I love my fair share of television, so much so that I've decided to dedicate my career to it. The industry is a beautiful, strange, and infinitely-changing creature. Sometimes, shows will go for 40 + seasons (I'm talking to you, Lorne), or they will have a 13 episode run (R.I.P. Freaks and Geeks), but either way, there are some good sitcoms ("situational comedies") out there that need some love.

1. Family Matters

This beloved-sitcom premiered in 1989, and ran until 1997. It was filled with so much fun and laughter, and created the famous character "Steve Urkel". It's inevitable when people mention Urkel to silently (or loudly) ask: "Did I do that?". This sitcom has such a mark on our society, as well as television history, that comedian John Mulaney even cracked an Urkel joke during his comedy special, "New In Town".

2. Sanford and Son

Sanford and Son ran for six seasons and was listed on Time Magazines list of the 100 best television shows of all time. The show was a giant leap in terms of diversifying television in the 70's. Even if you haven't seen the television show, I can guarantee that you know the iconic theme song… *BA-BA-BA-DA*.

3. Full House

Full House arrived to television shortly after “Family Matters” and ran for nine seasons-in fact, the last season was not even known as the last season to the actors or crew until the network politely informed them that their run was over. F.H. not only brought Bob Saget, David Coulier, John Stamos, and the Olsen Twins enormous recognition and fame, but it became a classic. So much a classic, in fact, that Netflix revived the series in 2016 named, “Fuller House”.

4. The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls is definitely, in my book at least, one of the greatest TV sitcoms of all time. Featuring the world-famous Betty White, it follows the four golden bachelorettes as they navigate single life during their “golden years”. It led to seven years of incredible laughter and 11 Emmy Award wins. Unfortunately, three of the four golden girls passed away, but their talent lives on through their fabulous program.

5. Cheers

Cheers was on the air for 11 seasons and was nominated 111 times for Emmy Awards, winning 28. The beloved sitcom also gave actress Kirstie Alley her introduction into the entertainment industry. Like Sanford and Son, Cheers was also listed on the top 100 television sitcom list in Time Magazine.

6. That 70’s Show

One of the biggest sitcoms that gained popularity during the early 2000’s, That 70’s Show was a break-out for many talented actors: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Laura Prepon. Anybody can recite the famous theme song: HAAAANGIN’ OUT, DOWWWN THE STREEEET.

7. I Love Lucy

Quite possibly the most popular television show of all time, I Love Lucy premiered in 1951, with real-life husband and wife Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball as the adorable Ricardo’s. The show was a huge hit both in the 50’s and today, having been in syndication since the series ended. And, of course, the iconic assembly line scene has become a comedy classic to be recreated and honored by many.

8. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Another recent sitcom, still on the air today, it’s always sunny has been considered to be one of the dirties, raunchiest, and hilarious comedies to grace the television air-waves. Not only has it sprung actors like Charlie Day into fame, but it also inspired an original musical “The Nightman Cometh, Live”. Based off an episode, the actors toured and performed the “musical” around the country.

9. Everybody Loves Raymond

A series that ran from the mid-90’s to mid-200’s, Everybody Loves Raymond, became an instant hit (and sort of classic). Based off of Raymond Romano’s family, the characters were instantly hilarious and loveable. Unfortunately the actress who portrayed Ray’s mother, Doris Roberts, passed away this April. Her performance in the series was one of the most memorable, along side the also-departed Peter Boyle (Ray’s father “Frank Barone”).

10. How I Met Your Mother

It’s one of the more modern series, but How I Met Your Mother had an incredible nine seasons. With the exception of the controversial last episode, the series had multiple Emmy nominations & nine Emmy wins. Personally, I don’t think the last episode was bad at all (in fact I kind of loved it). chaos ensues

11. Curb Your Enthusiasm

Created by former SNL writer and Seinfeld creator, Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm was on HBO for eight wonderful seasons. It is definitely one of those sitcoms that stands alongside It’s Always Sunny, in that it is NOT a family friendly sitcom. Surprisingly the series only won two Emmy’s!

12. 30Rock

My all time FAVORITE television series of all time, 30Rock was on the air for seven seasons, and was created by/starred SNL alum, Tina Fey. It featured a lot of notable actors like, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Tracy Morgan, and many many more. It also garnered the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series…three times. Fun fact: Tina Fey asked her husband, Jeff Richmond to compose all of the music for 30Rock, which he did (swoon).

13. Scrubs

I actually wrote an article about scrubs recently-check it out!

14. Friends

I don’t really love friends that much, however, it became a somewhat-cult-classic, so it deserves a mention.

15. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Starring Will Smith, this series ran for six years and was one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. The series followed Smith’s incredibly success as a rapper in the mid-late 80’s. It’s nearly impossible to not wrap the iconic opening rap (performed by Smith) when you hear the drum track start.

16. Arrested Development

Another cult-classic, Arrested Development was cancelled after only three seasons. Thankfully Netflix also revived this iconic series and are currently planning their fifth season (and possibly a movie?!).

17. Big Bang Theory

Unfortunately, one of the stars of the series recently alluded to this long-running, hilarious series being cancelled. However, nothing lasts forever-only diamonds.

18. Mary Tyler Moore Show

This beloved 70’s sitcom ran for seven seasons on CBS. Like 30Rock, MTMS won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series three times. Two sitcoms that starred two hilarious women winning the highest award for a comedy series…not bad!

19. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Created by 30Rock’s Tina Fey, UKS is one of the first successful sitcoms to be a Netflix original series. The series, despite being a web-premiered series, was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. We’re ready for season three, Tina!

20. Seinfeld

Last but not least, this show set the bar for not only sitcoms, but comedy as a whole in the television industry. While there is controversy over the quality of the last two seasons, the series ran for nine seasons on NBC and also won the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy award. There aren’t enough words to describe how genius Seinfeld is, but I suppose NO SOUP FOR YOU is a pretty global reference.