Greatest Sitcoms You Forgot About (& It’s Time For A Rewatch)
Some sitcoms never left the spotlight, while others quietly wrapped up and slipped out of everyday conversation. The shows below delivered sharp writing, memorable ensembles, and distinct settings that still hold up. You will find workplace chaos, offbeat families, and city misadventures that shaped a lot of jokes people quote without realizing where they began. Each entry includes core details to help you track it down, with the original network mentioned so you know where it first aired.
‘NewsRadio’ (1995–1999)
This workplace comedy follows the staff of a New York AM station and balances fast dialogue with ensemble bits. Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Stephen Root, and Phil Hartman lead a cast that rotates through station crises and promotions. The series was created by Paul Simms and produced across five seasons with 97 episodes. It originally ran on NBC, which placed it alongside several mid-90s comedies.
‘Spin City’ (1996–2002)
Set inside the New York mayor’s office, this show centers on the deputy mayor managing political fires and staff drama. Michael J. Fox led the cast for four seasons, with Charlie Sheen taking over in later years. Bill Lawrence and Gary David Goldberg created the series and it filmed in New York and Los Angeles at different points. It premiered on ABC and completed six seasons.
‘Just Shoot Me!’ (1997–2003)
The series is set at the fashion magazine Blush and follows editors and writers juggling office rivalries and cover stories. Laura San Giacomo, David Spade, Wendie Malick, and George Segal anchor the main ensemble. Steven Levitan created it and the show produced seven seasons with over 140 episodes. It debuted on NBC and often paired with other Thursday comedies.
‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996–2001)
A group of aliens pose as a human family to study Earth and report home while struggling with jobs and relationships. John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt headline the cast. The series was created by Bonnie and Terry Turner and ran for six seasons with a steady stream of guest stars. It originally aired on NBC throughout its run.
‘The Drew Carey Show’ (1995–2004)
Set in Cleveland, this workplace and friends sitcom tracks an office everyman, his buddies, and recurring musical numbers. Drew Carey, Diedrich Bader, Ryan Stiles, and Kathy Kinney form the core ensemble across nine seasons. Created by Drew Carey and Bruce Helford, the show became known for themed episodes and live installments. It premiered on ABC and remained one of its long-running comedies.
‘Better Off Ted’ (2009–2010)
This satire takes place inside a tech conglomerate where product tests and corporate memos drive the plot. Jay Harrington, Portia de Rossi, Andrea Anders, and Jonathan Slavin star across two short seasons. Victor Fresco created the show and incorporated mock training videos to expand the company world. It first aired on ABC during a spring schedule and later returned for a winter run.
‘Happy Endings’ (2011–2013)
A Chicago friend group navigates breakups, shared apartments, and elaborate schemes across three seasons. Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Damon Wayans Jr., Adam Pally, Casey Wilson, and Zachary Knighton make up the ensemble. David Caspe created the series, and its order shifted between seasons with mixed airing patterns. It launched on ABC and developed a loyal following in later syndication and streaming.
‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’ (2012–2013)
This odd-couple roommate comedy pairs a small-town newcomer with a mischievous New Yorker and adds a meta celebrity neighbor. Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker lead the cast with James Van Der Beek playing a version of himself. Nahnatchka Khan created the series and it produced two seasons, with some episodes airing out of order. It premiered on ABC and later moved episodes online after schedule changes.
‘Raising Hope’ (2010–2014)
A young man raises his infant daughter with help from his eccentric family while taking jobs around town. Lucas Neff, Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, and Cloris Leachman star across four seasons. Greg Garcia created the show and tied it loosely to the world of his previous sitcom through small references. It aired on Fox and shifted time slots during its run.
‘Andy Richter Controls the Universe’ (2002–2003)
This office comedy uses fantasy cutaways and narration as a technical writer imagines better versions of his day. Andy Richter leads with Paget Brewster and Jon Cryer among the ensemble over two seasons. Victor Fresco created the series and the episodes explore workplace politics through surreal gags. It originally aired on Fox in a midseason window.
‘Grounded for Life’ (2001–2005)
A working-class couple in Staten Island raises three kids while dealing with extended family next door. Donal Logue and Megyn Price headline, with flashback structures shaping many episodes. Mike Schiff and Bill Martin created the series and it produced five seasons with a move between broadcasters. It began on Fox and later continued on The WB.
‘My Boys’ (2006–2010)
A Chicago sportswriter balances friendships with her mostly male circle while covering baseball and navigating relationships. Jordana Spiro stars with Kyle Howard, Jim Gaffigan, and Kellee Stewart across four seasons. Betsy Thomas created the series and mixed newsroom plots with apartment and bar hangouts. It aired on TBS and became part of the network’s early original comedy slate.
‘Suburgatory’ (2011–2014)
A New York teenager relocates to the suburbs with her father and adjusts to new schools, neighbors, and community events. Jane Levy and Jeremy Sisto lead a cast that includes Cheryl Hines and Allie Grant across three seasons. Emily Kapnek created the series and used recurring narration to frame each episode. It premiered on ABC and held a regular spot in the fall schedule.
‘The IT Crowd’ (2006–2013)
Three employees in a basement tech department deal with tickets, office policies, and clueless coworkers in a London company. Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Katherine Parkinson star across four series and a final special. Graham Linehan created the show and it uses a multi-camera format with a studio audience. It aired on Channel 4 in the UK and later found a large international audience.
‘The Class’ (2006–2007)
Former third-grade classmates reconnect as adults after a reunion and their lives intersect across jobs and relationships. Jason Ritter, Lizzy Caplan, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson appear in a large ensemble across one season. David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik created the series and structured episodes around overlapping storylines. It premiered on CBS and ran as part of the network’s fall comedy block.
‘Cougar Town’ (2009–2015)
A newly single mom builds a tight friend circle that treats wine night like a sport and the cul-de-sac like a clubhouse. Courteney Cox leads an ensemble with Busy Philipps and Christa Miller as the gang improvises traditions and nicknames. Kevin Biegel and Bill Lawrence created the series and leaned into running gags that reward a full rewatch. It began on ABC and later found a steadier groove when it moved to TBS.
‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ (2006–2010)
A divorced mom runs a gym with her best friend while sharing awkward school events with her ex and his new partner. Julia Louis-Dreyfus anchors the show alongside Clark Gregg, Hamish Linklater, and Wanda Sykes. Kari Lizer created the series and shaped episodes around PTA politics and custody rhythms. It aired on CBS and built a consistent audience across five seasons.
‘Great News’ (2017–2018)
A cable newsroom spins into chaos when a producer’s mother joins as an intern and starts meddling in segments. Briga Heelan, Andrea Martin, John Michael Higgins, and Nicole Richie steer fast banter and headline parodies. Tracey Wigfield created the show with Tina Fey as an executive producer. It premiered on NBC and delivered two seasons of rapid-fire jokes.
‘Trophy Wife’ (2013–2014)
A free-spirited woman marries a charismatic lawyer and adapts to life with his kids and two involved ex-wives. Malin Akerman, Bradley Whitford, Marcia Gay Harden, and Michaela Watkins drive the family dynamic. Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins created the series and layered school events with custody schedules for story momentum. It debuted on ABC and became a short-lived favorite among sitcom fans.
‘The Grinder’ (2015–2016)
A TV actor famous for playing a lawyer moves home and tries to practice with his real attorney brother. Rob Lowe and Fred Savage headline with a tone that plays up legal jargon and showbiz satire. Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel created the series and used mock episode clips to fuel conflicts. It aired on Fox and earned a loyal following in a single season.
‘Ben and Kate’ (2012–2013)
A responsible single mom reunites with her charmingly reckless brother and they figure out parenting and work together. Dakota Johnson and Nat Faxon lead a warm ensemble with Lucy Punch and Echo Kellum. Dana Fox created the show and kept episodes focused on small life wins and sibling bond. It premiered on Fox and wrapped early despite strong reviews.
‘Undeclared’ (2001–2002)
A group of college freshmen stumble through majors, dorm life, and late-night crushes with shy confidence. Jay Baruchel stars alongside Seth Rogen, Carla Gallo, and Monica Keena with guest turns from familiar comedy names. Judd Apatow created the series and built stories around campus parties and awkward seminars. It aired on Fox and later grew a bigger audience in reruns.
‘Coupling’ (2000–2004)
Six friends navigate dating rules and breakup etiquette using split narratives and comic monologues. Jack Davenport, Sarah Alexander, and Gina Bellman headline a cast that juggles pub nights and misunderstandings. Steven Moffat created the series and structured episodes around clever perspective flips. It ran on BBC Two and became a staple of early 2000s British comedy.
‘Black Books’ (2000–2004)
A misanthropic bookshop owner and his two friends survive retail days and wine-soaked nights with chaotic results. Dylan Moran stars with Bill Bailey and Tamsin Greig as the trio skews customer service and home repairs. The series was created by Dylan Moran and Graham Linehan and leans into cranky wordplay. It aired on Channel 4 and turned into a cult favorite.
‘Spaced’ (1999–2001)
Two flatmates pretend to be a couple to rent an apartment and end up in a whirl of comics, films, and pub plans. Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson lead with Nick Frost appearing in a breakout role. Edgar Wright directed the series with kinetic visual gags that reward pause-and-spot rewatches. It ran on Channel 4 and influenced a wave of pop-culture savvy comedies.
‘The Mick’ (2017–2018)
An aunt becomes guardian to her wealthy sister’s kids and learns on the fly how to parent in a mansion full of bad habits. Kaitlin Olson drives the chaos with Sofia Black-D’Elia, Thomas Barbusca, and Jack Stanton. Dave Chernin and John Chernin created the show and kept stories moving with wild set pieces. It aired on Fox and closed after two seasons.
‘Playing House’ (2014–2017)
A woman returns to her hometown to support her best friend through pregnancy and they rebuild a life together. Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham star and bring their long-running comedy partnership to the screen. The show emphasizes friendship first and folds in small-town jobs and co-parenting. It premiered on USA Network and ran with a devoted fanbase.
‘Trial & Error’ (2017–2018)
A young lawyer tackles oddball murder cases in a Southern town while a documentary crew observes. Nicholas D’Agosto leads with Jayma Mays, Sherri Shepherd, and Steven Boyer delivering committed character bits. Jeff Astrof and Matt Miller created the series and shaped each season like a whodunit. It aired on NBC and packed intricate clues into quick episodes.
‘Go On’ (2012–2013)
A sports radio host joins a grief support group and discovers reluctant friendship with a room of mismatched personalities. Matthew Perry headlines with Laura Benanti, John Cho, and a strong ensemble of group members. Scott Silveri created the series and balanced heartfelt beats with workplace radio bits. It premiered on NBC and delivered a single full season.
‘The Detour’ (2016–2019)
A family road trip goes off course and spirals into secret backstories, identity mix-ups, and border mishaps. Jason Jones and Natalie Zea lead with episodes that hop locations while threading a larger mystery. Samantha Bee and Jason Jones created the show and kept the pace brisk with escalating set pieces. It aired on TBS and wrapped its story across four seasons.
‘Becker’ (1998–2004)
A grumpy doctor runs a small practice in the Bronx while trading barbs with friends at a diner and with his office staff. Ted Danson leads a cast that includes Hattie Winston, Shawnee Smith, and Alex Desert. The sitcom was created by Dave Hackel and produced for six seasons with over one hundred episodes. It aired on CBS and often paired with other Monday comedies.
‘Wings’ (1990–1997)
Two brothers operate a small airline on Nantucket and juggle rival carriers, romance, and airport regulars. Tim Daly, Steven Weber, Crystal Bernard, and Thomas Haden Church anchor the ensemble. David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee created the series and set many stories inside the terminal. It ran on NBC for eight seasons with steady crossover ties to other network shows.
‘Caroline in the City’ (1995–1999)
A New York cartoonist manages deadlines, relationships, and an apartment building full of neighbors. Lea Thompson stars with Malcolm Gets, Eric Lutes, and Amy Pietz in a mostly workplace and home setting. The show was created by Fred Barron, Marco Pennette, and Dottie Dartland. It premiered on NBC and maintained a regular spot in the fall schedule.
‘The John Larroquette Show’ (1993–1996)
A former attorney manages the night shift at a St Louis bus terminal and tries to rebuild his life. John Larroquette headlines with Daryl Mitchell, Liz Torres, and Gigi Rice in a workplace setting. Don Reo created the series and the tone shifted across seasons as stories moved away from darker plots. It aired on NBC with frequent time slot changes.
‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ (1978–1982)
A struggling radio station flips formats and stumbles into promotions and on air mishaps with a loyal staff. Gary Sandy, Loni Anderson, Howard Hesseman, and Tim Reid form the core ensemble. Hugh Wilson created the show and wrote several episodes inspired by real broadcast stories. It debuted on CBS and produced four seasons with a later syndicated follow up.
‘Taxi’ (1978–1983)
New York cab drivers gather at a garage run by a blunt dispatcher while pursuing side dreams around the city. Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, and Andy Kaufman appear across a large ensemble. The series was created by James L Brooks, Stan Daniels, Ed Weinberger, and David Davis. It began on ABC and concluded on NBC after a network move.
‘The Bernie Mac Show’ (2001–2006)
A comedian takes in his sister’s three children and runs the house with direct to camera updates on parenting. Bernie Mac stars with Kellita Smith, Jeremy Suarez, Dee Dee Davis, and Camille Winbush. Larry Wilmore created the series and used documentary style pieces to frame episodes. It aired on Fox and won multiple awards during its run.
‘Everybody Hates Chris’ (2005–2009)
A Brooklyn teen navigates school and family life while a narrator connects each day to larger memories. Tyler James Williams leads with Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold playing his parents. The series was created by Chris Rock and Ali LeRoi and uses short cutaways to punch up stories. It premiered on UPN and continued on The CW after the network change.
‘Party Down’ (2009–2023)
A team of cater waiters in Los Angeles works a different event each episode while chasing side careers. Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, and Jane Lynch rotate through the crew. John Enbom, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and Paul Rudd created the series and later brought it back for a new season. It airs on Starz with episodes that revisit the original company years later.
‘The Knights of Prosperity’ (2007)
A group of New Yorkers forms an amateur heist team and targets a celebrity apartment. Donal Logue leads with Sofia Vergara, Lenny Venito, and Maz Jobrani in a rotating crew. The series was created by Jon Beckerman and Rob Burnett and produced a short run. It aired on ABC and shifted time slots during its season.
‘Samantha Who?’ (2007–2009)
After a memory loss accident, a woman learns she was not a great friend and tries to restart her life. Christina Applegate stars with Jean Smart, Melissa McCarthy, and Barry Watson. The show was created by Cecelia Ahern and Donald Todd and used diary style updates to track progress. It aired on ABC and wrapped after two seasons.
‘Outsourced’ (2010–2011)
An American manager relocates to India to run a call center that sells novelty products. Ben Rappaport leads a cast that explores office customs, training sessions, and company contests. The series was created by Robert Borden and Ken Kwapis and adapted from a feature film of the same name. It aired on NBC as part of a Thursday comedy block.
‘The Good Guys’ (2010)
A veteran detective and a by the book partner handle small cases that snowball into larger crimes. Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks headline with stories that mix narration and flashback devices. The series was created by Matt Nix and filmed many sequences around Dallas locations. It aired on Fox for one season.
‘Sirens’ (2014–2015)
Chicago paramedics respond to calls while juggling friendships and off duty lives that overlap with their shifts. Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, and Kevin Bigley star with recurring appearances by community regulars. Denis Leary and Bob Fisher developed the series from a British format. It ran on USA Network for two seasons.
Share your own forgotten favorites in the comments so everyone can plan their next rewatch.
