This book spotlights the 25 most important sitcoms to ever air on American television-shows that made generations laugh, challenged our ideas regarding gender, family, race, marital roles, and sexual identity, and now serve as time capsules of U.S. history. * Identifies the reason each show was a turning point in American television and provides analysis of the issues and themes present in each sitcom, how the content was received by the American public, and the lasting effects of the program * Covers a time period of more than half a century, from I Love Lucy to Modern Family * Clearly demonstrates how television as well as American ideals and values have changed dramatically over a fairly short period of time