1

I Love Lucy

Image: Nick Fewings

Airing from October 15, 1951 , to May 6, 1957, I Love Lucy was undoubtedly a pioneering sitcom that marked the way people produce and watch TV. This show was one of the first to be filmed using a multi-camera setup and in front of a live studio audience!

Lucy Ricardo , portrayed by Lucille Ball, was the protagonist who won the hearts of many Americans with her enthusiastic and funny personality. In addition, her ambition to reach stardom inspired many women to fight for their dreams beyond the diverse impediments that society put in their way.

2

All In The Family

Image: Lucrezia Carnelos

All in the Family , which first aired in 1971 , was among the first shows to bring to television the controversial social, cultural, and political issues that were central during the 1960s.

With a humorous tone, All in the Family put on the screen some topics that other sitcoms didn’t dare to handle, with characters that embodied different ideas very well.

Thus, this sitcom marked American TV, influencing other shows that came later, including some spin-offs of the series itself, such as the iconic The Jeffersons.

3

Barney Miller

Image: Pavan Trikutam

While there are many series and shows about police departments and detectives today, in 1975, TV gave us Barney Miller , one of the sitcoms that would pioneer the genre.

Set in New York City, the show focuses on the lives of detectives Barney Miller (Hal Linden), Philip K. Fish (Abe Vigoda), Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz (Max Gail), Ron Harris (Ron Glass), and Nick Yemana (Jack Soo); characters with personalities as varied as they are funny.

What made Barney Miller stand out was the realistic way it narrated the lives of the different detectives, all influenced by their peculiar jobs.

4

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Image: Senad Palic

The 70s were years of premieres. And one of them was The Mary Tyler Moore Show , a sitcom that came to revolutionize television.

With an independent , smart, career-focused, and single woman as the main character, this show stood out in those days. This aspect led the sitcom to win several Emmys and Golden Globes for its acting, writing, and impact on TV and society.

Mary interacted in the show with funny, witty, and adorable characters, such as Rhoda and Murray.

5

The Golden Girls

Image: Lance Asper

Airing for seven years, The Golden Girls is undoubtedly one of those sitcoms that all Americans remember. Four grown women sharing a house in Miami is enough premise to create countless scenes and comedic situations. Among them, the legendary Betty White fills the screen with sweetness and grace, playing "Rose."

The Golden Girls drew attention at the time for being one of the first sitcoms to show women of their age living different aspects of life like any other adult, without restrictions of any kind. If you haven't seen it yet, run to the TV and turn on an episode!

6

Cheers

Image: Edgar Chaparro

Boston, Massachusetts, is the setting of Cheers , the sitcom that ran for more than ten years, from 1982 to 1993.

"Cheers" is the name of the bar where the main characters work: Sam, Diane, Carla, Coach Ernie (later replaced by Woody Boyd), Cliff, and Norm. All kinds of stories, encounters, misunderstandings, and much more unfold there, all highlighted by a witty script and hilarious performances.

Winner of several Emmys, the series marked an era, leaving jokes that were repeated on TV throughout the decades that followed.

7

Seinfeld

Image: Patrick Tomasso

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld together created one of the funniest sitcoms this country has ever seen.

First aired in 1989 , Seinfeld was humorously described as "a show about nothing," as it portrayed the daily lives of four friends in New York. However, the characters were enough of a driving force to make things happen. Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian, and his three friends -George, Elaine, and Kramer- brought to life a series of hilarious situations, each character more eccentric than the last.

Seinfeld stood out because it focused more on each comic situation than on the long-term development of its characters. In addition to that, the show consistently used an ironic tone to critique social norms and stereotypes !

8

Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

One of the sitcoms influenced by Seinfeld was the iconic Friends , which aired for ten years, from 1994 to 2004.

Which was your favorite character: Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, or Joey? Each of these quirky guys living in New York had a huge fan base in the 90s when the series aired on NBC. The success of Friends was undeniable, and its actors went on to earn sums of money that few comedy actors had ever earned before.

Although it has been criticized in recent years for its lack of diversity, there is no denying that this sitcom has given us a good dose of laughs and touched the hearts of many Americans over the years!

9

The Office

Image: Adolfo Félix

You'd think a run-of-the-mill office wouldn't have much to give the viewer, right? Well, The Office appeared in 2005 to prove that's not true at all.

To achieve the success it enjoyed (and continues to enjoy), this sitcom only needed a great script, superb direction, and some seriously exceptional actors.

While the American version of this mockumentary is an adaptation of the British original, it was the American one that went around the world. That was largely thanks to actors like Steve Carell as the unusual boss Michael Scott, Rainn Wilson as the hilarious Dwight, and the talented John Krasinski as Jim. They, along with the rest of the cast, made this series a comedic masterpiece.

10

The Simpsons

Image: Stefan Grage

When it comes to iconic animated characters, The Simpsons instantly comes to mind.

Probably the most famous animated family in the world, the Simpsons have been on our screens for many years, debuting in 1989 and continuing to this day. The mastermind behind the show, Matt Groening, created characters that, while hilarious and charming from their first appearance, evolved to reveal complexity and depth over the years.

The biggest fans may say that the series is no longer what it once was. While this may be true, no one can deny that Homer , Marge, Bart , Lisa, Maggie, and other iconic characters like Flanders, Crusty, Barney, Burns, and Skinner will always be part of American culture.

1

McDonald’s

Image: Jurij Kenda

We’ll start with probably the most popular fast-food brand in the world. Few logos are as intently recognizable as McDonald’s "golden arches", to the point that they are present in virtually every single country in the world. But before it became an international behemoth, this fast-food chain began as a single restaurant in San Bernardino, California, founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.

We could probably fill this entire article with McDonald’s fun facts, like how an astronaut smuggled a cheeseburger onboard a space shuttle. However, we’ll end this entry with the fabled Big Mac index: Since, as we previously mentioned, McDonald’s restaurants are virtually everywhere, economists have used the price of a Big Mac burger as a global indicator of each country's economic strength.

2

Burger King

Image: Alexis AMZ DA CRUZ

While Burger King is often and unfairly considered to be playing second-fiddle to McDonald’s, the truth is that this chain is definitively fast-food royalty. First founded as Insta-Burger King in 1953, this restaurant offers a selection of burgers, fries, and other delectable products.

Burger King is perhaps most well-known for its signature burger, the " Whopper ". Created in 1957, this iconic product was the very first of its kind, causing competing franchises to develop their very own signature burgers. The Whopper’s legacy resulted in Burger King proudly adopting the nickname "Home of the Whopper".

3

Taco Bell

Image: Ömer Haktan Bulut

You might be surprised to learn that Taco Bell , synonymous with one of Mexico’s most treasured culinary delicacies, was actually founded in America. Not only that: Did you know that the Bell in Taco Bell’s name comes from the founder’s last name?

When Glen Bell started his company in 1953, he didn’t know that this little taco stand would eventually grow into a massive chain serving over two billion satisfied customers each year. Taco Bell is known for a myriad of delicious meals, including its iconic "Crunchwrap Supreme".

4

Domino’s

Image: Miroslav Denkov

In 1960, brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought a small pizza chain close to Eastern Michigan University called "DomiNick’s". Little did the brothers know that they would turn this $1400 investment into one of the biggest pizza chains in the world , with approximately 15,000 locations all around the world.

Known for its 30-minute guarantee, Domino’s offers delicious and affordable pizza delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Over 60 years have passed since its founding, but this pizza chain remains a beloved American icon.

5

Wendy’s

Image: Batu Gezer

Who said that hamburgers need to be round? Wendy’s is a living testament that burgers will always be delicious, no matter what shape they are in. This iconic chain’s burgers are particularly famous for their two main characteristics: Their legendary square shape and the fact that their meat is always fresh and never frozen.

You might be curious as to who the titular Wendy featured in every restaurant is. Well, the restaurant’s founder Dave Thomas named it after his fourth daughter, Melinda Lou, who was known as "Wendy" from an early age. Not only that, Melinda’s likeness was used as the company’s logo, and she continues to serve as its official mascot.

6

KFC

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

Just like Dave Thomas modeling his company’s logo after his daughter, KFC chose to honor its founder by making him an instantly recognizable icon. After all, this iconic fast-food chain’s history starts with Colonel Harland Sanders’ will and determination to drive his family out of their humble beginnings.

In the 1930s, Sanders took the cooking skills he learned from his mother as a child and founded a small restaurant called "Sanders Court & Café". By the 1950s, he saw the potential that franchising provided and opened the very first "Kentucky Fried Chicken" in Salt Lake City. Nowadays, KFC operates thousands of locations all over the world, all of which serve the Coronel’s legendary chicken seasoned with his "11 herbs and spices".

7

Starbucks

Image: Athar Khan

We’ve been dealing with burgers and fried chicken for a while now, so how about a nice cup of Joe instead? While we were hesitant to add Starbucks to the realm of fast food, the truth is that this international company has grown into the world’s largest coffeehouse chain , all the while optimizing the process of delivering a hot and delicious cup of coffee to the hands of the consumer.

Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks was named after a character from Herman Melville’s classic novel "Moby-Dick": In that sense, the twin-tailed mermaid that serves as their iconic logo was also inspired by Melville’s masterpiece. Starbucks is world-famous for its innovative drinks, including the revolutionary cold coffee brew known as the "Frappucino".

8

Subway

Image: Ola Mishchenko

If you are looking for a healthy yet equally accessible fast-food restaurant, then Subway is the place for you. This company was first founded in 1965 by friends Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck, hoping to save enough money to pay for medical school tuition. By the start of the new millennium, Subway became one of the world’s most profitable franchises, as well as one of the fastest growing.

Known for their world-famous slogan "Eat Fresh", Subway’s main appeal is the fact that you can select which ingredients you want in your sandwich. While products like the "B.M.T." or the "Italian Hero" keep their distinctive identity, being able to add your favorite flavors onto your sandwich truly provides a tailor-made customer experience.

9

White Castle

Image: Valeria Boltneva

While it might seem smaller compared to other international juggernauts in this list, White Castle holds the remarkable distinction of being the world’s very first fast-food hamburger chain . Just like many other restaurants, the humble beginnings of White Castle started in 1916 when a cook named Walt Anderson opened his first diner in a converted streetcar. Five years after that, Anderson partnered with Billy Ingram to found the very first White Castle restaurant in Wichita, Kansas.

Over a hundred years after this first location, White Castle is still a beloved destination for all burger lovers. Their most famous product is probably their iconic "sliders", complete with square patties and steamed onions.

10

Pizza Hut

Image: Alan Hardman

We’ll end with another pizza institution. Founded in 1958 by two Wichita State students, Pizza Hut locations are instantly recognizable by their distinctive architecture, which features a red rooftop resembling a hut. Moreover, while their pizza is certainly delicious, Pizza Hut holds the distinction of owning one of the most groundbreaking achievements in pizza delivery history.

While Domino’s prides itself on its 30-minute delivery policy, Pizza Hut holds the record of the very first outer-space delivery in history. In 2001, the company designed a vacuum-sealed pizza suitable to be delivered to the International Space Station. This interplanetary pie literally reached the stars, where it was happily enjoyed by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov.

1

Bigfoot

Image: Mandy Bourke

We’ll start with a classic. For many Americans, Bigfoot is the quintessential mystery —a fantastical creature that has fascinated generations. Also known as Sasquatch, Bigfoot is described as a large, hairy, ape-like being that supposedly roams the forests of North America, evading hikers and adventurers. Some believe most sightings result from misidentifying large mammals like black bears, but true believers continue their relentless search for this mythical creature.

2

Area 51

Image: Oliver Pacas

Who would have thought that a number could become synonymous with aliens and mystery? There’s no doubt that Area 51 exists—it is a real and highly classified United States Air Force facility in Nevada. However, most of us know it for the intrigue surrounding it. According to some sources, Area 51 houses crashed spaceships and alien life forms . Of course, the government denies these claims, but to quote the classic TV show The X-Files , some theorists "choose to believe."

3

Amelia Earhart

Image: Tomas Martinez

Amelia Earhart's life was one filled with adventure. She became the first female pilot to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, among many other feats. Beyond her achievements, her magnetic personality and best-selling books made her an international icon, forever cemented as an American cultural icon. Her mysterious disappearance only deepens the intrigue surrounding her: While attempting to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart’s plane vanished over the Pacific Ocean —no wreckage or remains were ever found.

4

Mothman

Image: Sonika Agarwal

Moths are sadly often given a bad reputation. Though they are close cousins to the beloved, colorful butterflies, some people find them slightly unnerving. For the people of West Virginia , there’s an even greater reason to find moths scary: The "Mountain State" is home to one of America’s most famous cryptids— the Mothman . According to legend, this eerie creature resembles a man , stands about seven feet tall , and has large white wings and glowing red eyes .

5

Jersey Devil

Image: Tech Nick

If you ever visit South Jersey’s Pine Barrens, be on the lookout for an oddly shaped creature often described as a cross between a kangaroo and a winged beast . If luck (or misfortune) is on your side, you might encounter the fabled Jersey Devil . Many legends surround this creature, but the most popular tells of the cursed thirteenth child of a Pine Barrens resident, forever cursed to haunt this region.

6

UFO Sightings

Image: Michael Herren

UFO sightings are the bread and butter of paranormal enthusiasts. Thousands of Americans have reported seeing flashing lights in the sky , unable to explain their origin. In that regard, we’ll focus on what is perhaps the most famous UFO sighting in this article: In 1947 , residents of the town of Roswell, New Mexico , claimed to have seen a UFO crash into the desert.

7

Haunted houses

Image: Ján Jakub Naništa

As soon as October comes around, hundreds of excited families transform their garages into spooky, fun haunted houses. It’s a thrilling activity that brings neighborhoods together, but let’s face it—these aren’t the haunted houses we’re talking about. From the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose , America is home to some of the world’s most terrifying haunted houses—locations definitely not suitable for the faint of heart.

8

Chupacabra

Image: Nandhu Kumar

For such a terrifying creature, the English translation of " Chupacabra "—literally " goat-sucker "—somewhat diminishes its mystique. However, don’t let the name fool you. According to legend, this cryptid is a foul beast that preys on livestock , draining their blood. Descriptions of its appearance vary: In Puerto Rico , it is depicted as an alien-like creature , while in the Southwestern United States , it is described as more dog- or wolf-like .

9

Marfa lights

Image: Jr Korpa

Many cultures around the world have legends about mysterious lights appearing before wary travelers at night. In our case, the city of Marfa, Texas , is home to a strange phenomenon known as the Marfa Ghost Lights . While scientists suggest a rational explanation—claiming they result from automobile headlights distorted by warm desert air—some still believe the lights have a paranormal origin.

10

Chimayó, New Mexico – Land of Healing

Image: Lina Trochez

We’ve covered some dark and gruesome mysteries in this article, so why not end on a lighter note? In New Mexico’s Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, Chimayó is home to a remarkable site . Some believers claim that El Santuario de Chimayó , a Roman Catholic church, possesses mysterious healing powers —particularly the "holy dirt" found in a small well at the back of the church.