8 Most Perfect Sitcoms of the Last 25 Years
Collider has ranked its picks for the most "perfect" sitcoms released over the past 25 years, offering a list-style tribute to shows the outlet considers to have sustained strong writing, memorable characters and consistent quality throughout their runs. The piece frames the last quarter-century as a golden era for both dramas and comedies, but focuses specifically on the sitcoms that stand out as flawless from start to finish.
Among the entries covered so far are Happy Endings (2011–2013), an ensemble hangout comedy about a tight-knit Chicago friend group that unravels after a jilted wedding, praised for its unique rituals and rapid-fire humour despite a premature cancellation after three seasons; 30 Rock (2006–2013), Tina Fey's satirical show-within-a-show about a sketch comedy programme, noted for its wit, visual gags and blend of satire with meta-humour; and What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024), the mockumentary spin-off following vampire housemates in Staten Island. The full ranking lists eight sitcoms in total, counting down to a number-one pick.
- Collider ranks the eight "most perfect" sitcoms of the past 25 years.
- Happy Endings, 30 Rock and What We Do in the Shadows feature among entries.
- List praises sharp writing, strong characters and consistent quality throughout.
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Happy Endings, 30 Rock and What We Do in the Shadows all appeared on network and cable television within the last 25 years, a period the entertainment outlet Collider regards as a particularly strong stretch for sitcoms. Each show took a different approach to comedy, from Happy Endings' fast-paced friendship-group setup to 30 Rock's satire of the television industry and What We Do in the Shadows' mock-documentary take on vampires sharing a house.
This piece is part of a broader ranked list published by Collider, a film and TV entertainment website, counting down eight sitcoms it considers to have kept up a consistently high standard throughout their entire run, rather than fading in later seasons. Such lists are a common feature of entertainment journalism, offering opinion-based rankings rather than reporting on a single news event, and are intended to prompt discussion among readers about their own favourites.
The shows named have all finished broadcasting, with runs ranging from three seasons to six, and some, like Happy Endings, are noted for being cancelled earlier than fans wanted despite critical praise. Understanding the piece mainly requires knowing that it is a critic's subjective ranking rather than an announcement of new developments in the television industry.