Entertainment
10 Best Emmy-Winning Comedies
# 10 Best Emmy-Winning Comedies: The Definitive Ranking The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series is television's most coveted prize for...
10 Best Emmy-Winning Comedies: The Definitive Ranking
The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series is television's most coveted prize for humor. Winning it once cements a show's place in history, but some series achieve a higher echelon of greatness, earning multiple wins and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. These are the shows that not only made us laugh but also pushed boundaries, redefined the sitcom genre, and became timeless classics. In a world with an ever-expanding universe of television, looking back at these titans of comedy offers more than just a nostalgia trip; it's a lesson in what makes a comedy series truly exceptional. From groundbreaking social commentary to flawlessly executed farcical humor, the best Emmy-winning comedies have it all.
This definitive ranking explores the absolute best of the best—the comedies that have repeatedly been crowned by the Television Academy as the pinnacle of their craft. We'll delve into what made these shows so special, from their innovative premises and brilliant writing to their unforgettable characters and lasting cultural impact. These are the series that have stood the test of time, remaining as funny and relevant today as they were when they first aired. Get ready to revisit some old friends and perhaps discover a new favorite as we count down the 10 best Emmy-winning comedies of all time.
10. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
A Visual and Verbal Delight
"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" burst onto the scene with a vibrancy and energy that was impossible to ignore. The series, set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is a visual feast, with meticulously crafted period details, stunning cinematography, and a wardrobe that is a character in itself. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the show is a masterclass in witty, rapid-fire dialogue, a signature of its creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino. The series garnered critical acclaim, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2018.
The Rise of a Female Comic
At its heart, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is a compelling character study of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a housewife who discovers she has a talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. Rachel Brosnahan's portrayal of Midge is nothing short of spectacular, capturing her charm, intelligence, and resilience. The show brilliantly juxtaposes Midge's polished Upper West Side life with the grittier, male-dominated world of stand-up comedy, creating a narrative that is both hilarious and poignant. The series has been lauded for its feminist themes, showcasing a woman's journey of self-discovery and empowerment in an era of rigid social expectations. The supporting cast, including Alex Borstein as Midge's gruff manager Susie, and Tony Shalhoub as her bewildered father, have also received numerous accolades for their performances.
9. Schitt's Creek
A Sleeper Hit's Triumph
"Schitt's Creek" is the little show that could, a Canadian import that quietly built a devoted following before exploding into a global phenomenon. Its historic sweep at the 2020 Emmy Awards, where it won all seven major comedy awards, was a testament to its quality and cultural resonance. The series, created by and starring Dan and Eugene Levy, tells the story of the wealthy Rose family who lose their fortune and are forced to relocate to a small town they once bought as a joke: Schitt's Creek.
A Masterclass in Character Development
What begins as a fish-out-of-water story evolves into a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of family, love, and community. The show's brilliance lies in its impeccable character development. The Roses—Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis—transform from vapid, out-of-touch socialites into genuinely caring and self-aware individuals. The series is celebrated for its positive and matter-of-fact portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly the romance between David and his business partner, Patrick. This inclusive and compassionate storytelling, combined with its sharp wit and quotable dialogue, has cemented "Schitt's Creek" as one of the most beloved comedies of the modern era.
8. Modern Family
A New Era for the Family Sitcom
Premiering in 2009, "Modern Family" revitalized the family sitcom for a new generation. Its mockumentary style and interconnected storylines following three diverse branches of the Pritchett family felt fresh and innovative. The show was an immediate critical and commercial success, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series for its first five seasons, tying a record set by "Frasier."
Redefining the "Modern" Family
The series was groundbreaking in its portrayal of different types of families. The Dunphys represented the traditional nuclear family, Jay and Gloria were a May-December romance with a blended family, and Mitch and Cam were a gay couple with an adopted daughter. The show's ability to find humor in the everyday chaos of family life resonated with a broad audience. It was praised for normalizing same-sex marriage and parenting at a time when it was still a relatively new concept on network television.
A Legacy of Laughter and Heart
While the show's critical acclaim waned in its later seasons, its impact on the television landscape is undeniable. It brought back the multi-generational family sitcom with a contemporary twist and proved that shows with a positive and heartwarming message could still be massive hits. Its influence can be seen in the numerous family-centric comedies that followed in its wake.
7. Veep
A Scathingly Satirical Masterpiece
"Veep" is a political satire that is as hilarious as it is cynical. The HBO series, created by Armando Iannucci, offers a biting and profane look at the inner workings of American politics. The show stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a tour-de-force performance as Selina Meyer, a vain and power-hungry Vice President, and later President, of the United States. "Veep" was a critical darling throughout its run, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series for three consecutive years.
A Cast of Comedic Powerhouses
While Louis-Dreyfus is the undeniable center of the show, she is surrounded by one of the most talented ensemble casts in recent memory. Actors like Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, and Matt Walsh shine as the long-suffering members of Selina's staff, delivering Iannucci's signature rapid-fire, insult-laden dialogue with perfect comedic timing. The show's writing is consistently brilliant, finding humor in the absurdity and incompetence of the political world.
A Reflection of Our Times
"Veep" is often praised for its prescience, with its fictional political blunders often mirroring real-life events. The show's non-partisan approach to its satire allows it to critique the entire political system, making it a show that resonates across the political spectrum. Its unflinching and hilarious portrayal of the quest for power has solidified its place as one of the great television satires.
6. Seinfeld
The Show About Nothing That Changed Everything
"Seinfeld" famously pitched itself as a "show about nothing," but its impact on television comedy was anything but. The series, created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, revolutionized the sitcom with its focus on the minutiae of everyday life and its "no hugging, no learning" mantra. Though it only won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series once, its influence is so profound that it's impossible to exclude from any "best of" list.
A New Blueprint for the Sitcom
"Seinfeld" broke from the traditional sitcom format by eschewing character arcs and moral lessons. The four main characters—Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer—are unapologetically selfish and rarely learn from their mistakes. The show's humor is derived from its observational style, finding the comedy in everyday annoyances and social faux pas. Its complex, interwoven storylines were also a departure from the more linear narratives of its predecessors.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The show's impact on popular culture is immeasurable. Phrases like "yada, yada, yada," "no soup for you," and "master of my domain" have become part of the cultural lexicon. "Seinfeld" also pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable subject matter for a network sitcom, tackling topics like masturbation and contraception with a comedic frankness that was groundbreaking for its time.
5. Cheers
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
"Cheers" is the quintessential workplace comedy, a show that created a cozy and inviting world that viewers wanted to visit week after week. Set in a Boston bar, the series boasted a perfectly crafted ensemble of characters, from the womanizing ex-baseball player Sam Malone to the pretentious intellectual Diane Chambers. "Cheers" was a critical and commercial juggernaut, earning a staggering 11 nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Masterful Storytelling and Characterization
The heart of "Cheers" was its brilliant writing and unforgettable characters. The on-again, off-again romance between Sam and Diane became one of the most iconic "will they or won't they?" storylines in television history. The show excelled at both witty banter and heartfelt moments, creating a perfect blend of humor and pathos. The characters felt like real people, with flaws and insecurities that made them all the more relatable.
A Lasting Legacy
The influence of "Cheers" can be seen in countless sitcoms that followed, from "Friends" to its own successful spin-off, "Frasier." It set the standard for ensemble comedies and proved that a show could be both smart and popular. Its timeless themes of friendship, community, and finding a place to belong ensure that it remains a beloved classic.
4. Frasier
The Most Successful Spin-off of All Time
"Frasier" is a rare example of a spin-off that not only matched but, in some ways, surpassed its predecessor. The show, which follows the life of psychiatrist Frasier Crane after he moves back to his hometown of Seattle, is a masterclass in sophisticated, witty, and character-driven comedy. It holds the record for the most Emmy wins for a scripted series at the time, with 37 wins, including five consecutive awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.
A Symphony of Wit and Farce
The show's humor is derived from the clash between the high-brow sensibilities of Frasier and his brother Niles and the more down-to-earth perspective of their father, Martin. The series is renowned for its intelligent writing, which seamlessly blends witty wordplay with brilliantly executed farcical set pieces. The chemistry between the cast, particularly Kelsey Grammer as Frasier and David Hyde Pierce as Niles, is exceptional.
A Unique and Enduring Classic
"Frasier" stands out for its commitment to its intellectual brand of humor, referencing everything from opera to psychoanalysis. It proved that a sitcom could be both smart and incredibly funny, attracting a large and loyal audience. Its exploration of family dynamics, particularly the relationships between adult siblings and their parents, also set it apart from other comedies of its time.
3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Turning the World on with a Smile
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was a revolutionary series that changed the way women were portrayed on television. Premiering in 1970, the show centered on Mary Richards, a single, independent woman focused on her career as a television news producer. It was a groundbreaking concept at the time and a significant step forward for female representation on the small screen. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series three times and is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
A Feminist Icon
Mary Richards became a feminist icon, a role model for a generation of women who saw themselves reflected in her struggles and triumphs. The show tackled then-controversial topics like equal pay, premarital sex, and birth control with a subtlety and humor that was both progressive and palatable for a mainstream audience.
A Perfect Blend of Comedy and Character
Beyond its social impact, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was a brilliantly crafted sitcom. It featured a phenomenal ensemble cast, including Ed Asner as the gruff but lovable Lou Grant and Betty White as the man-hungry Sue Ann Nivens. The show was known for its sharp writing and its ability to seamlessly blend workplace and domestic comedy. It created a world of complex, well-developed characters that viewers came to love and care for.
2. All in the Family
The Show That Changed Television Forever
"All in the Family" is arguably the most important and influential sitcom in television history. When it premiered in 1971, it shattered the mold of the gentle, apolitical family comedies that had dominated the airwaves. The show, developed by Norman Lear, tackled controversial issues like racism, sexism, and war with a raw honesty and unflinching humor that had never been seen before on television. It was a massive hit, becoming the number one show in the country and winning the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series four times.
A Mirror to a Changing America
The show centered on the Bunker family, with the bigoted and lovable Archie Bunker at its head. Through the clashes between Archie and his liberal son-in-law, Mike, the show explored the cultural and political divisions of 1970s America. "All in the Family" used humor as a tool for social commentary, forcing audiences to confront their own prejudices and assumptions.
A Legacy of Courage and Creativity
The impact of "All in the Family" cannot be overstated. It proved that sitcoms could be a forum for intelligent and meaningful discussion, paving the way for countless other socially conscious comedies. Its success also led to a number of successful spin-offs, including "Maude" and "The Jeffersons," which further expanded the boundaries of television comedy.
1. I Love Lucy
The Blueprint for the Modern Sitcom
"I Love Lucy" is the foundation upon which all modern sitcoms are built. Premiering in 1951, the show starring the incomparable Lucille Ball and her real-life husband Desi Arnaz was a groundbreaking series that introduced many of the conventions that are now standard in the genre. It was the first scripted television program to be shot on 35mm film in front of a live studio audience, and it pioneered the three-camera setup. "I Love Lucy" was a ratings juggernaut and a critical darling, winning the Emmy for Best Situation Comedy twice.
The Comedic Genius of Lucille Ball
At the center of the show's enduring appeal is the comedic brilliance of Lucille Ball. Her portrayal of Lucy Ricardo, a housewife with an insatiable desire for a career in show business, is a masterclass in physical comedy and impeccable timing. Ball's willingness to fully commit to any gag, no matter how outrageous, set a new standard for female comedians and paved the way for generations of funny women to come.
A Timeless Classic
Beyond its technical innovations and Ball's comedic genius, "I Love Lucy" is a show with a timeless appeal. The relatable storylines, the hilarious chemistry between the cast, and the universal themes of love, marriage, and friendship continue to resonate with audiences today. The show's portrayal of a multicultural couple, with the Cuban-born Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo, was also a significant step forward for diversity on television. Its influence is so pervasive that it is not just one of the best Emmy-winning comedies, but arguably the greatest and most important sitcom of all time.
In conclusion, the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series has been awarded to a diverse and brilliant array of television shows over the years. From the groundbreaking social commentary of "All in the Family" to the sophisticated wit of "Frasier," these series have not only made us laugh but have also left an indelible mark on our culture. They have pushed boundaries, redefined genres, and created unforgettable characters that have become a part of our lives. While comedy trends may come and go, the shows on this list have proven that great writing, memorable characters, and a unique comedic voice are the timeless ingredients for a truly outstanding comedy series.