“Arrested Development” could arguably be the smartest and funniest sitcom ever made. Its fast-paced, with effective use of narration, and clever references make it different from anything else on television at the time. The show was cut early after only three seasons.
This meant that because the show knew it was being canceled, the writers were more creative and took liberties they otherwise wouldn’t in its final season, and hilarity ensued. The show eventually did gain a cult following so strong that Netflix revived it in 2013.
The Bob Newhart Show
Like many shows of its kind in the '70s, "The Bob Newhart Show" had to get the balance of comedy and likeability just right. The humor was gentle, sophisticated, and, at times, wonderfully surreal. The series ran for six seasons, following Newhart as he balanced life as a therapist while keeping his wife happy.
All 142 half-hour episodes were filmed in front of a live audience, which added to the overall quality of the program. "The Bob Newhart Show" did incredibly well in syndication, and even exceeded expectations.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This is the show that is usually referenced for its catchy theme song, but just on its own, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" was really brilliant. Will Smith played the fictionalized version of himself, charming and fun-loving. This was one of those few sitcoms that starred an African-American family, and it managed to do so without placing too much emphasis on racial stereotypes.
It's a staple show of the '90s, and perfect to watch a marathon of on a lazy Sunday.
Taxi
We have all wondered what a day in the life of a Taxi driver would be like, right? Unlike most sitcoms of this era, "Taxi" focused on a group of blue-collar workers who—despite having higher aspirations—were never really meant to be anything other than cab drivers. The pioneering series didn't joke as much as derive humor from relatable situations, and the actors didn't project as much as portray.
This sitcom will not only be remembered for its clever scriptwriting but also its bittersweet storylines and genuinely quirky characters.
That '70s Show
This groovy sitcom was about a group of suburban teenagers approaching adulthood in the 70s. '90s it-boy Topher Grace starred on the show alongside Ashton Kutcher and his future wife, Mila Kunis. The show proved popular with viewers, who liked watching the exploits of the Wisconsin teenagers as they tried to maneuver through life in the '70s.
By the end of their seventh season, both Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher wanted to move on, but they returned for the final episode of season 8 in 2006.