25. Murphy Brown
Some comedies left a mark because they managed to blend humor with cultural critique, and Murphy Brown was one of the best at it. Running from 1988 to 1998, it gave us Candice Bergen as a sharp, unapologetic journalist who felt real and relatable. The series didn’t shy away from politics or current events, making it both funny and daring. Bergen herself picked up five Emmys, and the show collected 18 in total. It was proof that comedies could be bold, brave, and still deliver plenty of laughs that made viewers feel connected to something bigger.
24. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
There are sitcoms that make you laugh and then there are sitcoms that change how people see the world, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show did both. From 1970 to 1977, it followed Mary Richards as she built her life in a newsroom while navigating friendship, work, and independence. It felt fresh, bold, and heartwarming at the same time. The show proved women could carry a series with strength and charm. With 29 Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series, it created a legacy of storytelling that was tender and smart without ever losing its lightness.
23. The West Wing
The West Wing arrived in 1999 and quickly became television that felt both smart and inspiring. It brought audiences into a White House full of energy, wit, and characters who made politics seem human. Led by Martin Sheen as President Bartlett, the show offered a blend of fast talking dialogue and idealism that kept people hooked. It showed politics in a way that felt hopeful and meaningful, even if just on screen. The series picked up 26 Emmys, including four straight for Outstanding Drama Series, reminding audiences that television could balance intelligence with warmth and lasting appeal.
22. Cheers
Cheers gave viewers a place where everyone belonged, set in a Boston bar that felt like home. Running from 1982 to 1993, the series brought together a cast of unforgettable characters including Sam, Diane, Carla, and Norm. It was simple in setting yet rich in comedy, warmth, and heart. Audiences laughed at witty banter and stayed for the emotional beats that made it more than just another sitcom. Cheers collected 28 Emmy Awards across writing, acting, and Outstanding Comedy Series, proving that even a neighborhood bar could become a place of timeless storytelling that never lost its charm.
21. Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues stepped onto television in 1981 and completely changed what police dramas looked like. Instead of simple cases wrapped up neatly in an hour, it brought gritty storytelling, complex characters, and realism that felt raw. Viewers connected to the struggles of officers who seemed human rather than perfect. The series stretched the boundaries of what network dramas could do, blending intensity with emotion. Over its run, it won 26 Emmy Awards, shaping the way later shows like NYPD Blue and others would follow. It showed that television could capture the messiness of life and still captivate.
20. The Simpsons
The Simpsons began in 1989 and quickly grew into a cultural touchstone that never stopped reflecting society. The animated family of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie brought satire and humor that appealed to both kids and adults. Week after week, it poked fun at politics, pop culture, and daily life in ways that felt fresh and fearless. With 35 Emmy Awards to its name, it remains the longest running primetime scripted show in American history. Beyond the jokes, The Simpsons became a shared experience that connected generations and influenced comedy across television for more than three decades.
19. 30 Rock
30 Rock took audiences behind the scenes of a fictional sketch comedy show and turned the chaos of television production into clever entertainment. Premiering in 2006, Tina Fey led a talented cast including Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan through fast paced humor and sharp writing. The show balanced absurdity with surprising heart, keeping viewers laughing at its unique rhythm. Across its run, it earned 16 Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series. 30 Rock became known for its quick wit and layered jokes that made rewatching just as fun. It felt like an inside joke everyone could share.
18. Frasier
Frasier arrived in 1993 as a spinoff from Cheers and quickly became its own masterpiece. Following Dr. Frasier Crane back in Seattle, the show combined intellectual wit with emotional storytelling. The chemistry between Frasier, his brother Niles, and their father Martin created memorable dynamics that balanced humor with warmth. Its sophisticated tone never made it less relatable, and audiences loved its mix of clever dialogue and heartfelt moments. The show became one of the most honored in history, collecting 37 Emmy Awards including five straight for Outstanding Comedy Series. Frasier proved intelligence and comedy could blend beautifully on screen.
17. All in the Family
All in the Family debuted in 1971 and brought television into living rooms in a way that made people talk. At the center was Archie Bunker, whose stubborn views created both humor and tension as the show addressed real issues of the time. It was unafraid to tackle race, gender, and politics while still making audiences laugh. The show turned uncomfortable conversations into unforgettable storytelling, a balance that set it apart. Over the years it won 22 Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Comedy Series. Its impact stretched far beyond television, leaving a cultural imprint that still resonates today.
16. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart was more than late night laughs, it became a cultural touchpoint. From 1999 to 2015, Stewart blended comedy with sharp analysis of news and politics, making audiences think while they laughed. His calm yet witty approach gave viewers a way to process the world during tense times. The show won 24 Emmys, cementing it as one of the most successful variety series. Stewart’s run reshaped what political comedy could be and inspired countless successors. It proved television could entertain while pushing people to question the headlines and care about issues that mattered.
15. Modern Family
Modern Family gave audiences a fresh look at family life when it premiered in 2009. Filmed in a mockumentary style, it followed three very different but connected families with humor and heart. The show celebrated diversity in ways sitcoms rarely had before while keeping storylines relatable and warm. Over its run, it won 22 Emmys including five straight for Outstanding Comedy Series. Viewers loved how it balanced comedy with touching moments, showing that family comes in many forms. Modern Family reminded audiences that laughter and love are universal, making it one of the most celebrated comedies of its era.
14. Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire premiered in 2010 and instantly stood out for its lavish attention to detail. Set during the Prohibition era, it followed Nucky Thompson and the world of politics, crime, and power that defined Atlantic City at the time. With stunning production design and layered storytelling, it felt like a window into history filled with drama and tension. The series collected 20 Emmy Awards, celebrating its acting, directing, and craftsmanship. Beyond the awards, viewers admired its bold style and strong performances. Boardwalk Empire proved that television could rival cinema in scale, richness, and ability to bring history to life.
13. The Carol Burnett Show
The Carol Burnett Show was a variety series that made Saturday nights sparkle. Running from 1967 to 1978, it combined sketch comedy, music, and lighthearted charm that felt welcoming to every audience. Carol Burnett’s warmth and humor carried the show, while her cast created timeless skits that are still remembered today. It was family friendly, playful, and full of moments that made people laugh together in their living rooms. The show earned 25 Emmy Awards and became a landmark in television history. The Carol Burnett Show reminded everyone that comedy could bring joy in ways both big and small.
12. The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale made television history in 2017 when it became the first streaming show to win Outstanding Drama Series. Set in a chilling dystopian world, it followed June Osborne as she fought against a system that stripped women of freedom and identity. With gripping performances and powerful visuals, the show left audiences both shaken and captivated. It collected 15 Emmy Awards, making Hulu a major player in the awards space. The series blended drama and social commentary in a way that resonated with modern viewers, proving television could be hauntingly relevant and emotionally unforgettable at the same time.
11. The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show ran from 1961 to 1966 and became a gold standard for sitcoms. Starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, it brought audiences into the life of Rob Petrie, a comedy writer juggling work and home. Its blend of witty writing, physical comedy, and warm family moments made it both funny and timeless. The show earned 15 Emmy Awards and influenced generations of sitcoms that followed. Its charm came from keeping things simple yet smart, reminding viewers that great comedy is rooted in characters who feel real and moments that reflect everyday life.
10. Homeland
Homeland premiered in 2011 and quickly grabbed attention with its intense mix of espionage and drama. Starring Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer, and Damian Lewis as a Marine with divided loyalties, the series kept audiences guessing with its suspenseful storytelling. It tackled themes of trust, betrayal, and security in ways that felt immediate and emotional. Homeland earned 8 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and acting honors for its stars. Viewers admired how it balanced thrilling action with raw personal struggles. It proved spy dramas could be gripping while still rooted in deeply human experiences.
9. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones became one of the biggest television spectacles of all time when it premiered in 2011. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novels, it built a fantasy world filled with battles, betrayals, and unforgettable characters. For eight seasons it kept audiences hooked with shocking twists and grand storytelling. The show earned 59 Emmy Awards, more than any other scripted series. While its ending divided fans, its impact on television was undeniable. Game of Thrones showed that TV could match the scale of blockbuster films, drawing in global audiences and shaping what viewers expected from epic storytelling.
8. The Sopranos
The Sopranos premiered in 1999 and forever changed television drama. Following mob boss Tony Soprano as he balanced crime with family life, the series made antiheroes compelling in ways audiences had never seen before. It combined gritty storytelling with sharp psychological depth, pulling viewers into a world that was dark but human. The Sopranos earned 21 Emmy Awards, including two for Outstanding Drama Series. Its influence stretched across countless dramas that came after it. By blending crime and family struggles, it showed that television could be cinematic, emotional, and complex enough to stand as lasting art.
7. Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live has been shaping comedy since 1975, bringing sketch humor, music, and live television together like no other show. With a rotating cast of comedians, it introduced audiences to stars who later dominated film and TV. Its mix of satire and silliness made it feel both relevant and fun every Saturday night. Over decades, it collected 92 Emmy Awards, the most of any television program. Audiences grew up watching its skits, impersonations, and musical performances. Saturday Night Live became more than a show, it became a comedy institution that stayed connected to culture for generations.
6. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad premiered in 2008 and stunned audiences with its story of Walter White, a high school teacher turned meth kingpin. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul delivered unforgettable performances as the series unfolded into a gripping tale of choices and consequences. Its writing, tension, and visuals made every episode feel like an event. The show earned 16 Emmy Awards, including four Best Actor wins for Cranston. Breaking Bad became one of the most talked about dramas of its era. It proved television could be tightly crafted, emotionally raw, and bold enough to hold viewers until the very end.
5. Mad Men
Mad Men took viewers into the sleek and stylish world of 1960s advertising when it premiered in 2007. With Jon Hamm as Don Draper, it portrayed a workplace filled with charm, flaws, and shifting social landscapes. The show was both visually stunning and deeply introspective, exploring identity, ambition, and change. Across its run, it won 16 Emmy Awards, including four consecutive for Outstanding Drama Series. Mad Men stood out for its atmosphere and layered storytelling. It showed how television could transport audiences into another time while still exploring themes that felt strikingly modern and relevant to everyday life.
4. ER
ER became one of the defining dramas of the 1990s, giving audiences an intense and emotional look inside a Chicago emergency room. Premiering in 1994, the show blended medical realism with personal drama, introducing characters who felt authentic and flawed. Its pace and urgency kept viewers hooked while its emotional depth kept them invested for 15 seasons. ER earned 23 Emmy Awards and launched the career of George Clooney. It became one of the most watched shows of its time. ER proved medical dramas could be gripping, heartfelt, and powerful enough to hold audiences across generations.
3. The Crown
The Crown premiered in 2016 and quickly became one of Netflix’s most acclaimed dramas. Following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, it brought royal history to life with sweeping production, strong performances, and emotional storytelling. Each season explored different stages of the monarchy with care and precision. The series collected 27 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and multiple acting honors. Audiences admired its balance of spectacle and intimacy. The Crown showed how streaming television could rival traditional networks with prestige, reminding viewers that stories rooted in history can still feel immediate, human, and captivating to watch.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel charmed viewers when it premiered in 2017 with its dazzling portrayal of 1950s New York. Following Miriam Maisel, a housewife turned stand up comic, it blended quick dialogue, bold visuals, and heartwarming moments. Rachel Brosnahan’s performance captured the humor and determination of a woman finding her own path. The series collected 20 Emmy Awards across writing, costumes, and acting. Audiences loved its energy, style, and optimism. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel reminded viewers that reinvention can be beautiful and hilarious, making it one of the brightest and most celebrated comedies of its generation.
1. Cheers and Frasier Combined Legacy
Cheers and Frasier together built a sitcom empire that still influences television today. Cheers began in a Boston bar where audiences felt at home, while Frasier spun off with sophisticated humor and heart that stood on its own. Separately they won 28 and 37 Emmy Awards, and together their combined total of 65 remains staggering. More than awards, their legacy rests in writing, pacing, and ensemble work that became models for comedy across decades. Watching them reminds us why sitcoms matter, connecting laughter with genuine feeling. Their success feels like a reminder of why audiences keep coming back.
This story The 25 Most Celebrated TV Shows in American History, Ranked by Awards Won was first published on Daily FETCH
