Best English sitcoms of all time

There are many reasons sitcoms are so popular. The biggest is, of course, their high entertainment value. Sitcoms are meant to entertain and are a means of easy escape from daily life. They are made up of comic acts by relatable characters that really help lift your mood. What makes them such favourites is that you can relate to many of the characters and form a connection with them.

So, here's a list of the best English sitcoms of all time that you can stream right away on OTT:

Best sitcoms on OTT

Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses, a popular British sitcom, aired between 1981 and 2003 and still remains dear to many. It is about Derek Trotter and Rodney Trotter, siblings who are also business partners who live together at a council apartment in South London. In almost every episode, they are seen finding ways to become millionaires. Most of these attempts have hilarious outcomes. The show is popular for its use of clever humour.

IMDb Rating: 9/10

OTT Platform: Apple TV+

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Arrested Development

Arrested Development is a groundbreaking American sitcom by Mitchell Hurwitz that ran between 2003 and 2019. It revolves around the Bluth family, whose patriarch, George Bluth Sr, is imprisoned for financial crimes. His son, Michael, has to run their real estate empire. Each member of the eccentric Bluth clan, including the manipulative matriarch Lucille (Jessica Walter) and the eccentric siblings, adds to the chaos. Watch this show for its rapid-fire jokes and innovative storytelling.

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix

Father Ted

The Irish TV sitcom aired from 1995 to 1998. It is about three strange Catholic priests: Father Ted Crilly (who is not very intelligent), Father Jack Hackett (who is old and cynical), and Father Dougal McGuire (who is rather detached from reality). The show is about how they try to cope with irrational occurrences while living with their strange housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle.

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Yes Minister

Yes Minister (1980-1984) is a British political satire that is a fictional take on the workings of the British government. The series is about the mishaps that befall Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington), who is the Minister of the Department of Administrative Affairs. He has good intentions but does not accomplish much, thanks to his clever Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne). Watch this show for its sharp wit, clever dialogue, and insightful commentary.

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 OTT

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Scrubs

The medical comedy-drama Scrubs aired between 2001 and 2010. Set in a fictional hospital named Sacred Heart, this series follows the lives of medical interns, residents and attending physicians who struggle with work-related demands and issues in their personal lives. The show's protagonist, Dr. John 'J.D.' Dorian (Zach Braff), along with his colleagues, including the sarcastic Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) and the quirky nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes), are a joy to watch on screen as they tickle your funny bone.  The show is loved for its humour and heartwarming moments.

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Blackadder

Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson created the classic British historical sitcom Blackadder, which aired from 1983 to 1989. The show follows the life of Edmund Blackadder, a slyly cynical man who changes during different periods of history. It is worth noting that each season introduces a new character who is Blackadder but with a different personality. Nevertheless, this individual manages to survive ridiculous political plots and madness. Known for its clever wordplay, biting satire, and memorable characters, this show is definitely worth a watch.

IMDb Rating: 8/10

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Everybody Loves Raymond

The humour of the show is based on the contradictions between the characters. This popular sitcom was created by Philip Rosenthal and stars Ray Romano as Ray Barone, a sportswriter living in Long Island, USA. The show explores family dynamics, focusing on Ray's interactions with his family. Ray’s mother is an overprotective woman, while his brother is quite quirky.

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Modern Family

Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd developed the American sitcom, Modern Family. It debuted on September 23, 2009, and ran for eleven seasons until April 8, 2020. The show centers on the lives of three suburban Los Angeles family sets connected by their patriarch, Jay Pritchett. 22 Emmy Awards were given to the series, including five for Outstanding Comedy Series and four for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2011, it also received the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

OTT Platform: Disney Plus Hotstar