This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I have watched way too many sitcoms in my nineteen years of living, so I’m pretty much an expert. My favorite type of show is one where I don’t have to think too hard about it, or something that makes me laugh. If you’re looking for something to do that gives your brain a break after a hard day, I implore you to get into sitcoms. These are the perfect shows if you want to craft, bake or clean. However, with so many different sitcoms out there, it might feel overwhelming if you want to settle into them. Here’s my personal guide and ranking of (almost) all the sitcoms I’ve watched to help you ease into them as you find the perfect show for you.

10. “Friends” (1994-2004)

This was a very one and done show for me. I watched it in middle school when everyone else was, and to be honest, it was just for the vibes. I definitely thought it was funny, and the storylines were good, but I didn’t find it very special. This is the type of show where you watch it just once, then during Thanksgiving turn on the different Thanksgiving episodes and watch them while you cook. Maybe I’d watch it again and form an opinion that’s not based on what thirteen-year-old me thought, but for now it stays at ten.

9. “The Good Place” (2016-2020)

I’m sorry, this show was not my favorite. I know a lot of people really liked it, but I felt like it dragged on for a bit too long. The first season was definitely the best out of all of them. The overall show gets points for being original, but I hated the ending.

8. “Arrested Development” (2003-2006)

It took me a few tries to even get into this show because of how uncomfortable some of the humor is in the first season. BUT after you get through whatever that is, this show is actually hilarious. I’m not sure if I ever finished it, but the cast is so good and again, it’s hilarious.

7. “Superstore” (2015-2021)

I really liked this show and would definitely recommend watching. It has all the elements a good sitcom has, and a very funny and diverse cast. The humor feels very effortless and subtle, and the show was able to include more serious matters into it that are very relevant in today’s world. Also, America Ferrera (“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “Ugly Betty,” “The Barbie Movie”) plays the protagonist Amy, so it’s worth watching just for her. It would be higher, but the formula it followed felt really similar to other workplace sitcoms, just less nostalgic. It was also deducted points because it has a COVID season, and I really don’t like it when shows do that.

6. “Modern Family” (2009-2020)

This show is so cute, and it’s really fun to watch. The first few seasons are definitely my favorite. However, when the kids get older, they all kind of annoy me in different ways. It’s definitely still hilarious, and the cast is literally perfect for their roles. The ending wraps the show up really well, and for the most part the overall narrative stays consistent. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re looking for something more lighthearted and funny to watch.

5. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-2021)

I love Andy Samberg. This show balances humor and serious topics well; especially in the later seasons, they’re able to address topics a lot of the other shows mentioned have not addressed. The characterization in this show is really well done. Everyone feels dynamic and relatable, and it doesn’t often feed into stereotypes. Overall, this show is well developed and funny, and I would highly recommend watching it. (Points deducted for COVID season.)

4. “The Office” (2005-2013)

It’s safe to say that this is one of the most iconic and well-known sitcoms. It popularized the mockumentary style, and it still influences sitcoms coming out now (e.g. “Abbott Elementary” which I have not watched yet). I watched it in 7th grade, and I liked it but I don’t think I could fully grasp what was happening so I’m rewatching it now! Per its iconic status alone, I have to put it in my top five. The humor is uncomfortable at times, but that’s what makes “The Office,” “The Office.”

3. “Community” (2009-2015)

This show is so underrated. I watched it for the first time this year after my lovely roommate recommended it to me, and thank god she did. The humor leans into absurdity, and the cinematography experiments and plays with the different forms of storytelling. There are a lot of jokes and gags that are really original and hilarious. It takes a second to get into it, but I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

2. “New Girl” (2011-2018)

I love this show so much. All of the characters are so unique and lovable, it’s impossible not to root for them. Like most good shows, it takes a season or two for the characters to become who they are. Genuinely the best characters are the ones that were given room to grow naturally if that makes sense. The jokes and humor in this show are so effortless. I guarantee you that every single episode will make you laugh. 10/10, would recommend.

1. “Parks and Rec” (2009-2015)

This is my favorite show of all time, and I will never stop recommending it. I’m rewatching it for the millionth time right now, and it never stops being funny. All of the characters are so quirky and unique. Like “New Girl,” it takes a second for the characters to find themselves, but after that the show is near perfect. Sometimes people say the first two seasons are bad, but they’re really not; seasons three through six are just so sensational the first two look bad (the seventh season’s not the best). If you have to watch anything on this list, make it “Parks and Rec.”

Whether you’re just beginning to settle into sitcoms, or you’re looking for a new one to binge, I hope this list helps you find your next favorite show. Happy watching!

Settling Into Sitcoms: A Guide