Behind the success of NBC sitcoms and their never-ending popularity

When it comes to sitcoms, it has always been hit or miss. Some run successfully for 10+ seasons, while the other got pulled after a few episodes due to its ratings. 30 Rock, an award-winning show struggled in its run due to ratings, yet it managed to pull seven seasons. A similar pattern has been followed by Parks and Recreation or Community. We also have an example of how The Office, a British show, only survived for two seasons in the UK while an American version became one of the most-watched shows in history with its nine seasons.

This post will reflect on some of the sitcoms from different decades, their success and why they are still beloved years later.

Let’s jump on the time machine and go a few years back to 1989 when Seinfeld first aired on TV.

A show about nothing made history as one of the best sitcoms of all time. During its 9 season run, we saw Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer go through many misfortunes or relationship problems. I would like to point out one thing about the show. There was no development. The majority of shows have some form of character growth and changes happening in life, meanwhile, Seinfeld has nothing of that. The characters say goodbye to the show with the same attitude when they have started. No one gets married or no one moves away which reflects on the characters in a perfect way.

Friends are the opposite of that. Although both shows have a group of friends living in New York, the premise is different. There’s more development in terms of characters, yet both shows are relevant, that is one of the reasons why they are still beloved today.

Time is another key point. For many new generations, the 90s vibe is something they had never experienced. Seeing how characters meet up to see a movie at the cinema or how they just meet outside to hang out is not as popular today. Here comes the nostalgic part that some might miss deeply as the technology that exists today replaced those things.

The Office aired in 2005, a year after friends said goodbye. A mockumentary show about employees at a paper company is a remake of a British version. Michael Scott, who is this annoying, awkward with no boundaries boss, suddenly became a fan favourite. In Seinfeld, we have four characters who are not the greatest, yet it is impossible to dislike them, and The Office is no exception. Each episode gives us awkward moments between the employees, a lot of misfortunes and gossip. We see many friendships but also fights and arguments. Yet the show's success and its long-run could not be accomplished without Steve Carrell and his acting. He made the show what it is.

The Office also gave the green light to other mockumentary workplace shows like Parks and Recreation. This time we see a smaller group of people in a loving fictional town Pawnee, while the theme of the show has switched to politics. It still worked incredibly well and seeing a group of characters that is diverse and supportive makes a show some kind of escape room.

Lately, I would like to mention Community. It is one of the shows that I like to think of as a mix of pop culture stuff. With the constant mention of different shows and movies and interpreting it in its way, the show became one of the kind. Just like every other show it created its legacy that unfortunately wasn’t enough and the show got cancelled. It ran for one more season on Yahoo before ending its unfortunate short run.

All the shows I mentioned above aired on NBC that I do believe stand up above other networks and even streaming services when it comes to sitcoms. Each comedy is not only funny but also has a heart. Watching these shows years later does not make them any less funny. Although not always appreciated in terms of ratings or awards, the shows made an impact in television history that will never be forgotten.