Not Only 'Friends' & 'The Office': 5 Best Sitcoms With 90% & Higher Scores on Rotten Tomatoes
From satirical vampire comedies to heartwarming stories about friendship.
Friends and The Office have long been synonymous with quality sitcoms, however, the world of comedy series is far richer and more diverse.
In recent decades, many projects have emerged that rival these cult classics in terms of sharp humor and character depth.
1. 'Spaced', 1999-2001
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
In an attempt to rent an apartment, comic book seller Tim and love-struck Daisy pretend to be a couple. Now, they must constantly maintain the facade in front of their landlady, Marsha, and their depressed artist neighbor, Brian.
Their already complicated lives are further disrupted by Tim's best friend, Mike, who is obsessed with guns. The eccentric group's shared existence turns into a series of absurd predicaments and amusing adventures.
2. 'Black Books', 2000-2004
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
A secondhand bookshop in London is going through hard times. The culprit is its owner, Bernard Black, arguably the worst bookseller on the planet.
He loathes customers and often closes the shop in the middle of the day to have a drink with Fran, his friend who works next door.
The business only stays afloat thanks to Manny, a clumsy yet conscientious assistant who stoically endures his boss's antics.
3. 'The Mighty Boosh', 2003-2007
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The Mighty Boosh is a series that pays homage to the legendary British show Monty Python. Created by comedians Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, the show began as a live performance.
As their performances gained popularity, the BBC provided the duo with a budget to create a surreal sitcom, granting them complete creative freedom.
The series consists of absurd sketches set in unexpected locations. At the heart of the action are two very different friends: the melancholy Howard Moon and the eccentric Vince Noir.
4. 'What We Do in the Shadows', 2019-2024
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
The main characters are a motley crew of vampires who are forced to coexist under one roof. Nandor the Relentless, a former warrior who once fought for the Ottoman Empire, is the group's nominal leader.
Laszlo Cravensworth, an English nobleman, is married to the Romani vampire Nadja. They are joined by Colin Robinson, an energy vampire who requires no blood and functions perfectly well in daylight.
Their loyal servant, Guillermo, helps the residents manage daily chores such as cleaning their massive mansion and paying the bills. Also, Guillermo dreams of joining the ranks of the immortals.
5. 'Abbott Elementary', 2021-2026
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
A tight-knit team of enthusiastic educators works at an ordinary elementary school that is perpetually short on funds. Janine, a young teacher, firmly believes that it is possible to change the world for the better, even in a cash-strapped public institution.
Her veteran colleagues have long since grown accustomed to the challenges, yet they still give their all. As the new school year approaches, a newcomer joins the team: Greg, a substitute teacher, with whom Janine instantly hits it off.
The only thing dampening their enthusiasm is Ava, the overconfident principal who creates problems out of thin air.
