1. Family Ties – “A, My Name is Alex”
Michael J. Fox was at the peak of his popularity when Family Ties aired this two-part episode, which blended humor with some heavy subject matter. The setup finds Alex grappling with the sudden death of a close friend, and while the premise sounds serious, the writers cleverly sprinkled in plenty of laughs through Alex’s sarcastic wit and quick banter. His interactions with his family, particularly when they try to get him to open up, provide moments of comedy that feel just as sharp now as they did in the ’80s. Fox’s comedic timing makes even the most uncomfortable moments light enough to smile at.
What makes this episode stand out today is how universal its humor feels. Watching Alex deflect with jokes, or try to intellectualize grief, is both relatable and genuinely funny. The dialogue is so quick and biting that it still feels fresh, as if it could be part of a modern sitcom. It’s the kind of humor that holds up because it’s rooted in character, not just one-liners.
2. Cheers – “Give Me a Ring Sometime”
The very first episode of Cheers introduced viewers to Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, and the rest of the Boston bar crew. Right from the start, the laughs came at a steady pace, thanks to the snappy writing and the clash between Sam’s easygoing charm and Diane’s highbrow personality. The episode sets up their differences perfectly, with Sam’s bar regulars chiming in with deadpan one-liners.
Even after decades, the rhythm of the jokes still works because the setting is timeless. Everyone has known a barfly like Norm or a know-it-all like Cliff, and watching Diane stumble into this world is endlessly funny. The combination of sharp character introductions and fish-out-of-water comedy keeps the humor alive today.
3. The Golden Girls – “The Flu”
Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose all come down with the flu just as they’re supposed to attend a big awards banquet. What follows is pure comedy gold, with the women bickering, whining, and competing to prove who’s sickest. The timing between Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White is so flawless that even the pettiest arguments turn into laugh-out-loud moments.
The humor of three grown women squabbling over tissues and soup feels just as relatable now. Everyone knows what it’s like to be miserable and still a little competitive. The episode shines because it mixes physical comedy with perfectly delivered lines, making it a standout even decades later.
4. Night Court – “The Nun”
Harry Anderson’s quirky Judge Harry Stone was always good for a laugh, and this episode captured his charm perfectly. When a nun is brought into the courtroom for stealing food to feed the hungry, Harry’s offbeat humor makes the entire situation feel light, even as the case has serious undertones. The courtroom antics from Dan Fielding and the others add layers of hilarity.
The mix of slapstick, wordplay, and sheer absurdity keeps this episode feeling fresh. You can’t help but chuckle at the way Harry manages to find joy in the strangest situations. It’s the kind of comedy that thrives on timing and character quirks, both of which still hold up.
5. Married… with Children – “Thinnergy”
In this early episode, Peggy decides she and Al should try dieting together, which is as disastrous as it sounds. Al’s grumpy resistance and Peggy’s scheming ways create a perfect storm of laughs. Their back-and-forth banter captures the dysfunctional but oddly endearing nature of their marriage.
The humor here lies in how exaggerated yet recognizable it feels. Anyone who’s ever tried dieting with a partner can see themselves in these arguments. Ed O’Neill’s delivery makes Al’s frustration hilarious, while Katey Sagal’s Peggy is gleefully over-the-top. It’s still laugh-out-loud funny today.
6. The Cosby Show – “Theo’s Holiday”
One of the most memorable and funniest episodes finds the Huxtables staging a mock “real world” experience for Theo, who thinks life will be easy after high school. The family transforms the living room into a fake apartment, complete with rent, bills, and groceries that Theo has to pay for. His overconfidence meets reality in the funniest ways possible.
The episode works because the comedy comes from Theo’s wide-eyed reactions and the clever ways his family sets him up. Even if you know the outcome, watching him squirm through each twist never gets old. The concept is so clever that it still resonates with anyone who’s ever underestimated adult responsibilities.
7. Designing Women – “Killing All the Right People”
This episode blends biting humor with social commentary, something Designing Women excelled at. When the women take on a job for a young man dying of AIDS, their blunt conversations lead to some sharp one-liners and hilarious observations about Southern culture. Julia’s fiery takedown of prejudice is delivered with such wit that it leaves you laughing while nodding in agreement.
The humor is rooted in honesty, and that’s why it still works today. Dixie Carter’s timing is impeccable, especially in moments where she skewers ignorance with sarcastic flair. The episode proves that comedy can be both meaningful and hilarious at the same time.
8. Growing Pains – “Pilot”
In the very first episode of Growing Pains, viewers meet the Seaver family, led by psychiatrist dad Jason who works from home while his wife Maggie returns to work. The clash of parenting duties provides plenty of comedic setups, especially with teen Mike testing the limits. His wisecracks and Jason’s sarcastic responses make for genuinely funny exchanges.
The humor is universal, centering on the chaos of family life. Anyone who’s raised kids—or been one—can relate to the constant negotiation of rules and responsibilities. The writing leans into that everyday humor, which is why it still earns laughs today.
9. ALF – “Pilot”
The first time ALF crash-landed into the Tanner household, audiences knew they were in for something different. The episode is packed with quick gags as the furry alien tries to adjust to suburban life. His sarcasm and appetite for anything he can get his paws on are hilarious from the start.
The mix of physical comedy and ALF’s sharp remarks keep this episode entertaining even today. Watching a suburban family deal with an alien who can’t stay out of trouble is a recipe for laughs that never quite goes out of style. It’s silly, but in the best possible way.
10. Perfect Strangers – “The Rent Strike”
Cousins Larry and Balki couldn’t be more different, which is exactly why their antics are so funny. In this episode, they go head-to-head with their landlord, and Balki’s innocent misunderstandings make the situation spin out of control. Larry’s exasperation paired with Balki’s optimism creates endless laughs.
The dynamic between these two is timeless, and the humor still feels sharp today. Their slapstick moments and mismatched personalities are the kind of comedy that never gets old. Watching them fumble through situations with good intentions is always funny.
11. Full House – “Our Very First Show”
The debut of Full House gave us Danny Tanner, Uncle Jesse, and Joey trying to raise three little girls together. The laughs come quickly as the guys attempt to manage household chores and bedtime routines, only to find themselves in over their heads. Jesse’s cool persona clashing with diaper duty is especially funny.
The episode works because the humor is rooted in family chaos. The sight of three men trying to figure out how to care for kids is still charming and hilarious. It’s one of those episodes that never loses its sweetness—or its comedy.
12. Who’s the Boss? – “Pilot”
When Tony Micelli and his daughter move in with Angela Bower to work as her housekeeper, the setup immediately delivers laughs. Tony’s street-smart personality clashes with Angela’s polished lifestyle, and their first meeting is filled with misunderstandings and funny quips. His warm-hearted goofiness makes every situation comical.
The humor still works because the characters feel genuine. The culture clash between Tony and Angela is as funny now as it was then. Their banter, along with Mona’s sly commentary, makes the episode a classic that’s still hilarious to revisit.
