Sam’s Friday Top 5: Current Sitcoms

5. How I Met Your Mother

I love, love, love the premise of this show, even though I still don’t quite get how Bob Saget’s voice is supposed to be that of future Ted. But, whatever. It doesn’t take away from the funny nature of the show. Barney has evolved into a character that has actual merit and it doesn’t seem staged. That’s good writing. And as much as I want to know who this elusive “mother” is, I don’t want the show to end, and I have a feeling that the big reveal won’t be until the absolute final episode. But I’m having a good time on the ride to get there.

4. New Girl

Everybody needs to have a quirky girl as a roommate. I will readily admit to completely misunderstanding the show when it first aired, but I stuck with it because I had a feeling something amazing would happen. And it has. Something about Jess is just so out there, but it connects with me on so many different levels. But it’s not just her. It’s the interactions between her and the guys that makes this show click. That and Schmidt’s craziness that knows no bounds. Just thinking about the episode when he finds out he’s been sharing his towel makes me laugh out loud. This show isn’t for everyone (not everyone will take pleasure in the zany nature of it), but it’s certainly for me. I just had to give it a chance.

3. The Big Bang Theory

I like to think I’m smart, but these guys put me to shame. They’re so brilliant that they’re awkward, though, and therein lies the genius of the show, and why it’s so funny. I get a lot of the references, but the ones I don’t get are funny because of the delivery. Particularly with Sheldon. He is so deadpan that he could say anything and it would be funny, but the way he sees the world (and the others by extension) is hilarious. I particularly like it when the girls are involved because they add another layer of gags to the party (and Raj can’t talk to them unless he’s drunk).

2. Modern Family

I tried not to like this show, just because it got so much critical and Nielsen success before it was even on the air, it seemed. I hate to get on the bandwagon. I pride myself on liking quirky shows that other people don’t necessarily get or understand, but this show jumped on my back and won’t get off. I finally broke down and watched an episode halfway through the first season, and it was so funny I literally snorted at one point. Since then I haven’t looked back. My favorite character is Phil, and my favorite scene with him is the one in “Express Christmas” when he gets tased. “Garbage!” Priceless!

1. The Middle

This is the most underrated show on television. Period. The show demonstrates middle America at it’s ultimate, be it for the best or be it for the worst. The Hecks are the ultimate underdogs, so you can’t help but root for them, even Axl (who I’m sure was named after Axl Rose, but I don’t think they ever said). Sue is so charmingly oblivious you just have to want her to succeed. But even when she doesn’t, she so dogged you still feel good because she tries so hard, and is so happy, even when she loses. And Brick, well, he’s me when I was a kid. His head is always in a book. My favorite scene is with him in the backseat of the car explaining Of Mice and Men to Axl. If you’ve never seen this show, you’re missing out. Big time.

There are many honorable mentions, but I’m not going to mention them. Also, if you noticed a theme, you’re right. I don’t have channels like FX, USA, HBO, TBS, or TNT. Hence, my lack of shows from those channels in the list. Maybe when I’ve seen some of those shows on Netflix I might have something to say about them. What are your favorite sitcoms?

Sam

Sam’s Friday Top 5: The Archive