The Best Sitcoms Named After the Star

Updated October 19, 2023 8.4K votes 773 voters 23.8K views

Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Sitcoms Named After the Star

Latest additions: Cooper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life, Ramy, Young Rock

Most divisive: The Bernie Mac Show

This list contains information about sitcoms named after the star, loosely ranked by user votes. The best sitcoms named after the star come in many forms. Some TV series named after an actor are based on the star's real life while other good sitcoms named for the star are based on his/her comedy. Some hilarious sitcoms named after the star are among the best to ever air on television.

What series will you find on the top sitcoms named after the star list? Seinfeld has to be at the top. The show's star, Jerry Seinfeld and his comedian friend, Larry David, created this show about nothing back in 1989. The sitcom is often cited as a groundbreaking comedy series. Louie, created by Louis C. K., is another great sitcom named for an actor.

Roseanne Barr mined her own life for comedy gold when creating her eponymous sitcom, Roseanne. Other great shows named after the star featured on this list include I Love Lucy, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Jim Gaffigan Show.

Do you have a favorite TV series named after an actor? Give the best shows a thumbs up and share some of your top episodes in the comments section.

Ranked by

1
I Love Lucy
Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance
462 votes
- Premiered: October 15, 1951
- Genres: Comedy
A timeless classic, I Love Lucy chronicles the comedic escapades of Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball), a spirited and ambitious housewife, as she navigates through her daily life, often creating chaos for her husband, Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz). The sitcom, which initially aired in the 1950s, has garnered numerous accolades, including five Emmy Awards. With its hilarious scenarios and memorable catchphrases, I Love Lucy has remained a beloved part of television history. The show's enduring charm is further bolstered by the dynamic chemistry between the Ricardos and their quirky neighbors, Fred (William Frawley) and Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance).
2
Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander
562 votes
- Premiered: July 5, 1989
- Genres: Comedy
A quintessential sitcom, Seinfeld explores the amusingly mundane lives of four eccentric New Yorkers navigating through a world filled with unpredictable social encounters. The show features Jerry Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself, while George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) round out the core ensemble. With its innovative storytelling techniques, relatable humor, and memorable catchphrases, Seinfeld has garnered numerous accolades, including ten Primetime Emmy Awards. Although the series concluded in 1998, its timeless wit and unparalleled charm continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
3
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod
342 votes
- Premiered: September 19, 1970
- Genres: Comedy
The Mary Tyler Moore Show, an iconic 1970s sitcom, is an enduring testament to the ever-evolving landscape of television. The show's protagonist, Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), is a trailblazer for independent working women in a male-dominated world. While navigating through the challenges of her career and personal life, Mary's journey is portrayed with wit, warmth, and relatability. The series has garnered critical acclaim, earning 29 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its seven-season run. With a strong supporting cast, including the likes of Lou Grant (Ed Asner) and Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper), the show artfully balances humor and heartfelt moments, making it a timeless classic worth revisiting.
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4
The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily
329 votes
- Premiered: September 16, 1972
- Genres: Comedy
Psychologist Bob Hartley counsels patients in Chicago.
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5
The Andy Griffith Show
Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts
383 votes
- Premiered: October 3, 1960
- Genres: Comedy
Set in the idyllic town of Mayberry, The Andy Griffith Show presents a charming portrayal of small-town life, filled with warmth and humor. This classic sitcom, which garnered multiple Emmy nominations, revolves around the daily encounters of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and his loyal deputy, Barney Fife (Don Knotts). Their endearing friendship and ability to navigate through various challenges provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia to viewers. The show's ensemble cast, including Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) and Opie (Ron Howard), further enhance its appeal by creating a strong sense of community and relatable storylines that continue to resonate with audiences even decades after its original airing.
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6
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie
386 votes
- Premiered: October 3, 1961
- Genres: Comedy
Comedy writer Rob Petrie juggles family and a career.
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I Love Lucy

Seinfeld

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Bob Newhart Show

The Andy Griffith Show

The Dick Van Dyke Show