By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 35 seconds ago

Originally, the preview for the latest episode of Starfleet Academy had me quite nervous because it was clear the story would focus on Benjamin Sisko, the legendary captain of Deep Space Nine. DS9 remains my favorite Trek, but SFA’s writing has been so wildly inconsistent that I was scared the writers would do something to tarnish the legacy of this amazing show and its most powerful performer: Avery Brooks. To my surprise, Starfleet Academy offered a surprisingly sweet tribute to Sisko, though its nostalgic triumphs were nearly undermined by the show’s forced whimsy and clunky humor.

The framing device for this Starfleet Academy episode is that holographic character Series Acclimation Mil (SAM) is told by her people to enroll in a course about understanding the unknown. They figure this will help SAM with her mission, which is to understand humanity and ultimately decide whether they are ready to co-exist with a whole race of holograms. To get into this course so long after it’s started, though, SAM must impress its teacher by answering a centuries-old, seemingly impossible question: what happened to Benjamin Sisko, a man who either died in the fire caves of Bajor or is still living outside of corporeal time with the godlike prophets.

Sisko Did It For More Than The Uniform

While the presentation of SAM’s story is overwhelmingly, distractingly twee (more on this soon), the central question is a great hook for longtime fans. We’ve spent decades wanting to know more about Sisko’s fate, so it’s easy to get invested in this plucky hologram’s Quixotic quest to learn more about him. When it comes to delivering the goods (and beware some major spoilers from here on out!), Starfleet Academy finally shows that it knows the meaning of restraint.

You see, SAM doesn’t get any kind of definitive answer, which really relieved me. I was really scared the show would have Sisko return as some kind of AI monstrosity, or maybe awkwardly insert him into franchise lore by saying he left the Celestial Temple to end the Temporal Cold War or something equally contrived. Instead, SAM’s investigation mostly uncovers what Star Trek fans already knew: that Sisko was an amazing Starfleet officer, world-class father, and killer cook on top of reluctantly becoming space Jesus to an entire planet full of strange aliens.

More Than Jake

In this way, Starfleet Academy pulls off a fairly successful bait and switch, teasing an investigation into a beloved franchise character before settling into a nostalgic tribute. The tribute goes to some truly unexpected places, like having Lower Decks icon Tawny Newsome play the latest alien host of the Dax symbiote. The real show-stopping cameo, though, came from Cirroc Lofton returning as Jake Sisko, one who talks to SAM via an interactive hologram (or perhaps a Prophet-like vision) in Anslem, his first novel that he secretly completed but never published.

Lofton is as great as ever, and his presence helped cement that this was a sweet, loving tribute to a character made famous by Avery Brooks, who will never be coming back to the franchise. Brooks gets the last word via an older recording that the show passes off as narration from Benjamin Sisko. While that’s admittedly a little weird (hey, at least they got Brooks’ permission… probably), it served as a sentimental capper to a surprisingly deft, often-moving tribute to the coolest captain in Star Trek history.

When Star Trek Talks Down To Its Audience

While it gets the Sisko tribute just right, everything else about this Starfleet Academy episode remains a hot mess. The episode is all about SAM, and they lean into this with a prolonged opening where she talks to the camera while cartoony pop-ups helpfully label things (like “me” and “my makers”) for viewers. That might have been cute on paper, but by the time the show monosyllabically defined “emissary” as “big job,” I realized this was definitive proof (definitive=big deal!) that the writers think everyone watching is a complete idiot.

Speaking of complete idiocy, this Starfleet Academy episode is held back by a terrible subplot in which Chancellor Ake is helping Commander Kelrec prepare to host a visiting dignitary. They end up having a rehearsal dinner attended by the Doctor and Jett Reno, but things immediately go off the rails, with characters doing goofy banter and using table implements as ersatz loudspeakers. The 800-year-old Doctor inexplicably gives everyone spoons with holes in them, and all of this builds to everyone but Kelrec laughing at a deflating fish making farting noises (no, really).  

Open Wide, Here Come The “Jokes”

This is part of Starfleet Academy’s overly broad humor that never really lands. It’s not like the show can’t do comedic writing: Caleb’s one-liners are often funny, and if you can get over all the vulgarity and 21st-century slang, the cadets’ constant teasing of each other will make you laugh more often than not. But the show often tries way too hard at comedy, as evidenced by the show’s digital dean (voiced by Stephen Colbert) using the term “morning wood” before laughing in delight at his own boner joke.

The broad humor reminded me of a grim irony: over a decade ago, the Star Trek podcast The Greatest Generation became a success because its hosts (Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica) embraced low-brow humor to talk about a franchise that other podcasters took deadly seriously. In their own words, they were the “d*ck and fart joke” Trek podcast, one made for fans who just wanted a few laughs rather than an in-depth discussion. For franchise fans looking for a consistent chuckle, this remains the best podcast in the entire quadrant.

Now, though, this latest Starfleet Academy episode has proven that this is the d*ck and fart Star Trek show, but these writers can never really land lowbrow humor the way Ben and Adam do. Plus, the constant influx of dirty jokes and foul language constantly cheapens the show’s attempts to discuss anything more serious. Like, ask yourself: is this Sisko episode stronger or weaker for having an awkward boner joke straight out of a Judd Apatow movie?

Go Home, Star Trek, You’re Drunk

It doesn’t help that Starfleet Academy is still trying to straddle the line between being a show concerned with Trek’s legacy (look, they just did a whole episode on The Sisko!) and a show that wants to channel every teen movie ever made. Like, SAM’s revelations about Sisko occur partially while she is blackout drunk at a bar, and her antics lead to a barfight between the Academy types and their rival cadets at the War College. This doesn’t really move the story forward (with the exception of accelerating Caleb and Tarima’s inevitable relationship), and it felt like the writers just wanted to check a few more tropes off a list.

Overall, this latest episode of Starfleet Academy is good, but not great: it lands almost shockingly well as a tribute to Sisko, and as a lifelong Deep Space Nine superfan, I found much of this (especially the cameo from Cirroc Lofton) genuinely moving. The episode also works well as an extended introduction to SAM, but her character development is held back by writers trying to make her a photonic pixie dream girl with the personal log aesthetic of a direct-to-video Nickelodeon film. Throw in the d*ck and fart jokes, and you’re left with a Star Trek show that still can’t figure out if its core audience is old-school fans or modern teens who inexplicably watch nothing but ‘80s boner comedies.

Tired of hearing about Fallout and Bridgerton? Looking for something to watch this weekend that goes against the grain?

Watch With Us can help with that. We understand there’s almost too much TV to watch, and it can get exhausting hearing about the same popular shows over and over again.

If you need something a little more lowkey, head to Netflix for some of the best hidden gems.

Our picks include Minx, the HBO comedy-drama that was canceled too soon, and Documentary Now!, the mockumentary series from Bill Hader and Fred Armisen that spoofs popular docs.

Related: 28 Best Netflix Sitcoms to Stream Right Now (January 2026)

Netflix is the undisputed king of the streamers right now. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Deal of the Day This Collared Knit Looks Straight Out of a […]

‘Minx’ (2022-2023)

Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond) has big dreams for how to use her liberal arts degree, seeking to launch a feminist magazine in 1970s LA. But when no publisher will take her seriously, Joyce finds backing from an unconventional source: the adult entertainment industry. Joyce ends up joining forces with the sleazy Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson) to kickstart a porn magazine that’s geared towards women, by blending feminist writing with smut and full-frontal images of nude men.

Despite having the kind of nudity scenes that would give Game of Thrones a run for its money, Minx nevertheless was cut short by HBO before being saved by STARZ — and then canned for good. Thankfully, you can still watch the series in its entirety on Netflix, with two seasons worth of some fantastic writing, great character development and genuinely touching moments. At the end of the day, it’s the chemistry between Lovibond and Johnson that is truly what makes Minx sing.

‘Documentary Now!’ (2015-2022)

SNL alums Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and Seth Meyers take their love of iconic non-fiction films and lampoon them in this hilarious series. Each episode features a parody of a different documentary: from Grey Gardens and its portrait of the eccentric Kennedy family outcasts Big Edie and Little Edie, to The Talking Heads’ legendary concert film Stop Making Sense and the Netflix true crime doc Wild Wild Country, everything is fair game on Documentary Now! Hosted by the great Helen Mirren, guest performers include John Mulaney, John Slattery, Maya Rudolph and Anne Hathaway.

You may not understand every niche film reference in this sharp mockumentary series, but regardless of your cinephile credentials, it’s guaranteed that you won’t be able to resist the hilarious cameos and sharp writing of Documentary Now! Far from taunting jabs, the parodies in the show could only be done by artists who feel deep affection for their subjects, and each mini-documentary excels in laugh-out-loud humor and genuinely impressive production value.

‘Search Party’ (2016-2022)

This black comedy series stars Alia Shawkat as Dory, a rich housewife’s assistant living in Brooklyn who leads the charge on a search party for a missing acquaintance from college, Chantal Winterbottom (Clare McNulty). Joining Dory are Elliott (John Early), a flamboyant narcissist, chatty actress Portia (Meredith Hanger), doofy but sweet Drew (John Reynolds) and Dory’s blunt, cynical ex-boyfriend Julian (Brandon Micheal Hall), who also happens to be a journalist. Ultimately, each wacky friend possesses a unique quality that may help solve Chantal’s disappearance.

Search Party is first and foremost a true showcase for Shawkat’s acting talents. But it’s also an absorbing mystery series that is carried by its equally fantastic supporting cast, who portray eccentric, self-obsessed characters that manage to be both unlikable and likable at the same time. Basically, you can’t help but be compelled to keep watching Search Party, which works its way to a wild ending while providing a humorous send-up of selfish twentysomething New Yorkers.

Finding clothes that actually flatter on real women (not just the model) can feel like a never-ending scroll. That’s why we went straight to the source — shoppers who know what works, what doesn’t and what’s worth adding to cart. The result? A curated lineup of fashion staples that women over 40 genuinely love for their fit, comfort and wear-again appeal.

Score high-rated flowy tops, easy dresses and polished basics that punch well above their price point, starting at just $10. You’ll notice that all of our favorites are packed with thoughtful details that reviewers rave about. Whether you’re refreshing your everyday rotation or looking for pieces that make getting dressed feel effortless, these tried-and-true picks prove that great style doesn’t come with an age limit . . . or a hefty price tag.

15 Flattering Fashion Finds for Women Over 40

1. Cloud Soft: This ultra-cozy pullover feels like a hug the second you slip it on. The fuzzy texture delivers peak softness, while the ribbed trim at the neckline, hem and cuffs gives it a pulled-together finish. You’ll reach for this sweater nonstop once the temperatures dip.

2. Easy Structure: Relaxed yet refined, this oversized turtleneck strikes the perfect balance between slouchy and chic. The ribbed knit sweater has batwing sleeves and side slit to keep it flowing without clinging. Shoppers call it a compliment magnet, and we understand why.

3. Age-Defying Essential: Lightweight, breathable and endlessly wearable, this ribbed tunic is a quiet wardrobe hero. The flattering V-neck and longer length make it ideal for everyday outfits, whether you’re styling it solo or layering it up. One reviewer even says it makes her look 10 years younger.

Advertisement

Related: 17 Belted Sweater Dresses to Instantly Look Slimmer — From $12

Would you believe Us if we told you it was possible to achieve a flattering appearance with the help of a single wardrobe staple? Well, it’s true, and belted sweater dresses are the quickest way to get the look. The removable tie-waist attachment cinches at the waist to put your curves on display while smoothing […]

4. Elevated Ease: This matching set proves that a comfy feel doesn’t have to mean a sloppy look. The lightweight find comes with a pleated long-sleeve top and contoured wide-leg pants to create a look that feels intentional. Reviewers in their 50s love that it’s cozy enough for home but polished enough for Zoom calls and errands.

5. Boho Romance: From delicate Swiss dots to crochet lace and playful pom-pom accents, this blouse is full of charming details. The flowy fit keeps it easy and flattering for now and spring. Plus, with over 40 colors to choose from, it’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without overthinking it.

6. Compliment Collector: Floaty, soft and surprisingly flattering, this sleeveless dress has earned rave reviews from women over 40. The smocked bodice offers comfort and shape, while the ruffle sleeves add a pretty finishing touch. It’s the kind of dress you’ll want in more than one color. Psst, this writer owns it in five colors.

7. Comfort First: This crochet knit sweater nails that elusive combo of relaxed and refined. It drapes beautifully without feeling tight, making it a favorite for shoppers over 40 who prioritize comfort but still want to look put together. The breathable fabric and cap sleeves make it a go-to style for warmer days.

8. Classic Cable: Timeless and cozy, this fisherman-style sweater is made from soft cotton with zero itch factor. The oversized fit feels intentional and it layers effortlessly over everything from tees to button-downs. It’s a forever piece you’ll wear year after year, like this shopper who grabbed it to replace a sweater she’d had for over 40 years.

9. Forever Button-Down: This classic blouse gets a thoughtful upgrade with smocked cuffs and subtle shirring details. It’s roomy without looking oversized and polished without feeling stiff. Reviewers of all ages (even a very chic 70-year-old) swear by it for everyday wear — and keep coming back for more.

10. Travel Favorite: With contrast trim, a high-low hem and flowy wide-leg pants, this matching set is just so cute. The soft knit fabric makes it ideal for travel days and the tailored details give it an elevated look. It’s no surprise that women of all ages are raving about it, like this mom in her 50s who says it “looks more expensive than it is.”

11. Modern Vintage: These straight-leg jeans channel effortless ’90s vibes with a flattering high-rise waist and relaxed fit. Crafted from premium cotton and spandex for just enough stretch, the pants hug in all the right places while staying comfortable all day.

12. Seasonal Staple: Perfect for that tricky winter-to-spring transition, this short-sleeve sweater feels incredibly soft, thanks to its cotton-cashmere blend. The relaxed dolman silhouette drapes beautifully on its own or layered under a jacket. Easy, elegant and endlessly versatile.

13. Instant Polish: This cardigan is a shortcut to looking put together. The contrast trim, gold-tone dome buttons and front pockets give it a classic, tailored feel that works for everything from workdays to weekend plans. Toss it on, and your outfit instantly feels complete.

14. Flattering Overalls: These modern bestselling overalls are proof that great style has no age limit. With adjustable straps, tapered legs and the right amount of stretch, this pick is comfy, flattering and surprisingly versatile. One shopper in her 50s said it’s “the most flattering pair I’ve ever owned.”

15. Ageless Athleisure: Lightweight, silky-soft and effortlessly cool, this matching set is made for movement — or just lounging in style. The color-block details elevate the classic sweatshirt-and-joggers combo, while the elastic waist and pockets keep things practical. One 80-year-old reviewer loved it so much, she’s already planning her next color . . . and shoppers of all ages are just as obsessed.

Related: These Fleece-Lined Tights ‘Really Smooth the Legs,‘ Per Shoppers

Advertisement

I love the ease of wearing skirts and dresses, but after weeks of below-zero temps in New York City, sheer tights and worn-out leggings are the last things I reach for, even when I’m running straight from a taxi to a restaurant door. Instead of completely phasing out some of my favorite pieces until the […]

Okay, now… the timeline is definitely soft-launching some serious cuteness. Rashida Nicole had fans pausing their scroll after sharing a sweet moment that’s got everybody smiling, and let’s just say baby Lilo Legacy Ball is already stealing hearts at only two months old.

RELATED: Heart Melter! Rashida Nicole Shows Baby Lilo Stealing The Spotlight In New Clip As MissNikkiiBaby Reacts (VIDEO)

Two Months In And Baby Lilo Is Already That Girl

On Tuesday, Rashida Nicole took to Instagram to celebrate baby Lilo’s 2-month birthday with a series of adorable photos and videos. The baby girl rocked a cream two-piece long-sleeve set featuring a red heart and the word “love” written in cursive, paired with a pink headband topped with a cream-and-brown flower. In the first video, the camera zooms in as Lilo stares straight into the lens before breaking into a big smile, while other snaps show her serving a serious face, with some fans saying she’s already looking just like her daddy.

A few shots even catch her smiling or looking off into the distance, likely plotting when she’ll watch her next ‘Bluey’ episode. Rashida captioned the post, “Each day with you is like receiving a gift! Happy 2 months my baby girl!” adding that she repeats “hi” in her Ms. Rachel voice because Lilo tries to mimic it — and honestly, the internet is melted.

IG Weighs In On Baby Lilo’s Looks

Once Rashida dropped the pics, folks ran straight to her IG comment section and had plenty to say. Some swore baby Lilo looks exactly like LiAngelo Balls, while others joked and asked if Rashida’s genes even tried to fight back. Of course, the love still poured in, with many calling her beautiful and others shocked that it’s already been two months.

One Instagram user, @shana_vieira, said, “She looks just like her other siblings ❤️”

Then, Instagram user @_trill.sky commented, “💕💕💕💕 awww pretty mamas“

This Instagram user @thelushlex added, “Omgeeee 2 months alreadyyyy?! The cutest 🥰💖”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @prettyasiam_ wrote, “Tee tee baby so prettyyyyyy❤️❤️❤️❤️”

While Instagram user @xotricee said, “babygirl! Time is flyingggg already 🥹❤️🎀”

Finally, Instagram user @kiki._.1law shared, “Daddy’s twin🥺😍 Pretty little baby💕”

Another Baby Lilo Moment Sends Fans Into Meltdown

Lilo Legacy Ball is officially on a streak when it comes to melting the timeline. In the Instagram video, Rashida lounges on a cream couch in a black-and-white sports bra, a brown furry blanket over her lap, as she cradles Lilo close — and right on cue, the baby girl leans into her mom’s chest and flashes the tiniest smile after a sweet kiss. Rashida captioned the moment, “I can’t believe we caught the smile… My Lilo,” and the internet clearly agreed, with fans (and even MissNikkiiBaby) showing love in the likes.

RELATED: Daddy Duties! LiAngelo Ball’s New Family Photo With Daughter Lilo Has Fans Talking (PHOTO)

Taylor Sheridan is responsible for some of the greatest neo-Westerns and traditional Westerns to have been released. He began his career over 10 years ago with his work on Sicario, and after releasing several other critically acclaimed Western thrillers, he kicked off a television empire with the release of Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone. Not only did Yellowstone spawn several spin-offs that have already been released and countless more on the way, but it also established Sheridan as the most sought-after scribe in television. At this point, he’s earned a blank check from Paramount or any other studio to work on any movie or TV series.

The first Yellowstone spinoff, 1883, arrived several years ago. It’s over 100 years before the events of the flagship series, and it stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. It ran for only one season on Paramount+. The second Yellowstone spinoff came in the form of 1923, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Brandon Sklenar also made his breakout debut in 1923, and now he can be seen starring opposite Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney in The Housemaid. Sklenar has also been tapped to star in Taylor Sheridan’s next action movie, F.A.S.T., which will be released in theaters on April 23, 2027.

Between Yellowstone, Tulsa King, Landman, and more, Taylor Sheridan has more than his fair share of shows dominating the streaming charts. 1923 was also a major streaming contender, at least until the last week or so, when it now looks poised to fall out of the Paramount top 10 entirely. The second season of 1923 is one of the few TV shows Sheridan has written to earn a perfect 100% score from critics on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. It’s also reportedly Sheridan’s most expensive show, clocking in with a price tag of around $22 million per episode.

What Is Taylor Sheridan Working on Next?

Taylor Sheridan has so many projects in the works that it’s almost impossible to predict exactly what he’s working on at the moment. His next two shows to hit the air, Marshals (March 1) and The Madison (March 14), are both spin-offs of the original Yellowstone, but the former is much more of a direct offshoot than the latter. In addition to the aforementioned action thriller, F.A.S.T., Sheridan is also writing new seasons of Landman, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown. He also recently wrapped production on Lioness Season 3, which is confirmed to be the final season of the show.

Be sure to watch both seasons of 1923 on Paramount+ and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

2022 – 2025-00-00

Advertisement

Network

Paramount+

Directors

Advertisement

Guy Ferland

Franchise(s)

Yellowstone

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Reports Suggest Season 6 Of ‘The Traitors’ Could Be All-Stars

Some Fans Argue ‘It’s Too Soon’ For An All-Star Season Of ‘The Traitors’

Speculation Grows Over Which Former Players Could Return

Viewers Wonder Whether An All-Star Concept Works On A Celebrity-Centered Show

Charles C. Stevenson Jr.
‘Will & Grace’ Bartender Dead at 95

Published
February 6, 2026
6:21 AM PST

For as long as television has been part of our lives, situation comedy, or what we call sitcoms, has been a staple of programming that has long made light of our normal, banal lives. Unlike stretch comedy, the sitcom allows us to watch as our protagonists engage in humorous situations week-to-week, often with a message that follows behind it.

Over the years, we have been treated to some of the best that the sitcom genre has to offer, but oftentimes, these types of shows have been notorious for overstaying their welcome. True, shows in other genres have a tendency to do this as well, going stale when it should have ended on a fresh note, but none have had as many examples of this as sitcoms have. So, we want to turn this somber premise on its head and give you the most hilarious sitcoms that, thankfully, ended right before they started to go past their sell-by date. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

10

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2006, 2013–2019)

Image via FOX

We look back fondly on Fox’s Arrested Development because it’s a show that ended at exactly the right time. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, Arrested Development was a masterclass in how to do absurdist humor in a primetime format. The sitcom follows the Bluth family, an extremely wealthy bunch who live very extravagant lifestyles. But when the patriarch of the family, George Bluth St. (Jeffrey Tambor), is arrested, the family loses their wealth, but they still try to live the lives they’ve always known, much to the chagrin of Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman), who desperately tries to keep his family together.

There is little question that Arrested Development was ahead of its time, being the pioneers of the “mockumentary” style that would become more prevalent in the 2010s. Not only that, but the writing and comedic performances were simply top-notch. But absurdist humor does have a shelf life, and thankfully, Arrested Development ended before things went off the rails.

Image via NBC

This is such an underrated sitcom, a show that should be more beloved than it actually is. Community brought together a wide range of great comedic actors and made sitcom gold that didn’t feel like it was overstaying its welcome. Created by Dan Harmon, the show follows Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), who winds up being disbarred and suspended from his law firm after it turned out he was lying about getting his degree from Columbia University. To get that degree, he enrolls in a community college in Colorado and meets a class full of eccentric classmates.

Community is so beloved because it uses the “high-concept” model to absolute perfection. While episodes themed around such absurd plotlines, such as a paintball war, could have easily been seen as shameless slapstick, Community elevated these storylines to an art form, making them hilarious, and also quite crucial to the overall vibe of the sitcom. Community ended in a satisfying way, and it didn’t need to go beyond six seasons. Instead of remembering its downfall, we remember Community for the high-concept comedy it brought us week-after-week.

8

‘My Name is Earl’ (2005–2009)

Image via NBC

There are plenty of people who believe in good karma, but Earl Hickey (Jason Lee) took this belief to another level entirely. The central premise of the underrated sitcom My Name Is Earl follows Earl, a small-time thief who, after losing a winning lottery ticket, becomes convinced that he has to turn his life around in order to be the best version of himself. How does he do it? By believing in the power of karma.

Much like Community, if My Name Is Earl was spearheaded by a showrunner who never got the overall premise, this sitcom would have gone bad in a hurry. But series creator Greg Garcia knew what this show could be, and, thankfully, NBC knew how long they could keep a show like this going. There are only so many bad deeds that Earl could fix, and stretching this series beyond its four-season run would have been overkill, with the series turning into slapstick comedy and situations to make things work.

7

‘A Different World’ (1987–1993)

Image via NBC

With Black sitcoms focusing more on the success of African Americans, the late 1980s was the right time to look at the rising popularity of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 1987, NBC greenlighted a spin-off of The Cosby Show titled A Different World, which initially follows Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) as she goes to her father’s alma mater, Hillman College.

A Different World would later go on to showcase the different personalities that made up Hillman after Debbie Allen took over as Executive Producer, allowing the show to thrive as a socially responsible sitcom. The issues drove the storylines of each episode of the sitcom, and the show had a deeper impact on higher education, with HBCUs gaining the respect that these institutions long deserved. A Different World was the right sitcom at the time, with the right timeframe, as you can only focus on a college for so long without going to great lengths to tell its story, which would have meant degrading the vibe that it worked so hard to build.

Advertisement

6

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

In 1975, the late Norman Lear developed the sitcom One Day at a Time, which told the story of a divorced mother looking to rebuild her life in the big city of Indianapolis. 33 years after the initial series ended, developers Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce had the idea of rebooting that underrated classic for the modern era, and they hit it out of the park.

The re-tooled One Day at a Time follows Penelope Alverez (Justina Machado), an Army Nurse Corps veteran who struggles to return to civilian life. Not only does she have to deal with PTSD, but she has to do this while taking care of her kids. This could have been a flop, but the premise was very interesting, and the show had emotional heart to go along with the comedy. The show ended after four seasons, but that isn’t a bad thing, as it fell into the rut of running out of ideas, which would have strangled the overall message the series wanted to give to its viewers.

Advertisement

5

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

Image via Ray Mickshaw/©Fox/courtesy Everett Collection

The 2010s were a particularly rough time for millennials. The economy was in bad shape, which meant the job prospects for those entering the workforce were bleak. So, we turned to our friends to get us through those dark times. That’s what makes Fox’s New Girl one of the 2010s’ best sitcoms.

Created by Elizabeth Meriweather, New Girl stars Zooey Deschanel as Jessica “Jess” Day, a school teacher who moves into a huge loft with three guys. With the show centered around Jess’ quirky personality, New Girl was a very enduring show that was comfortable to watch in the dark, cold economic climate that hung over the decade. This was a group of people who refused to grow up, and until they had to, and the series ended on the note that it was finally time to move on from their perpetual adolescence. Had the series gone on any longer, New Girl would certainly have run out of ideas, and we would be speaking of the show as a good one that went on longer than it should. Thankfully, we don’t have to think about it in that light.

Advertisement

4

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

Image via FX 

Some may question what Atlanta is here, but at its heart, the FX series is a sitcom, just not in the traditional sense. Created by Donald Glover, who rose in star power with NBC’s Community, the series follows Earn (Glover) in his daily life in a surreal version of Atlanta, Georgia. And by surreal, we do mean every letter of the word.

Atlanta was delightfully weird, but this surreal nature had a message to it, which allowed the show to talk about strong topics such as race, poverty, and celebrity culture without having to keep things PG-13. Atlanta was groundbreaking in its comedy and commentary, but after the underwhelming Season 3, it was evident that this show had a shelf life. Thankfully, the showrunners saw this too, and the series ended on a satisfying note in Season 4. Sure, the ending had more questions than answers, but that was the entire point.

Advertisement

3

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

Image via NBC

Sometimes, you want to go where everybody knows your name, and for 11 seasons, that’s exactly where viewers went in the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers. The premise of Cheers was simple. It followed a former baseball pitcher, Sam Malone (Ted Danson), who owns and runs Cheers, a bar in Boston, and the patrons who frequented the bar.

While romance was a big part of the overall storyline, the main focus was on the bar itself and how it acts as a social institution within the neighborhood. With a premise as straightforward as Cheers, this show could easily have run for 15-plus seasons, but after Diane Chambers (Shelly Long) left after Season 5, the signs were there that this premise could not last for very long without its central couple. Sure, Cheers should have ended after Season 7, but there were still some great moments up until its finale in Season 11. Anything longer, and this beloved groundbreaking sitcom would have definitely overstayed its welcome, without a doubt.

Advertisement

2

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Image via NBC

There is no question about it, Tina Fey is a comedic genius. This was showcased during her time on Saturday Night Live, and looking to tell the story of her experience as a head writer on the iconic NBC sketch comedy series, she created 30 Rock, which looks at a fictional sketch comedy show that was airing on NBC.

The title 30 Rock refers to the address of NBC’s headquarters in New York, and Fey’s comedic writing was sharp as a tack. Fey is an expert when it comes to writing satirical, self-referential scripts, and nowhere was this stance put to good use than on 30 Rock. But even a show like this has its limits, and the cracks began to show late in Season 6, displaying that it was time for 30 Rock to come to an end, which it did after Season 7.

Advertisement

1

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

Image via NBC

Let’s be honest for a second, Will Smith didn’t have to go into acting. By the end of the 1980s, he had firmly made a name for himself as a hip-hop artist, winning Grammy Awards and pumping out hit albums. But Quincy Jones and Benny Medina had an idea, one that would change Smith’s life forever.

In 1990, NBC premiered The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which followed a fictionalized version of himself after he moved from West Philadelphia to the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Bel-Air to live with his uncle (James Avery) and his family. While The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hit all the sitcom tropes, it also dealt remarkably well with serious topics, especially child abandonment, which was the focus of one of the most emotionally powerful moments in television history. Acting as a fictional re-telling of Smith’s life, there were only so many seasons that this show could run without it becoming stale, and once the story was told, the show wrapped instead of extending it even further.

Advertisement