7 most underrated sitcoms of all time

An underrated sitcom is one that has failed to win a wide audience and acclaim despite its excellent writing, skilled performances, and innovative creativity. Often, these series experiment with something different on television, whether it's a different setting or a different style of filming.

These shows left fans laughing and thinking, even if they weren't widely popular. These hidden gems might be just what you need if you're seeking comedy with a twist or a relatable character. This article will list seven underappreciated sitcoms that were humorous, clever, and beloved but did not receive proper attention or recognition.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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Here is the list of the 7 most underrated sitcoms of all time:

7. Superstore (2015)

Superstore is an underrated sitcom about the daily life of employees at Cloud 9, a megastore in Missouri. The protagonists belong to different backgrounds. The show follows them as they try to cooperate, leading to some humorous moments. The show addresses significant concerns with humorous relief by taking viewers through the characters' shifts as they deal with challenging clients, peculiar workplace procedures, and personal difficulties. Superstore presented the real-life experiences of working in a store and provided a new approach to group dynamics.

Despite receiving positive reviews from reviewers, Superstore never won any major awards, making it one of the most underrated sitcoms. One IMDb user mentioned that,

"Superstore is so much better than I ever expected!"

Many viewers missed the show when it first aired since it appeared to be a basic workplace comedy. However, those who watched noticed that the show is intelligent, kind, and quite hilarious. Its cast collaborated so skillfully that each character seemed essential. Even after six great seasons, Superstore is not as famous as other office comedies, despite receiving attention from critics and fans.

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6. Party Down (2009)

Party Down is a TV series about a group of would-be actors, writers, and comedians who work in catering jobs in Los Angeles. Most of the group are young adults who dream of being movie stars, novelists, or stand-up comics, but work at catering jobs for extra cash. Each episode is set at a new venue, ranging from birthday parties and dinner parties to weddings, and the group comes across hilarious partygoers and their own fantasies of getting big breaks in Hollywood. Party Down is wickedly funny and quick, and the actors bring warmth and wryness to each moment.

Party Down is regarded as one of the most underrated sitcoms due to its low viewership when it first aired. Despite having a talented cast & funny scripts, it was cancelled early due to low ratings. Later, the show's combination of awkward humor and real emotions caught the attention of fans & critics. As a Rotten Tomatoes review said,

"Hilarious show! Great comedy!"

The show's candid portrayal of failure and ambition won over a small but devoted audience. This TV series is now praised for being ahead of its time and is loved by those who like smart & unusual comedies.

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5. Raising Hope (2010)

Raising Hope is an underrated sitcom about young Jimmy, who, after a one-night affair with a criminal, becomes the father of baby Hope. He lives with his mother, father, and grandmother in an offbeat family house. In the midst of their own silly methods and mistakes, they also decide how to raise baby Hope. Their episode after episode depiction of loving but hapless attempts at childcare sees the family's misunderstandings and emotive moments render the series at once heartwarming and hilarious.

Raising Hope's lack of popularity in comparison to other family sitcoms is thought to be the reason behind it having one of the lowest ratings. The sitcom was a blend of silly comedy and emotional appeal that critics enjoyed, yet the show remained off the mainstream. The audiences who watched it found the stories heartwarming and the unique gags that set it apart from other comedies funny. Viewers have since demanded to bring the show back, stating on IMDb:

"Bring it back! Please!! The funniest show I have ever seen. I am so sad there aren't new episodes. I no joke laugh at every episode and love every character. It's perfect. All of it."

Raising Hope created a loyal fan base that feels that it did not receive the attention that it actually deserved.

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4. A.P. Bio (2018)

A.P. Bio stars Jack Griffin, a Harvard professor who loses his dream job and ends up instructing advanced biology at a school in Ohio. He does not want to teach and spends most of the time scheming revenge against those he holds responsible for losing his job. His clever students discover his plots, which lead to amusing situations throughout the episodes. Jack tries to hide it, but over time, he starts to grow attached to the school and the pupils.

A.P. Bio is often hailed as an underrated gem in the world of sitcoms, offering a fresh and quirky perspective on school life. The show's fearless embrace of the unconventional sets it apart, making it a delight for those who appreciate a show that isn’t afraid to be a little strange. One IMDb user said,

"I watched the first 3 episodes, and I don't understand why this show is getting so much hate."

Fans have appreciated the show's intriguing plots and its protagonist.

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3. The Carmichael Show (2015)

The Carmichael Show stars comedian Jerrod Carmichael and his family members. The series takes place in Charlotte, where Jerrod lives with his outspoken parents, his brother, and his girlfriend, who later becomes his wife. In each episode, the diverse cast of characters dives deep into thought-provoking discussions on faith, race, and the complexities of weaponry. Viewers noticed everyone gathered in their sitting room to discuss these topics. Sometimes, it shows different perspectives, with each character sharing their view. This creates humorous yet realistic dialogue that can surprise viewers with its accuracy and authenticity.

The Carmichael Show is one of the underrated sitcoms because it was not only funny but also clever. Critics praised the show, but it didn’t get the same level of ratings and attention as other comedies. An IMDb user said,

"I enjoyed the show more than I thought. Gave it an 8 because it can only get better. I'll be watching!!"

In each episode, the show fearlessly tackled challenging themes, making viewers laugh and think. Many believe it deserved more airtime and should have become a classic in the world of sitcoms.

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2. Grounded for Life (2001)

Grounded for Life narrates the lives of a young couple, Sean and Claudia, from Staten Island. They got their first baby at a young age and now have three children of their own. The show explores their daily issues while they juggle work, parenting, and family conflicts. Sean's brother and father are major figures, frequently raising more challenges than solutions. Flashbacks are commonly used in episodes to help viewers realize how misunderstandings or hilarious difficulties began, making each narrative unique and entertaining.

Due to its lack of popularity compared to other family comedies, Grounded for Life is regarded as one of the most underrated sitcoms. It was shown on various networks but was not heavily promoted by the channels. Mike McDaniels on Rotten Tomatoes said,

"This is the goods - as funny as Malcolm in the Middle. In fact, it will remind you of that show in that it's another inside look at a wacky family"

The comedy stood out from other typical family sitcoms because of its blend of love and humor. The show was unique in that it focused on young parents who loved their kids despite being lost. There are still fans of it who believe that it should be regarded more respectfully due to its truthful and smart approach.

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1. Happy Endings (2011)

Happy Endings is an underrated sitcom about six friends in Chicago whose lives get altered after Alex stands Dave up at the altar on their wedding day. Viewers saw that the group needs to work out a new balance of friendship while navigating this large breakup. The group deals with relationships, careers, and growing-up issues in each episode. The warmth of the show is achieved through quick humor, eccentric characters, and optimism.

Happy Endings is largely regarded as one of the most underrated sitcoms, having never garnered a huge audience during its three seasons. Those who saw it were either critics or admirers, and they enjoyed the humor and authenticity of the friendships shown. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes mentioned,

"Happy Endings has its moments, but overall, it's an uneven sitcom that strands a likeable cast in unbelievable situations."

The series is now remembered as a comic treasure that should have been more successful and had more seasons.