The 15 Best Sitcom Ensembles in History

      Here are the greatest sitcom ensembles of all time.

      **All in the Family**

      **CBS**

      All in the Family was bold, political, and groundbreaking. Naturally, it didn't hurt that the series was also quite humorous, thanks in large part to its cast. We have to mention Carroll O’Connor first; without his outstanding performance, Archie Bunker might not have resonated as powerfully, and we doubt Archie’s chair would even be considered for the Smithsonian.

      However, the show was not solely reliant on him. Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, and the often-overlooked Sally Struthers also contributed significantly. It's worth noting that both The Jeffersons and Maude are spinoffs featuring characters from All in the Family. We’re not calling you a dingbat or a meathead if you disagree with this listing, but...

      **M*A*S*H**

      **CBS**

      M*A*S*H ran for 256 episodes, garnered numerous Emmys, and produced the highest-rated scripted television episode, its series finale. Set in a mobile surgical hospital during the Korean War, it may not have the same enduring legacy as certain other classic comedies, nor would we equate it with shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, when it comes to remarkable casts, M*A*S*H undoubtedly delivered.

      Alan Alda and Loretta Swit were present throughout the entire series, but what truly stands out about M*A*S*H is its ability to navigate the departures and arrivals of cast members. Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson exited after the third season, and Larry Linville and Gary Burghoff didn’t remain for the entire duration either. Jamie Farr and William Christopher became regulars, and Mike Farrell and Harry Morgan joined seamlessly.

      Rather than facing turmoil and chemistry issues, M*A*S*H continued to operate smoothly.

      **Cheers**

      **NBC**

      Speaking of shows that adapted well, Cheers managed to cope with necessary cast changes due to personal choices (like Shelley Long aspiring to be a movie star) and unfortunate events (the passing of Nicholas Colasanto). Both were notable performances prior to their departures. The ensemble's chemistry on Cheers was extraordinary, particularly during the initial seasons, though we acknowledge the talents of Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley.

      In addition to Ted Danson's rise to sitcom prominence and George Wendt securing complimentary drinks in every bar for life, some later cast members brought significant success as well, particularly Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith.

      This also offers an opportunity to mention Frasier, another exemplary sitcom featuring an exceptional cast. Including both shows would feel excessive (or perhaps very Lilith), but certainly, both boasted remarkable ensembles.

      **Newhart**

      **CBS**

      Newhart may currently be an underrated sitcom, but it deserves a place among the classic comedy series. It's considered one of the top two or three sitcoms of the 1980s. While the show experienced some initial struggles (unlike Growing Pains, which is notably not included here), by the start of its third season, the cast was strong, and the series began to click.

      Bob Newhart excelled with vibrant actors who portrayed quirky roles around him, which became the essence of Newhart. The standout performances came from Julia Duffy as Stephanie and Peter Scolari as Michael, two actors who deserved multiple Emmy wins for their work on the show.

      And, of course, who could forget Larry, his brother Darryl, or his other brother Darryl?

      **The Golden Girls**

      **NBC**

      The Golden Girls revolves around four central actresses. The ensemble isn't particularly large in terms of recognizable faces, but the four women at the heart of the show included two sitcom legends and two other beloved actors who gained fame through this series.

      Let's begin with Betty White, as we previously mentioned her, and because she is simply exceptional. Bea Arthur portrayed Maude in that All in the Family spinoff and brought a distinct comedic (and sometimes dramatic) energy compared to the other three.

      While we can't overlook Rue McClanahan, we want to spotlight Estelle Getty, who went through a substantial makeup process to embody Sophia, the oldest of the group. While it might be debatable if this is the best sitcom cast, it's certainly one of the most beloved.

      **I Love Lucy**

      **CBS**

      The 1950s powerhouse I Love Lucy is one of the shows that established the framework for modern sitcoms. As noted in Amy Poehler’s wonderful documentary Lucy and Desi, it also transformed television with innovations such as its method of airing the show across different time zones without sacrificing quality.

      However, viewers weren't drawn in by the technological advancements; they watched for the stellar cast, led by Lucille Ball, a master of dialogue and physical comedy who could elicit laughter with just her facial expressions. Her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, was incredibly charismatic, adept at both