Sitcoms As Stages of Life

  There seems to be a hilarious sitcom for every stage of life. Each of my favorite sitcoms represents a stage of my own.

 "The Simpsons" is great for young teenagers as they develop a sense of stereotypes in a crazy world. Bart and Lisa are the consummate child victims at the center of twisted adult schemes in Springfield. Teens may not pick up on all the satire, but that's what makes it mysterious for them. It can be a good learning experience culturally.

 "The Big Bang Theory" is a late teen/early 20s romp, ideal for college, first job, or just moving out. It helps if you are a total geek or enjoy the company of one.

 "Friends" is perfect for people just getting their career started and living on their own, usually mid to late 20s or early 30s. It is definitely set before the family stage.

 "Seinfeld" reflects the 30s, either as a stage of midlife crisis or the yearning to start a family. It's best to watch it during this stage, as it pokes fun at all the social norms you have gotten so sick of that starting a family starts to sound good.

 "Home Improvement" is a great family show because it can teach you a lot about how to maintain one.  I peg this as a late 30s/early 40s show, but anyone who's getting in the prime of parenthood can relate. You can learn on a lot from Wilson, Al, Jill, and even Tim.  Having two boys make it even more relatable for me.

 "The Office" reflects the 40s, when you are deep in a career and going through the monotonous motions of it. There is a sense of tiredness, being sick if it all, and just wanting to make fun out of anything you can get away with.

 "Frasier" is great for late career in the 50s, when you are well-established as an intellectual in your field and still have some goals. The humor is refined and witty enough that you would probably only understand it later in life.

 "Parenthood" isn't a sitcom, but I believe it is the best for old age. This is when you can look back on a successful family you built, be proud of it, and offer a lot of seasoned advice to the generations in front of you.