The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

Updated October 19, 2023 33.2K votes 1.5K voters 50.3K views

Over 1.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Guilty Pleasures You Can't Turn Off

Voting Rules

Vote up the scripted television series you hate yourself for watching - but can't seem to quit.

Latest additions: Roadies, One Piece, World's Funniest Animals

Most divisive: Pretty Little Liars

These are the best guilty pleasure TV shows, the most delightfully addictive series we love to watch and hate that we love from the past and present, including sitcoms, dramas, reality shows, and game shows. These are the TV shows you won’t admit to watching - even though you secretly do. Guilty pleasure television is addictive and often horrible, but it never fails to draw in viewers. This list includes the TV shows you can’t stop watching, the greatest guilty pleasure TV shows of all time. Although everyone has their own ideas about what should be labeled ‘guilty pleasure’ TV, it’s not hard to admit that these shows, while not the greatest examples of television, are one thing: addictive.

Why are we so ashamed to admit that we can’t get enough of these so-called guilty pleasure TV shows? Perhaps it’s because, deep down, we recognize that these ‘so bad they’re addictive’ TV programs are truly terrible. Guilty pleasure dramas take everything to the extreme, adding crazy plot lines revolving around forbidden love, backstabbing, or jealousy. Guilty pleasure sitcoms are so cheesy they’re funny. Guilty pleasure reality shows are usually, paradoxically, unrealistic and showcase the worst in human nature. But much like a train wreck, viewers can’t stop themselves from looking.

Some guilty pleasure TV shows have become so thanks to age. After all, millions of people watched Full House and Beverly Hills, 90210 when they first aired - but would you admit to watching them now? Even if you secretly do? What are television's best guilty pleasure shows? Vote up the addictive shows you think are the best and see where your favorites rank.

Ranked by

1
The Flintstones
Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc
171 votes
- Premiered: September 30, 1960
Set in the prehistoric town of Bedrock, The Flintstones has etched its place in history as a pioneer in animated television. This beloved sitcom centers around the lives of the Flintstone family, featuring Fred Flintstone (voiced by Alan Reed) and his wife Wilma (Jean Vander Pyl), alongside their best friends and neighbors, Barney and Betty Rubble. Laughter ensues as the show masterfully incorporates modern-day scenarios into its Stone Age setting, making it relatable for audiences of all ages. As the first prime-time animated series to be nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, The Flintstones charms with its wit, humor, and iconic catchphrases that have stood the test of time.
2
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick
188 votes
- Premiered: September 20, 1996
Sabrina the Teenage Witch, a charming sitcom from the late '90s, explores the life of a young witch, Sabrina Spellman (played by Melissa Joan Hart), as she navigates the challenges of adolescence alongside her magical powers. The show's unique blend of humor and supernatural elements, combined with relatable teenage dilemmas, earned it a dedicated fanbase. With a talented ensemble cast, including Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick as Sabrina's quirky aunts, the series balances lighthearted comedy and enchanting spells. As viewers follow Sabrina's journey, they are treated to an entertaining coming-of-age story that is both bewitching and timeless.
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3
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid
235 votes
- Premiered: September 10, 1990
In the early 1990s, a sitcom emerged that deftly combined humor and heart, exploring themes of family, class, and culture. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a beloved classic, follows the life of West Philadelphia-born teenager, Will Smith (played by none other than Will Smith), as he adjusts to his new life with wealthy relatives in their posh Bel-Air mansion. With its talented ensemble cast, including the late James Avery as stern yet caring Uncle Phil and Alfonso Ribeiro as the endearingly dorky cousin Carlton, the show earned numerous award nominations and wins during its six-season run. The series remains a touchstone of television history, fondly remembered for its catchy theme song, memorable moments, and the undeniable charm of its star, Will Smith.
4
I Dream of Jeannie
Larry Hagman, Barbara Eden, Bill Daily
189 votes
- Premiered: September 15, 1965
Whisking audiences away to a world of comedic magic and mischief, I Dream of Jeannie explores the enchanting adventures of astronaut Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) and his newfound genie companion, Jeannie (Barbara Eden). With its blend of humor, romance, and fantasy, the show has remained a beloved classic since its debut in 1965. Throughout its five-season run, the series charmed viewers with its lighthearted storylines and the undeniable chemistry between its leading actors. I Dream of Jeannie's cultural impact and enduring popularity have solidified its place in television history as an iconic sitcom treasure.
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5
The Simpsons
Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
291 votes
- Premiered: December 17, 1989
In the quaint town of Springfield, viewers are treated to a heartwarming and comical glimpse into the lives of the Simpson family. This long-running animated sitcom has garnered numerous accolades, including 34 Primetime Emmy Awards, as it delves into the experiences of bumbling patriarch Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta), his patient wife Marge (Julie Kavner), and their three children: mischievous Bart (Nancy Cartwright), precocious Lisa (Yeardley Smith), and endearing baby Maggie. With its clever humor, memorable catchphrases, and satirical commentary on American society, the show continues to entertain audiences around the world.
6
The Addams Family
Carolyn Jones, John Astin, Jackie Coogan
184 votes
- Premiered: September 18, 1964
The Addams Family, a macabre yet endearing sitcom, has managed to charm generations of viewers with its peculiar characters and dark humor. This timeless classic revolves around the daily lives of an eccentric family, led by the suave and sophisticated Gomez Addams (John Astin) and his ethereal wife Morticia (Carolyn Jones). The series, which originally aired from 1964-1966, garnered a dedicated fanbase and earned itself a Golden Globe nomination. With its unforgettable theme song and iconic finger-snapping tune, The Addams Family remains a beloved piece of television history that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Flintstones

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

I Dream of Jeannie

The Simpsons

The Addams Family