The families of animated TV sitcoms have dominated our TV screens for so long that they’ve become some of the most recognizable families of all time. We love tuning in and watching what sorts of hilarious hijinks they might be up to this time. And the best thing is that every animated TV sitcom family is uniquely their own, with their own characteristics that make them lovable. Here are our picks for the best animated TV sitcom families.
12. The Murphys (F Is For Family)
F Is for Family is a Netflix sitcom for adults, written in a way that brings all the chaos, commotion, and confusion of the 1970s to the Murphy family. Frank Murphy is the patriarch, who works at the local airport as a baggage handler. His personality boils down to crass, cynical, and vulgar, but he has moments of pathos that makes him empathetic. His family includes his reasoning wife Sue, his crafty son Kevin, his younger curious son Bill and his smart daughter Maureen. All have their joyous moments, making them recurring foils to the bitter Frank.
11. The Morgendorffers (Daria)
Daria revolves around the confines of Daria’s insanely materialistic family. In typical sitcom families, the father is usually the “black sheep.” For the Morgendorffers, the black sheep is one of the children. Daria is reserved and cynical, but she’s also clever, sensible, and easygoing—unlike the rest of her family. Her sister Quinn is obsessed with fashion and popularity, her mother Helen is an ambitious workaholic, and her father Jake loses his nerve most of the time. The Morgendorffers live an obsessive lifestyle that’s fun and easy to follow, thanks to the snarky remarks by the reliable Daria.
10. The Louds (The Loud House)
The Louds of The Loud House are an outrageously crowded family that includes father Lynn and mother Rita, plus oldest sister Lori, ditzy Leni, rockstar Luna, jokester Luan, athletic Lynn Jr., gothic Lucy, polar opposite twins Lana and Lola, genius Lisa, and toddler Lily. At the center of them all is Lincoln, the middle child and everyman of the Loud siblings. When the family goes chaotic, Lincoln’s mission is to balance things out and keep them in check. In return, the Louds help each other in their loving, loud ways.
9. The Jetsons (The Jetsons)
The futuristic utopia of The Jetsons may be far off from reality, but what remains true is that their families were as fun as today’s. George Jetson leads his family as he works for Spacely Space Sprockets. Despite being the target of Mr. Spacely’s insults and demands, he keeps his kind, dedicated side. Supporting him is his ever-loving Jane, his stylish daughter Judy, and his curious son Elroy. Also completing the household are their helper Rosie, their dog Astro, and their pet alien Orbitty. Together, they navigate the future in Orbit City, where all is possible and everywhere is filled with odd technologies, strange creatures, and treadmill shenanigans.
8. The Smiths (American Dad!)
Nothing says “all-American patriotic family” than a white, suburban family whose patriarch works for the CIA. American Dad! lays it all out, alongside various espionage hijinks and abundant nonsense. The father, Stan Smith, is a very conservative CIA agent whose views define his family. The mother, Francine, is even more abrasive than he is when she’s promoting her values. The black sheep, Hayley, is the polar opposite of her parents as she embraces a hippie lifestyle and becomes more sensible. Steve, meanwhile, is nerdy and can get pretty extreme with his behavior. Along with the devious alien Roger and anthropomorphic goldfish Klaus, the entire family lends themselves to all-American shenanigans.
7. The Smiths (Rick and Morty)
Life isn’t easy for Morty Smith, who’s stuck in a dysfunctional family unit that includes a rambunctious grandfather who keeps messing with their unity and altering reality. Nevertheless, the Smith household always finds a way to turn their familial misfortunes into mind-blowing quests. The clan consists of mad scientist Rick Sanchez, his stern daughter Beth, her insecure husband Jerry, and their children: the rebellious Summer and the distressed Morty. Each has their own quirks and backstories that span many dimensions and universes. But they all have one thing in common: Rick has altered their lives in some way, shape, or form. If nothing else, that shared trauma is what keeps the Smith family so closely knit (if not surgically fused).
6. The Hills (King of the Hill)
Here’s a classic animated TV family that’s far more down-to-Earth than most. The Hills of King of the Hill are led by the propane and propane accessories salesman, Hank Hill. He’s hardworking, loyal, and leads his family and friends to the best of his ways. There’s also Hank’s wife, Peggy Hill, who’s part-Spanish teacher, part-newspaper columnist, all jack-of-all-trades. She’s a very dedicated wife and mother, despite her naivety. The family is rounded out by their only child, Bobby Hill, who’s more of a walking punchline than anything else—but still lovable—as well as Peggy’s niece Luanne, who gradually becomes more of a help. With their small-town values clutched close to their hearts, they remain close to one another as they live their mundane lives.
5. The Marshes (South Park)
The Marshes are perhaps the most riotous family in South Park, Colorado. They’re anything but peaceful, and most—if not all—of their mishaps can be traced to the very presence of Randy Marsh. Given his erratic behavior, Randy is the least ideal father for anyone, and that’s what his son Stan has to deal with. Though he never fails to show disdain for his dad, there are times when Randy becomes an accidental hero—and in those times, he can be admirable. That admiration is held by his fanatical wife Sharon, his overeager daughter Shelly, and yes, even Stan. In return, they (unwillingly) help in his schemes, like his Tegridy Farms endeavor.
4. The Griffins (Family Guy)
The Griffins of Family Guy are one of the most famous examples of a dysfunctional TV family. Every member holds a negative crutch that clashes with one or more of the others. Peter Griffin is a reckless father. Lois is occasionally nagging. Meg is always the butt of their jokes. Chris is mostly dim. Stewie is full of deceit. And Brian never misses out on a shot of martini. When their personalities clash, they really clash—to the point of petty dislike. But what makes the Griffins fun is that when their tandem clicks, it really clicks—and that can be surprisingly fun to watch.
3. The Flintstones (The Flintstones)
Behold! The modern Stone Age family, the original cartoon sitcom family. The Flintstones have been legendary characters since the 1960s. So many of us tuned in to watch the hijinks of the bowling-loving Fred, the level-headed Wilma, their cute daughter Pebbles, and their pet dinosaur Dino. Extending their company are the Rubbles: the fun-filled Barney, the good-hearted Betty, their eager son Bamm-Bamm, and their pet hopparoo Hoppy. Their days are usually summed up with their time spent at work, shopping, bowling, and using dinosaur-assisted appliances. Fred and Barney make for great best friends, Barney and Betty are a cute couple, and the kids themselves are excitable playmates. It’s this bond between them all that makes them so lovable.
2. The Belchers (Bob’s Burgers)
Few television families can beat the care and sweetness of the Belcher family of Bob’s Burgers, comprised of the cynical father Bob, the optimistic mother Linda, their awkward daughter Tina, their fun-loving son Gene, and their always-scheming daughter Louise. Their ailing family-run burger business always hangs over them, forcing them to scrape by while overcoming various dilemmas and growing pains. Yet, despite their mistakes, they always show love, support, and compassion for each other, and they always have each other’s backs. Sure, they might prank each other and conduct petty schemes from time to time, but the Belchers are a genuinely great sitcom family to look up to.
1. The Simpsons (The Simpsons)
Who else could be number one? Ever since 1987, the Simpsons have been dominating the Sunday primetime with their antics. Every member of the family is iconic on their own. Homer Simpson is the prototypical slow-witted father with a big heart. Marge is the caring mother with her own issues. Bart is the textbook definition of a clever brat. Lisa is a gifted but precocious kid. And Maggie is secretly talented, despite her need for a pacifier. Through thick and thin, the family has kept their bonds tight and their love strong. Over dozens of seasons, the Simpsons have only grown in their reputation as America’s number one animated TV family.
