What do you think the worst sitcom of all time was? There have been plenty of doozies. However, according to IMDb, these are the top 25. Do you agree?
1. Mulaney (2014–2015)
From 2014 to 2015, the television show Mulaney followed the life of stand-up comedian John Mulaney as he pushed for success in the entertainment industry. Despite Mulaney’s comedic talents, the show received negative reviews and did not connect with spectators. After one season, the show was canceled due to criticism from critics who deemed its humor to be predictable and unimaginative.
2. Cavemen (2007–2008)
The cavemen-themed GEICO commercials inspired the 2007 film Cavemen. The attempt by the sitcom to analyze the issues that cavemen face in modern civilization was met with criticism. The show was canceled after only one season because reviewers believed the concept was poor and the execution lacked humor and depth.
3. That ’80s Show (2002)
That ’80s Show is a spin-off of the popular sitcom That ’70s Show, which premiered on television in 2002. However, the show failed to capture the same feeling of humor and nostalgia as its predecessor. It was discontinued quickly because both critics and fans found the characters unlikable, and the attempt to recreate the mood of the 1980s failed.
4. Half & Half (2002–2006)
From 2002 through 2006, the television series Half & Half followed the lives of two half-sisters from diverse backgrounds who come to know one another as adults.
Despite attempting to examine issues of sisterhood and identity, the show garnered unfavorable reviews. According to critics, the writing was inconsistent, and the humor frequently fell flat, which ultimately caused the show to stop after four seasons.
5. How to Be a Gentleman (2011–2012)
How to Be a Gentleman was about an unexpected partnership between a personal trainer and an etiquette columnist. The sitcom’s formulaic themes and lack of comedic chemistry between the lead performers were criticized by critics as reasons for not finding an audience. Due to poor ratings, the show was terminated after one season.
6. Kath & Kim (2008–2009)
The popular Australian sitcom was adapted for American television and aired as Kath & Kim from 2008 to 2009. Despite the success of the original series, the magic was lost in the American remake. After two seasons, the show was canceled because critics and viewers thought the humor was forced and the characters were unlikeable.
7. Are You There, Chelsea? (2012)
The 2012 television show Are You There, Chelsea? was based on Chelsea Handler’s autobiography, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. The sitcom featured the life of Chelsea Newman, an impressionable young woman who loved to party.
The show garnered unfavorable reviews despite the source material’s potential and Chelsea Handler’s participation. It was canceled after one season because critics and viewers thought the humor was crude and the characters were unlikeable.
8. I Hate My Teenage Daughter (2011–2012)
The series I Hate My Teenage Daughter followed two single mothers as they dealt with the difficulties of raising their teenage daughters. The goal of the sitcom was to examine the difficulties in parent-child interactions and the dynamics of adolescence. The program, however, found it difficult to create the ideal harmony of comedy and relatability.
Its use of stereotypical imagery and flimsy character development drew criticism. Despite having excellent actresses like Jaime Pressly and Katie Finneran on it, the show only managed to last one season before it was canceled due to a lack of interest from viewers.
9. Hope & Faith (2003–2006)
Hope & Faith aired, starring Faith Ford and Kelly Ripa as sisters with opposing personalities. Their amusing interactions and the difficulties in their personal and familial lives served as the basis for the sitcom.
Although the show had a devoted following, critics had conflicting feelings about it. While some people liked the connection between the lead ladies, others thought the humor was predictable. Despite running for three seasons, “Hope & Faith” did not receive much praise from critics.
10. Are We There Yet? (2010–2012)
Based on the 2005 movie of the same name, Are We There Yet? debuted in 2010. The sitcom portrayed a newlywed couple who struggled to have a blended family. Despite the movie’s success, the comedic timing and charm were lost in the series.
Both critics and fans thought the characters were one-dimensional and the humor was predictable. Are We There Yet? ran for three seasons but was eventually canceled due to unfavorable reviews.
11. We Are Men (2013)
We Are Men followed the lives of four newly unmarried men who lived in the same apartment building. Their misadventures and attempts to find friendship and love were the subjects of the sitcom. However, the program struggled to draw viewers and garnered unfavorable reviews.
Both critics and fans thought the characters were unlikeable, and the humor was forced. After broadcasting just two episodes, We Are Men was canceled due to poor ratings.
12. Free Agents (2011–2012)
The television series Free Agents was based on the same British series. The two newly divorced coworkers at the center of the sitcom had a complicated romantic relationship. The show’s premise was intriguing, but viewers didn’t connect with it.
The characters were underdeveloped, according to critics, and the humor was uneven. Free Agents was terminated after one season despite attempts to save it by changing the format.
13. Webster (1983-1989)
Webster often stands out as one of the worst TV shows ever produced. The show follows the life of a young Black boy adopted by a wealthy white family. While tackling important themes like adoption and racial differences, the execution left much to be desired. The humor was often stale and relied heavily on clichés, making it cringe-worthy even for its time.
14. The Bill Engvall Show (2007-2009)
The Bill Engvall Show attempted to capitalize on the popularity of stand-up comedian Bill Engvall but failed miserably. The show featured a tired premise of a family sitcom with Engvall playing a family counselor. The humor was forced, and the characters lacked depth, making it forgettable and, frankly, not funny.
15. Moesha (1996-2001)
Moesha, starring R&B singer Brandy Norwood, struggled to find its footing despite its promising premise of a teenage girl navigating life’s challenges. The writing often veered into melodrama and lacked authenticity. It failed to resonate with viewers beyond its niche audience, making it a disappointment in the world of ’90s teen dramas.
16. Whitney (2011-2013)
Despite being a talented comedian, Whitney Cummings couldn’t save her eponymous show from being a train wreck. The humor felt forced, and the writing was painfully predictable. The show’s attempts to tackle relationship dynamics fell flat, leaving viewers unimpressed and unengaged.
17. Veronica’s Closet (1997-2000)
Despite having Kirstie Alley in the lead role, Veronica’s Closet struggled to find its footing. The premise, revolving around a lingerie company, was inherently limiting, and the humor often relied on tired stereotypes. This show failed to leave a lasting impression in the world of ’90s sitcoms.
18. Clueless (1996-1999)
While the Clueless movie was a hit, the TV adaptation fell flat. It lacked the charm and wit of the original and failed to capture the essence of the characters. Without the star power of Alicia Silverstone, the show couldn’t sustain its audience and ended up being a forgettable spin-off.
19. Rob (2012-2013)
Rob Schneider’s attempt at a sitcom with Rob was a cringe-worthy endeavor. The humor often leaned on stereotypes and tired racial clichés, making it more offensive than funny. The show’s lack of originality and reliance on Schneider’s typical shtick made it one of the worst offerings on TV during its brief run.
20. Suddenly Susan (1996-2000)
Despite having Brooke Shields, Suddenly Susan was anything but a hit. The show lacked a compelling narrative and often relied on uninspired humor. It failed to engage viewers and was ultimately forgettable in the world of ’90s sitcoms.
21. George & Leo (1997-1998)
Starring Bob Newhart and Judd Hirsch, George & Leo had all the ingredients for a successful sitcom. However, the chemistry between the two lead actors failed to shine through, resulting in a lackluster show. The humor felt dated, and the show struggled to find its audience.
22. Animal Practice (2012)
Animal Practice, a short-lived comedy about a veterinarian, couldn’t capture viewers’ hearts. The show’s reliance on a monkey as a central character felt gimmicky and failed to sustain interest. Its humor was flat, and it quickly became one of the worst-reviewed shows of its time.
23. Dr. Ken (2015-2017)
Despite the talents of Ken Jeong, Dr. Ken was a missed opportunity. The humor often relied on tired stereotypes, and the show’s writing lacked depth. Viewers found it difficult to connect with the characters, and it struggled to find a place in the competitive world of sitcoms.
24. The Cleveland Show (2009-2013)
A spin-off of Family Guy, The Cleveland Show failed to capture the same level of humor and charm. The characters lacked the depth and complexity of those in its predecessor, making it a disappointment for fans of the franchise.
25. How To Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) (2013)
Despite a promising title, How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life) failed to live up to expectations. The show’s humor felt forced, and the premise quickly grew stale. It struggled to find an audience and was canceled after a single season.
26 Comedy Films That Cancel Culture Forbids You From Laughing at Today
Has cancel culture come for your favorite films? There are several classic comedies that were once considered hilarious that are deemed offensive today. Here are twenty-six of them.
25 Nostalgic Movies Everyone Needs to See at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Take a trip down memory lane with this hand-picked list of classic films that have forever changed the face of cinema. These movies represent the spirit of different times and genres, from inspiring stories of friendship and adventure to terrifying suspense and beautiful romance.
12 Plot Points That Popular Movies Didn’t Bother Resolving for Audiences
Do any of your favorite films have plot holes that were never resolved? You’re not alone. An entertainment community poster asked for examples of said plot holes. Here is what the forum volunteered. Did you notice?
Top 25 Longest Movies of All Time — Worthy of Every Minute
Some stories in the world of film need more time to reveal their beauty. This collection recognizes the longest films that have captured our attention, hearts, and imagination. They range from epic sagas to deep dramas. Enter a universe where time is infinite as we watch movies that show that every second is a journey worth going on.
15 Famous Songs That Music Fans Voted as the Saddest — Do You Agree?
What is the saddest song you’ve ever heard? I’ll go first. Powfu’s song “Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)” will hit you right in the feelings. After someone polled a music forum for other examples of the saddest songs of all time, here are THEIR top-voted songs. Do you agree?
Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.