Best of the Best: Television Sitcoms Quiz

"I Love Lucy" was the story of Lucy, a bored housewife who really wanted to break into show business. Since her husband, Ricky, worked at the Tropicana as a bandleader, Lucy felt that was the perfect place for her to try out her talents; her efforts, however, typically got her into some sort of trouble. Ricky and her best friends, Ethel and Fred, always had to rescue her from herself.

The sitcom, which ran from 1951-1957, showed a woman who wanted to break free from the expected gender role of the time. It also showed an interracial couple - with Ricky being Cuban - and incorporated Lucy's pregnancy in the story line while never using the "p" word. In addition, the filming of the program was revolutionary for the day. Using their own production company, Desilu Studios, the show was made in front of a live audience using 3 cameras and 35 mm film.

When the show ended in 1957 it was immediately syndicated, and is still enjoyed by viewers today. In 2012 a CBS executive revealed that it brought in $20 million annually. It was ranked number 4 on the list in "Rolling Stone" magazine.

Surprisingly, "The Honeymooners" ranked number 8 on the "Rolling Stone" list in spite of the fact that it only ran for one season. These episodes are commonly called the "Classic 39"; Jackie Gleason (Ralph) and Art Carney (Ed) played their characters in sketches on other shows both before and after "The Honeymooners" was aired.

It's the story of the disappointing life of a bus driver and his wife, Alice, along with their friends, Ed and Trixie. Their hopes for a better life never materialize - no matter which get rich scheme is tried. While at times the show touched on women's rights, the main theme was the social status of working class people who couldn't get ahead in life no matter how hard they tried. This makes Ralph a bit short tempered, and Alice is the victim of verbal abuse that would not fly in sitcoms today.

"The Honeymooners" did influence other television shows, including "The Flintstones" (1960-1966), "Married...With Children" (1987-1997), and "King of Queens" (1998-2007).

"The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-1966) chronicled the two lives of Rob Petrie - the working Rob and the family Rob. It was the first sitcom that included the workplace; at the office Rob worked with Buddy and Sally, writing jokes for "The Alan Brady Show". Views were able to see some of the inner workings of the production of a television series, and laugh with the group as they worked out funny jokes and routines. At home, Rob was married to Laura, was father to their son Ritchie, and had neighborhood friends who dropped in from time to time.

Rated #11 on the "Rolling Stone" list, many of the show's characters were based on people that creator Carl Reiner knew - including himself. Rob's wife Laura was fashioned after the style of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Did you ever notice that?

Oh, my! What was there to like about Archie Bunker? He was filled with prejudice - a homophobic racist, sexist, anti-Semitic person - and more! Was it okay to so blatantly speak of these issues in the open? The series was definitely groundbreaking, and it led to open discussions in other places as well.

Archie did do his best to take care of his family, his long-suffering wife, Edith, and his daughter, Gloria. They apparently had learned how to cope with his faults, but his new son-in-law, Michael, wouldn't let them pass. While some of the exchanges were funny, others prompted viewers to do some thinking about their own beliefs and actions.

Even with all its openness, "All in the Family" (1971-1979) was considered to be the most-watched television show for five years. Ranked at number 5 on the "Rolling Stone" list, it also spawned other socially conscious shows, such as "The Jeffersons"(1975-1985) and "Maude" (1972-1978). And - even after the show ended, Archie continued to be a beloved character in "Archie Bunker's Place" (1979-1983), in which he was the owner of a neighborhood bar.

What happens at a cab company during the night shift? This question was answered in #17 on the "Rolling Stone" list, "Taxi", which ran from 1978-1983. The focus was mainly on what was going on in the cab company, run by the cruel and sometimes villainous Louie. All of the cab drivers, with the exception of Alex, seemed to have other aspirations in life and goals that they just couldn't seem to reach. Alex, however, was the more level-headed member of the group, and in spite of his marital and family problems, was the one the others leaned on for advice.

It's quite amazing to reflect on the relevance of the show. "Taxi" discussed topics such as divorce, single parenthood, drug addictions, grief, and even nuclear war in a way that made people laugh. The problems of the main characters were completely relatable, and their issues were openly and honestly explored.

At #2 on the "Rolling Stone" list, "Cheers" ran from 1982-1993. It sparked the creation of "Frasier" (1993-2004), "Wings" (1990-1997), and "The Tortellis" (1987), which featured characters who were seen on the original program.

The show was relatable to viewers, as it covered many problems that the ordinary patrons, as well as bar employees, faced every day, and showed what it meant to have friends and be part of a community. There was the flirtation between Sam and Diane; would their relationship ever amount to anything more? In addition, other real-life issues like divorce, problems on the job, and alcoholism were discussed in an environment would people could relax and be themselves.

Ranked at number 1 on the "Rolling Stone" list, "The Simpsons" was first shown as shorts on the "Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987 and debuted on December 17, 1989. The show's creator, Matt Groening, named the characters after his own family members, although he named himself Bart.

It's the story of Homer and Marge, who have a middle-class family and live in a small town, but it's much more. Through its 30+ seasons (new episodes are still being made in 2025), it has given a satirical look at the middle-class lifestyle in the United States, touching on subjects like education, religion, consumerism, politics, social issues, and family life. It is unlikely that another show will break their current record as the longest-running animated sitcom for quite some time.

Hal and Lois were parents who were in way over their heads. They had four sons - eventually five - and had no idea what to do with them. Their genius son Malcolm frequently broke the fourth wall and commented on his parents' ineptitude, his brothers' shenanigans, and the goings on of other extended family members and friends, giving observations and sometimes advice. What family-related topics were NOT discussed? How and why should kids be disciplined? How should money problems and in-laws be handled? How does a disabled person (Malcom's friend Stevie) deal with everyday life? The list goes on and on.

"Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006) differed from other sitcoms of the time because it was not filmed before a live audience nor was a laugh track included. It ranked #28 on the "Rolling Stone" list.

Adapted from a UK show of the same name, "The Office" ran from 2005-2013 and showed an office work situation with which many people could relate. With a boss, Michael, who had no social grace, the office workers navigated the tricky business of downsizing and lay-offs, relationships, and a real lack of leadership.

The show, which "Rolling Stone" ranked at #23 on their list, was filmed as a mockumentary with characters who were relatable to anyone in the workforce. How many people from your office could you recognize in the program?

Leslie loved her hometown and sought to make it a better place. Her enthusiasm allowed her to forge relationships with her workers that would be the envy of any boss. She was, however, met with bureaucracy and apathy at every turn.

From 2009-2015 "Parks and Recreation", filmed as a mockumentary, highlighted the job done by public employees, their feelings of community, and their personal lives. Its enduring themes centered around friendship, optimism, and the value of community service. The show ranked #9 on the "Rolling Stone" list.