Good Sitcoms To Watch That Will Make You Cry Laughing

Last Updated: Written by Dr. Carolina Mello Dias
good sitcoms to watch that will make you cry laughing
good sitcoms to watch that will make you cry laughing
Table of Contents

These Good Sitcoms to Watch Deserve More Recognition

If you're searching for good sitcoms to watch, start with these critically acclaimed shows: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+, 2020-2023), Schitt's Creek (Pop TV/Netflix, 2015-2020), 30 Rock (NBC, 2006-2013), The Good Place (NBC, 2016-2020), Community (NBC/Yahoo Screen, 2009-2015), and Abbott Elementary (ABC, 2021-present). These series combine sharp writing, authentic character development, and uplifting themes that align with values of community, teamwork, and personal growth-principles central to holistic education and Marist pedagogy.

Top 10 Good Sitcoms to Watch for Lifelong Learning & Values

Research shows that educational entertainment-often called "edutainment"-can positively influence student motivation and social-emotional learning. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Media Psychology found that 68% of educators use sitcoms to teach empathy, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making.

good sitcoms to watch that will make you cry laughing
good sitcoms to watch that will make you cry laughing
  • Ted Lasso (2020-2023): Teaches leadership, optimism, and emotional intelligence; won 11 Primetime Emmys including Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Schitt's Creek (2015-2020): Models acceptance, family reconciliation, and personal growth; swept the comedy Emmys in 2020
  • Abbott Elementary (2021-present): Highlights underfunded schools, teacher resilience, and community support; won 5 Emmys by 2024
  • The Good Place (2016-2020): Explores moral philosophy, ethics, and spiritual development through accessible comedy
  • 30 Rock (2006-2013): Demonstrates workplace collaboration and creative problem-solving under pressure
  • Community (2009-2015): Celebrates diversity, found family, and collaborative learning in a community college setting
  • Parks and Recreation (2009-2015): Promotes civic engagement, public service, and optimistic leadership
  • The Golden Girls (1985-1992): Addresses intergenerational friendship, aging with dignity, and social justice
  • Cheers (1982-1993): Showcases community building and belonging in a Boston neighborhood bar
  • What We Do in the Shadows (2019-present): Blends humor with themes of identity, loyalty, and acceptance of difference

Underrated Good Sitcoms to Watch That Deserve Recognition

Many excellent sitcoms remain underappreciated gems that deserve wider audiences. These shows often tackle complex social issues while maintaining comedic excellence:

  1. What We Do in the Shadows (FX/Hulu, 2019-present): Mockumentary about vampires in Staten Island; Season 6 announced as final in 2024
  2. Mo (Netflix, 2022-2023): Semi-autobiographical dramedy about a Palestinian immigrant seeking U.S. citizenship
  3. Sort Of (HBO Max, 2021-2024): Celebrates queer and trans people of color; follows genderfluid Pakistani-Canadian Sabi
  4. Shelved: Wholesome library workplace comedy advocating for public services
  5. Party Down (Starz, 2009-2010, 2023): Sardonic workplace comedy about catered-event waiters; Season 3 revived in 2023
  6. We Are Lady Parts (Peacock, 2021-present): All-female Muslim punk band balancing dreams and cultural expectations
  7. Los Espookys (HBO Max, 2019-2022): Abstract Spanish-language comedy about friends who create fake scares
  8. Veep (HBO, 2012-2019): Cynical political satire starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Vice President Selina Meyer

Sitcom Comparison Table: Ratings, Seasons, and Streaming Platforms

Sitcom Title IMDb Rating Rotten Tomatoes Seasons Streaming Platform Primary Educational Value
Ted Lasso 8.8/10 92% 3 Apple TV+ Leadership, empathy, emotional intelligence
Schitt's Creek 8.5/10 93% 6 Netflix Acceptance, family bonds, personal growth
Abbott Elementary 8.2/10 98% 4+ Hulu/ABC Education equity, teacher resilience
The Good Place 8.2/10 97% 4 Netflix Ethics, moral philosophy, spiritual growth
30 Rock 8.3/10 94% 7 Peacock Workplace collaboration, creativity
Community 8.5/10 90% 6 Netflix/Peacock Diversity, collaborative learning
Parks and Recreation 8.6/10 88% 7 Peacock Civic engagement, public service
The Golden Girls 8.3/10 95% 7 Hulu/Max Intergenerational friendship, dignity

How Sitcoms Support Marist Educational Values

Marist pedagogy emphasizes holistic formation-developing mind, heart, and spirit through community, presence, and family spirit. These good sitcoms to watch embody similar principles:

"Ted Lasso is one of the most uplifting series ever created. Bringing teamwork to the forefront, Ted Lasso has found a winning strategy."

-Collider's analysis of leadership and optimism

Shows like Abbott Elementary directly reflect the Marist commitment to education for marginalized communities. The mockumentary follows dedicated teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia public school, highlighting systemic challenges while celebrating student potential and community solidarity.

The Good Place offers accessible introductions to philosophical ethics-from Kantian duty to utilitarianism-making moral reasoning engaging for students. Its exploration of spiritual development and moral redemption aligns with Catholic educational mission.

Final Recommendations for Educators & Parents

When selecting good sitcoms to watch for educational settings or family Viewing, prioritize shows that model:

  • Community and belonging (Ted Lasso, Cheers, Community)
  • Ethical decision-making (The Good Place, Abbott Elementary)
  • Cultural diversity and inclusion (Schitt's Creek, Sort Of, We Are Lady Parts)
  • Resilience and growth mindset (Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock)
  • Spiritual and moral development (The Good Place, Ted Lasso)

These sitcoms not only entertain but also reinforce the Marist values of presence, family spirit, and educational excellence across Brazil and Latin America. They provide accessible entry points for discussions about ethics, social justice, and personal formation-making them valuable tools for educators, parents, and school leaders committed to holistic education.

Expert answers to Good Sitcoms To Watch That Will Make You Cry Laughing queries

What are the best good sitcoms to watch for families?

The best family-friendly sitcoms include Schitt's Creek, Ted Lasso, Parks and Recreation, and The Golden Girls. These shows feature positive values, minimal offensive content, and themes of family, friendship, and personal growth suitable for multi-generational viewing.

Which good sitcoms to watch are underrated?

Underrated sitcoms deserving more recognition include What We Do in the Shadows, Mo, Sort Of, We Are Lady Parts, Shelved, and Los Espookys. These shows tackle diversity, immigration, gender identity, and cultural representation with humor and authenticity.

Are there good sitcoms to watch about education?

Yes. Abbott Elementary (2021-present) is the leading modern sitcom about teachers in an underfunded public school. Shelved focuses on library workers, and Community (2009-2015) is set at Greendale Community College, celebrating diverse learners and collaborative education.

What good sitcoms to watch won the most Emmys?

Schitt's Creek made history in 2020 by winning all seven major comedy Emmys in one year, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Ted Lasso won 11 Emmys total, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2021 and 2023. 30 Rock won 18 Emmys during its 2006-2013 run.

Which good sitcoms to watch are best for rewatching?

Cheers, Friends, The Office, and Parks and Recreation are the top rewatchable sitcoms. According to Collider, these shows "become comfort viewing" where "no matter where you start, you know what's about to happen" and elicit strong emotional reactions on repeat viewing.

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Education Analyst

Dr. Carolina Mello Dias

Dr. Carolina Mello Dias holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from the University of São Paulo, with a concentration in Catholic and Marist pedagogy.

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