1. The Simpsons

Original Air Date: 1989-Present
Network: FOX

Currently airing its landmark 20th season, The Simpsons is a veritable pop culture icon. The Simpsons is not only the longest running American animated program, it's also the longest running American sitcom, and is currently tied with Gunsmoke for the longest running American primetime series. Those records alone don't earn it the top place on our list, however. The Simpsons is also an incredibly funny show that's produced more amusing characters and situations than the vast majority of all other American sitcoms.

From its start as rough shorts airing during The Tracey Ullman Show, the dysfunctional Simpson family has been a sharp parody of the middle class American lifestyle. Many fans view the first eight seasons as the series' best, containing such classics as "The Crepes of Wrath," "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish," and "Marge vs. the Monorail," but it can be argued that even with a dip in quality from the early seasons, The Simpsons remains an entertaining and relevant series, and after two decades stays accessible to both the original fans and a whole new generation of viewers.

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