The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time

by Martin "Marty" Gitlin

Since the advent of network television, situation comedies have been a staple of prime-time programming. Classics of the genre have emerged in every decade, from The Honeymooners and Make Room for Daddy in the 1950s to 30 Rock, The Office, and Modern Family of the twenty-first century. Other shows that have left enduring impressions are The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, The Bob Newhart Show, Barney Miller, Cheers, The Cosby Show, The Golden Girls, Home Improvement, Will & Grace, and Everybody Loves Raymond. All of these shows are assured a place in history and would make almost anyone’s list of the most beloved comedies.

In The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time, Martin Gitlin has assembled the top seventy sitcoms in television history. The rankings are based on such factors as longevity, ratings, awards, humor, impact, and legacy. Iconic programs such as I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Leave It to Beaver join contemporary shows The Simpsons, Arrested Development, and Family Guy on the list. Other programs include perennial favorites like All in the Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Seinfeld, as well as short-lived treasures that never found the audiences they deserved like Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

Each entry contains a comprehensive compilation of information,


Appendixes list the top male and female sitcom characters of all time, the best sitcom spin-offs, and shows that just missed the cut.

By ranking these programs, The Greatest Sitcoms of All Time is sure to inspire debate. Whether you agree with this list or whether your favorite show placed as high as you think it should have, this book will be an entertaining and informative read—not only for students and scholars of television history but for sitcom fans as well.

430 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

MARTIN (MARTY) GITLIN is a freelance book writer and journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to Diana, Princess of Wales (Greenwood 2008), he has written several history books for students, including works on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, Battle of The Little Bighorn, and Stock Market Crash of 1929. He has also written biographies of NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

Gitlin worked for two decades as a sportswriter, during which time he won more than 45 awards, including first place for general excellence from Associated Press. That organization also selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

We all have our opinion as to what is considered the greatest TV shows of all time.
This book is a perfect example of this.
The fun facts through out makes it a more interesting read than what it is.

[Marathon County Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has a favorite sitcom. In THE GREATEST SITCOMS OF ALL TIME, Martin Gitlin has undertaken the daunting task of ranking the top 50 sitcoms of all time. The results make for entertaining and informative reading. Gitlin evaluated hundreds of shows based on factors such as its longevity, ratings, the awards it won, its impact on society and so on. From that, he came up with a ranked list that reads like a who's-who of TV comedy including shows like COSBY, 30 ROCK, THE JACK BENNY SHOWS, FRASIER, MASH, WONDER YEARS, GET SMART, OUR MISS BROOKS, BEWITCHED, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, CHEERS, etc. Each show gets a four-six page write-up with history, production details, award listings and so on. And what is the #1 greatest sitcom of all time according to Gitlin? Sorry; you've have to read the book to find out!

Mike O. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

[Andrew Pierce · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically an encyclopedia of great sitcoms. Unfortunately it is as stale as reading an encyclopedia. The opinions lack the passion of say Roger Ebert's Great Movies series, and the information looks like it was pulled from the shows Wikipedia or IMDB page. A disappointment for sure.

[Giuseppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book, with interesting anecdotes. It's a nice respite from heavier fare. I enjoy "list" books; this one is particularly well done. Even if you don't agree with the rankings, it sure is a fun read!

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid encyclopedic overview, with a few extra observations. What is missing is some analysis and criticism which would lift this book above a mere wikipedia-on-paper; even when in disagreement, opinions are more fun than just straightforward facts.