Though it may seem like traditional couple comedies are a dying art, there are still plenty of shows keeping the tradition alive today and in a hilarious fashion too. Laszlo and Nadja's marriage has been so entertaining in What We Do in the Shadows that fans have even been getting excited about the mystery wedding teased in the season 4 episode titles.
It's true that comedies centered on a couple used to be more prominent however, classics like Mad About You are just a couple of the most well-known ones. That's why it was up to the TV fans of Ranker to vote on which couple comedy they think deserve to be considered the funniest of all time.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Mike & Molly (2010)
Starring Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy as the titular couple, Mike & Molly is one of the most successful traditional couple-centered sitcoms of recent years. The series begins with them meeting at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting before their relationship begins to progress and grow into something more serious.
Both have distinctive characters but they play off each other well and their relationship is believable, with many of the plotlines revolving around relatable problems like difficult family relatives. This particularly relatable brand of humor seemingly struck a chord with fans on Ranker, making it a popular contemporary choice.
The King Of Queens (1998)
As the title implies, The King of Queens is a comedy with a distinctively New York flavor and it stars Kevin James and Leah Remini as the central couple, Doug and Carrie Heffernan. Although it didn't do a lot differently, with Doug being a kind of "everyman" main character who ends up being the butt of every joke, it was massively successful during its run.
With over 200 episodes in total, all filmed in front of a live studio audience, there's plenty of the sitcom to enjoy too for fans of squabbling couples and zany schemes that inevitably backfire. Its reliance on some tired stereotypes means not everyone loves the show, and it received its fair share of downvotes in the poll, but there were also plenty who felt there hasn't been a funnier couple-centered comedy since.
Dharma & Greg (1997)
With its premise that two completely different people end up getting married after just one date, Dharma and Greg immediately hooked a whole generation of romantic sitcom fans looking for something a little different from what's out there. Co-created by Chuck Lorre, who was also behind hits like The Big Bang Theory, and starring the excellent Jenna Elfman, the show had a recipe for success.
Although it struggled to win a huge audience thanks to some of the incredible sitcoms of the '90s that formed its competition, it still ran for five seasons before its eventual cancelation. Though this might have limited its popularity, it also meant the show ended before it ran out of steam and that's reflected in the fond memories many, including a ton of fans on Ranker, have for Dharma & Greg.
Green Acres (1965)
Before it was brought to a premature end in the early '70s, there weren't many sitcoms more distinctive than Green Acres. Centered on a wealthy New York couple that moves to the countryside in order for the husband to fulfill his dream of being a farmer, the show used its rural setting as the source of a lot of its comedy.
Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor shine as the central couple while dashes of surreal comedy and intriguing presentation choices make the show stand out, especially for the time. It's this mix of novel elements and nostalgia that makes for a combination perfect for fans on Ranker looking for a distinctive choice to vote up.
Mad About You (1992)
While people will always argue about which old TV shows should be revived, it's rare that any sitcom actually manages to maintain a hold over its fans long enough for a modern revival to appear. It's a testament to the strength of Mad About You, a sitcom with the simple premise of following a pair of New York newlyweds in their daily lives, that it received one in 2019.
It should be no surprise though, as Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt both do incredible jobs and their chemistry feels very real, while the interesting plotlines and consistently great humor meant the show received a ton of awards. Its revival emerged as a result of the show's incredibly loyal fanbase and it's no surprise they made their voice heard on Ranker too.
Mork & Mindy (1978)
Happy Days, Mork & Mindy had a lot to live up to and, with its premise that saw Williams playing the alien Mork finding love on earth, it could easily have failed.
However, Williams is an incredible comic actor, and his counterpart, Pam Dawber, was also lauded for her performance as Mindy. Along with some solid writing, it was a recipe for comedy success and one that few people could dislike. Though it garnered fewer votes than other entries, the fact that very few were willing to vote down the show on Ranker contributed to its high position.
I Dream Of Jeannie (1965)
While most sitcoms like to keep their characters grounded and relatable, I Dream of Jeannie found success in the fantastical relationship between a 2000-year-old genie and the astronaut who finds her in a bottle while stranded. After she falls in love at first sight, her misguided attempts to help him often cause him trouble.
This forms the heart of a lot of the show's humor so how the viewer feels about Barbara Eden as the titular Jeannie will determine how much joy they can get from the show. Although the show, which began in black and white, has naturally aged quite a lot, its charm has allowed it to retain a loyal fanbase that will always vote up I Dream Of Jeannie.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961)
Starring national treasures Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, The Dick Van Dyke show is considered legendary even amongst its classic sitcom contemporaries. The two play goofy TV writer Rob Petrie and his stylish wife Laura and, though the show is an ensemble comedy, their relationship is one of the most memorable parts of the show.
In fact, their relationship is so heartwarming that many fans deliberately seek out the best Laura and Rob episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show. Their wholesome for each other has a timeless charm which plays a big role in the show's enduring reputation as the perfect couple's sitcom that garnered it so many votes on Ranker.
Bewitched (1964)
A show that's still considered one of the greatest of all time, Bewitched utilized its intriguing concept of a witch marrying an ordinary man and attempting to live a mundane suburban life to great success. Elizabeth Montgomery is a delight as the witch in question, and, though the change of actor for her husband is a distraction, it doesn't stop the show from being consistently funny.
Bewitched was overwhelmingly popular during its initial run, as well as a favorite of critics, and that means it's a show that's had plenty of re-runs over the years. Although an movie adaptation could stoke more interest in the classic show, it's already a feat that Bewitched is so well-liked by audiences on Ranker even now.
I Love Lucy (1951)
As far as Ranker is considered, the original couple-based sitcom that was once America's favorite show still deserves to be considered the best ever made. Although its ensemble cast as well as some technical innovations contributed to the show's success, there's no doubt the central couple was all-important.
That couple was Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, played by real-life couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and their chemistry made every episode entertaining. Even 70 years on, I Love Lucy retains a loyal fanbase that works hard to ensure everyone knows the classic sitcom is still the best.