The 25 Worst Sitcoms Ever
TV has its hits and misses, right? For every great sitcom, there’s a pile of crappy ones. Some get cancelled right out of the gate — others drag on for years, begging to be put out of their misery.
Join us in this look back at the 25 worst sitcoms.
25. Veronica’s Closet (1997 –2000)
Cast
Kirstie Alley – Veronica Chase
Dan Cortese – Perry Rollins
Wallace Langham – Josh Blair
Daryl Mitchell – Leo Michaels
Kathy Najimy – Olive Massery
Plot
Veronica (Kirstie Alley) is a romance expert, but not when it comes to her own life. A divorced woman, she owns a lingerie company called Veronica’s Closet and interacts with co-workers Olive (Kathy Najimy), Josh (Wallace Langham), Leo (Daryl Mitchell) and Perry (Dan Cortese).
Why it’s on the list
Some argue that the first season of Veronica’s Closet was funny, but the addition of Ron Silver in the second season was the kiss of death. Not sure we agree though – we wanted to like Veronica’s Closet after Kirstie Alley’s run on Cheers, but the only thing this had going for it was supporting players Wallace Langham and Kathy Najimy.
24. Charles in Charge (1984- 1990)
Cast
Scott Baio – Charles
Willie Aames – Buddy Lembeck
James T. Callahan – Walter Powell
Nicole Eggert – Jamie Powell
Josie Davis – Sarah Powell
Alexander Polinsky – Adam Powell
Plot
Charles is more than babysitter to the Powell kids – he’s a friend! Charles in Charge focused on the college student’s interaction with the Powell family and how he managed his own social life. And don’t forget kooky sidekick Buddy Lembeck, played by Willie Aames.
Why it’s on the list
Hear us out on this. Yep, Charles in Charge had Scott Baio and Willie Aames at their finest – only their finest wasn’t especially good. It does have that kickin’ theme song. Charles in Charge is definitely a show that you love to hate (or is it hate to love?).
23. The Nanny (1993 – 1999)
Cast
Fran Drescher – Fran Fine
Charles Shaughnessy – Maxwell Sheffield
Daniel Davis – Niles
Lauren Lane – Chastity Claire “C.C.” Babcock
Nicholle Tom – Margaret “Maggie” Sheffield
Benjamin Salisbury – Brighton Sheffield
Madeline Zima – Grace Sheffield
Plot
Flushing, New York cosmetics saleslady with nasal and whiny voice is mistaken for a nanny applicant for rich Manhattan widow Maxwell Sheffield – and she’s hired. Yet another sitcom (see Mr. Belvedere, Charles in Charge) of the hired help becoming part of the family dynamic. The twist here is the sexual tension between the nanny and the dad.
Why it’s on the list
Fran Drescher’s trademark laugh was a real comedy killer. How many times can you listen to that laugh without wanting to jab a sharp object into your ear?
22. Webster (1983 – 1989)
Cast
Emmanuel Lewis – Webster Long
Alex Karras – George Papadapolis
Susan Clark – Katherine Calder-Young Papadapolis
Plot
A post-retirement football player and his wife have their lives shaken up when they take in the orphaned son of a former teammate. Capitalizing on the cute factor, Emmanuel Lewis was the answer to Diff’rent Strokes’ Gary Coleman.
Why it’s on the list
Cuteness aside, there were few laughs in this 80s staple. Former football player Alex Karras and his real life wife, Susan Clark, as fictional spouses George and Katherine Calder-Young Papadapolis didn’t deliver. Funniest thing about Webster? Papadapolis.
21. All-American Girl (1994 – 1995)
Cast
Margaret Cho – Margaret Kim
Amy Hill – Yung-hee ‘Grandma’ Kim
J.B. Quon – Eric Kim
Jodi Long – Katherine Kim
Clyde Kusatsu – Benny Kim
Plot
All-American Girl was based on Margaret Cho’s stand-up routine and looked at the culture clash between an Americanized daughter and her very traditional Korean mother and father.
Why it’s on the list
Perhaps attempting to capitalize on the success of comedian-turned-sitcom-star Jerry Seinfeld, Margaret Cho took on her sitcom with tons of enthusiasm. The Asian-American storylines, however, just never grabbed audiences and the show ended up in the crapper.
20. Babes (1990 – 1991)
Cast
Wendie Jo Sperber – Charlene Gilbert
Susan Peretz – Darlene Gilbert
Lesley Boone – Marlene Gilbert
Plot
Babes revolved around three overweight sisters, — who all lived together in a tiny New York City apartment — and their relationships and careers. The show came under some criticism for its “fat” jokes.
Why it’s on the list
The situations of three chubby chicks just didn’t work with the viewing public and the series got canned after its first season.
19. Mr. Belvedere (1985 – 1990)
Cast
Christopher Hewett – Mr. Lynn Aloysius Belvedere
Ilene Graff – Marsha Cameron Owens
Rob Stone – Kevin Owens
Tracy Wells – Heather Owens
Brice Beckham – Wesley T. Owens
Bob Uecker – George Owens
Plot
Oh the hilarity of a British male live-in housekeeper/nanny serving an American family, right? Mr. Belvedere, the hired help, really became a part of their lives (not unlike Alice on the Brady Bunch) – there to handle the highs and lows of the Owens family.
Why it’s on the list
Dad was played by Bob Uecker. That should have been enough of a turn-off right there, plus British Belvedere’s moral and life lessons got old fast.
18. Family Matters (1989 – 1998)
Cast
Reginald VelJohnson – Carl Otis Winslow
JoMarie Payton – Harriette Winslow
Kellie Shanygne Williams – Laura Lee Winslow
Darius McCrary – Edward “Eddie” James Arthur Winslow
Jaleel White – Steven “Steve” Quincy Urkel
Telma Hopkins – Rachel Crawford
Rosetta LeNoire – Estelle “Mother” Winslow
Plot
Family Matters is actually a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, which isn’t a good thing, considering Strangers made our list of worst sitcoms too. While the show is about the Winslow family, it’s really nerdy next door neighbor Stephen Urkel that steals the show. And Urkel wasn’t even part of the original cast!
Why it’s on the list
How did Urkel and the Winslow clan survive so long on television? With a patented catchphrase, the nerdy disguise (Glasses? Check. High water pants? Check. Suspenders? Check.) and the out-there voice, Urkel’s shtick wore out fast. Or did it? 10 years is a long run.
17. The Ropers (1979 – 1980)
Cast
Norman Fell – Stanley Roper
Audra Lindley – Helen Roper
Jeffrey Tambor – Jeffrey P. Brookes III
Patty McCormack – Anne Brookes
Evan Cohen – David Brookes
Plot
Three’s Company landlords Stanley and Helen Roper leave the apartment complex and move into a new one. Still the same Roper dynamic, but without the Three’s Company gang.
Why it’s on the list
The Ropers on Three’s Company? Hilarious. However, the characters were too much to handle on a weekly sitcom since viewers were used to seeing the pair in small doses. The spin-off was the answer to “What happened to the Ropers after they left the Three’s Company gang?” Turned out, their lives weren’t interesting (or funny) enough to follow.
16. Life on a Stick
Cast
Zachary Knighton – Laz Lackerson
Charlie Finn – Fred
Rachelle Lefevre – Lily
Saige Thompson -Molly Callahan
Amy Yasbeck – Michelle Lackerson
Plot
Again with the slackers, Life on a Stick followed Laz Lackerson and his friend Fred — and their adventures working at the local mall’s food court. Mean manager, cute co-worker and dysfunctional family are all part of the formula.
Why it’s on the list
Stick a fork in it, because Life on a Stick only survived one season. With good reason – few wanted to watch the goings on at the food court and the characters and comedy were light on laughs.
15. It’s a Living (1980 – 1982 ABC; 1985- 1989 syndication)
Cast
It’s a Living had an ever changing cast during its six season run, but most notably featured:
Ann Jillian – Cassie Cranston
Gail Edwards – Dot Higgins
Marion Mercer – Nancy Beebe
Crystal Bernard – Amy Tompkins
Barrie Youngfellow – Jan Joffmeyer
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Ginger St. James
Paul Kreppel – Sonny Mann
Plot
Do you remember this one? Yeah, we don’t blame you if you missed it. Waitresses gettin’ by while working at a restaurant atop a hotel. Hmm.. yeah.
Why it’s on the list
This one was just bad on so many levels. Sorry Crystal Bernard and Ann Jillian fans, but It’s a Living was a total flop, with jokes that never got off the ground. Amazing this one lasted so long.
14. Shasta McNasty (1999 – 2000)
Cast
Carmine Giovinazzo – Scott
Jake Busey – Dennis
Dale Godboldo – Randy
Plot
Shasta McNasty follows three slackers — Scott, Dennis and Randy – and their band Shasta. The plot relies heavily on the threesome’s lack of doing any real work and instead hanging out and, well… slacking.
Why it’s on the list
By name alone, this ill-fated sitcom was going nowhere – and fast. Do you know anyone who tuned in to watch this crappy mccrapster show?
13. George (1993)
Cast
LaCrystal Cooke – Vanessa
George Foreman – George Foster
Pablo Irlando – Mauricio Butler
Tony T. Johnson – ‘Bubba’ Foster
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Maggie Foster
Plot
Digging up plot details for “George” proved to be quite an ordeal. It seems to have disappeared from most people’s memories altogether. Best we can recall, it was about an ex-boxer (not much of a stretch) who works with troubled kids.
Why it’s on the list
George Foreman – great boxer. George Foreman – makes a good grill. George Foreman – not an actor. This show fell short in so many areas, but trying to carry Foreman’s athletic and grilling success to a sitcom didn’t fly.
12. Harry and the Hendersons (1991 – 1993)
Cast
Bruce Dickenson – George Henderson
Molly Cheek – Nancy Henderson
Carol-Ann Plante – Sara Henderson
Zachary Bostrom – Ernie Henderson
Kevin Peter Hall – Harry (first season only)
Dawan Scott – Harry (second season only)
Brian Metal – Harry (third season only)
Noah Blake – Brett Douglas
Plot
Hilarity ensues when the Hendersons find Bigfoot during a camping trip and bring him home to live with them. It’s based on the movie of the same name.
Why it’s on the list
What’s wrong with this formula? Take a shitty movie and make it into a shitty TV show. Hope people will watch. Not happening. Harry and the Hendersons was a train wreck on both the big and small screens. How the hell did this show last three seasons?
11. We’ve Got it Made (1983 – 1984 NBC; 1987- 1988 Syndication)
Cast
Teri Copley – Mickey McKenzie
Tom Villard – Jay Bostwick
Matt McCoy – David Tucker (1983 – 1984)
John Hillner – David Tucker (1987-1988)
Plot
Two odd-couple roommates in Manhattan hire a live-in maid, played by Teri Copley. The first year of the show, both guys had girlfriends, but later the show was revamped with the boys as bachelors and We’ve Got it Maid took on that Three’s Company vibe.
Why it’s on the list
A hot housekeeper and two lame bachelors didn’t equate to the comedy bar set by Three’s Company. The eye candy of Teri Copley kept viewers around for awhile, but the show had zero substance to keep it going.
10. Double Trouble (1984 – 1985)
Cast
Jean Sagal – Kate Foster
Liz Sagal- Allison Foster
Plot
Twin sisters Kate and Allison Foster (Liz and Jean Segal) are as different as night and day. Kate is the fun one and Allison is serious.
Why it’s on the list
Here’s 80’s schlock at it’s finest. Uh-oh – cute twins pulling the old Parent Trap/Patty Duke switcheroo. There’s only so much switching that can go on before the premise gets old… and this one ran out of steam quickly.
9. Perfect Strangers (1986 – 1993)
Cast
Bronson Pinchot – Balki Bartokomous
Mark Linn-Baker – Larry Appleton
Melanie Wilson – Jennifer
Rebeca Arthur – Mary Anne
Belita Moreno – Lydia
Plot
What happens when Balki Bartokomous, a sheepherder from small Mediterranean island Mypos, moves in with his American cousin? Their differences are the core of the comedy as they share an apartment.
Why it’s on the list
Perfect Strangers really went as far as it could with the weekly buddy comedy formula. While Perfect Strangers was less than perfect, Balki’s accent sure could be funny — “Don’t be ridickulas.”
8. My Two Dads (1987 -1990)
Cast
Greg Evigan – Joey Harris
Paul Reiser – Michael Taylor
Staci Keanan – Nicole Bradford
Chad Allen – Zach Nichols
Florence Stanley – Judge Margaret W. Wilbur
Giovanni Ribisi – Cory Kupkus
Plot
Teenage girl Nicole (Staci Keanan) is left in the custody of two men after her mother passes away. Her mom never knew which was the father, as both were her former boyfriends. They raise Nicole together – Odd Couple-style, with Joey (Greg Evigan) the artist and Michael (Paul Reiser) the clean-cut guy.
Why it’s on the list
The Greg Evigan and Paul Reiser pairing never really took off and the concept that two men who each slept with the same woman could raise a child without ever knowing who was the father seemed far-fetched. Plus this was apparently a world that had never heard of paternity tests.
7. Baby Bob (2002 – 2003)
Cast
Joely Fisher – Lizzy Collins Spencer
Adam Arkin – Walter Spencer
Holland Taylor – Madeline Collins
Elliot Gould – Sam Spencer
Ken Hudson Campbell – voice of Baby Bob
Plot
A baby that talks (with a little CGI magic!) is kept under wrap by his parents, but used to their advantage when Baby Bob plays spy and reports back to them. Baby Bob was actually the spokesbaby for 1997 Freeinternet.com ads and later, became the focal point of a Quizno’s campaign.
Why it’s on the list
The talking baby thing died out with Look Who’s Talking Too – and even that was a stretch.
6. Mama’s Family (1983 – 1984 NBC; 1986 – 1990 syndication)
Cast
Vicki Lawrence – Thelma ‘Mama’ Crowley Harper
Ken Berry - Vinton Harper
Dorothy Lyman- Naomi Oates Harper
Eric Brown – Vinton ‘Buzz’ Harper, Jr.
Karin Argoud – Sonja Harper
Rue McClanahan – Aunt Fran Crowley
Carol Burnett – Eunice Harper Higgins
Harvey Korman – Ed Higgins
Plot
A spin-off of characters from a Carol Burnett Show sketch, Mama’s Family featured the southern Harper family… and their daily dysfunction. Main characters included Vicki Lawrence as Thelma “Mama” Harper and her recently divorced son Vinton (Ken Berry) and his teenage kids who live with Mama. Dorothy Lyman played Vinton’s new wife, Naomi. Eunice, played by Carol Burnett, was on the first season of the show.
Why it’s on the list
Just because Carol Burnett’s show was great, doesn’t mean the spin-off could reach the same level. The characters were over-the-top (and not in a good way) – and you can only handle so much blue-haired bitter old lady. Mama’s Family was originally cancelled by NBC, but somehow managed to get a syndication deal and live on for four additional seasons.
5. Cavemen (2007 – 2008)
Cast
Bill English – Joel
Nick Kroll – Nick
Sam Huntington – Andy
Kaitlin Doubleday – Kate
Plot
This failure of a sitcom followed cavemen Joel, Nick and Andy in their experiences with modern day life and how they fit in as Neanderthals. Uh-huh. Is it any wonder Cavemen only lasted eight episodes?
Why it’s on the list
This one’s still pretty fresh in our memories as one of the worst sitcom offenders. The wounds are still healing from the concept of making a sitcom out of a popular Geico insurance ad campaign. Note to networks: basing an entire sitcom on a popular ad campaign does not a successful sitcom make.
4. Woops! (1992)
Cast
Fred Applegate – Jack Connors
Lane Davies – Curtis Thorpe
Cleavant Derricks – Dr. Frederick Ross
Meagen Fay – Alice McConnell
Marita Geraghty – Suzanne Skillman
Evan Handler – Mark Braddock
David Lascher – Kiefer
Plot
Kids accidentally set off a nuclear missile and the Russians counterattack… result? The world population is destroyed – except for six people left to live on a farm: the narrator, an ex-school teacher, a feminist, a stock broker, a homeless person and a pathologist.
Why it’s on the list
Just like Babes, Woops! was one of the Fox networks early low budget attempts at humor. They couldn’t all be Married With Children I suppose.
3. Yes, Dear (2000 – 2006)
Cast
Anthony Clark – Gregory Thomas ‘Greg’ Warner
Jean Louisa Kelly – Kim Warner
Liza Snyder – Christine Hughes
Mike O’Malley – Jimmy Hughes
Plot
Two young couples have varying outlooks on parenting — Kim and her husband Greg are uptight, while Kim’s sister Christine and her husband Jimmy are laid back. And since Jimmy and Christine live in Kim and Greg’s guest house, hilarity is always close by.
Why it’s on the list
This series ran for six painful years, leaving many to wonder how shit like this could continue to exist on TV while other (better) series were cancelled. All the elements of a crappy sitcom – bad writing, bad acting – and no sign of funny anywhere.
2. Homeboys in Outer Space (1996-1997)
Cast
Flex Alexander – Tyberius Walker
Darryl M. Bell – Morris Clay
Rhona Bennett – Loquatia
Kevin Michael Richardson – Vashti
Paulette Braxton – Amma
Plot
This UPN sitcom featured button-down type Morris Clay (Darryl M. Bell) and fun-loving Tyberius Walker (Flex Alexander) flying about in a winged car starship called the Space Hoopty. The on-board computer, Loquatia, had a crush on Morris. The homeboys travel on adventures that include Ty’s brother-in-law Vashti and bounty hunter Amma.
Why it’s on the list
This is one of the more obscure entries on the worst sitcom list, so there’s an accomplishment! A weak plot coupled with poor writing… aw, who are we kidding? This failed by plot alone and was cancelled due to low ratings. Even the NAACP protested the concept.
1. Small Wonder
Cast
Dick Christie – Ted Lawson
Marla Pennington – Joan Lawson
Jerry Supiran – Jamie Lawson
Emily Schulman – Harriet Brindle
Tiffany Brissette – Vicki the Robot
Plot
Dad creates a robot, Vicki, but the family keeps it secret from the rest of the world (including nosy neighbors), pretending she is really part of the family.
Why it’s on the list
The only funny thing about Small Wonder is how bad the show was. Just goes to show that 1980s show standards were slightly lower than they are today. Really? A lame girl robot? And it ran for four seasons?
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On June 9th 2008, HART (1-800-HART) wrote:
Actually .. I liked “Caveman” and “Yes Dear” for some reason. As for the others, 23 out of gajillion of them over time .. I suppose these qualify.
On June 10th 2008, website design wrote:
After reading this post i cried, i danced, and I jumped for joy. So inspiring that i want to create a pilot, fail, and become addicted to meth, or better yet, start huffing rubber cement.
On June 10th 2008, throbo wrote:
Great list.
It’s amazing how many of these shows I watched and how long a horrible show can last if they just have enough hot chicks in it.
On June 10th 2008, Jane - Pinks & Blues (soon-to-be Mom Generations) wrote:
Seriously, whoever kept Yes, Dear on the air for all those years needs to be shot. I am ashamed to admit that I actually liked (and still watch re-runs of!) The Nanny… but you’re right, I have had to jam several sharp objects (and blunt, when sharp is not available) in my ear due to that nasal laugh.
Jane
On June 10th 2008, Dude wrote:
Yeah, uh, Yes Dear was a pretty funny show
On June 10th 2008, mooley wrote:
Small Wonder? Mr. Belvedere?
I have to believe you listed some GREAT shows just to stir up controversy and bump your hits. Otherwise you must be the most unlikeable, cynical, non-fun having asshole in the world.
THE WORLD.
DIE.
On June 10th 2008, Darlene Wentworth wrote:
Where on this list is Risque Agency?
On June 10th 2008, Bartus Wabacus wrote:
Emeril?
On June 10th 2008, Bill wrote:
What about “My mother, the Car”?
On June 10th 2008, Mike wrote:
Method and Red anyone? not really a sitcom but still..
On June 10th 2008, Dirty wrote:
Point blank…This list sucks
On June 10th 2008, shaymein wrote:
i was just in boston a couple of weeks ago and saw Bob Uecker… it took me awhile to figure out what show he was on…. i kept thinking Silverspoons… and i thought for sure “Wings” would’ve been on here…
On June 10th 2008, James wrote:
Yes Dear was great. I love that show…otherwise I agree.
On June 10th 2008, joe wrote:
sometimes i dream that i am rich. and what do i do with my money?
i buy all copies of a horrible show like Mama’s Family and burn them.
that would be my gift to humanity.
On June 10th 2008, Season wrote:
What about Breaker High? High school taking place on a boat, had Ryan Gosling. So bad… but I watched it.
On June 10th 2008, chris wrote:
Just the fact that I have seen or heard of all of these, means that the list misses the mark. Think of the hundreds of sitcoms that have gone down in a blaze so quickly, as to defy our memories.
On June 10th 2008, lis wrote:
glad they left out step by step and full house! or my childhood would have been a sham!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On June 10th 2008, Matt wrote:
“YES, DEAR” has a lot of great comedy moments. Greg Garcia, the creator of the show, went on to create “MY NAME IS EARL” (which is much funnier, I will admit). Jokes and actors from YD have shown up on MNIE (specifically Mike O’Malley). If you think YD is the 2nd worst sitcom ever, you obviously need to go watch more UPN produced fare
On June 10th 2008, ryan wrote:
Um, where’s Full House? WORST SHOW EVER.
On June 10th 2008, Mike wrote:
I loved Family Matters and Perfect Strangers. Urkel was awesome.
On June 10th 2008, blackistindian wrote:
Mr. Belvidere, Family Matters, & Perfect Strangers? I loved those shows! Now, I also loved Webster and Harry and the Hendersons, might have even watched Small Wonder… but I’ll let those go.
On June 10th 2008, Mark wrote:
About “My Two Dads”, they had a paternity test in the first episode. It was inconclusive (it was the old fashioned blood test. DNA tests hadn’t taken off yet. When the subject of a DNA test was brought up in a later episode, Nicole was dead-set against it.
Yeah, I know little details like that. So what?
On June 10th 2008, Oyunlar wrote:
Perfect Strangers was good. There should not be in that list.
On June 10th 2008, Mecha Mummy wrote:
This is a list clearly written by people who have never had the poor fortune of actually watching an episode of “The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer.”
On June 10th 2008, linkerjpatrick wrote:
I liked “Yes Dear” as well! How hot is that?!
On June 10th 2008, cm wrote:
Thank you for remembering We’ve Got it Made, which lives in my brain right next to Just Our Luck (TK Carter as a genie), and just down the hall from Best of the West, and, what might really be the worst sitcom of all time, “Reggie”, starring Richard Mulligan (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085076/fullcredits#cast)
On June 10th 2008, Dan wrote:
How does “According to Jim” not make this list?
Seriously
On June 10th 2008, Flopsy Hamster wrote:
Very poorly researched list. There are many, many sitcom that were much worse than ANY of these. “Uncle Buck”. “Makin’ It”. “Herman’s Head”. “Out Of The Blue”. “Meego”.
The article should have been called “The Worst Sitcom I Can Think Of Off The Top Of My Head”.
On June 10th 2008, Television Spy wrote:
Small Wonder and Perfect Strangers FTW. Small Wonder was horrible, robot girl , annoying neighbour girl! Ahh..I think her name was harriet?
On June 10th 2008, GHOSTvirus wrote:
Why isn’t the New Adventures of old Christine on this list???
It is just shit.
On June 10th 2008, Yak wrote:
What about a dozen other pieces of crap like 2 1/2 men, Everybody Loves Raymond, Full House (anything with Bob Saget in it goes to the top of the list by default). And for the most part Friends was almost completely devoid of humor especially in any scenes with Matt the White or Lisa Kudrow. A couple of the shows on this lame list I have honestly never even heard of.
On June 10th 2008, Jeff wrote:
Can we add the new Bill Engvall show, right now, and not waste anytime giving it its just rewards?
On June 10th 2008, Ugha wrote:
I can’t find “7th Heaven” in the list. That one is probably the worst sitcom of all ages …
On June 10th 2008, Adam wrote:
This is clearly just a list of shows that some guy hated over the years and decided to bitch about. Whenever they don’t tell you how they made the list, who/how many people were surveyed, etc, you can bet it’s just some writer’s personal opinion (or that of some small writing team, since they use the word “we”). Ok, so maybe they all asked their husbands and wives for input too, big deal. If they had actually done some real polling, they would have been proud to lend gravity to the list by telling us about that part.
Personally, I don’t think any show that was on or 3-4 years or more has any business on there. Whether I liked it or not, it must have found some kind of audience in order to survive that long. There are zillions of stinkers that never found an audience, and ran for only one season – many of which would be more deserving of being listed. Problem is, nobody remembers most of them, so a list full of obscure crap wouldn’t be much fun.
This writer’s intent was to assert his opinion, and to come up with something readable by his deadline without working too hard. In other words, it’s the definition of “fluff.”
On June 10th 2008, Adam wrote:
I’m amazed at how much like Burke (Aliens) Paul Rieser looks like in that shot of My Two Dads. It’s like he’s dressed exactly the same as he was in the start of the movie, with the same hair style. Did he just walk off the set of Aliens and onto the set of My Two Dads?
On June 10th 2008, Wendy D wrote:
I’m so glad Small Wonder found its rightful place on this list. I was at #2 and thought “Wait, I’m going to have to comment that it’s not there!” But then I saw Vicki. Argh! I never willingly watched the show, but ran across it in the late 80s because it was on right before Star Trek: TNG. Every time I saw it, I’d think, “This can’t be real? Can it? Wait, who produced this? And why doesn’t anybody notice that damn robot-voiced Vicki girl is always wearing the same dress?”!
On June 10th 2008, kg wrote:
Where the heck is Suddenly Susan? Awful.
On June 10th 2008, Rebecca Kelley wrote:
No According to Jim = massive fail. Same goes for “Emeril.” Two and a Half Men is pretty shitty, too.
On June 10th 2008, Denver Dem wrote:
What an inadequate and short sided list. What about all those terrible sitcoms from the 1950’s,60’s and 70’s?
On June 10th 2008, Douglas wrote:
They Left out:
Joanie Loves Chachie
Flo
Making It
Sunday Dinner
Hail to the Chief
Oh Madeline (sorry it sucked)
Women in Prison
Gimmee a Break (Nell carter?? 8 Seasons??)
Alice (11 seasons????)
Two and a Half men (Charlie Sheen makes $450,000 an episode??)
Full House (worst long running sitcom EVER??????)
ANYTHING in ABC’s TGIF Friday lineup in the late eighties and early 90’s
On June 10th 2008, matt wrote:
LOL homeboys in outer space on UPN 9! I remember seeing it advertised and wondered who watched that show.
On June 10th 2008, joel wrote:
woops…! oh wow where did you get that one! hah!
On June 10th 2008, JT wrote:
How about every fat guy/hot wife show ever. King of Queens, that Everyone loves Raymond spinoff, etc.
On June 10th 2008, dm wrote:
Clearly you did not grow up in the eighties. Perfect strangers was good. If a show lasts for over 5 years on TV, how can it even make this list with so many countless flops you could have mentioned.
On June 10th 2008, Jerry wrote:
You forgot Seinfeld.
On June 10th 2008, potierney wrote:
No list of “Worst Sitcoms” can be considered valid that does not mention “My Mother the Car” with Jerry Van Dyke and the voice of Ann Southern. There has never been a more poorly executed example of a such a badly conceived concept.It was never funny on any level.
On June 10th 2008, The Kinky King wrote:
I disagree with the inclusion of Family Matters on this list. Take a look at the length of their runs, they were popular. In fact, Family Matters was #15 in the ratings at one point, that means it was #15 in all demographics on all days, behind NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL sports and powerhouses of its time like Married… with Children and the Simpsons. To put that into perspective, that’s higher than Seinfeld in the first four years it was on.
Ah, Family Matters. I can’t get enough Estelle and Fletcher. Woot.
On June 10th 2008, Bort wrote:
How could you forget Dharma & Greg?
On June 10th 2008, Zerocyde wrote:
Whoever comes up with these lists needs to shut the hell up. No one died and made your ignorant teenaged opinions matter.
Perfect Strangers, Family Matters, Mamas Family, Charles in Charge, all freakin AWESOME shows.
On June 10th 2008, Matt wrote:
Wow. I totally forgot about it’s a living.
On June 10th 2008, Rich Bachman wrote:
“My Big Fat Greek Life” anybody?
On June 10th 2008, Britney Spears news @ BlabberStar.com wrote:
Cammon, family matters was good and Steve Urkel rulez!
full house as many stated before was not that bad, but should be on the list if familly matters is….
What about dharma and greg
or ALF
Joey
Back to you
Mork
Malcom and Eddie
Yes Prime Minister
Hope and Faith
and so many more
On June 10th 2008, Aargauer wrote:
Scrubs: Sanctimonious, sappy, preachy, shite.
Step by Step: Suzanne “Thighmaster Sommers? Shite.
Golden Girls: How is this a comedy? Shite.
Empty Nest. Ditto. Shite.
On June 10th 2008, ubermensch wrote:
Where the hell is Out of this World on this list? It’s definitely up there with Small Wonder in terms of terribleness.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X1AA0bKJ1ig
On June 10th 2008, Britney Spears news @ BlabberStar.com wrote:
The Brady Bunch
The Hogan Family
Just Shoot Me
Knights of Prosperity —- really really bad
Married… with Children :S
Ned and Stacey
Roseanne
Twenty Good Years
On June 10th 2008, steph wrote:
lmao. how can you put family matters on this list? you suck.
On June 10th 2008, Alan wrote:
What about travesties such as ALF, Parker Louis Can’t Lose, Herman’s Head and The Jeff Foxworthy Show?
On June 10th 2008, Dave wrote:
What about Two and a half men ?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27266920452
On June 10th 2008, Leeroy Jenkins wrote:
What about “Heil honey im home”?
surely a sitcom about hitler and eva braun should make this list.
On June 10th 2008, Joe Sputz wrote:
Where’s “Bosom Buddies”, which for some reason is actually airing in reruns right now? Tom Hanks sure did suck before Forrest Gump and Apollo 13……
On June 10th 2008, SilentBen wrote:
On the list, though I loved a lot of these shows as a kid, they were truly horribly shows and it is amazing how long some of them stayed on the air. I think this was primarily because a lot were only slightly worse than their competition (at least in the 80’s).
On the comments, neither Emeril or 7th Heaven were sitcoms and everyone will have their own opinions about what is good and what sucks. If you don’t like the list then make your own.
On June 10th 2008, bushpig wrote:
The worst shows get canceled in 1-2 episodes, like Joe and Sons. Those are the ones that need to be on this list. How can this idiot put 15-20 shows that were ratings blockbusters in their day. What an ignorant fool.
On June 10th 2008, Jon wrote:
What about Saved by the Bell: the new class
On June 10th 2008, Wundt wrote:
Blossom? Punky Brewster? Both of these should have been in the top 10.
On June 10th 2008, Vorple wrote:
Surprised that David Lynch’s On the Air didn’t make the list.
On June 10th 2008, dave wrote:
Where is ‘What A Country!’? Or Out of this World? Those shows were horrible.
But I liked Mr. Belvedere and Perfect Strangers.
On June 10th 2008, ryan-c wrote:
small wonder, perfect strangers, and family matters were some of my favorite shows growing up….
On June 10th 2008, Mark wrote:
What about ‘That 80’s Show’?
On June 10th 2008, carlos_da_fig wrote:
Grace Under Fire was terrible.
On June 10th 2008, Eric wrote:
Family Matters was gold you idiot.
On June 10th 2008, RUSTY wrote:
Why aren’t American Idol (American Idiot) and Project Runway (Project Runaway) on the list!?!?!
On June 10th 2008, Andrew Mudd wrote:
Anybody notice that Gary Jacobs (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0414412/) was involved with three of these series? He wrote and executive produced “Woops!” and “All-American Girl,” and wrote for “Mama’s Family.”
On June 10th 2008, Rich wrote:
You are right in that 7th heaven was not a sitcom but “Emeril” was most certainly at least an attempt at a sitcom. It was exactly what you think it was, Emeril Lagasse was given his own sitcom in 2001 about being a TV chef. It was complete crap and only lasted a few episodes.
On June 10th 2008, ale wrote:
I loved the Nanny
On June 10th 2008, Wyin wrote:
I enjoyed Yes Dear. Why isn’t Tyler Perry’s House of Pain on this list? That is by far the least funny sitcom i have ever seen.
On June 10th 2008, anymous wrote:
I can’t believe you didn’t include HOUSE OF PAYNE (2007 – Current). It should have ranked up there in the ozone layer of Top 10 list
On June 10th 2008, Anonymous wrote:
2 1/2 Men. Not to mention any shows with too much homosexual innuendo.
On June 10th 2008, Knyte wrote:
Apparently, this list is based soley on the writer’s personal opinions and nothing else. Everyone has different tastes. A couple of the shows on this list, I have fond memories for. Not too mention, the writer may have hated a few of these shows, but the rest of the US didn’t. Some of these were top rated shows in their day, which means that millions of people watched them and enjoyed them.
If I was to make a list of worst sitcoms, I would based it off of:
1. Ratings. (Some low rated shows were good, but most were not watched for a good reason.)
2. How long they lasted.
3. How dumb the plot and over character dynamics were.
On June 10th 2008, John thomas wrote:
Wow, I dont think Charles in Charge belongs on that list! I really dont.
JT
http://www.Ultimate-Anonymity.Net
On June 10th 2008, Johnny #5 wrote:
“Yes Dear” was a great show…I was very disappointed, when I saw it on the list (and #3 at that…jeez). I still watch the reruns everyday. Everything else on the list seems fine.
On June 10th 2008, Sara wrote:
How about the show Stacked? I just remember that it took place in a book store and Pamela Anderson was in it. That was only their first mistake.
On June 10th 2008, PoolOfDarkness wrote:
“Um, where’s Full House? WORST SHOW EVER.”
Thank you Ryan – the one glaring omission. My sis used to watch it all the time… those were tough years.
On June 10th 2008, jen wrote:
I love Yes Dear. Sure, the premise is lame and stupid as described, but there were tons of interesting conceptual episodes–just like the creator does now with his show My Name is Earl.
On June 10th 2008, Jobe wrote:
Where’s My Big Fat Greek Life? Cursed/The Weber Show? That 80’s Show? And of course, the most idiotic show of all, According to Jim?!?!?!?!?
On June 10th 2008, Neal wrote:
I like how you didn’t even address Cavemen’s plot or story, just it’s premise. It was a fairly funny show as the writers got the hang of it, much better than any of the twenty preceding it. I wonder how many of these sitcoms you actually watched, and how many you looked up online.
On June 10th 2008, yukino wrote:
Seriously “Viva Laughlin” should be on this list, a musical about some random nevada town? Also doesn’t anyone remember “Cop Rock”? Why not put some really bad shows on this list instead of putting shows you thought were horrible and every0ne else on the planet loved? Judging but some of your picks you were either too old in the 80s or born in the 90s.
On June 10th 2008, John Williams wrote:
Funny list, although Cavemen was actually an awesome, AWESOME show. I hope they bring it back, although I think it’s probably done. I would like to think that the Writer’s Strike is what did Cavemen in.
Shame on you for putting Cavemen on this list. Did you actually even watch it? It was great.
On June 10th 2008, Alexis wrote:
im surprised shasta mcnasty was on here
On June 10th 2008, JL wrote:
As I was scrolling down through the list, I was praying that Grounded For Life wasn’t there. I t wasn’t. I love that show.
On June 10th 2008, JL wrote:
@ Rusty
because they aren’t sitcoms.
On June 10th 2008, Mike wrote:
3 words. SHES THE SHERRIFF.
I win. go home.
On June 10th 2008, tron wrote:
Nice list
On June 10th 2008, Anthony wrote:
Insult the immortal Urkel?
YOU WILL DIE! This is a horrific list.
On June 10th 2008, portwineboy wrote:
How can one of the comments here indicate that WINGS should have been included? Wings was a great show!
/and thanks for making me remember my crush on Teri Copley
On June 10th 2008, A wrote:
You forgot Quintuplets http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407441/
On June 10th 2008, bla wrote:
family matters rulez!!
what does suck is twin peaks
On June 10th 2008, RandomRage wrote:
You had me until #3. Fuck you, “Yes, Dear” is actually funny.
On June 10th 2008, Erik wrote:
No matter how much of a crush I had on her, Out of this World was lame as hell.
On June 10th 2008, Nealio wrote:
Yeah, I have to agree with most here that “2 1/2 Men” is one of the worst shows on television right now. I’ve only seen it a few times, but it always seems to revolve around Charlie Sheen being a sex addict and acting stoned.
I must say, however, that “Married… With Children” is the most annoying series ever created.
On June 10th 2008, Charles wrote:
Yes, Dear, is absolutely awful. I’m surprised that The Parkers isn’t even on the list, though.
On June 10th 2008, WTF?? wrote:
This list SUCKS ASS.
My god – I want my 4 minuets back!!!!
YOU SUCK!!!! Give it up and go back to the unemployment line!!
On June 10th 2008, Charles wrote:
Adam, I always thought it was odd that Burke in Aliens wore an LL Bean vest.
On June 10th 2008, scott wrote:
Wheres HEIL HONEY, I”M HOME
On June 10th 2008, gibbons wrote:
major dad
On June 10th 2008, Carla wrote:
So basically most of these “suck” just because they do, like in Harry and the Henderson’s “take a shitty movie, make a shitty TV show”, I think you should state WHY these are “shitty”, instead of just write it down and take it for granted. I have to say this list isn’t something worth posting on the net.
On June 10th 2008, Lora wrote:
Honestly, a few of these shows were horrible, but if you were a kid that grew up in the 90’s you loved a few of these shows….lighten up comedy is comedy…get a sense of humor..? FAMILY MATTERS.? Mr Belvedere? those were some pretty funny shows…Charles in Charge is everything a corny 90’s sitcom should be…relax it’s not supposed to be taken seriously.
On June 10th 2008, no name wrote:
=P
On June 10th 2008, Anonymous Person wrote:
I do find it amusing that one of the worst shows of all time is called “Woops!” You’d think they’d have figured that out in advance.
On June 10th 2008, Tim wrote:
A list obviously compiled by those in their 20s!
Besides the fact that Old Christine isn’t on the list makes it void anyway.
On June 10th 2008, Michael wrote:
You forgot “My Mother the Car”!
On June 10th 2008, John wrote:
I liked Perfect Strangers until the two “cousins” got married to prove they weren’t gay. It is a much better show thinking they are gay instead of “cousins” but I guess I am a bit biased.
“Out of the Blue”, “2 1/2 Men” (another, they aren’t gay show), and “Nurses” suck. Also, I think there was a sitcom called “E/R” with Eliot Gould which sucked. “Mad About You”, “Full House”, suck, suck.
You mentioned “The Ropers” which sucked. But “Three’s A Crowd”, the spinoff after Three’s Company was canceled, also sucked. How about “Joannie Loves Chachi”? Or more to the point anything Scott Baio was in.
On June 10th 2008, John wrote:
When I watched “Cavemen”, I kept wondering, “How many episodes before this POS is flushed?”
I now have my answer. 8.
On June 10th 2008, Gus_Chi wrote:
Are you mad? Yes,Dear and The Nanny are two sitcoms that no matter the episode, typically provided a decent enough plot in coordination with a hilarious, attentive comedy. According to Jim, Seinfeld, and several other sitcoms that weren’t listed were indeed crap by comparison.
On June 10th 2008, Shado wrote:
Alot of these shows are great or at least mediocre…..Most of these shouldn’t be on the list…..You want bad??
Thare was one sitcom…i dont remember the name….It was about a family of accident prone morons….Seriously the worst thing I’d ever watched….then there’s gems like That 80’s Show and The Parkers
On June 10th 2008, Cory wrote:
There’ve been some great “what about these?” lists in the comments, so here’s a baker’s dozen more (and I dare say, they’re as bad if not worse than Mr. Belvedere or Perfect Strangers, which, though craptastic in later seasons, had a good physical comedy thing going for a while).
In no order:
Life with Lucy (It’s Lucille Ball…in the 1980s!)
I Married Dora (What, “Maid of Honor” was taken?)
Hello Larry (McLean Stevenson, WTF.)
Just the Ten of Us (At least the older sisters were hot.)
The Charmings (Snow White…but present day! Blech.)
Hi Honey, I’m Home (50’s TV characters…present day! Double blech.)
The New Leave It To Beaver (See above)
Enos (No comment. Just…no comment.)
AfterMASH (Guess McLean could have done this…)
My Mother the Car (See? “Coach” wasn’t Jerry Van Dyke’s worst show)
She’s the Sheriff (If only “I Shot the Sheriff” were the theme song)
Cleghorne (SNL = funny haha; UPN = funny uh-oh)
Charlie Hoover (Sam Kinnison as Tim Matheson’s ego? Huh?)
On June 10th 2008, Elmas Pingon wrote:
What happened to “Emeril”. That should have been #1.
On June 10th 2008, I Hate Idiots wrote:
You guys realize that if you use the “It lasted a long time so it can’t be bad” defense then you have to accept the counter argument that if it died an early death, then it can’t be that good, right?
I hope you aren’t Firefly fans.
P.S. If you are going to make the name and email fields required then mark them as such before I hit the submit button.
On June 10th 2008, Balky wrote:
Perfect Strangers was awesome! There is no way a series could be worst ever if it ran for 5 years or more, like many of these.
On June 10th 2008, chris wrote:
err, Aliens in the Family? The WORST sitcom of all time.
Plus ‘Dinosaurs’ should be on the list too. Puppets just don’t belong in sitcoms.
On June 10th 2008, doobang wrote:
Girlfriends……… 4 black female friends.. produced by kelsey grammar?!
the Wayans Bros. maybe?!?!
Becker!?
In Living Color?? A Different World??
THE DELTA BURKE SHOW!
and a million others.
might have to do another 25 on this one.
maybe a vote should be held!
On June 10th 2008, Derek wrote:
Why is Perfect Strangers on the list? That show rocked. Also, unlike most of the shows, you don’t really give a reason why you didn’t like this one…
I’m calling your bluff, you probably only watched part of one rerun before you made up your mind.
The rest of the list looks quite accurate, except for the absence of Friends – Worst show ever, IMO.
On June 10th 2008, Libby wrote:
There was once a spin-off of “Growing Pains” called “Just the 10 of Us” about the gym teacher of the kids or something. It was truly awful and totally sexist… almost all the kids in the family were girls and there were all these sexual innuendos involving them even though they were all like 16 and under. Just horrible and not funny at all.
On June 11th 2008, shook_1 wrote:
Family Matters and Perfect Strangers should not be on this list!!
On June 11th 2008, Django wrote:
Do us all a favor and change the title of this list to worst sitcoms of the 80’s to the present. Ever would mean the list would encompass everything since the first sitcoms, which it sure doesn’t.
On another note Twin Peaks wasn’t a sitcom.
On June 11th 2008, mark wrote:
Carter Country
On June 11th 2008, Generic230 wrote:
First of all, Bruce DAVISON played George Henderson, not Bruce DICKENSON, on Harry and the Henderson’s and he was in a horrible slump in his career. That same year (1991) he earned an Oscar nomination for “Longtime Companion.”
On June 11th 2008, Leon Helmink wrote:
Hmm, can’t agree with several choices on this list. Kinda liked Perfect Strangers, My Two Dads…
But most of all is the ommision of “Get A Life”. Worst waste of my time that I can recall. Chris Elliot was only funny in “Groundhog Day”.
On June 11th 2008, Britney Spears news @ BlabberStar.com wrote:
twin peaks is not a sitcom!
On June 11th 2008, Dave wrote:
Why isn’t Joey on the list what a total disappoinment that was for anyone who’d been a friends fan. How about the current ad so overrated 30 Rock man this show sucks every punchline to every joke is predictable and still not funny and every character unlikeable and worse unfunny.
On June 11th 2008, Wendy wrote:
Perfect Strangers and Family Matters were great shows and shouldn’t be on this list.
On June 11th 2008, REV1037 wrote:
What, no” OUT OF THIS WORLD”!?!?!? This was the show that was on after Small Wonder. This was the girl whose dad was an alien and she could stop time by touching her fingers together. Sadly the show ended when she inadvertently blew up the Earth during a rigorous masterbation session.
On June 11th 2008, Bob wrote:
LOL love the fact that the 25 worst sitcoms ever are all American
Although I used to love Harry and the Hendersons when I was a kid.
On June 11th 2008, stytzer wrote:
In all honesty – I’ve never watched an episode of any of those sitcoms. Probably because they were so useless that even Danish television refused to buy/air them.
On June 11th 2008, Aimee wrote:
This list was ok. But I am uber pissed that Mama’s Family was on this list! That was one of the funniest shows ever! It pre-dated Married With Children as a dysfunctional family show. I never get tired of hearing Thelma call Naomi a tramp. Thank you for including Family Matters. Urkel got old real fast! I still cringe when I think about how I used to watch that show every Friday with my family, but I was just a kid, I didn’t know any better. The only others I would have included were:
The Class- bad acting, bad plot, nuff said.
The Mullets- Come on? How can you leave that out?
Emeril- Just because he’s a good chef doesn’t mean he can act.
One on One- “Homeboys from Outer Space” Flex + whiny Kyla Pratt=BAD!
My Wife and Kids- Cringe-worthy TV. Damon Wayans was trying too hard and Tisha Campbell’s Jade shredded my last nerve!
On June 11th 2008, Marc Savoy wrote:
There are far too many awful sitcoms to do serious justice to a list entitled “Worst Sitcoms Ever” limited to a mere twenty five. But even limited to 10, as indicated by the readers’ response, “My Mother, The Car” was a gaping omission on your part.
On June 11th 2008, Josh wrote:
Um, pretty sure that “Yes Dear” is amazing!!!! This list is only like 75% correct. I also happen to enjoy “Family Matters.”
On June 11th 2008, shalleyshall wrote:
homeboys in space? holy crap, that has to be the funniest thing i’ve seen in a long time.
i’m starting to think about watching it just to laugh at the retardedness of it xD
On June 11th 2008, HOW DARE YOU SIR! wrote:
HANGING WITH MR. COOPER? THUNDER IN PARADISE? THE P.J.’S ? FAMILY TIES? DAWSON’S CREEK AND THE AWFUL THEME SONG WHICH CARTMAN SINGS BETTER? WELL I NEVER…
HOW DARE YOU SIR!!!!
On June 11th 2008, Mike wrote:
Apparently no one on here has even had the pleasure of watching Dinosaur…. what the fuck was that all about??????
I’d have to honestly put half of UPN 9’s line up on there too…
On June 11th 2008, jm wrote:
DIE IN A FIRE LIST MAKER. THOU SHALT NOT BLASPHEMY THE SMALL WONDER…
On June 11th 2008, saad wrote:
Yes Dear …. Should Not be on this list
It was one of the funnest show ever.
thank you
On June 11th 2008, WHAT??? wrote:
Here’s some bombs that should be on there- Boy Meets World, Greg and Dharma, Sister Sister, Moesha, The Parkers, Smallville, Keen Eddie, Strangelove,
In the famous words of a song… This list goes on, again and again.
On June 11th 2008, Mike wrote:
Davis Rules!…..that show was grimey!
On June 11th 2008, George S.