Who needs therapy when you have sitcoms, right? Over the years, sitcoms have been our go-to comfort food for the soul. From the ‘90s laugh tracks to the digital gem, we’ve come a long way. And sitcoms have always been our happy place. In fact, these shows have kept us entertained for decades. And you know what’s the best part? Even if you re-watch it today, these sitcoms don’t fail to make you laugh. Don’t believe me? Check out these 15 best sitcoms of all time that redefined the world of comedy TV shows in India.
1. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai
Snobby mom vs middle-class daughter-in-law? Check and check! This Indian classic nailed sarcasm and satire like no other. Maya Sarabhai’s sass and Rosesh’s poems? Absolutely timeless. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is undoubtedly one of the must-watch sitcoms.
2. Hum Paanch
Before OTT took over, Hum Paanch used to be one of the best sitcoms that gave us punchy comedy gold. A dad tormented(lovingly) by five rebellious daughters and a late wife who still talks from her photo frame? YES, PLEASE. And don’t forget, this is the show that gave us Vidya Balan in her first-ever acting role. So, it’s gotta be special.
3. Shriman Shrimati
Before “cringe comedy” became a thing, Shriman Shrimati gave us clean, clever humor with a hilarious twist. It followed two neighbors secretly crushing on each other’s spouses! Sounds familiar? That’s because this was the inspiration for Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. With iconic characters like Dilruba and Keshav Kulkarni and timeless punchlines, this was the sitcom blueprint of the ’90s TV comedy.
4. Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!
If you find yourself saying “Sahi Pakde Hain!” on most occasions, you’re a true-blue fan of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! This sitcom took the classic Shriman Shrimati setup and cranked up the chaos. Set in Kanpur, it revolves around two neighbouring couples, the Mishras and Tiwari. And just like Shriman Shrimati, these husbands, too, are infatuated with the other’s wives. With characters like the ultra-sanskari Angoori and the modern Anita, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain delivers punchlines like no other. Still going strong, it’s proof that cheeky comedy, when done right, never gets old.
5. Khichdi
The Parekhs are chaotic, eccentric, and totally hilarious. No wonder they’re one of India’s most lovably crazy families. Khichdi didn’t just break the fourth wall—it shattered it with pure desi absurdity. Praful and Hansa’s banter? Iconic. Even now, you’d find people saying phrases like “Hello! How are? Khaana Khake Jaana Haan!” or “Main Toh Thak Gayi Bhaishaab!”. Remember Praful’s hand gestures? Iconic. No wonder they also released the Khichdi movie and then the Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan movie.
6. Dekh Bhai Dekh
If you think the best sitcoms are wholesome and witty, this one would’ve been your favorite back in the day. This show had it all: a joint family, classic ’90s vibes, and heartwarming humor. Shekhar Suman and Farida Jalal made Dekh Bhai Dekh unforgettable.
7. F.I.R.
This isn’t your average cop show. F.I.R. was a laughing riot! With Kavita Kaushik’s unforgettable performance as Inspector Chandramukhi Chautala, this was one of the best sitcoms set in a police station. Chandramukhi’s Haryanvi swag, clueless constables, and nonsensical suspects made this show an instant classic.
8. Office Office
If you like satire, you’ll love Office Office because this one is satire at its sharpest. Pankaj Kapur as Mussaddi Lal battling government office red tape was painfully relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. A brilliant social satire wrapped in a sitcom format.
9. Shararat – Thoda Jaadu, Thodi Nazaakat
A witchy grandmother, a teenage witch, and hilarious spells gone wrong? Shararat was India’s answer to light-hearted fantasy comedy, and we LOVED it. Plus, who can forget Nani’s epic one-liners? Loosely based on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this one was one of the best sitcoms, especially for teenagers.
10. Hip Hip Hurray
If you have seen this one, there’s no way any other show can top your list. Hip Hip Hurray is undoubtedly one of the best sitcoms of all time. This slice-of-life school drama with friendship, crushes, and growing pains was way ahead of its time.
11. Ghar Jamai
Ghar Jamai has to be one of the most underrated cult classic shows ever. Satish Shah as the reluctant ghar jamai and a house full of eccentric characters? Sounds like a recipe for some hilarious chaos. Even today, it can deliver laugh-out-loud moments and pure nostalgia.
12. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
Love it or meme it—TMKOC has kept the laughter rolling for over a decade. Gokuldham Society’s crazy residents and social message-packed humor made it a family favorite. After all, it didn’t become India’s longest-running sitcom for no reason.
13. Sumit Sambhal Lega
This Indian adaptation of Everybody Loves Raymond had perfect comic timing and relatable family drama. The nosy mom, laid-back dad, and poor Sumit stuck in the middle, isn’t that every Indian household, basically?
14. TVF Pitchers
Then came the game-changer for Indian web content, TVF Pitchers! It follows four friends who ditch their corporate jobs to build a startup. It’s like Silicon Valley but brewed in India. Every desi millennial who’s ever had a “what if?” moment can relate. From startup dreams to roommate drama and bro vibes, this one has it all.
15. Permanent Roommates
If you like to watch sitcoms online, Permanent Roommates is probably already one of your favorites. One of India’s first viral web shows, it gave us Mikesh and Tanya, a couple figuring out love, commitment, and the struggles of living together. Full of relatable quirks, awkward proposals, and tender moments, it’s the perfect mix of rom-com and real-life comedy.
Final Thoughts: Rewatch Some of the Best Sitcoms NOW!
Whether you’re vibing with Hum Paanch or cracking up at Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, sitcoms have one job, and that is to make you laugh. And these 15 shows absolutely nailed it. So grab your popcorn, call your buddies(or don’t, I won’t judge a solo binge), and start watching. Because honestly, we could all use a few more laughs every now and then.
