The 15 Best Sitcom Ensembles in Television History

      Here are the greatest sitcom ensembles of all time.

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

      However, all of them give us the feeling of reuniting with an old group of friends.

      The Golden Girls

      NBC

      The Golden Girls primarily revolves around four key actors. The ensemble is not particularly large in terms of recognizable faces. Nevertheless, the four leading ladies include two iconic sitcom stars along with a couple of others who gained popularity through this series.

      Let's begin with Betty White, as we previously mentioned her, and because she is a true legend. That’s not a controversial statement. Bea Arthur portrayed Maude in the spin-off All in the Family, contributing a distinct comedic (and sometimes dramatic) energy that differentiated her from the other three.

      While we will mention Rue McClanahan, we want to emphasize Estelle Getty, who underwent significant makeup to portray Sophia, the oldest character among the group. Whether this is the ultimate sitcom cast may be up for discussion, but it is certainly one of the most cherished ensembles in sitcom history.

      All in the Family

      CBS

      All in the Family was groundbreaking, political, and revolutionary. Naturally, it was also quite funny, thanks in large part to its cast. We should start with Carroll O’Connor. Without his remarkable performance, Archie Bunker could have fallen flat, and we certainly don't think Archie's chair would end up in the Smithsonian.

      However, this series was not a solo act. Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, and the often overlooked Sally Struthers all merit recognition. Remember, both The Jeffersons and Maude are spin-offs based on supporting characters from All in the Family. We’re not suggesting you’re out of touch if you disagree with this inclusion, but…

      M*A*S*H

      CBS

      M*A*S*H aired for 256 episodes, received numerous Emmys, and produced the highest-rated episode of a scripted series ever, its finale. Set in an unusual location for a top sitcom—a mobile surgical hospital during the Korean War—the show hasn’t maintained the same cultural footprint as other classic comedies. While we wouldn’t elevate it to the same level as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, it undoubtedly had a great cast.

      Alan Alda and Loretta Swit were part of the show for its entire duration. Part of what made M*A*S*H stand out was its ability to adapt to changes in its cast. Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson left after the third season, and Larry Linville and Gary Burghoff didn't stay for the full run either. Jamie Farr and William Christopher became regulars, and Mike Farrell and Harry Morgan stepped in seamlessly.

      Instead of chaos and chemistry problems, M*A*S*H ran smoothly.

      Cheers

      NBC

      Speaking of shows that could adapt, Cheers managed to navigate necessary cast changes due to career moves (like Shelley Long wanting to become a movie star) and tragic events (the passing of Nicholas Colasanto). Both were solid performances prior to these changes. The ensemble's chemistry during the early seasons of Cheers was exceptional. We’re not downplaying Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley, of course.

      In addition to Ted Danson becoming an icon of sitcoms and George Wendt securing complimentary drinks in every bar he frequents, several later cast additions were also successful. Notably, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith.

      This also gives us an opportunity to mention Frasier, another top-tier sitcom with a fantastic cast. Including both shows might have felt excessive, but they both feature remarkable ensembles.

      Newhart

      CBS

      At this point, Newhart might be considered an underrated sitcom, yet it deserves a place among classic comedies. It stands out as one of the top sitcoms of the 1980s. Although the show experienced some initial growing pains (Growing Pains is definitely not on this list), by the start of the third season, the cast was solid, and the show began to find its rhythm.

      Bob Newhart excelled in his role, especially when surrounded by talented actors who could portray quirky characters. This became the essence of Newhart. The standout performances were by Julia Duffy as Stephanie and Peter Scolari as Michael—two actors deserving of multiple Emmys for their roles.

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

      I Love Lucy

      CBS

      The 1950s phenomenon I Love Lucy is one of the shows that established the framework for the modern sitcom. 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 time zones without compromising quality.

      However, audiences tune in not for the technical achievements, but for the fantastic cast, led by Lucille