Top 10 Underrated Sitcoms of All Time
#10: “Just Shoot Me!” (1997-2003)
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Workplace sitcoms are a staple of the medium, but “Just Shoot Me!” takes an interesting approach by being set at a made up fashion magazine, Blush. A lot of comedy ensues from the magazine’s, and owner Jack Gallo’s, superficial values clashing with the feminist views of his daughter Maya. Meanwhile the rest of the cast - photographer Elliot, vain former fashion model Nina, and sarcastic secretary Finch, all riff off each other brilliantly. Unfortunately, despite strong ratings for most of its run, NBC moved the show around so much that a dedicated following never really materialized. Plus, it isn’t discussed much these days anyway. However, if you give “Just Shoot Me!” a shot, we bet you won’t regret it!
#9: “Raising Hope” (2010-14)
Creator Greg Garcia is known for cooking up some quirky, overlooked sitcoms, but perhaps his most underrated is “Raising Hope.” Following an unfortunate one-night stand with a serial killer, 23-year-old Jimmy Chance unexpectedly becomes a father and is left raising the titular Hope. Luckily for him, and quite comically for the rest of us, he eventually gets the help of his outlandish extended family. A great modern twist on classic family sitcoms, “Raising Hope” balances laughs and surprisingly heartwarming moments to create a show that may be easy to miss, but impossible to forget. It’s an absolute tragedy that such a well-rounded sitcom got the ax so abruptly.
#8: “The Drew Carey Show” (1995-2004)
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Before he became a game show host, Drew Carey was one of many stand-up comedians who got the opportunity to star in their own sitcom. The series follows the personal and professional life of a fictionalized version of Carey, who works as an Assistant Director in a retail store. While it lasted nine years, “The Drew Carey Show” suffered a significant ratings drop in its seventh season and never recovered. Since then, it has mostly faded into obscurity, although that may be due to the fact that most of the cast members are now more famous for other things. Plus, it’s not so easy finding it to watch these days. Still, “The Drew Carey Show,” like one of its theme songs, definitely rocks.
#7: “The Hughleys” (1998-2002)
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Speaking of sitcoms starring comedians, “The Hughleys” is a show that revolves around comic D. L. Hughley. In the series, Hughley plays a version of himself, who moves his family into a wealthy suburban, and predominantly white, neighborhood. The show tackles racial issues in an introspective yet hilarious way, making it feel like a natural successor to “The Jeffersons,” or a forerunner to “Black-ish.” A switch in networks made it tough to establish an audience back in the day, but if you’re in the mood for a turn-of-the-millennium family comedy, “The Hughleys” is great, no matter the decade.
#6: “Black Books” (2000-04)
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Hopping across the pond, “Black Books” follows Bernard Black, the cantankerous owner of the titular London book shop. Also featured on the show are his relentlessly optimistic friend/assistant Manny, and his best friend Fran. Bernard’s misanthropy clashes hilariously with his friends' attempts to get him to lighten up and venture out of his comfort zone. This often results in general mayhem and comedy gold. While the series did fairly well in the U.K., it never quite broke through abroad, which is probably why it hasn’t received the level of recognition it deserves. If caustic, cynical, or bizarre humor is your game, “Black Books” is a sitcom you won’t be able to put down.
#5: “The Middle” (2009-18)
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The ABC sitcom “The Middle” aired for nine seasons and was adored by critics, but somehow, it has still managed to fly under most people’s radars. The series follows Frankie and Mike Heck, a run-of-the-mill Midwestern couple trying to raise their three children in a small town. The family’s middle-class lifestyle feels both true to and larger than life, with every character written to be very relatable, but also hilariously unique. They may not have had the razzle-dazzle of other sitcom families, but the Hecks know just how to warm their way into your heart. Don’t let its name fool you - “The Middle” is closer to the top than most people give it credit.
#4: “Spaced” (1999-2001)
Another Brit pick, “Spaced” is a cult hit sitcom that doesn’t get nearly enough love! The show follows a group of 20-somethings whose misadventures in adulthood lead to outrageous hijinks ranging from imaginary gun fights to impromptu raves. “Spaced” balances odd, yet somehow believable characters with hilarious, reference-strewn comedy, and is only made more eccentric with its frenetic editing. It’s a rare glimpse into the early cinematic style of visionary director Edgar Wright, as well as the brilliant comedic writing of Simon Pegg. Given the level of success their subsequent works have since attained, it’s quite baffling that “Spaced” is as unknown as it is today!
#3: “Benson” (1979-86)
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A spin-off of the soap opera parody series “Soap,” “Benson” follows the titular ex-butler running the household of a governor as he rises to become a politician himself. Often overshadowed by its parent show, “Benson” still proved to be a formidable sitcom. With his sarcastic wit and one-liners making for the lion's share of the laughs, the titular character is undoubtedly the main attraction here - with a tremendous, Emmy-winning performance by Robert Guillaume. However, that doesn’t stop a bevy of outrageous personalities, such as the hopeless governor Eugene X. Gatling and his sharp-tongued chef Gretchen, from shining through. Bottomline, “Benson” deserves to rise in public estimation just as much as the eponymous character deserves a raise.
#2: “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1996-2001)
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A sitcom about aliens visiting Earth isn’t exactly new, but rarely has it ever been done with as much skill as on “3rd Rock from the Sun.” The show follows a team of extraterrestrials who attempt to blend in as the Solomon family and navigate their school, work, and romantic lives. Not only is it hilarious to see the Solomons’ reactions to all aspects of humanity we take for granted, but their efforts to be earthlings are often as heartfelt as they are comedic. And if you think their behavior is silly, the humans can be just as bizarre! This show may seem out of the world to many, but those who know can tell you “3rd Rock…” is far from second rate.
#1: “NewsRadio” (1995-99)
NBC didn’t know what they had with this one! “NewsRadio” is an off-the-wall workplace comedy set at a radio broadcast station. Where most sitcoms of the time went right, “NewsRadio” took a hard left. The show deliberately went against the grain, featuring its romantic leads getting together immediately, or presenting bizarre one-off episodes with alternate settings and elaborate fantasy sequences. It had an all-star ensemble cast of comedic heavy hitters whose chemistry was just as fantastic as the writing. Had its time slot not been bounced around the week like a Goofy ball, “NewsRadio” probably would have the recognition it rightly deserves! Plus, after the death of star Phil Hartman shortly after the end of the fourth season, the show lost steam. Now unless you want a stern talking to, you’ll track down the show and watch it immediately!
