when it comes to sitcoms?

I don't think a classic means that just because a show might be old it's automatically a classic. To me a classic show is one that has endured for years, like Brady Bunch, I love Lucy,etc. Pretty much a show that can stand the test of time.

What do you consider classic?

I dont think WHEN a show airs makes it a classic.
Its just the quality of the show that is the deciding factor.

Like, I believe Frasier is just as much a classic as I Love Lucy.

And that Arrested Development is right up there with Mary Tyler Moore



If a show can be viewed at ANY time and still hold your interest -- its a classic. 50s,60s,70s,80s,90s,Today -- whatever. There are classics from every decade.
And people at these boards should realize that classics from yesterday and "the day before" can and SHOULD be aired together.

I think a classic is a show that is not trapped in the era in which it was produced. For example, while All in the Family mentions Watergate, Vietnam, etc it is not just about the politics, but rather presents a very original and revolutionary character (for American TV at least) with a unique point of view. It also was about the family dynamic which is a timeless issue. It was groundbreaking and yet old fashioned at the same time.

I guess a classic has to be original, yet timeless.

I almost want to add that a classic is a show that appeals to a broad cross spectrum of the population: different races, age demographics, socioeconomic backgrounds etc. You didn't have to be black to like Cosby Show. You didn't have to be from New York to appreciate Odd Couple or Honeymooners. You didn't have to be an adult to enjoy Get Smart or Three's Company. I don't know what is on now that has that kind of broad appeal. The shows now tend to be marketed towards certain niches of the population. Like Friends is considered a classic by quite a few, but I know a bunch of people who have never watched it and could care less about it.

A show that has been passed down from generation to generation, and a show that is very popular. :happyface

Either got stellar ratings that caused it to still be seen and loved by millions years and years later, or was so campy/cheesy, that it has a cult following, causing it to be seen and loved for years and years to come.

edit: I should add discussed/talked about/analyzed to that list. If people still get into large discussions over it 30-40+ years later, it's a classic.