One of the benefits of NBC having a streaming service is that their library is teeming with vintage content. Those with a memory for classic TV can rediscover the charm of some of television’s most iconic sitcoms with Peacock’s incredible lineup. From alien lifeforms joining suburban families to groundbreaking narratives that shaped TV history, these classics offer a delightful blend of humor, social commentary, and nostalgia. Here are five timeless sitcoms you can stream right now on Peacock:
ALF
Imagine a wise-cracking alien from the planet Melmac crash-landing into your garage. That’s the premise behind the unique ALF, a sitcom that captivated audiences in the late 1980s. The show revolves around ALF (Alien Life Form) as he becomes an unlikely member of the Tanner family, bringing a mix of chaos, humor, and warmth to their everyday lives.
ALF was more than just a comedy; it was a cultural phenomenon. The show cleverly used the outsider perspective of ALF to comment on human behavior and social norms. Featuring toys, cartoons, and everything that made an ’80s sitcom iconic, it blended family-friendly humor and subtle social commentary to leave a lasting impression on sitcoms. A premise like this is so bizarre that it makes this one a true diamond in the rough.
Good Times
The show that made Kid Dy-no-mite famous, Good Times broke down doors for families on television. Set in a Chicago housing project, Good Times follows the Evans family as they navigate the challenges and joys of life in the inner city. This groundbreaking sitcom, a spin-off of Maude, was significant for its portrayal of a Black family during the 1970s. It was a part of Norman Lear’s iconic selection of revolutionary shows. We covered how to watch many of these classics here.
Good Times broke new ground by addressing serious issues such as poverty, racism, and inner-city struggles through the lens of comedy. Focusing on the realities of life in ways unseen before, the show’s cultural impact was profound, offering a platform for African-American talent and stories on mainstream television.
Punky Brewster
Every time you turn around, you see the girl who turns your world around. If you’re singing along, then you are familiar with the heartwarming story of a young girl named Punky Brewster and her adoptive father, Henry Warnimont. Abandoned by her parents, Punky brings a new sense of adventure and love into Henry’s life. The show was a staple of 1980s television, known for its vibrant character and heartfelt storytelling.
A true cornerstone of ’80s TV, Punky Brewster was more than a sitcom. It was a cultural icon of the 80s, leaving a lasting impact with its themes of family, resilience, and optimism. Punky’s distinct style and positive attitude made her a role model for young viewers, and the show is fondly remembered for its blend of humor and life lessons. Its legacy is so cherished that the network rebooted it with star Soleil Moon Frye reprising her role in adulthood.
Stream Punky Brewster (’80s) on Peacock
Stream The Punky Brewster Revival on Peacock
Roseanne
Another show brought back decades later by NBC, the original Roseanne changed the mold of the “classic American family.” This down-to-earth comedy revolved around the Conners, a working-class clan dealing with everyday life in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. Known for its realistic portrayal of blue-collar life, the sitcom was both groundbreaking and controversial for its time.
The show was acclaimed for its honest depiction of issues like financial hardship, substance abuse, and family dynamics. Roseanne challenged the traditional sitcom formula, influencing how future shows would tackle real-life issues with humor and grace. The self-professed “domestic goddess” carved herself an amazing career thanks to this show.
Sanford and Son
Unlike any setting before it, the junkyard of Sanford and Son gave TV audiences an entirely new spin on what a sitcom setting can be. This classic features comedy legend Redd Fox as Fred Sanford, a cantankerous junk dealer, alongside his long-suffering son, Lamont. Set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, the show is known for its sharp wit, memorable catchphrases, and the unique dynamic between father and son.
Sanford and Son was a trailblazer in American television. Its focus on African-American characters in leading roles was groundbreaking for the early 1970s. The show’s humor and social commentary set a new standard for sitcoms, leaving a significant mark on the genre.