I’m a firm believer in the laughter/best medicine theory. I find that laughter is therapeutic, cathartic, and releases a boat-load of endorphins. Bonus: it’s legal, and it’s free (always a fortuitous pairing)!

Fortunately for us all, the comedic arts are alive and well, on these current sitcoms.

2 Broke Girls (CBS) – Between Beth Behrs’ prowess as a physical comedienne, Kat Dennings’ spot-on delivery and dynamic timing, and a backing-cast including comedy heavyweights Jennifer Coolidge and Garrett Morris (not to mention an all-star writers’ room overseen by Executive Producers Michael Patrick King and Whitney Cummings), is it any wonder that this show has been a favorite since the get-go?

The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – Not only is this one of the most finely written comedies of the last couple decades, but I always feeling smarter for having watched; and now possess a greater comprehension of Schrödinger’s cat, male menopause, and string theory than I might have otherwise. But this is about comedy, and at the end of the day, whether it’s Johnny Galecki as put-upon Leonard Hofstadter or Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler, this cast has gelled into a well-oiled laugh-inducing machine.

Brooklyn Nine Nine (FOX) – As good as Andy Samberg is (he did just win the Golden Globe, and all…), it’s the deadpan delivery of Chelsea Peretti, as civilian assistant Gina Linetti, that always sets me off. Also, Andre Braugher – whose Emmy-winning portrayal of Det. Frank Pembleton, on Homicide: Life on the Street, ranks among my “Top Ten TV Cops”* – playing the beyond-stoic, he-just-happens-to-be-gay, Captain Ray Holt is a gift that keeps on giving, week after week.

The Goldbergs (ABC) – An hysterical reminder of the path my family opted not to follow; The Goldbergs is the Hollywood/sitcom version of what pre-Bar-Mitzvah-aged-me experienced when I’d go and spend time at a friend’s house. Also, Wendi McClendon-Covey continues her streak of hilarious roles on screens both big (Bridesmaids) and small (Reno 911, Rules of Engagement).

Modern Family (ABC) – It’s been said that this show’s popularity the way people are able to relate to one of the characters. My “problem” is that I relate to nearly all of them. (You just know that when I look into the mirror, it’s Sofía Vergara’s reflection I see looking back at me…) And the characters who don’t remind me of myself, remind me of my relatives.

Sullivan & Son (TBS) – Bars are just natural locales for sitcoms. When you take Steve Byrne’s semi-autobiographical storyline, add young funnymen Owen Benjamin, Roy Wood, Jr., and Ahmed Ahmed working alongside seasoned actors like Dan Lauria and Jodi Long; and let Broadway beauty Christine Ebersole (as ditzy barfly, Carol Walsh) play-off her former SNL “Weekend Update” anchor, Brian Doyle-Murray (as the bar’s well-meaning resident racist); the give-and-take of this liquored-up multi-generational cast is simply glorious to watch.

American Horror Story: Coven (FX) – On the real, real… At least once or twice each week, there’s a line that is so dripping in sarcasm or saturated in venom – usually uttered by either Jessica Lange (who’s delivery is so good she won the Primetime Emmy in AHS’s debut season) or Francis Conroy – that I come together, my jaw drops, and I howl; after which I invariably grab the remote, rewind, and repeat.

Laugh-Out-Loud Television

Get into it!

[*coming soon!]