Although sitcoms have always prioritized humor, several core episodes still massively impacted the genre and the TV industry in meaningful ways. Some of the highest-rated TV episodes were memorable not only because they were funny, but also because they bravely addressed important social issues. Others were notable because of when they aired in history or fascinating new production techniques that were implemented.

Some of the best sitcoms of all time have included a groundbreaking episode that redefined the genre overall. Multiple groundbreaking shows changed how TV was watched by breaking down the barriers of discussing difficult topics and encouraging other titles to do the same. While sitcoms may have been created with a focus on laughter and lighthearted storylines, over time, some episodes became legendary for how they changed the genre.

10

The Contest – Seinfeld

Season 4, Episode 11

The Seinfeld episode “The Contest” revolved around an intense competition between Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer to see who could go the longest without masturbating. At the time of airing, this was a highly controversial subject matter. However, the way the episode was executed set Seinfeld apart from other sitcoms. Throughout the hilarious endurance match, the word masturbation did not feature once, and the characters used various euphemisms as a replacement, including phrases like “Lord of the Manor” and “King of the Castle.”

This was a brilliant way for Seinfeld to work around the taboo topic and certain language attached to it, which paved the way for other sitcoms and TV shows to follow. The direct avoidance of acknowledging the proper wording for the gang’s self-denial added an extra layer of humor to the episode, too, because of how obvious it was. It was also interesting to see such a storyline covered by characters who weren’t a group of teenagers, which proved that sexuality was relevant at any age.

9

My Screw Up – Scrubs

Season 3, Episode 14

While many sitcoms have an episode when over-the-top comedy is discarded for a profound moment, no show did it as well as Scrubs, with the episode “My Screw Up.” The episode is considered to have one of the biggest sitcom plot twists ever because it spent so long luring audiences into a false sense of security, only for a shocking death to be revealed at the end. Dr. Cox remained close with his ex-brother-in-law and best friend, Ben, but when he believed that they were due to attend his son’s first birthday party, he was actually at Ben’s funeral.

This jarring development was a moment in Scrubs that made many cry. While the show covered rather difficult topics, being set in a hospital, the show hadn’t encountered such emotional ground until “My Screw Up.” This episode was also the start of a brilliant character arc for Cox, who was proven to be more than just an aggressive comedic device. His complexities as a person were highlighted through his grief, and Scrubs did a perfect job with the overall tone of the episode. Scrubs knew when to stop the laughs without fear of ruining the show’s pacing or value.

8

Pilot – Mary Kay And Johnny

Season 1, Episode 1

Mary Kay and Johnny was the first sitcom in TV history. The 1947 show starred the real-life couple Mary Kay and Johnny Stearns, who also wrote the TV show. Although the genre changed hugely in the years following Mary Kay and Johnny’s release, it established several sitcom rules that inspired other shows. Mary Kay and Johnny was a formulaic TV show focused on the titular characters’ marriage and the issues they faced together, but each episode ended with everything wrapped up.

The show introduced the trope of a frustrated husband and a less-than-intelligent wife, which was a big part of its humor. Mary Kay and Johnny created several other firsts in the sitcom genre during its three years on the air. It was the first show to present a couple in bed together, which was a shocking sight to see on television in the 1940s. In 1948, Mary Kay attempted to hide her pregnancy while filming the show, but it was eventually written into the show. The Stearns’ son, Christopher, then appeared on the show at just a few weeks old.

7

Hollywood, Part 3 – Happy Days

Season 5, Episode 3

“Hollywood, Part 3” marked a notable shift in the storytelling and overall style of Happy Days. The show was generally focused on a group of teenagers in 1950s Milwaukee, but the season 5 “Hollywood” episodes sent the gang out to California for Fonzie’s film audition. However, this led to one of the most nonsensical plotlines in sitcom history when Fonzie crossed paths with “the California Kid.” Fonzie’s mysterious rival challenged him to jump over a shark on a pair of water skis, and he was absurdly successful in his attempt.

This wild moment led to the creation of the TV term “jump the shark.” This phrase continued to be used throughout the television industry to refer to a creative decision deemed to be too exaggerated or different from its original premise. It has also been used to refer to a show running out of new ideas altogether. “Jumping the shark” set a precedence for future sitcoms in good and bad ways. It taught shows to analyze storylines and think about whether they were too ludicrous, but it also challenged other sitcoms to outdo the ridiculousness of “Hollywood, Part 3.”

6

Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Season 4, Episode 24

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s famous episode “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” contained one of the most emotional monologues from a TV show ever. From the second the episode aired, it was clear that Will’s rant about his absent father would be remembered for a long time. Will’s heartbreaking remarks about his father failing to come through for him, which had happened numerous times before, allowed for some fascinating character development. Unlike in previous instances, Will could see his neglectful parent for exactly what he was.

Will Smith’s saddest moment saw him tell Phil about what he’d do better as a future father was moving, especially when he allowed himself to inevitably break down in his uncle’s arms and ask, “Why don’t he want me?” In Smith’s 2021 memoir, Will, he revealed that his father was abusive to his mother in childhood. Although this wasn’t known at the time of filming, it can be seen just how impactful the scene was to Smith. The emotion that resonated from him was so thought-provoking it broke the barrier and allowed other sitcoms to tackle more difficult topics comfortably.

5

Pilot – The Hank McCune Show

Season 1, Episode 1

The Hank McCune Show‘s most significant contribution to the sitcom genre was the introduction of the laugh track. The 1950s TV show was notably shot without a live studio audience, which was an unusual thing to see at the time. Instead of real responses, the show implemented a pre-recorded track of laughter into its scenes. The Hank McCune Show was the very first show to do this and gained significant attention for doing so. The laugh track played over Hank McCune, portraying a fictional version of himself as he hosted a variety show and got into all manner of predicaments.

The Hank McCune Show was endearing for being a show within a show, but its use of a laugh track made it groundbreaking. The idea of a laugh track initially made producers wary and feared that a false reaction wouldn’t be authentic. However, shows like The Pride of the Family and I Love Lucy quickly followed suit. The show was canceled after three months but eventually returned without the laugh track. Although it took time for the industry to get used to laugh tracks, it became such a staple in sitcoms that it became hard to imagine them without it.

4

Sophia’s Choice – The Golden Girls

Season 4, Episode 22

The Golden Girls delved into several darker subjects throughout its run, but its most touching episode was “Sophia’s Choice.” The episode highlighted the topic of elder abuse, but Sophia’s personal relation to her friend Lillian’s experiences was even more impactful. Sophia had previously stayed in a clinic after a stroke, so she was horrified to learn Lillian was residing somewhere even worse after failing to return to Shady Pines. After breaking Lillian out, Sophia was heartbroken to realize she couldn’t care for her friend properly and that the facility was ill-equipped as well, leaving her conflicted about what to do.

The institution’s manager was also exhausted and struggled to ensure the full care of his patients. What made this episode so groundbreaking, however, was its end. Sophia managed to find adequate care for Lillian but couldn’t help but reflect on the situation despite the happy ending. Many elderly people were mistreated because of a lack of financial support, hence why Lillian was cared for at “minimum standards.” The Golden Girls was ahead of its time because its characters were older, but this episode proved that sitcoms needed to discuss uncomfortable but important topics, regardless of age.

3

The Puppy Episode – Ellen

Season 4, Episode 22

Ellen’s “The Puppy Episode” was a defining moment in television as the titular character came out as gay. The two-part story beautifully reflected DeGeneres’ own experience in announcing her sexuality. DeGeneres came out in a 1997 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her character in Ellen then did the same to her therapist, who Winfrey also portrayed. “The Puppy Episode” was a historic moment for prime-time television and made Ellen Morgan the first gay lead character in a mainstream sitcom.

Despite some criticism of the episode, the storyline greatly impacted society’s view of LGBTQ+ representation in sitcoms. While it was a deep topic to cover, especially as it was so relevant to DeGeneres’ life, the show used a combination of serious and comical moments to translate the storyline brilliantly. The conversations about Morgan’s discovery added an interesting depth to the narrative and demonstrated the various real-life reactions many LGBTQ+ people encountered. Ellen’s “The Puppy Episode” had a massive impact on all TV shows after this, embracing all manner of characters and their sexualities.

2

Moo Moo – Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Season 4, Episode 16

Brooklyn Nine-Nine tackled discrimination frequently, but racism was an especially hot topic. With two black men leading the precinct, the unfair treatment of people of color was often discussed in the show. However, the episode “Moo Moo” perfectly encapsulated the fear of black people in America and their relationship with law enforcement. Terry’s tale of being racially profiled by another officer was sadly accurate but created several very important discussions. The officer failed to understand why his behavior was wrong and only apologized for not knowing Terry was a cop.

Captain Holt hesitated in filing a police report and failed to realize that he’d worked so hard to help colleagues like Terry avoid the same abuse he faced. The character development both Terry and Holt went through in “Moo Moo” was intriguing, as the two reflected on shared experiences with different outcomes. What was also impactful, however, was how the show’s white characters also pondered on the issue and acknowledged that they had the perspective to understand it to a certain degree. Brooklyn Nine-Nine never failed with complex topics, and “Moo Moo” was a perfect example of this.

1

Crime And Punishment – Roseanne

Season 5, Episode 13

The Roseanne episode “Crime and Punishment” amazingly translated the strength of Roseanne and Jackie’s conflicted relationship to the screen. The episode revealed that Jackie was being physically abused by her boyfriend, Fisher, a topic that sitcoms generally swerved. Roseanne sensed that Jackie wasn’t right, and her gut instinct led to the discovery of multiple awful bruises across her sister’s back. Jackie heartbreakingly blamed herself for Fisher’s actions, but Roseanne’s tender support allowed her to open up about her domestic abuse slowly. Roseanne fantastically replicated common elements of the terrible situation through Jackie’s words.

Despite its candid portrayal of domestic abuse, Roseanne authentically addressed the serious social issue, and it provided a lot of hope for many. The episode broke down the stigma of the conversation and encouraged others to know it was okay to speak out. Jackie actress Laurie Metcalf won an Emmy for “Crime and Punishment,” which wasn’t surprising given her incredible performance. “Crime and Punishment” not only highlighted the power of a supportive family, but it also made Roseanne stand out within the sitcom genre for the bold way it featured such a storyline.