- 50s: I Love Lucy
The classic American sitcom that aired from 1951 to 1957 revolves around the comedic misadventures of Lucy Ricardo. The eccentric, aspiring performer lives with her down-to-earth, supportive husband, Ricky Ricardo. The show is set in New York City, where the Ricardos live in a modest apartment. Each episode features a different comedic scenario or challenge that Lucy gets herself involved in. These scenarios often involve Lucy trying to help Ricky’s career, pursuing her own dreams or attempting to impress people in her life—all of which typically end in chaotic situations.
- 60s: Bewitched
Bewitched is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1964 to 1972, blending fantasy and comedy. The show follows the life of Samantha Stephens, a beautiful young witch who marries a mortal man, Darrin Stephens, and tries to live a normal suburban life while hiding her magical powers. Throughout the series, Samantha struggles to balance her magical heritage with her love for Darrin, who doesn’t want her to use magic in their everyday life.
- 70s: Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley is a spin-off of Happy Days, focusing on two single women, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, who are best friends living in Milwaukee in the 1950s and 1960s. The show centers on their comedic adventures, their work at a bottle-cap manufacturing plant, and their friendship as they navigate life’s ups and downs together.
- 80s: Punky Brewster
Punky Brewster centers around a quirky and independent young girl named Punky Brewster, and her unique, heartwarming relationship with her foster father, Henry Warnimont. Set in Chicago, the series combines comedy and drama as it explores themes of family, friendship and growing up.
- 90s: The Nanny
The Nanny is a comedic and heartwarming story about Fran Fine, a brash, over-the-top woman from Queens, New York, who unexpectedly becomes the nanny for a wealthy family in Manhattan. The show blends humor, romance, and family dynamics, and is especially known for its witty dialogue, iconic catchphrases, and the charming chemistry between the lead characters.
- 2000s: What I Like About You
What I Like About You centers around the lives and friendship of two women, Vicky “Val” Tyler and Holly Tyler, who are sisters living together in New York City. While the series is mainly a comedy, it also explores themes of family, relationships, and personal growth, with a focus on the ups and downs of the characters’ lives. Val is the older sister, in her late 20s, who is more mature and responsible compared to her younger sister Holly, the younger, more carefree sister, in her late teens at the start of the series.
- 2010s: 2 Broke Girls
This sitcom follows two young women from vastly different backgrounds who become unlikely friends and partners in business while struggling to make ends meet. Max is a witty, sarcastic, and street-smart woman who works as a waitress at the diner where much of the show takes place. Caroline is the opposite of Max in many ways. She comes from an incredibly wealthy family but is left penniless after her father is convicted of a white-collar crime and her family’s fortune is wiped out. Caroline is optimistic, naïve, and out of touch with the realities of financial struggle, but she’s determined to rebuild her life.
- 2020s: Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is set in a fictional elementary school in Philadelphia and follows a group of teachers and staff as they navigate the challenges of working in an underfunded public school while trying to make a positive impact on their students’ lives. Janine is the show’s central character, a passionate and idealistic second-grade teacher at Abbott Elementary. She’s bright, optimistic, and determined to make a difference, even though the school is under-resourced and often chaotic.
