From overused laugh tracks to awkward silences, sitcoms have served as cultural landmarks, shaping the way we act, laugh, and view ourselves. They do this while simultaneously capturing their era, becoming a time capsule to the rhythm of their time period.
Friends:
Following six young adults, Friends navigates love, friendship, and careers in chaotic Manhattan, New York.
As the series progressed, the show’s quick growth in popularity was due to its likable characters and interesting plot. Unlike many other sitcoms, nearly every episode offered something different, making it perfect for binging but also for having running in the background.
Foran Alumni Jordan Lawrence, who is an avid Friends watcher, states, “I have always loved watching it [Friends] because it always felt comforting. I always resonated with the characters, and I still fall asleep with Friends on my TV.”
Lawrence went on to add that the plot’s versatility makes it suitable for all ages, ranging from tweens to adults.
The cast consists of actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Mathew Perry, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc.
Modern Family:
Showcasing the lives of three diverse families, Modern Family showcases family dynamics as they navigate daily challenges and relationship struggles.
The show surrounds the father Jay, his wife Gloria, and her child Manny, Jay’s daughter Claire, her husband Phil, and their kids, and Jay’s son Michell, his husband Cameron, and their adopted daughter Lily.
Sophomore Aubrey Holthaus, who is a Modern Family viewer, states, “Modern Family has always been my favorite because of how funny the characters are.”
The show’s immaculate humor, combined with its raw family dynamic, makes it a perfect comfort show while also being the ideal show to have playing in the background.
The cast consists of actors Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sarah Highland, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sofía Vergara, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Ed O’Neill.
The Office:
Surrounding the chaotic lives of a group of employees at the Dunder Mifflin Scranton paper company, The Office focuses on character-comedy rather than an overarching plot.
The show’s romance, showcased through humorous plots, makes it perfect to watch with friends or on your own.
Sophomore Jon Boguniekci, an avid The Office fan, states, “My favorite part about The Office is that it always makes me laugh, even when I’m in a bad mood.”
The show’s bingeable humor and relatable characters make it the perfect sitcom.
The cast consists of actors Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and Ed Helms.
The best thing about sitcoms is that you find them entertaining in the moment, but you also find yourself returning to them years later, quoting key aspects of the show that you subconsciously had woven into your life.
