The 13 Greatest Sitcom Ensembles of All Time

      Here are the greatest sitcom ensembles of all time.

      Some of these series are classics, while others are more recent.

      Yet, each one gives us the feeling of reuniting with familiar friends.

      **All in the Family**

      *CBS*

      **All in the Family** was groundbreaking, political, and transformative. Naturally, it helped that the show was hilarious, and the cast significantly contributed to that. We must begin with Carroll O’Connor; without his outstanding performance, Archie Bunker could have flopped, and we doubt Archie’s chair would be part of the Smithsonian.

      However, this show wasn’t a solo act. Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, and the often-overlooked Sally Struthers also deserve recognition. It's worth noting that **The Jeffersons** and **Maude** are both spinoffs featuring characters from **All in the Family**. We wouldn't label you a dingbat or a meathead for disagreeing with this choice, though…

      **M*A*S*H**

      *CBS*

      **M*A*S*H** aired for 256 episodes, won numerous Emmy Awards, and produced the highest-rated episode of a scripted program ever, its series finale. Uniquely set in a mobile surgical hospital during the Korean War, the show hasn’t quite maintained the same enduring legacy as other classic comedies. While we wouldn’t equate it with **The Mary Tyler Moore Show**, when it comes to remarkable casts, **M*A*S*H** certainly checks that box.

      Alan Alda and Loretta Swit were present for the entirety of the series, but what makes **M*A*S*H** impressive is its ability to adapt to changes in the cast. Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson departed after the third season, and Larry Linville and Gary Burghoff also didn’t stay for the entire series. Jamie Farr and William Christopher became mainstays, while Mike Farrell and Harry Morgan seamlessly joined the ensemble.

      Rather than experiencing chaos, **M*A*S*H** maintained a cohesive flow.

      **Cheers**

      *NBC*

      Speaking of shows that adapted well, **Cheers** managed to navigate necessary cast shifts prompted by career choices (like Shelley Long wanting to pursue a movie career) and unfortunate events (the passing of Nicholas Colasanto). Both actors delivered memorable performances beforehand. The on-screen chemistry of the **Cheers** ensemble was extraordinary, particularly in the initial seasons. We aren't disregarding Woody Harrelson or Kirstie Alley, of course.

      In addition to Ted Danson rising to sitcom royalty and George Wendt earning free drinks at every bar he enters, some later cast members also proved to be significant successes. We'll highlight Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith.

      This moment also allows us to mention **Frasier**, another excellent sitcom with a fabulous cast. Including both shows might seem excessive, but they undeniably had outstanding ensembles.

      **Newhart**

      *CBS*

      At this point, **Newhart** may be considered an underrated sitcom, but it certainly deserves a place among the classic comedy greats. It's one of the top two or three sitcoms from the 1980s. While the series faced some early struggles (and not in the “Growing Pains” sense), by the third season, the cast was solidified, and the show started to really shine.

      Bob Newhart delivered his signature style exceptionally well when surrounded by dynamic actors capable of embodying quirky characters. That’s what made **Newhart** so special. The standout performances came from Julia Duffy as Stephanie and Peter Scolari as Michael, both deserving of multiple Emmy Awards for their roles.

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

      **The Golden Girls**

      *NBC*

      **The Golden Girls** is essentially centered around four main actors. The ensemble isn’t particularly expansive in terms of remembered characters. However, the four leading ladies included two sitcom legends and a couple of others who gained affection from audiences thanks to this show.

      Let’s begin with Betty White, as we mentioned her previously and because she’s simply legendary. Bea Arthur portrayed Maude in the **All in the Family** spinoff and brought a unique comedic (and sometimes dramatic) energy different from the other three.

      While we won’t overlook Rue McClanahan, we want to emphasize Estelle Getty, who underwent an extensive makeup transformation to play Sophia, the oldest of the women. While the title of the best sitcom cast may be up for debate, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t the most beloved ensemble in sitcom history.

      **I Love Lucy**

      *CBS*

      The iconic **I Love Lucy** from the 1950s helped establish the formula for the contemporary sitcom. As highlighted in Amy Poehler’s outstanding documentary *