There’s nothing like a good debate about your favourite TV shows to spark up a fiery discussion that could go on for days on end.
People will always disagree about which series they love and hate – but, in some cases, critical acclaim can end up being pretty much universal.
In a recent Reddit post, a user called phildunpheee – aptly named (we’re assuming) after Ty Burrell’s character Phil Dunphy from Modern Family – they asked others what sitcom they would deem perfect in every way.
‘What’s a sitcom that started as a 10, stayed a 10, and ended as a 10?’ they asked.
They continued on the post: ‘What’s a sitcom that started off strong, stayed consistently great throughout, and then ended on a high note without losing its charm? Like, no drop in quality, no rushed endings – just a perfect run from start to finish.’
TV fans rushed to put forward their choices for sitcoms that were a 10/10 across the board, with many agreeing with their suggestions, including Malcolm in the Middle and Schitt’s Creek. So how about we see if you do too?
Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middle is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of the 2000s, let alone ever – and many people on Reddit agree that the iconic and hilarious show deserves to be placed on a pedestal.
It stars Frankie Muniz as the lead character Malcolm, who’s forced to grapple everyday with the ongoing chaos of his dysfunctional family, including his hapless dad Hal (Bryan Cranston) and fiery mum Lois (Jane Kaczmarek).
After being suggested by Ekhoes- as their choice of series that remained a 10/10 throughout its six-year run, TimLordofBiscuits chimed in to say that it was a ‘phenomenal show that never really had a bad season’.
‘It still makes me laugh every time I rewatch it,’ m0hVanDine remarked, while Jcaininit added that in their experience, they loved it as a kid, but it’s ‘even better’ rewatching it as an adult.
Malcolm in the Middle is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Veep
For seven years, fans of Veep were absolutely swept away by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ stellar performance as fictional US Vice President Selina Meyer, which earned her plenty of awards, including six Emmys in a row.
The political satire might have ended five years ago, but it still is greatly admired by fans, with Reddit user Karefree2 saying that in their opinion, it’s ‘possibly the best sitcom of all time’.
‘One of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched,’ DoorInTheAir said, while AmmarAnwar1996 remarked that they don’t think other comedies can match its sharp wit.
‘I don’t think I’ve seen a comedy show with the density and impact of jokes per episode such as Veep,’ they wrote.I’ve seen a lot of comedies and Veep’s humour is honestly unmatched.’
Veep is available to stream on Sky and NOW.
3rd Rock From The Sun
While some sitcoms on the list might seem like obvious selections, when RipperReeta brought up 3rd Rock From The Sun, they were praised for going for an ‘underappreciated’ selection.
Airing from 1996 until 2001, the programme told the story of four extraterrestrials who come to Earth to investigate the planet, with the show’s leads including the likes of John Lithgow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kristen Johnston and French Stewart.
The Reddit user praised the comedy for boasting an ‘outstanding cast of impressive physical comedians’, emphasising how ‘incredible’ it was that the story was able to keep going for seven seasons despite going up ‘against every recipe used by networks to get viewers’.
RianSG added: ‘Watched it fully for the first time about 6/7 years ago, it’s a fantastic show and deserves far more love than it gets in comparison to other shows,’ while specalKrimes remarked: ‘Great answer. Very under-appreciated.’
3rd Rock From the Sun is available to stream on Channel 4.
Schitt’s Creek
When Schitt’s Creek began in 2015, many might not have predicted what a huge impact it would have on audiences around the world.
Created by father-son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, the programme ended up becoming a beloved comfort watch for countless people, reaching a greater number of viewers when it was added to Netflix after a few seasons.
The show follows a wealthy and egotistical family forced to live in a small town when they lose their fortune, who gain greater appreciation for one another and their new friends along the way.
‘I think Schitt’s Creek is the rare show that actually got better as it went along,’ said Prince_Jellyfish, while Danjdanjdanj57 said that after a few episodes, they were ‘hooked’, and now it’s ‘one of my favourites ever’.
Schitt’s Creek is available to stream on Netflix.
The IT Crowd
The IT Crowd starred some of the biggest names in British comedy, including Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, Chris O’Dowd and Matt Berry.
Even though the show ended over a decade ago, it’s gained a cult following since it aired, as viewers found themselves captivated by the hilarity of the fictional IT department.
‘God, I love this show,’ j_birdddd wrote on Reddit, while Attic-Music recalled a specific episode from season two, called The Work Outing.
‘The Work Outing is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in my life, without exaggeration,’ they wrote, about the opening episode of the season, which aired in 2007.
The IT Crowd is available to stream on Channel 4 and Netflix.
The Good Place
Not only was The Good Place an enjoyable and entertaining show to watch, thanks to its charismatic cast and light-hearted comedy, but it also encouraged viewers to ponder over philosophical debates regarding life and death.
That combination helped it gain an adoring fanbase, as viewers watched Kristen Bell’s character Eleanor Shellstrop discover what happens after death, alongside co-stars including Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper and Jameela Jamil.
‘It had an intriguing beginning, fantastic middle, and bittersweet end,’ Reddit user Innocent Tailor said of the show, while MalumAvis expressed their view that every character’s arc ‘felt genuinely earned’.
Hlofrnd added that in their view, ‘there wasn’t a single wasted scene’, stating: ‘Every scene was stellar. It found its feet immediately and never wavered. It’s phenomenal.’
The Good Place is available to stream on Netflix.
30 Rock
30 Rock aired from 2006 until 2013, and was based on Tina Fey’s experience of working on Saturday Night Live.
Tina starred in the series as Liz Lemon, the head writer of a live sketch comedy show, and the programme has consistently been hailed as one of the greatest to ever grace the small screen.
‘I think 30 Rock was consistently great throughout,’ said Reddit user Geefunx,’ while foxmag86 concurred, saying: ‘30 Rock is a great answer. Quality is just as good in the first season as it is the last. It’s gotta be one of the highest joke per minute shows ever.’
Another fan called ob1kenob1 said that 30 Rock is ‘a great example of a show that started strong, stayed strong, and finished strong’.
30 Rock is available to stream on ITVX.
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