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

Bob Dylan

Image: Laura Ockel

The Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter who gave us anthems like "Blowin' in the Wind" is also a passionate metalworker. Dylan spends his downtime in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, crafting intricate gates and sculptures from found objects such as farm equipment, tools, and antique firearms.

2

Angelina Jolie

Image: Joshua Sukoff

Angelina Jolie is world-renowned for her celebrated Hollywood career and humanitarian work. But this actress-director also has a license to thrill in the air. Jolie is a certified pilot who owns a Cirrus SR-22 single-engine aircraft, often taking to the skies for both personal adventures and humanitarian missions.

3

Patrick Dempsey

Image: Carl Gelin

There’s more to Patrick Dempsey than being the charming neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka "McDreamy") on Grey's Anatomy . The actor has developed a passion for race car driving , competing in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He even owns his own racing team, Dempsey Racing!

4

Bob Barker

Image: Thao LEE

The iconic game show host who entertained millions on The Price Is Right for 35 years had a surprising secret weapon up his sleeve: karate. Trained by none other than Chuck Norris , he practiced for decades and even earned his black belt.

5

Steve Martin

Image: Chen Mizrach

He's a comedian, actor, writer... and a banjo virtuoso? That's right! The "wild and crazy guy" who brought us hilarious classics like The Jerk and Planes, Trains and Automobiles is also an accomplished banjo player and composer . Steve Martin has released several bluegrass albums, collaborated with legends like Earl Scruggs, and even won a Grammy for his exceptional work.

6

Steve Carell

Image: Matthew Fournier

Known for his hilarious roles and versatile acting career, Steve Carell is also a whiz on the ice. A passionate hockey player since childhood, he has been lacing up his skates whenever possible. He even got the chance to display his skill on an early episode of The Office .

7

Michael Phelps

Image: Will Porada

He’s the most decorated Olympian of all time, boasting 28 swimming medals. But Michael Phelps didn’t stop at the pool—he also picked up a golf club. He is the holder of a Guinness World Record for the longest televised putt . That was an impressive 159 feet.

8

Kobe Bryant

Image: Mirko Fabian

The late NBA legend was not only a basketball icon but also a gifted storyteller. He proved it after retiring from basketball when he founded Granity Studios, a multimedia company focused on creating inspiring content for young athletes .

One of its standout works was the animated short film Dear Basketball —a heartfelt tribute to Bryant’s lifelong passion for the game.

9

Venus Williams

Image: Jean-Philippe Delberghe

Venus Williams, the tennis superstar with seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, also has a passion for interior design. She founded V Starr Interiors, a company specializing in creating stylish and functional spaces for both residential and commercial clients. She even has a degree in fashion design !

10

Viggo Mortensen

Image: Karolina Grabowska

Viggo Mortensen is celebrated for his captivating performances in films like The Lord of the Rings and Eastern Promises , but he’s also a man of many talents. In addition to acting, he is a poet, musician, photographer, and publisher .

He founded Perceval Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to promoting the work of artists and writers.

11

Terry Crews

Image: KOBU Agency

Before delivering laughs on Brooklyn Nine-Nine or throwing action-packed punches in The Expendables , Terry Crews was an NFL linebacker. But even before that, this multi-talented actor was a skilled artist. He still creates detailed paintings and illustrations in his spare time.

12

Shaquille O’Neal

Image: Yomex Owo

Shaquille O'Neal earned a place in the Hall of Fame for his legendary basketball career, but his talents extend far beyond sports. He's also an entertainment icon with numerous endorsements and a DJ performing under the name " DJ Diesel ."

1

The numbers behind it

Image: Melo Liu

One could say the White House is a home, but a more accurate description would be "small city." With 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and six levels, it accommodates everyone from the First Family to visiting dignitaries.

As if that wasn’t enough in terms of numbers, add 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, seven staircases, and three elevators, and you’ve got a place that’s as grand as it is functional. The only number left to wonder about is how many people it takes to clean it! With so much going on, it’s safe to say the White House is always buzzing.

2

From "President’s House" to "The White House"

Image: Saul Rodriguez

Did you know the White House wasn’t always called that? Over the years, it’s been referred to as the "President’s Palace," the "President’s House," and the "Executive Mansion."

But it wasn’t until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt made "The White House" the official name. The change reflected a more democratic image, distancing the building from European-style palaces.

3

6,000 visitors a day: A popular destination

Image: Saul Rodriguez

You have probably toured the White House at least once, haven’t you? Well, on any given day, the White House welcomes around 6,000 visitors.

From local and foreign tourists on a guided tour, diplomats, to school groups, the building sees a steady stream of guests. That’s a lot of handshakes, selfies, and security checks! More than power and politics, the charm of the White House lies in the national history it holds.

4

Presidential firsts: Planes, photos, and more

Image: Jainam Sheth

Every president brings something new to the White House, but some have achieved truly historic "firsts."

For example, John Tyler was the first to have his photograph taken. Theodore Roosevelt rode in the first presidential car and became the first president to travel abroad, to Panama. Franklin Roosevelt added air travel to the mix as the first president to fly.

You may be wondering who the first president to live there was, but we’ll cover that fact later in this article!

5

A kitchen built for a crowd

Image: Odiseo Castrejon

We may not know about the cleaning crew, but we do have some facts about the chefs!

There are five full-time chefs in the White House, so the kitchen is ready for any occasion. It can serve dinner to 140 guests or hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000 people at a time. From state dinners to casual family meals, the kitchen staff handles it all with finesse. Five stars for them, please!

6

Painting the town (or the House) White

Image: Steve Johnson

Keeping the White House pristine is no small task: Can you guess how much paint it takes to cover it? Here’s the answer: It takes a whopping 570 gallons of paint to cover its iconic exterior. This monumental paint job ensures the building remains the picture of elegance and charm. Over the years, this white coat has become a symbol of the presidency itself. Who knew painting could carry so much historical weight? Fun fact: ours is not the only presidential home with a trademark color!

7

Fun and games at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Image: Jay Wennington

When you think of the Executive Mansion, you probably picture people in suits going from one point to another, solving national and international matters, right? Well, that may be true, but the White House isn’t all business; there are some recreational rooms, too.

Residents (which range from the presidential family to diplomats to staff) enjoy a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and even a bowling lane. Talk about a house with some serious amenities, huh?

8

George Washington never slept here

Image: Kenny Eliason

While George Washington oversaw the creation of the White House, he never got to live in it. The mansion wasn’t completed until 1800, a year after Washington’s death.

So, to answer the question from the "presidential firsts" section, John Adams became the first president to move in, and it’s been the home of every president since. Washington’s influence is still felt, but don’t expect to see his ghost wandering the halls.

9

The White House has survived two fires

Image: Cullan Smith

Well, the title pretty much covers it, right? The White House has faced fire twice in its history.

In 1814, British forces burned it during the War of 1812, though some exterior walls and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington were saved. Then, on Christmas Eve in 1929, a chimney flue sparked a blaze that gutted parts of the West Wing. President Herbert Hoover even directed firefighting efforts during the chaos. Now, this is proof of its true Americanness: It only came back stronger and taller!

10

Teddy Roosevelt built the West Wing

Image: Srikanta H. U

Teddy Roosevelt is the man behind the West Wing. In 1902, he expanded the White House by adding this now-famous section to house presidential offices.

The project replaced some old conservatories and introduced the colonnaded gallery that connects it to the main residence. Later presidents, like Taft and Franklin Roosevelt, expanded the West Wing further, but it all started with Teddy’s vision. Today, the West Wing is the spinal cord of the presidency as it holds the Oval Office.