Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

For every popular sitcom inspired by a standup comic, there are about 9 that sunk and vanished without a trace. Everybody Loves Raymond is one of the succesful ones. Low on concept but high on chemistry, this one focuses on the middle-class travails of the Barone family. The premise is far from revolutionary, but Ray Romano is simply a funny guy, Brad Garrett makes for a wonderfully affable galoot, and longtime funny lady Doris Roberts steals scenes whole from her younger co-stars. Peter Boyle also earns a lot of laughs as Ray’s beleaguered Dad.