According to Guinness World Records, the first-ever television sitcom was the British show Pinwright’s Progress in 1946. Since then, comedy has gone on to dominate airwaves around the world.
And while there are a lot of great modern comedy shows out there, nothing can beat the top old comedy TV shows out there.
If you’d like to learn more then keep on reading and we will take you through the best old sitcoms that you need to start streaming right now.
Table of Contents
1. The Honeymooners
The Honeymooners only ran for less than forty episodes and started as an offshoot of The Jackie Gleason Show. Despite that, it continues to have a major impact on TV comedies.
Unlike most other shows during the 1950s, The Honeymooners centered around a working-class family who were struggling to get by. Most episodes followed Ralph as he tried to make a quick buck but only ended up right back where he started.
While the show is dated in many ways, it also had a major influence on shows like Shameless, Home Improvement, Roseanne, and the Flintstones.
2. Welcome Back, Kotter
Welcome Back, Kotter ran from 1974 to 1979 and was a major hit. It launched John Travolta’s acting career and led to some legendary TV episodes.
The show followed a teacher who returned to his high school alma mater to teach a group of failing students. The show has endless catchphrases and was a crowd favorite.
3. Mork & Mindy
Mork & Mindy only ran from the late 70s to the early 80s. But it brought Robin Williams to the world stage and charmed audiences around the world.
The show follows Mork, who originally appeared as an alien on the show Happy Days. After seeing how talented Williams was on Happy Days, the heads of ABC smartly realized that he needed his own show.
4. Hogan’s Heroes
Hogan’s Heroes ran from 1965 to 1971. The show takes place in a Nazi German POW camp during the Second World War. It’s the longest-running TV show based on World War Two.
While a Nazi POW camp might seem like the last place to set a comedy series, it allowed the writers to use comedy and empathy together.
If you’re a fan of the show then consider checking out doyouremember.co to find out where the cast is today.
5. Diff’rent Strokes
Diff’rent Strokes ran from 1978 to 1986. It followed two Black boys from Harlem who get adopted by a white businessman.
The show was instrumental in the way in talked about race in passionate but humorous ways. The show talked about racism, sexual abuse, and drugs when those subjects were considered extremely taboo.
Check Out These Old Comedy TV Shows Today!
If you’re someone who likes to think of yourself as a lover of funny TV shows then you’re definitely going to want to check out the old comedy tv shows shows listed above. They’re all laugh-out-loud funny and aren’t afraid to push the envelope.
Make sure to check out the rest of our site today for more helpful articles!