Emmy’s Top Comedies

Television goes in cycles, and right now, the cycle is not favoring the venerable situation comedy.

 When the final numbers were in from the 2007-2008 ratings season, the highest-ranked sitcom was Two and a Half Men, a largely forgettable Charlie Sheen vehicle which came in a tepid 17th overall.

Obviously, it has been a while since Frasier captured a record five Emmys (in consecutive years, no less), and the just-completed season failed to produce anything new that appeared likely to go down among the greats in the genre. Even last year’s winner, the well-regarded 30 Rock, is more critical darling than ratings success.

Still, someone will receive the industry’s top honor when the next set of statues is distributed in September. To put the current crop in perpective, here’s a look at the last 10 Emmy winners for Best Comedy Series:

2007: 30 Rock

2006: The Office

2005: Everybody Loves Raymond

2004: Arrested Development

2003: Everybody Loves Raymond

2002: Friends

2001: Sex and the City

2000: Will and Grace

1999: Ally McBeal

1998: Frasier

Source: Emmys.org