1

Friends

Image: David Vives

We’ll start with what many consider to be the quintessential sitcom. Debuting in 1994, Friends followed the varied and whimsical lives of six New Yorkers —Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe—and the everyday adventures they found themselves in. Throughout its 10-year run, Friends received acclaim from both critics and viewers alike and is now considered one of the most successful and highest-grossing television shows of all time.

2

Seinfeld

Image: photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

You might think that a sitcom describing itself as " a show about nothing " wouldn’t be particularly successful—let alone one of the most iconic shows of all time. And yet, Seinfeld remains one of the most influential shows in history, praised for its sharp writing and incredibly talented cast. The series follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three eccentric friends—Elaine, George, and Kramer—as they navigate the often absurd minutiae of daily life.

3

Mad About You

Image: Mandy von Stahl

While sitcom settings may vary greatly, most tend to revolve around subjects that resonate with audiences—love, the workplace, or family life, for example. In that sense, the 1992 sitcom Mad About You seemed to embrace the phrase "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" as its mantra. The show centered on a young married couple (played by Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt) living in New York City. As simple as the premise might sound, the series’ stellar performances and insightful writing earned it numerous awards, including 12 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes.

4

The Big Bang Theory

Image: Ben Griffiths

The Big Bang Theory faced the difficult task of making the world of science fun and accessible . Luckily, it had an extremely lovable and talented cast that rose to the occasion. The first episode introduces us to Leonard and Sheldon, two physicists whose lives take an unexpected turn when they meet their new next-door neighbor, Penny.

5

Modern Family

Image: Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0

As we mentioned earlier, family life is a recurring theme in many sitcoms. However, the 2009 show Modern Family put a fresh spin on this concept by focusing on three separate yet interconnected families. The series not only featured an exceptionally talented cast but also placed its many characters in both hilarious and heartfelt situations.

6

The Honeymooners

Image: Lauren Richmond

First aired in 1955, The Honeymooners revolves around New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife, Alice (wonderfully portrayed by Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows). Gleason’s quick wit, combined with the show’s many catchphrases ("Bang, zoom, straight to the Moon!" and "Homina, homina!", to name a few), quickly cemented the series in American pop culture. Not only that, many timeless shows, such as The Flintstones , were inspired by The Honeymooners .

7

Cheers

Image: Yutacar

Like many Americans, you might frequent a local "watering hole"—a small bar or tavern where you can unwind and enjoy a drink or two with friends. In that sense, the 1982 sitcom Cheers perfectly captured that feeling from the very start, with its iconic theme song praising a magical place " where everybody knows your name ." The sitcom was so successful that it inspired Frasier , a spin-off centered around one of Cheers’ most popular characters.

8

Community

Image: Unseen Studio

In case you didn’t know, the term "sitcom" is short for "situational comedy." As you might expect, the setting in which these situations unfold is an essential component. With that in mind, showrunner Dan Harmon devised a unique premise for his 2009 show Community . Inspired by the community college he attended in his youth, he created a series centered around a group of quirky misfits studying Spanish at the fictional Greendale Community College.

9

Full House

Image: Ross Joyner

For such a lighthearted sitcom , Full House had a surprisingly somber premise : a recently widowed father (played by Bob Saget) enlists the help of his best friend and brother-in-law to raise his three daughters. Nevertheless, the show quickly became a beloved classic, running for eight seasons and earning several awards along the way.

10

All in the Family

Image: Simon Berger

Few names command as much respect and admiration in comedy writing circles as Norman Lear . This legendary screenwriter and producer was responsible for some of the most iconic shows in television history, including The Jeffersons , Sanford and Son , and One Day at a Time . With that in mind, choosing his best show is no easy task, but we believe All in the Family is the strongest contender. Not only was this 1971 sitcom hilarious and sharp-witted , but it also tackled major issues such as religion and the Vietnam War.

11

I Love Lucy

Image: Mayur Gala

We’ll end this article with what many consider to be the sitcom that started it all . Starring Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, the 1951 show I Love Lucy follows Lucy Ricardo, a New York City housewife determined to break into show business. Soon after its premiere, it became the most-watched show in the United States and went on to win five Emmy Awards. To this day, it remains one of the most influential television shows in history.

1

Early life

Image: Mikhail Nilov

Born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky , Muhammad Ali was originally named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., after his father, who was himself named after the 19th-century abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay. Throughout his childhood, Ali struggled with dyslexia, which caused him to struggle with reading and writing during his school year.

2

The start of his boxing career

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

When Ali was 12 years old, a thief stole his bicycle. According to historians, police officer Joe E. Martin, who was also an amateur boxing coach, found Ali fuming over the theft. Martin suggested that Ali take up boxing in order to better channel his anger. At the time, no one could have imagined that this suggestion would jumpstart the start of the most prolific boxing career in history.

Ali made his amateur debut in 1954. Shortly afterward, he went on to win six Kentucky Golden Gloves titles, two national Golden Gloves titles, and the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

3

Sonny Liston

Image: Attentie Attentie

Many consider the 1964 fight between Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali to be the first major stepping stone on Ali’s journey to greatness. At the time, 22-year-old Ali was the favorite contender for Sonny Liston’s world heavyweight championship title. The fight was highly publicized and controversial, with the brash and confident Ali openly mocking Liston during press conferences and interviews. Despite the odds being 8:1 in Liston’s favor, Ali won the fight in the seventh round, becoming the new world heavyweight champion.

4

Refusing military service

Image: Aleksandar Popovski

Ali’s fights were not just limited to the ring . In 1967, he stood his ground and refused to be drafted into the military, citing his religious beliefs and objection to the Vietnam War. Although he was highly criticized for this decision and stripped of his boxing titles, Ali remained steadfast and appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court. In 1971, the Court overturned his conviction.

5

From Clay to Ali

Image: Art Rogers, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1964, the same year he became the world’s heavyweight champion, Ali’s religious beliefs caused him to change his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. The name comes from the words meaning "one who is worthy of praise" (Muhammad) and "most high" (Ali). At the time, heavily criticized by the press who refused to call him by his new name, Ali simply stated, "I am Muhammad Ali, a free name."

6

The Rumble in the Jungle

Image: Прикли, CC BY 4.0

Boxing fans remember 1974 as the year of what is arguably the greatest boxing match in history. Advertised as " The Rumble in the Jungle ," a 32-year-old Ali faced the undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion, George Foreman. Though Foreman was expected to easily win, with 4-1 odds in his favor, Ali triumphed by knockout in the eighth round. This fight introduced the world to Ali’s iconic "rope-a-dope" tactic, which earned him the victory of what at the time was the world's most-watched live television broadcast.

7

Thrilla in Manila

Image: charlesdeluvio

All three fights between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier are undeniable highlights in boxing history, with their first bout famously known as "The Fight of the Century." However, Ali and Frazier’s third and final fight , advertised as "The Thrilla in Manila," is perhaps the most memorable, ending with Frazier conceding after the 14th round. Interestingly, the fight’s name originated from Ali’s remarkable talent for rhyming, as he declared, "It will be a killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila."

8

Quotes and Poetry

Image: Fitzgerald Whitney, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

Let’s take a moment to step away from Ali’s outstanding boxing career and focus on one of his often-overlooked talents: his use of words . Ali’s struggles with dyslexia didn’t affect his poetry skills, which he often used to intimidate and attack his opponents. Not only that but his numerous interviews and press conferences gifted us with some truly remarkable quotes. We’ll leave you with one of our personal favorites: "If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it—then I can achieve it."

9

Later years and death

Image: Nelson Ndongala

In 1984, at just 42 years old, Ali announced to the world that he suffered from Parkinson’s Syndrome. Despite his declining health, his spirit remained unshaken. He became a spokesperson for people afflicted with this disease, appearing before Congress in 2002 alongside actor Michael J. Fox to raise awareness for Parkinson’s . In 2016, Ali passed away at the age of 74, surrounded by family and loved ones.

10

1996 Summer Olympics

Image: Peter Robbins

We’ll end this article with an image that perfectly captures Ali’s unparalleled tenacity and fighting spirit. During the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in Atlanta, Georgia, Ali took on the challenge of carrying the Olympic torch and lighting the Olympic cauldron. At the time, the former boxer was bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease. However, in a showcase of moving resilience, Ali represented his country and proudly carried the Olympic Torch to its destination.

1

Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2

Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3

Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4

Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5

Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7

Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8

Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9

Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10

Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.