Summary
Sitcom apartments are often grand and aspirational, allowing for more varied storylines and encouraging audiences to have fun with the characters.
Sitcom apartments captivate viewers with their seemingly unattainable affordability, igniting a sense of envy and a longing to immerse oneself in these captivating worlds. These unique living spaces serve as a manifestation of the characters' individualism and passions, infusing a comforting and familiar atmosphere.
APARTMENTS: Ideal Settings for Sitcoms
The use of apartments as settings in sitcoms creates the perfect playground for comedy. The confined spaces add a touch of tension, generating the necessary friction for hilarity. Some of the most memorable sitcoms are centered around homes, with iconic sitcom apartments like Jerry's in Seinfeld or Monica and Rachel's in Friends. As viewers spend a significant amount of time with these characters in their domestic environments, it's only natural to yearn for a piece of that world.
Sitcom apartments often defy reality, being both spacious and extravagant, enabling a wider range of storylines. Although the characters may not realistically be able to afford such luxury, the aspirational nature of sitcoms allows viewers to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the ride with the characters. However, it's hard not to envy these fictional abodes, knowing that they are way beyond the reach of the average person in real life.
10 Frank And Charlie's Apartment (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
Put simply, Frank and Charlie's apartment in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a one-room dump. The lack of heating, the bathroom being a tin can, and the constant screeching of cats outside can only be drowned out by voluntarily entering a coma induced by glue sniffing. Despite these obvious drawbacks, Frank intentionally chooses to reside in this place, even though he could easily afford a house. However, in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 16, it is discovered that Charlie has been hiding an entire second room behind a door that Frank had never even considered opening. Therefore, despite its messiness, the apartment actually offers more space than many of the options available in the market today.
9 Troy And Abed's Apartment (Community)
Abed's apartment tour speeds past the kitchen and bathroom, leading to the true highlight: a meticulously crafted miniature scene of the iconic rolling boulder moment from Raiders of the Lost Ark. This charming diorama captures the essence of delight that fills the entire apartment, where practicality sometimes takes a backseat. Serving as a sanctuary from the outside world, Troy and Abed's home offers solace amidst the adult responsibilities. Alongside their extraordinary blanket fort, it stands as a haven that cannot be purchased with money alone. Furthermore, procuring an apartment with a fully-operational "Dreamatorium" is no easy feat.
8 Ted's Apartment (How I Met Your Mother)
Ted Mosby, the architect, doesn't quite showcase his passion for design in his home on How I Met Your Mother. It could be because he shares the apartment with Lily and Marshall during their blossoming relationship, but the place is often cluttered. The sight of empty liquor bottles on a card table and disorganized bookshelves gives the impression of a college dormitory. However, what truly matters is that the group feels at ease in the apartment and spends most of their time there when they're not at the bar. Located conveniently near MacLaren's, their place boasts a remarkable position and even enough space in the living room for epic sword fights.
7 Fry And Bender's Apartment (Futurama)
Bender's living space is a small, windowless box that only allows for standing room, making it perfect for a robot but less than inviting for a human. Despite its limitations, Fry eventually finds some comfort after a series of sleepless nights and a close call with a broken neck. Bender reveals a surprising solution by showing him a spacious closet that, by human standards, could pass as a full-fledged apartment. This makeshift abode offers impressive panoramic views of New New York and could potentially be a delightful place to reside. However, it's important to note that the building's infrastructure is primarily designed for robotic occupants, which raises concerns about the reliability of plumbing and heating systems.
6 Leonard And Sheldon's Apartment (The Big Bang Theory)
Leonard and Sheldon's apartment is a complete reflection of their personalities in The Big Bang Theory. From the Batman cookie jar to the shelves overflowing with action figures and the presence of the double helix model of DNA by the back wall, it is evident that the residents are two nerdy astrophysicists. The assortment of toys and games in this apartment would undeniably provide abundant entertainment for anyone residing there. Moreover, once the night sets in, they could utilize the telescope for some mesmerizing stargazing experiences. Although the apartment may not be exceptionally grand, it certainly exudes a cozy atmosphere and serves as a constant reminder that a home should embody the essence of its inhabitants.
5 Jerry's Apartment (Seinfeld)
Jerry resides in a cozy one-bedroom apartment situated in the vibrant Upper West Side of Manhattan. Although the space may be a tad confined, it aptly fulfills Jerry's essential needs. His refrigerator is fully stocked with refreshing Snapple drinks, where alongside lie his prized collection of Superman memorabilia. Additionally, a television is readily available for him to indulge in the classic film, Rochelle, Rochelle. Above all, Jerry's bachelor pad acts as the unofficial sanctuary for his close-knit group of friends, who conveniently drop by unannounced. Undoubtedly, the main drawback stems from the limited privacy afforded, particularly due to Kramer's presence just across the hall. Yet, this compromise is ameliorated by the constant whirlwind of amusement that Kramer brings, along with his artistically crafted pasta sculptures and a rejuvenating hot tub.
4 Monica And Rachel's Apartment (Friends)
Monica and Rachel reside in a spacious apartment that is conveniently located across from Joey and Chandler's place throughout most of the Friends series. The envy of the men is palpable, driving them to attempt an apartment swap through a high-stakes trivia game. The apartment's vibrant decor and expansive windows make it evident why such envy exists. The space is adorned with eclectic personal touches that amplify the feeling of coziness, highlighted by the iconic yellow picture frame adorning the front door. The layout of the apartment is ideal for hosting gatherings and formal dinners, and guests can savor the ample balcony space. However, one must discreetly overlook the presence of a nude individual residing across the street to fully appreciate the overall charm and appeal of the apartment.
3 Jess And The Gang's Loft (New Girl)
The loft in New Girl offers a spacious and open layout that makes it perfect for playing "True American." Each of the bedrooms provides a private oasis for some alone time. While the gang may not always live in perfect harmony, their strong friendship proves that a happy home life is more about the people you share it with than the physical space itself. The bathroom may leave something to be desired, as the urinals give it a somewhat public atmosphere. However, the loft compensates for this with a stunning rooftop garden that gets plenty of sunlight and even has space for growing tomatoes.
2 Frasier's Apartment (Frasier)
Frasier's lavish abode in Seattle oozes opulence. The expanse of his library is adorned with priceless antiquities and artwork sourced from various corners of the world, creating a mesmerizing collection of diverse gems. Taking center stage is a magnificent grand piano, while the sofa, a replica of Coco Chanel's own, exudes an air of sophistication. Stretching across approximately 2,000 square feet, Frasier's palatial apartment would easily fetch a staggering $3 million if it were to hit the market today. Regrettably, with the Frasier reboot relocating to Boston, the chances of glimpsing this luxurious haven again are slim. Yet, there is no doubt that his new dwelling will be equally embellished with decadence and extravagance.
1 Archer's Apartment (Archer)
Sterling Archer's luxury Manhattan penthouse has two strict rules: no dogs allowed, and absolutely no mother. Archer's goal is to create a haven where he can escape his overbearing mother, even though she owns the apartment and has a key. The sleek design of his apartment perfectly complements his enigmatic lifestyle, complete with a fully stocked bar and a breathtaking terrace where one can savor Eggs Woodhouse while nursing a hangover. Even with Archer coming to an end after a remarkable 14-year run, the main character's stylish mid-century penthouse remains an iconic setting of the show.