early career, Frankie Muniz spoke to why he put a pause on acting once the series ended, saying this: 

During an interview with Fox News Digital, Muniz shared that he went off to experience the other things life had to offer outside of being on the set of the TV show. He decided to pursue professional race car driving and competed in the Formula BMW USA Championship in 2006 and then the ChampCar Atlantic Championship in 2007 and 2008. He was placing in some competitions, but prior to racing the penultimate race at Road America, he sustained a wrist injury he had to have multiple surgeries for. 

Muniz continued by speaking to a common “bad path” child stars can go down once they hit adulthood. In his words: 

Over the years, Muniz has continued to take acting jobs and was even a contestant during the 2017 season of Dancing With The Stars. He also recently starred in the reality TV show The Surreal Life alongside celebrities like Dennis Rodman and Stormy Daniels. 

When asked about the possibility of returning to one of his big roles like Malcolm in the Middle, he also shared that he’s “down 100 percent” along with revealing that Bryan Cranston is actually working on a revival of the sitcom. This comes after years of Muniz speaking to his interest in returning to his most iconic role as Malcolm.   

Muniz also shared that he’s made the time to sit down and watch all 151 episodes of his famed sitcom with his wife, Paige Price. After previously admitting he really didn’t remember filming the episodes of Malcolm in the Middle, he “realized” what he was making all along. We’ll certainly be excited to see what Frankie Muniz does next. While we wait, you can check out the 2023 TV premiere dates here on CinemaBlend to find your next favorite TV show. 

Do you all remember Bryan Cranston’s early 2000s sitcom of three rambunctious boys being raised by two parents who are just as quirky, with the oldest brother off at military school? If you didn’t grow up during the Malcolm in the Middle craze from 2000-2006, you might have a chance to join this generation if the beloved series makes a comeback. Bryan Cranston might get the Malcolm in the Middle cast together again for an upcoming revival. 

For Breaking Bad fans out there, you may have forgotten that Bryan Cranston’s first lead in a television show was playing the immature but loving father Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. Frankie Muniz, who played the title role in the hit series, spoke to Fox News Digital about how Cranston is getting the ball rolling on a revival script and that the former child actor would love to be a part of it. Muniz said:

Muniz said he would be working 13 hours a day when he was filming Malcolm in the Middle, so it makes sense why he didn’t have much of an appreciation for seeing the show when it was airing. But now that the show’s been over for 16 years, he can now watch it as any other fan would. The Agent Cody Banks star has expressed interest in the past for a Malcolm in the Middle sequel and imagined Malcolm to be having a midlife crisis. If he ended up becoming president of the country as his family expected, I can imagine why that’s so.

When Bryan Cranston was once asked if a Malcolm in the Middle revival could happen, he was all for it because he missed the cast “like crazy” and continued to stay in touch with them. The Breaking Bad star continuously conveyed plenty of interest for more episodes so he can continue playing the dimwitted Hal who never failed to make us laugh. He imagined that if he were to put together a revival, it would be 10 to 12 years later from the last episode. Well, it’s been a lot more than that so we’re overdue for some new stories of this whimsical family.

Bryan Cranston has some upcoming movies like the new Wes Anderson film Asteroid City and joined the cast of the upcoming Apple TV+ movie Argylle. He also returned to TV with the Showtime series Your Honor which will be entering its third and last season. As for the rest of the cast, they haven’t done too much after Malcolm in the Middle ended. All of that can end up changing if everyone decides to get together for more wild family fun.

Knowing that Bryan Cranston is penning a Malcolm in the Middle revival show is all we need to further the anticipation of this potential new show. This Emmy-winning sitcom introduced audiences to your not-so-typical family setup and proved you have nothing to be ashamed of for having a weird family. Keep up with our TV premiere dates so you’ll know if and possibly when the Malcolm in the Middle revival series can make its way to your TV. Feel free to catch up with episodes of Malcolm in the Middle on your Hulu subscription.

Remember Malcolm from Fox's popular sitcom Malcolm In the Middle? Yeah, he would already be able to legally drink if he were a real person. The actor who plays Malcolm, Frankie Muniz, is well into his thirties at this point, but I bet that fact makes ya feel even more old now that the former child actor is officially a father.

Frankie Muniz, who played the titular character in Malcolm In the Middle for the show’s seven-season run, has been documenting his journey towards fatherhood on his Instagram over the last few months, sharing details such as the sonogram, baby bottles and more. The couple had previously announced in October they were having a little boy.

Now the baby is finally here, and while we don't know a ton of details yet, recently, he announced to the world via Instagram Story that he loves his baby and his wife so much, while holding his new bundle of joy.

There’s something about a celebrity announcing a pregnancy, and later, birth, on social media that makes it so emotional. It shows how open the celebrity is and how they want their fans to be part of this special journey. Frankie Muniz has been in the industry since he was 12 years old and now he’s 35, with a wife and a newborn baby. That connection he has to fans that have been watching him since they were younger and literally grew up with him is a bond not many actors are able to have with their fanbases.

The former child actor was making a big name for himself in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, especially on the big screen. Frankie Muniz was in movies such as Big Fat Liar, Agent Cody Banks and its sequel, and was a voice in Dr. Dolittle 2. Besides Malcolm, Muniz appeared in various shows including Lizzie McGuire, All That, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and later Criminal Minds, Last Man Standing and he finished third on Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars.

Last month, the actor made fans feel old as he played a former child star-turned-cult leader in ABC’s The Rookie. His character did not have a happy ending, so it’s good to know Muniz didn’t go down that route, or was even close. Since he’s not acting as much as he once did, it’s always a surprise when Muniz makes a cameo in a TV show or a film.

Even though a portion of the tween/teen girl population in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s would have done anything to be with Frankie Muniz, seeing him so happy and loving life after being in the spotlight for over half his life is refreshing. We wish him, his wife, and newborn baby son all the happiness in the world. Hopefully he takes his time deciding on his next project so he can spend time with his growing family.

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Through decades of adaptable performances, Bryan Cranston has proven his incredible acting talents in a variety of roles, both big and small, on screens both large and not. Through an impressively unwavering dedication to his craft and a fiery commitment to complicated characters, Cranston is a continuously dynamic performer with vigorous versatility and astonishing range. The Emmy/Tony-winning actor proved his talents once more in Disney+'s The One and Only Ivan, but the Breaking Bad actor showed his skills in several outstanding performances, many of which are currently accessible on various streaming services. Here's what you should stream if you love Bryan Cranston.

Breaking Bad (Netflix)

Diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) manufactures methamphetamine with a former student (Aaron Paul) to provide for his family.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: Over the course of five excellent seasons, Bryan Cranston went from being "the dad on Malcolm in the Middle" to one of our greatest working actors through his Emmy-winning work in AMC's exhilarating Breaking Bad. While credit is rightfully given to creator Vince Gilligan's brilliant vision, the incredible cast, the distinctly vivid Albuquerque backdrops, the consistently amazing writing, and the pulpy camerawork, Breaking Bad is an addictive, intentionally Shakespearean character study of how an unassuming man becomes a powerfully wicked force of destruction. It's to Cranston's immense credit that this vivid transformation is sold with gusto and greedy vengeance. It's undeniably Cranston's finest performance and one of TV's finest roles.

Stream it on Netflix here.

The One And Only Ivan (Disney+)

A gorilla (Sam Rockwell) promises to help a baby elephant (Brooklynn Prince) escape captivity from an overzealous circus owner (Bryan Cranston).

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: In this cuddly and immensely sweet Disney+ exclusive, Bryan Cranston demonstrates many layers, allowing himself to be hammy and boastful when endearing a crowd, tender and caring when he's with his animal companions, but also insistent and demanding when business isn't what he wants it to be. The role could've been less dynamic with a less capable actor, but Cranston brings sincerity and sensitivity to his prominent role, particularly when he's often the only live-action actor on-screen. While it sometimes seems like the movie isn't sure how far to push the character's darker side, Cranston brings vibrant, winning humanity to this animal-centric Disney production.

Stream it on Disney+ here.

Contagion (HBO Max)

A lethal, fast-spreading novel virus causes social order to collapse.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: While it doesn't make for the most comfortable viewing experience in the midst of an ongoing worldwide pandemic, Steven Soderbergh's immersive, nerve-wracking, and unsettlingly foretelling Contagion is a tightly-wound globe-trotting thriller with precise pacing, an unflinching vision, and a smart, well-researched screenplay which gets down to the nitty-gritty of this devastating illness without sacrificing the entertainment value. Though, perhaps "entertaining" isn't the right word in a modern lens. Nevertheless, in an outstanding ensemble, including Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, and Jude Law, Bryan Cranston plays a dutifully formal role as a public health service rear admiral hoping to keep the nation from diving into full-blown panic. It's a buttoned-down role that Cranston handles with proper gravitas and dramatic authority.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

Malcolm In The Middle (Hulu/IMDbTV)

A gifted teenage middle child (Frankie Muniz) tries living with his dysfunctional suburban family (Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan).

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: As Hal Wilkerson, an immature, goofy father of four unruly sons, Bryan Cranston gave one of his most recognizable and memorable performances in Fox's long-running Malcolm in the Middle. As the often-bumbling, socially awkward patriarch who wants to do the right thing but is often helpless without his wife's assistance, Cranston's performance is frequently funny and not without its moments of off-kilter sweetness. He's often game for anything and filled with lighthearted giddiness, showcasing the future Emmy-winning actor's unrestrained commitment and bubbling enthusiasm. It's a sincere, highly-entertaining career-building performance that remains one of his most signature roles.

Stream it on Hulu here and IMDB TV here.

Last Flag Flying (Amazon Prime)

Reuniting with his Vietnam War buddies, Marine Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston) and Reverend Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne), Former Navy Corpsman Larry "Doc" Shepherd (Steve Carell) goes on a mission to bury his solider son.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: Though it flew under the radar upon release, Richard Linklater's Last Flag Flying is a wonderfully delicate, thoughtful, and mature character-based dramedy with the added benefit of its terrific trio of lead performances from Steve Carrell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne. While Carell's refrained, commendably contemplative performance is the movie's anchor, Cranston's rambunctious, outspoken persona works well as his opposite, showcasing his entertaining talents for playing broad, attention-grabbing characters. While some critics dismissed his high-energy performance, it balances the buddy dynamic between Carell's grief-filled character and Fishburne's evaluative reverend well, providing a dependably lively, engaging presence.

Stream it on Amazon Prime here.

Little Miss Sunshine (Starz)

A dysfunctional family embarks on a cross-country road trip when the youngest child (Abigail Breslin) enters the finals of a beauty pageant.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: Little Miss Sunshine is like the Little Engine That Could, chugging along with its humble Sundance debut to become an incredible box office smash and, eventually, a Best Picture-nominated triumph. While the main ensemble, including Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, and an Oscar-winning Alan Arkin, got most of the recognition — and understandably so — Bryan Cranston also played a small-but-pivotal role as Stan Grossman, whom our patriarchal lead (Kinnear) believes will bring about his next step as a motivational speaker. It's a minor part, but Cranston plays a big part in the comedy's dramatic undercurrent.

Stream it on Starz here.

Last Chance (Tubi)

In a desert cafe, an unhappy married couple (Robin Dearden, Bryan Cranston) has their lives changed by a charming drifter (Tim Thomerson).

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: In his screenwriting and directorial debut, Bryan Cranston makes an appealingly old-fashioned, commendably character-focused drama aided by strong performances from Robin Dearden, Cranston's wife, and Tim Thomerson. Though it can be overly familiar with its well-worn narrative and subdued by its tempered pacing, Cranston's homegrown film is benefitted by its indie earnestness and its refrained storytelling, allowing the strengths of the performers to carry the low-budget production in an agreeably undemanding fashion. The results aren't especially noteworthy, but it proves that Cranston has decent chops as a director. It's a shame that the actor hasn't helmed another feature since. In any case, Last Chance was an early showcase for Cranston's multi-faceted talents.

Stream it on Tubi here.

The Lincoln Lawyer (Amazon Prime/Netflix)

A charismatic lawyer (Matthew McConaughey), who does business out of his Lincoln Continental sedan, defends a wealthy man (Ryan Phillippe), only to believe his client is guilty of more than one crime.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: While it doesn't verge too far out of the lines of your typical procedural courtroom drama-thriller, The Lincoln Lawyer is a brisk, commendably enjoyable starring vehicle for Matthew McConaughey. While it's undoubtedly his show, the supporting ensemble is surprisingly strong, particularly with standout talents like Marisa Tomei, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, and Bryan Cranston onboard. As a detective with a strong dislike towards our Lincoln-loving criminal defense attorney, Cranston brings sharp personality to what might've been a throwaway role in less dependable hands, resulting in a commendable turn.

Stream it on Amazon Prime here and Netflix here.

All The Way (HBO Max)

After President John F. Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson (Bryan Cranston) spends his first year in office trying to pass the Civil Rights Act.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: Reprising his Tony-winning portrayal of the former president, Bryan Cranston gives a thunderous performance as Lyndon B. Johnson in HBO's All The Way. Though its boisterousness can make an unsteady transition into television, the characterization still contains the magnitudes of Johnson's ferocity and tenacity, making it easy to see why it was such a triumphant Broadway success. It matches the outsized personality of his real-life inspiration, showcasing Cranston's proven talents for playing loud, bombastic characters with steering, unwavering desires to achieve greatness. It makes sense why Cranston adopted this role shortly after Breaking Bad. It's a stunning performance, outshining the film itself.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

Drive (Netflix)

A Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) moonlights as a getaway driver. But complications ensue when he falls for his neighbor (Carey Mulligan).

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: In this visceral, heavily-stylized blend of high-speed action and arthouse cinema sensibilities, Drive became one of 2011's coolest, most celebrated achievements, pushing director Nicholas Winding Refn further into cult status. With an ensemble that includes Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, and a surprisingly terrifying Albert Brooks, Bryan Cranston doesn't get as much time to shine as he did in other projects he landed once Breaking Bad's success grew, but his auto shop owner plays an emotional part in our sullen, cold exterior lead's buried warm heart, providing Gosling's character with more motivation to seek vengeance when things go south.

Stream it on Netflix here.

That Thing You Do! (HBO Max)

In 1964, a small-time band (Tom Everett Scott, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn) rises up the charts with the help of their manager (Tom Hanks).

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: While it's a brief role in Tom Hanks' beloved directorial debut, Bryan Cranston's appearance as Gus Grissom, an astronaut interviewed only moments before The Wonders perform on live TV, makes for a fun surprise for fans of the actor's long-spanning work. While he isn't given too much to do, Hanks clearly enjoyed Cranston's company. The director later cast him in a more prominent role in his sophomore film, 2011's Larry Crowne, which is streaming on Peacock.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

Wakefield (Netflix/SundanceNow)

A successful-but-unhappy attorney (Bryan Cranston), living on the edge of madness, decides to disassociate himself from his own life.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: In what's considered one of his finest recent portrayals, Bryan Cranston provides a dependably committed, darkly unstable lead performance in Wakefield. Playing a man collapsing from his fraught mental stability, Cranston is given a challenging role to pursue, particularly when the character can often be unpleasant. But the award-winning actor is up for the challenge, producing an intriguingly complex, achingly human powerhouse performance which, yet again, demonstrates his towering talents.

Stream it on Netflix here and SundanceNow here.

Seinfeld (Hulu)

Four neurotic friends (Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards) deal with the minutiae of NYC daily living.

Why It's A Good Option for Bryan Cranston Fans: As Tim Whatley, Jerry Seinfeld's extremely eccentric dentist, Bryan Cranston played a recurring role in Seinfeld's extended time on TV. While this role only consisted of five episodes scattered throughout the sitcom's 172 episode run, the standout character became an early favorite for Cranston, particularly as the comedy's cultural longevity allows him to still be recognized for this scene-stealing part. Whether it's his office collection of Penthouse magazines or his switch to Judaism solely to make jokes (which offends Jerry as a comedian, but not as a Jewish man), Cranston's character provided great splashy variety to the proceedings. His involvement in some of Seinfeld's most revered episodes wasn't incidental.

Stream it on Hulu here.

In addition to all these titles, it's worth noting that Trumbo is available on Netflix, The Infiltrator can be seen on Crackle, The Upside is on Showtime, Sneaky Pete is on Amazon Prime, and Cold Comes The Night is also on Crackle. What's your favorite Bryan Cranston performance? Let us know below!

The world of animation has never been the same since the introduction of South Park. While the series may be banned in China, it has been made exclusively available to stream on HBO Max. Furthermore, there are plenty other movies and TV shows of thematic similarities also available on Netflix, Hulu, and/or HBO Max.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Emmy-winning hit, which has ran on Comedy Central since 1997, follows four young elementary school boys too mature for their own good from a rural Colorado town that is frequently overrun with potentially cataclysmic phenomena of a crudely satirical nature. Of course, like any animated series, they all came through the experience with an important life lesson, unless Kenny does not survive.

However, for those who do not yet subscribe to HBO Max (or do, but have already watched more than their healthy amount of South Park), also available to stream are the many series and films alike that are inspired by, inspired from, or somehow related to the long-running satire. Fifteen quality programs come to mind.

Big Mouth (Netflix)

One can only imagine if South Park would be less controversial if the main characters were not children. The same could be considered for this Netflix original animated series co-created by Nick Kroll, who voices multiple characters along with John Mulaney, Jenny Slate, and more. However, it is the painfully honest and uproariously funny portrayal of the harsh times of adolescence that makes Big Mouth a remarkable and special work of art for its time. Stream Big Mouth on Netflix here.

Malcolm In The Middle (Hulu)

For seven seasons, it seemed like no one on television was having a harsher time with adolescence than a young man named Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), the most intelligent member of his grossly dysfunctional family, made up of two overdramatic parents (Jane Kaczmarek and pre-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston) and four (eventually five) unforgiving brothers. Said problematic siblings from the Emmy-winning Malcom in the Middle might bear the closest resemblance to how the kids from South Park would be depicted if adapted for live action. Stream Malcolm in the Middle on Hulu here.

Bob’s Burgers (Hulu)

If the family from Malcolm in the Middle were animated and made their living from the food service industry, they might look like the Belchers, who own, operate, and live above a local eatery named after husband and father Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) whose wife and children are prone to shenanigans not as brutally offensive as South Park, but equally funny. Bob's Burgers is one of best animated, less-than-kid-friendly crowd pleasers on TV and, since its debut nearly a decade ago, it has and an upcoming feature film spin-off. Stream it on Hulu here.

Home Movies (HBO Max)

Before collaborating on Bob's Burgers, co-creator Loren Bouchard and star H. Jon Benjamin also worked together on this animated series that became an Adult Swim staple in the early 2000s about a young boy named Brendon Small (voiced by the co-creator of the same name) who spends time making amateur films with his friends. Home Movies has the look and feel of a typical Saturday morning cartoon, but with a unique comic edge that puts it within the same category of enjoyability as South Park. Stream Home Movies on HBO Max here.

BASEketball (Starz)

A year after the debut of South Park, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone starred in their first feature-length, live action film as co-starring leads in which they play childhood friends who invent a sport that combines two of America's favorite (but vastly different) pastimes. You will not find much of the same clever cultural commentary that Parker and Stone are known best for, but you will find more than enough of the same boisterously crude humor in BASEketball, directed by one of the masterminds behind Airplane! David Zucker. Stream BASEketball on Starz here.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (HBO Max)

Speaking of humor virtually devoid of cultural commentary, this Adult Swim classic, which ran for 11 seasons over 15 years, does not just achieve a similar level of crudeness as South Park, but is undeniably one of the most bizarre animated creations in history, if the nonsensical title was not enough of a clue. Following the surreal adventures of a milkshake, a meatball, a fast food-style order of fries, and their middle-aged human neighbor, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and its 2007 feature-length spin-off, is so aggressively random and unusual that you may find yourself unable to look away from it. Stream Aqua Teen Hunger Force on HBO Max here.

Rick And Morty (Hulu, HBO Max)

A knack for cultural commentary actually sparked the inception of this Adult Swim original, once a simple spoof of Back to the Future before Justin Roiland and Community mastermind Dan Harmon expanded it into a hilarious, exciting, and even thought-provoking tribute to science fiction as a whole. Ironically, Rick and Morty (named after the hard-drinking scientist and his anxious teenage grandson, both voiced by Roiland) has become one of the most worshipped examples of the genre in history, becoming just about as popular as South Park in only four seasons, probably for how well it works as a relatable family drama as well. Stream Rick and Morty on Hulu here and on HBO Max here.

Good Boys (HBO Max)

The kids on South Park are unique to their demographic for their mature and adept reactions to very non-childlike shenanigans they get themselves into. That is not so much the case for Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Moon's trio of tweens from Good Boys, who become wrapped up in increasingly volatile situations way above their age group, in this very R-rated, but surprisingly endearing, 2019 comedy from co-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Stream Good Boys on HBO Max here.

Letterkenny (Hulu)

Before establishing a reputation for brutal satire of a universal appeal, South Park was initially conceived as a send-up of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's childhood in rural Colorado. Letterkenny has a similar origin, serving as a dramatized adaptation of star and creator Jared Keeso's secret Twitter account used to mock the cultural disparities he witnessed growing up in rural Canada. With mile-a-minute dialogue and characters that put an eccentric spin on mundanity, this Hulu exclusive series will change your perception America's northern neighbor forever. Stream Letterkenny on Hulu here.

The Boondocks (HBO Max)

Let's switch over from a rural setting into something more suburban, particularly the neighborhood of Woodcrest, in which Chicago-born brothers Huey and Riley Freeman (both voiced by Oscar-winner Regina King) experience a bit of a culture clash with their WASPy peers after moving in with their grandfather (John Witherspoon). Adult Swim's series adaptation of Aaron McGruder's comic strip The Boondocks ran for four seasons between 2005 and 2014, but is more relevant now than ever for its unapologetically shocking and brilliant funny dissection of racial stereotypes that, like South Park, is all seen through the eyes of some very precocious youngsters. Stream The Boondocks on HBO Max here.

Family Guy (Hulu)

Also known for its unapologetically shocking humor is the breakout hit of co-creator Seth MacFarlane, who also voices three members of the Griffins, among other citizens of Quahog, Rhode Island, who seem to have a knack for finding obscure cultural references in any given situation. It should not come as a surprise to see Family Guy on a list of programs related to South Park, not just for the similar animated adult humor schtick that has also earned it more than two decades on air, but the highly lauded behind-the-scenes war the two series have engaged in for years. Stream Family Guy on Hulu here.

The Simpsons (Hulu, Disney+)

At least Family Guy has been able to set aside its differences (or lack thereof) with the show that neither it nor even South Park may have existed without. For more than THREE decades, the groundbreaking and hilariously satirical The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening, has been the most prestigious and highly influential animated sitcom on primetime television, inspiring a hit 2007 feature film, a Universal Studios theme park attraction, and an insatiable appetite for donuts. Stream The Simpsons on Hulu here or on Disney+ here.

Team America: World Police (HBO Max)

For their cinematic follow-up to 1999's Academy Award-nominated South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, director Trey Parker and his co-writer Matt Stone took their signature talent for boldly non-subtle social commentary into a long overlooked territory of animation with the use of puppets. Marionettes fighting terrorists is a ridiculously unlikely concept that they brilliantly take advantage of for Team America: World Police, easily the greatest action-packed musical Hollywood satire featuring puppets making love ever made. Stream Team America: World Police on HBO Max here.

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (Netflix)

Comedian John Mulaney gathered a diverse cast of precocious youngsters for his take on old school children's programming in the vein of Sesame Street or The Electric Company in this feature-length Netflix special filled with fun musical numbers, inventive sketches, and some surprising cameos. Of course, considering this is a list of programs recommended to South Park fans, it might be best to give John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch a watch on your own before deciding if the kids are ready for it. Stream John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch on Netflix here.

Peanuts (HBO Max)

There should not be any trouble deciding if this iconic program, based on the comic strip created by Charles Schultz, is suitable for family viewing, which makes its appearance on this list somewhat questionable. Well, other than an attempt to include something for the kids, Peanuts, like South Park, is a funny and often relatable heightened depiction of childhood: a concept that you could even argue was pioneered by the adventures of Charlie Brown and his friends. Stream Peanuts on HBO Max here.

What do you think? Are these movies and shows just what the South Park fan ordered? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for more information and updates on the adult animated series, as well as more recommendations for movies and TV shows available to stream now, here on CinemaBlend.

Shameless aired for 11 seasons and ended its impressive run in 2021. The Chicago-based series follows the Gallagher clan, a low-income family living in the South Side. Frank (William H. Macy) is the technical head of the household, but Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is really the one who takes care of her younger siblings, at least, for most of the show's run.

The Gallaghers are a highly dysfunctional family who consistently engage in morally gray activities like drug use and violent crimes. Their indecent activities usually stem from their less-than-ideal upbringing by Frank and Monica (Chloe Webb). Despite their immoral conduct, the Gallaghers are a sympathetic family who at their core really love and care about each other.

With Shameless over, you’re bound to be on the hunt for a new show to watch. We selected a few series that may fulfill your need for reckless family dramedy.

Weeds (Peacock)

What The Show Is About: Widower Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) starts selling weed to make money to support her and her two sons in their upper-middle class suburban neighborhood. The Weeds cast also includes Elizabeth Perkins, Justin Kirk, Hunter Parrish, and Kevin Nealon. Jenji Kohan is the creator of Weeds.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: Shameless and Weeds both involve their characters becoming more corrupt as they age. As the series goes on, the Botwins become more involved with the illegal drug dispensing business, and engage in other criminal behaviors. Shameless and Weeds are both Showtime dramedies so they have similar tones and themes.

Stream Weeds on Peacock. 

Malcolm In The Middle (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: Malcolm in the Middle centers around Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) who discovers that he’s a genius. Malcolm’s intelligence comes as a surprise to his less-than-scholarly family. The cast of Malcolm in the Middle includes Jane Kaczmarek and a pre-Walter White Bryan Cranston.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: Malcolm and his family may be very tame in comparison to the Gallagher family, but they still have their own brand of highly dysfunctional behavior. The family also consists of characters who have some of the characteristics of Fiona and her siblings. Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Malcolm could be the same person if a few very critical factors changed. Scary to consider? I know. Malcolm in the Middle is like the PG version of Shameless, with more stability and less drug use and criminal activity.

Stream Malcolm in the Middle on Hulu. 

Shameless UK (Tubi)

What The Show Is About: The original Shameless series began in 2004 and ran until 2013. Like the American version, it follows the Gallagher family with many of the characters overlapping. However, unlike the American version, Fiona, played by Anne-Marie Duff in this version, leaves after Season 2. She also ends up with Steve/Jimmy, played by James McAvoy. David Threlfall leads the cast as Frank Gallagher.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: If you’re looking for a good origin story, then Shameless is a great series to watch to see how the shows intersect and stray apart from each other. The first season of the American Shameless follows the original blueprint fairly closely, but finds its own pace, rhythm, and identity by Season 2. The series are quite different so you won’t feel like you’re just watching the same show with different accents.

Stream Shameless (UK) on Tubi. 

Skins (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: Skins follows a group of teens as they deal with their sexuality, love, growing up, friendship, and identity. The series takes a gritty look at adolescence and follows three different groups of teens. Skins aired for six seasons and had three standalone movies/miniseries. The Skins cast included Kaya Scodelario, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Dempsie, Hannah Murray, Kathryn Prescott, and Jack O’Connell.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: Skins is more of a drama than Shameless, but each series has both dark and comedic tones. The series also tackles the pain of growing up and trying to find yourself. Skins deals with less-than-noble characters whose chaotic behavior brings everyone around them down.

Stream Skins on Hulu. 

Arrested Development (Netflix)

What The Show Is About: The Bluth family finds themselves in a peculiar situation when George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor) heads to prison for white-collar crimes. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) must step up and try to keep their real estate business running. Arrested Development aired for five seasons, two of which were Netflix-exclusive seasons.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: The Bluth family is a mess. In fact, I can see a world where the Bluth and Gallagher family argue over who is the messier family. Obviously, it’s the Gallaghers, but we’re not sure they would see it that way. The Bluth and Gallaghers were once on completely opposite sides of the financial spectrum but share in their volatile family dynamics.

Stream Arrested Development on Netflix. 

United States Of Tara (Paramount+)

What The Show Is About: Diablo Cody created this Showtime dramedy about Tara (Toni Collette), a woman with dissociative identity disorder. She takes on the personality of various different characters. The United States of Tara deals with how this disorder affects her life and family. John Borbett, Brie Larson, Keir Gilchrist, and Rosemarie DeWitt also star.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: Among all their troubles, the Gallagher family comes together, and are usually there for each other when needed. The United States of Tara has a similar united front ideology. No matter who or what stands in their way, both families will work through it together.

Stream The United States of Tara on Paramount+.

Misfits (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: A group of young offenders doing community service develop powers after a supernatural thunderstorm strikes them. The original Misfits are Kelly (Lauren Socha), Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), Alisha (Antonia Thomas), Simon (Iwan Rheon), and Nathan (Robert Sheehan).

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: It’s more supernatural than Shameless but deals with characters who have done bad things because of their circumstances, not necessarily because they’re bad people. Many of the Shameless characters get worse as the show goes on, Misfits takes an opposite approach. They become better people as the series goes on, and they try to actually use their powers for good. Both series also explore mature themes and reckless behavior.

Stream Misfits on Hulu. 

Married With Children

What The Show Is About: Ed O’Neill and Katey Sagal star in '80s/'90s sitcom Married with Children. They play combative couple Al and Peggy Bundy. Christina Applegate and David Faustino play their children Kelly and Bud Bundy. The Bundy family is your typical all-American family who just happens to be aggressive and in a constant cycle of failure.

Why Fans Of Shameless Would Like It: The Bundy family and the Gallagher family could easily be neighbors with the similar family down on their luck natures. The Gallaghers are a lot more capable and ambitious than the Bundys but both families represent lower class lifestyle at its most extreme.

Stream Married with Children on Hulu.

You’re The Worst (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: Gretchen (Aya Cash) and Jimmy (Chris Geere) are two highly unstable people, but together they work. They hate everyone but love each other like crazy. The You’re The Worst cast also includes Kether Donohue and Desmin Borges.

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: Gretchen and Jimmy bring havoc to those around them, but they balance and stabilize each other. Their chaos works for them. Many of the Shameless pairings have a similar vibe. They may be a mess to others, but they see the beauty in each other’s mayhem. It aired for five seasons on FX.

Stream You’re the Worst on Hulu. 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is about the many misadventures of Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), and Frank (Danny DeVito) as they badly run a bar and engage in dubious behavior.

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: If you enjoy the bad behavior of the Gallaghers then you should love the extremely bad behavior of the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang. Also, both shows have terrible father figures named Frank. I'm not saying all Franks are terrible, but all TV dads named Frank aren't that great. In 2021, with Season 15, It’s Always Sunny became the longest-running live-action comedy series of all time. 

Stream It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Hulu. 

Such Brave Girls (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: Such Brave Girls is a British comedy following two sisters and their single mom.  No one in the family is well-adjusted, but Josie (Kat Sadler) is battling mental health issues. Her family’s lack of support adds to these troubles.

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: Such Brave Girls feels like a spiritual successor to Shameless. The family dynamic is very dysfunctional but there is a charm to the chaos, bad behavior, and tough love. The series premiered on BBC Three and later premiered on Hulu in December 2023.

Stream Such Brave Girls on Hulu. 

Other Shows Featuring The Shameless Cast

The following TV shows don’t necessarily have the qualities of Shameless, but they star former actors from it. These shows may appeal to individuals who miss the characters and those who play them. These are some of their popular post-Shameless projects. 

The Bear (Hulu)

What The Show Is About: The Bear follows Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), a young award-winning Chef, as he returns to Chicago to run his deceased brother’s sandwich shop. It deals with the stress and struggles of running a restaurant and tackling personal turmoil.

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: The Chicago setting may bring comfort to some Shameless fans. Additionally, Allen-White is showcased in a lead role that’s different from his Lip character but just as fascinating. 

Stream The Bear on Hulu.

Angelyne (Peacock)

What The Show Is About: This Peacock original miniseries follows the true story of Angelyne, a woman who rose to fame with billboard advertisements. Emmy Rossum plays the title role. 

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: Since leaving Shameless, Rossum has only appeared in a few projects. Angelyne is one of them and The Crowded Room is another. Angelyne allows Rossum to play a character completely different from Fiona on Shameless. This makes it a perfect watch for fans of the actress because it highlights her stellar acting range. 

Stream Angelyne on Peacock. 

Found (Peacock)

What The Show Is About: This NBC procedural follows a crisis management team as they try to locate different missing people each week. The show mainly revolves around Gabi Mosley (Shanola Hampton), a former kidnap victim who is an expert in finding missing people. She also has a major secret and hidden advantage to her job.

Why Fans of Shameless Would Like It: Hampton often stood out in Shameless as Veronica. However, Found really allows her to shine as a leading lady. 

Stream Found on Peacock. 

Shameless fans who still miss the Gallaghers and all their mess can hopefully find a few shows from this list that provide a suitable substitute. If not, you can begin another rewatch. 

Stream Shameless on Netflix.

Frankie Muniz is often remembered best for his role as boy genius Malcolm on Malcolm In The Middle, and while many fans remember his time on the show, he can't. Some may assume this blank spot in Muniz's memory is tied to alcohol or some drug-related issue, but the actor revealed on Dancing With The Stars that it's actually due to a series of concussions and ministrokes he's had throughout his lifetime. Due to his condition, Muniz says he can't remember a bulk of his time on the show:

EW reports that Frankie Muniz cannot remember the six years he was on Malcolm In The Middle due to "TIA" or "mini-strokes" which have attributed to his memory loss. Muniz has also suffered several concussions, which may have happened during his career as a professional racecar driver in the mid-2000s. Muniz added during his segment in Dancing With The Stars that not being able to remember the show makes him "a little sad," and that typically when he does have a memory from the series, it's from watching an episode.

As for what is causing these episodes, Frankie Muniz says doctors haven't been able to diagnose what the root of his mini-strokes and memory loss are. Muniz says the mini-strokes began in 2012, and since then, he estimates he's had about 15 of them. His memory issues didn't appear to plague him while remembering his dance routine on Dancing With The Stars, as he got a score of 24 out of 30 from the judges, which is the median score a bulk of contestants would receive that same night.

While Frankie Muniz doesn't have answers for his condition, he appears to have made adjustments in his life to help accommodate it. Muniz's girlfriend, Paige Price, keeps a diary of their activities day to day, and the actor is speaking publicly about the issue, which may reach someone who actually knows what's going on. If nothing else, Muniz talking about his condition may help someone else having the same problems and make them realize that someone can lead an awesome life in spite of what sounds like a debilitating thing to deal with.

Dancing With The Stars currently airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For more Malcolm In The Middle, check out what Bryan Cranston and Frankie Muniz have said in the past regarding a potential sequel, or check out Me, Myself, And I which comes from a writer/producer for the series. For more great fall programming and where to find it, visit our fall premiere guide.

Television nowadays is in an era of sequels, continuations, and revivals, and actors who left roles behind years ago often decide to come back for another go. Some revivals don't come to fruition, but Bryan Cranston has hopes that one of his most entertaining shows will make the small screen once more. He's not talking about Breaking Bad -- which would frankly be difficult to revive -- but rather Malcolm in the Middle. Here's what he had to say about the possibility:

Bryan Cranston's reveal to E! Online that he's on board for a reunion will be pretty exciting news for fans who ended up hooked on the wacky shenanigans of the family. Cranston played zany dad/expert roller skater Hal, who was husband to Lois and father to Francis, Reese, Malcolm, Dewey, and eventually baby Jamie. The ensemble was pretty big, and it's hard to imagine a revival without any of them.

Luckily, Bryan Cranston has apparently kept in contact with the other actors who made up the Wilkerson -- yes, that is their last name -- clan. Combined with his willingness to return to Hal, he might be the perfect person to recruit his former co-workers for a reunion. Everybody listens to Cranston.

Of course, it would take more than just a willing cast for a Malcolm in the Middle revival to actually happen. Other series revivals such as Fuller House and The X-Files couldn't happen for years just because stars didn't align on the production front. Malcolm in the Middle would need a place for the revival to air (or stream) and enough money to do it right. Still, given Bryan Cranston's level of celebrity in the years since the Fox comedy ended, executives might well be eager to make something happen that has his name attached.

Malcolm in the Middle has been off the air since the end of its seventh season in 2006, and most people are probably more familiar with Bryan Cranston's more recent work as Walter White on Breaking Bad on AMC than as Hal on Fox. For those of us who remember when Cranston was cast as Walt, it was hard to believe that the man who was fearlessly funny on the sitcom scene could possibly play a tortured meth chemist on a drama. In 2016, it might be hard to re-imagine the man who played Walter White as a goofy sitcom dad.

Bryan Cranston isn't the only Malcolm in the Middle actor who is willing to come back. Frankie Muniz has shared that he's up for another chance to play Malcolm, so at least a revival wouldn't have to change the name because Malcolm isn't around. Michelle not showing up for Fuller House was one thing, but a Malcolm-less Malcolm in the Middle just wouldn't work.

Only time will tell if Bryan Cranston will get his wish for a Malcolm in the Middle revival. Check out our summer TV premiere schedule to see what you actually can watch now and in the near future.

A Malcolm in the Middle fan has decided to make a video game tribute to the television show. It's a lot stranger than it sounds.

The game by Alec Robbins, playable on PC and mobile devices, is an overly literal adaptation of the show's title. The player controls Malcolm, who is walking along the sidewalk between his younger brother Dewey and older brother Reese. The two brothers' slow and speed up at random and the player has to avoid running into either of them. If you hit either, you'll fall over and have to start over from the beginning.

If that sounds really simple, that's because it is. Once you get the rhythm down, it's easy. The only challenge is that you'll get distracted by the dialog bubbles with lines from the show or bored by the repetition. I imagine it might be trickier on mobile devices as well, as touch controls can be dodgier than keyboards.

The ending sure is a mind trip, though. The sky will begin to turn red once you hit a score somewhere over 100,000. The boys' mood will darken as well and they'll start saying things like "Television was our prison" and "Children are powerless." They also start begging you to stop playing. Eventually you'll feel bad enough to comply with their wishes.

It's an interesting enough diversion if you're bored at work. The chiptune version of Malcolm in the Middle's theme song and the random quotes from the boys made me smile and I barely even watched the show. I imagine a long-time fan might get even more enjoyment out of it.

I would say that this is the best free browser game based on a classic sitcom ever. However, it's only in second place at best thanks to the existence of that Perfect Strangers game from a few years back, which managed to be even weirder:

Isn't the Internet wonderful?

If you can remember the world before Breaking Bad was a thing, you might remember how you felt when Bryan Cranston was cast in the role of Walter White. It probably sounded something like: “Wait, the dorky dad from Malcolm in the Middle is going to cook meth?” Today we can barely think of Cranston in any other role. You’d think he might prefer it that way. Turns out, he’s actually interested in playing that dorky role again.

Speaking with ET Canada about his career and new film Trumbo, Cranston admits that playing dimwit dad Hal has some appeal 10 years after the fact:

While Cranston’s acting career is extensive - and if you’ve watched television regularly since the mid-80’s you probably saw him guest star in something - the FOX comedy about the gifted child in the middle of an utterly dysfunctional family was probably the first place you remember seeing Cranston (unless you remember he played the eccentric dentist Dr. Whatley in a recurring role on Seinfeld). While some actors might look back at such a goofy role as one of those jobs they took to get a steady paycheck that they don’t want to talk about, Cranston seems to remember the role fondly.

It’s about as far as you can get from Walter White, but it seems that may be the appeal. Cranston has been so deeply engrossed in that world, he specifically says he has no interest in playing Walt again, saying he “covered it completely.” He may be looking for a change of pace and Hal fits that bill perfectly. From the diabolical mastermind, to the man with no brain. It wouldn’t be surprising if Cranston looking for a change in career path from Malcolm is what led him to the role in Breaking Bad to begin with, and now he’s looking to head back. The grass is always greener, as they say.

Cranston’s a big name in Hollywood nowm so if he really wants to return to the role, he can probably get somebody to listen. Frankie Muniz, Malcolm himself, has also expressed interest in returning to the show, so that’s two down. Now we just need to get Jane Kaczmarek and we can make this happen. The other brothers would almost certainly be interested in coming back, right? They’re not busy.

We look forward to the official announcement of Malcolm in the Middle-Age that we expect to be coming from Fox shortly. Actually we might not.

With all kinds of classic series’ reboots and sequels going into production in the past year, it’s only a matter of time before every show that has ever ended gets brought into the comeback conversation. And one particular series that may now enter the talk-space is the hit Fox comedy Malcolm in the Middle, and the person who wants to lead the conversation is none other than Malcom himself, Frankie Muniz.

Muniz took to Twitter recently to ask his followers if they’d be interested in seeing a modern-day follow-up to the quirky show that gained an all-ages audience. One thing’s for certain: he’s ready for it to happen.

Now, Muniz is only 29 years old, so it would be kind of weird and oddly depressing if Malcolm was going through his midlife crisis before 30 hit. But then it makes a certain amount of sense, as the character was seemingly always going through one crisis or another anyway. I’d definitely be interested to see the kind of hijinks that he and his brothers would be up to as they got older. Because you just know that these brothers would still be in the same vicinity, no matter what any of them would prefer.

But don’t go getting your hopes up just yet. Responding to a tweet asking if this was an actual possibility, Muniz says that he was just gauging a response. (Actually, he says he’s just ”gaging interest”, but we’ll allow it.) It’s entirely possible that someone at Fox would look at this and see the potential to bring back this family comedy, although it’d probably be a lot easier to get the younger actors involved than the older ones at this point.

In the last year, Muniz had an uncredited cameo in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, and appeared in both The Mysteries of Laura and Sharknado 3, so his schedule is probably ready and able to take on a new series. Chris Masterson, who played Francis, had small roles in Haven and the film Bad Roomies last year. Justin “Reese” Berfield only took on one episode of Sons of Tucson after Malcom ended in 2006. Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, was last seen in the 2010 film Twelve from Joel Schumacher.

Meanwhile, Bryan Cranston went on to become one of the most beloved TV actors in modern times with his run as Walter White on Breaking Bad, and Jane Kaczmarek has remained a TV fixture since Malcolm in the Middle ended, most recently seen on the USA comedy Playing House. This duo created an awesome video following the Breaking Bad finale that tied back to Malcolm in a great way, so perhaps they would also be interested in a reunion of sorts.

What do you guys think?

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What if it were all a dream? Breaking Bad certainly wouldn’t be the first TV show to pull that stunt, but let’s face it, we knew the AMC drama wouldn’t mess with us that way. Its ending was incredibly satisfying. So much so that we’re more than happy to watch a ridiculous alternate ending that gives us the Malcolm in the Middle/Breaking Bad mash-up we’ve always wanted to see. It shows us a scenario in which Walter White’s whole story is really just a dream fabricated in the mind of Bryan Cranston’s Malcolm in the Middle character Hal, likely brought on by a deep-fried Twinkie binge.

EW says this playful “alternate ending” will be featured on the Breaking Bad complete box set that’s due out November 26. The site quotes Bryan Cranston discussing the popular joke-theory that was going around about Breaking Bad, in which the show would end with Walter White being put into witness protection and that story leading into the start of Malcolm in the Middle, the family sitcom in which Cranston starred as the goofy dad Hal.

What I love most about the above video is that Cranston slides right back into the Hal role and plays the scenario pretty much exactly as we might expect it to in an ep of Malcolm in the Middle. Being more of a big kid trapped in a man-shaped body, Hal would probably be terrified by the idea of living in Walter White’s life. He can’t even get himself to use the “B word” to describe Jesse’s preferred expletive. Meanwhile, special guest star Jane Kaczmarek reprises her role as Lois, and plays up her end typically amused and dismissive of her husband’s fears. And she's completely unthreatened by the fact that her husband dreamed he was married to a beautiful blonde woman.

The twist to the video comes near the end, as Hal seems to morph into Walter White, being the one who knocks... at his wife’s back door. There’s a few seconds of Walter White’s face and voice to remind us of how drastically different these two characters are. And then Lois shoots him down and tells him to go to bed. Classic. Kaczmarek and Cranston really are great together on screen, and this is such a great use of that chemistry, not to mention a fun way to shed a completely different perspective on Walter White’s life.

Just for fun (because I never get tired of this):