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Even thebest sitcoms ever madeusually have at least one or two lackluster episodes, although there are a select few series that have managed a truly perfect run.
This is usually the case for notably short shows that only had one or two seasons orBritish sitcomsthat traditionally have far fewer episodes.
However, there are also longer-running shows that managed to keep their quality so consistently high that, even though every episode might not be a masterpiece, there was no episode that could actually be described as bad.
While there are not many shows that can genuinely boast about not having anybad episodes, those that have managed to achieve this were characterized by great performances, a strong premise, and truly spectacular writing.
This was the case for iconic older sitcoms from times past, as well as more modern shows that are still on the air.
Although everyone will have a different opinion of what the best sitcom ever is,all these shows never put a foot wrong and ensured each episode offered something special.
7Schitt’s Creek (2015 - 2020)
6 Seasons / 80 Episodes
The CBC Television sitcomSchitts Creektold a story that turned the standard rags-to-riches narrative on its head by presenting a wealthy family who must confront losing everything.
While the series started great withthe formerly wealthy Rose family being forced to move to Schitts Creek, a hilariously named town they bought as a joke back when they had money, this show just got better as it went on and fleshed out its incredible ensemble cast.
While the Rose family was cartoonishly out of touch, what made the show stand out was how they evolved over its six-season run.
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Cast
Whether it was the constant melodrama of Moira, the sarcasm of David, the cluelessness of Alexis, or the bewilderment of Johnny, the entire Rose family added something unique toSchitts Creek.
With 80 episodes across its six seasons,Schitts Creekhad enough time to flesh out its comedic world while still bowing out before things got stale.
For those looking for a new comfort show thats not bogged down in sentimentality, look no further thanSchitts Creek.
Custom image by Yeider Chacon.
6Bob’s Burgers (2011 - Present)
15 Seasons / 286 Episodes
There are few long-running animated sitcoms that can boast the same consistent quality asBobs Burgers.
While other Fox series likeThe SimpsonsandFamily Guyhave had periods of creative downturns,Bobs Burgersmanaged to keep going season after season without putting a foot wrong.
As the story of a struggling family business and the antics of the Belcher family, even the lowest-rated episodes ofBobs Burgersall had plenty of laughs and maintained the series' unique appeal.
The reasonBobs Burgershas stayed so great for so long is that it never tried to be anything it wasnt, and characters likeBob Belcher maintained their underlying heartwhile comparative TV dads like Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin devolved into exaggerated caricatures of themselves.
Add to this the shows inspired use of music and ability to put character-driven storylines first, and youve got an all-time great animated series that never felt like it overstayed its welcome.
5BoJack Horseman (2014 - 2020)
6 Seasons / 76 Episodes
Anyone who hasnt already seenBoJack Horsemanmay be surprised to learn that this adult animated sitcom about a talking horse was actually a tragic exploration of celebrity, depression, fame, and mental health.
Set in a world filled with anthropomorphic animals,BoJack Horsemanstarred Will Arnett as the titular horse, whose life as a washed-up 1990s sitcom star was fueled by drugs and alcohol.
While the show started as a satirical look at Hollywood frivolity, it got increasingly dark as it went on, and the true depths of BoJacks troubled history were revealed.
BoJack Horsemanwas a funny series that was packed with great characters, but more importantly, it was one of the sharpest and best-written shows on Netflix.
With each season delving deeper into the pitfalls of fame and fortune as well as the troubled, attention-seeking nature of its complicated star, its not hyperbole to say that BoJack stands alongside the likes of Tony Soprano, Don Draper, and Walter White as one of the most interesting anti-heroes on TV.
4Fleabag (2016 - 2019)
2 Series / 12 Episodes
The hugely popular BBC sitcomFleabagoriginated as a one-woman show created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, which was evident in the show’s unique voice and incredible writing.
As a character study that invites viewers into the buried trauma of its title character,Fleabaghas a distinctive voice that is made all the more effective through its constant breaking of the fourth wall and running commentary to the audience.
This direct writing style made us feel closer to Fleabag as each episode offered new perspectives on this story of a young woman navigating her trauma.
With an outstanding first series that effectively adapted Waller-Bridges stage show, the second series ofFleabagbecame arguably even better after Andrew Scott was added to the cast as the hot priest.The complex relationship between Fleabag and the priesthelped turn the show into a global phenomenon, opening the door to Waller-Bridges work on major projects likeKilling EveandNo Time to Die.
With just 12 fantastic episodes, Waller-Bridge made the incredible decision to leave the audience wanting more and forFleabagto stand as one of the greatest comedy series of all time.
3Fawlty Towers (1975 - 1979)
When it comes to perfect sitcoms,Fawlty Towerswas the first to truly pull off a show that was entirely without filler episodes and simply presented the world with a 12-episode masterpiece before bowing out.
Coming from Monty Pythons John Cleese, this acclaimed British comedian had taken the lessons he learned from the notoriously uneven sketch seriesMonty Pythons Flying Circusand delivered a show that still holds up more than 45 years after it went off the air.
Fawlty Towerstook the simple premise of a dysfunctional hotel and took it to its absolute extreme, as the owner, Basil Fawlty, continually found himself in eccentric and ridiculous predicaments.
With the perfect blend of slapstick humor, clever quips, and hilarious characters,Fawlty Towershas become a touchstone of British popular culturethats beloved by viewers of all ages.
As the greatest British sitcom ever made, as voted by a panel of comedy experts forRadio Times,Fawlty Towersis truly the benchmark by which all other UK comedy is judged.
2Freaks And Geeks (1999 - 2000)
1 Season / 18 Episodes
Of all the shows that were cancelled way too soon,Freaks and Geeksfeels like the most egregious waste of incredible talent, as NBC had a cast packed with the future comedy stars of the 21st century, and they just let it slip away.
With just 18 fantastic episodes.Freaks and Geekswas a high school comedy-drama that genuinely captured the complexities of adolescencethrough the stories of fully realized characters.
With amazing music and a genuine sense of heart, it truly boggles the mind that this show was cancelled after only 12 of its episodes had even aired.
Freaks and Geekswas executive-produced by Judd Apatow, who continued to cast stars like Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and James Franco in his various projects in later years.
Each episode of the show tapped into something essential about being a teenager and feeling like an outsider while growing up.
As one of the most honest and impactful teen shows ever made, while its heartbreaking that there were just 18 episodes, when rewatching the show, its striking that every one of them was great.
1The Office (2001 - 2003)
2 Series / 14 Episodes
While the American version ofThe Officestands as countless viewers ultimate comfort show, it would never have existed without Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchants original version for the BBC.
While the U.S. remake had over 200 episodes,The Officehad just 14, including its two Christmas specials, every one of which was incredible.
As a series that never overstayed its welcome,The Officewas the show that put Gervais on the map, andits mockumentary format helped influence countless subsequent series around the world.
With all-time great comedy characters like David Brent being the perfect vehicle to showcase the everyday oddities and strange social circumstances of office life,The Officewas funny because of just how relatable it felt.
As a cringe-inducing series and a sharp satire,The Officewas notable for its layered humor as its characters played up their personas and the documentary nature of the show influenced their actions.
While the concept ofThe Officecould clearly carry hundreds of episodes, it was a testament to the artistic integrity of the show that it bowed out with a brief, perfect two-series run.
