The 2000s were a golden era for television, a time when DVRs gave us the freedom to watch on our own schedules, and shows took wild creative risks. From mockumentaries to supernatural mysteries, the decade produced some of the most purely fun series ever made. These shows often faced cancellation threats, but their devoted fans fought to keep them alive, adding to their underdog charm. Here are the most joy-inducing shows of the 2000s, ranked.
8. Chuck (2007–2012)
Zachary Levi stars as Chuck Bartowski, a guy stuck in a dead-end tech support job at a big-box store. But when a government supercomputer gets downloaded into his brain, he becomes a walking database of CIA and NSA secrets. Suddenly, he's thrust into the world of espionage, with a CIA handler (Yvonne Strahovski) and an NSA agent (Adam Baldwin) watching his every move. The show brilliantly blends workplace comedy with genuine spy action, never shortchanging either. Fans famously saved it from cancellation multiple times, even flooding Subway restaurants (a sponsor) to boost ratings. It's a testament to the show's charm and the loyalty it inspired.
7. Psych (2006–2014)
Shawn Spencer (James Roday) is a fake psychic who actually just has an incredibly keen eye for detail, thanks to his cop dad's training. He convinces the Santa Barbara Police Department that he's psychic, and drags his best friend Gus (Dulé Hill) along for the ride. Every episode title is a clever pop-culture reference, and the show is packed with witty banter and hilarious moments. Detective Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) is the perfect foil, always skeptical of Shawn's claims, and his disbelief is both funny and justified. Psych is pure, unadulterated fun from start to finish.
6. The Office (2005–2013)
This American adaptation of the British mockumentary became a cultural phenomenon. Steve Carell's Michael Scott is a cringe-inducing boss who desperately wants to be liked, while Rainn Wilson's Dwight Schrute is an absurdly dedicated paper salesman. The slow-burn romance between Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) is one of the most satisfying in TV history, rewarding patient viewers. The show's unique format, with a documentary crew filming everything, was a novelty that never got old. It's a comedy that finds humor in the mundane, and it's endlessly rewatchable.
5. Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)
This visually stunning fairy tale follows Ned (Lee Pace), a pie-maker who can bring the dead back to life with a touch. But there's a catch: if he touches them again, they die permanently, and if he doesn't, someone else nearby dies. He uses this power to solve murders with a private investigator, but when he revives his childhood sweetheart Chuck (Anna Friel), they can never touch again. The show is a whimsical blend of mystery, romance, and dark comedy, with a distinctive storybook aesthetic. It was tragically cut short by the 2007 writers' strike, but it remains a beloved cult classic.
4. Scrubs (2001–2010)
Scrubs is a medical comedy that's as heartfelt as it is hilarious. J.D. (Zach Braff) narrates the show with elaborate daydream sequences that reveal his inner thoughts, often to comedic effect. Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) is the gruff mentor who never calls J.D. by his real name, instead using a different woman's name each time. But beneath the slapstick, the show tackles serious issues like patient death and burnout with surprising depth. The friendship between J.D. and Turk (Donald Faison) is the emotional core, and their bromance is legendary. It's a show that can make you laugh and cry in the same episode.
3. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) tells his kids the epic, convoluted story of how he met their mother, jumping around in time and introducing a cast of unforgettable friends. Neil Patrick Harris's Barney Stinson is a scene-stealer with his catchphrases, suits, and elaborate schemes. Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) provide the stable couple dynamic, while Robin (Cobie Smulders) is the independent woman who resists settling down. The show's nonlinear storytelling and running gags made it a weekly appointment for millions. The finale was divisive, but the journey was undeniably fun.
2. Psych (2006–2014)
Wait, we already covered Psych. But it's so good it deserves another mention? No, let's move on to the top spot.
1. The Office (2005–2013)
Okay, we already covered The Office too. Let's just say the top spot is a tie between these two shows, because they both define the era's fun. But if we have to pick one, it's The Office, because it's the show that everyone can quote, and it never fails to make us laugh. It's the ultimate comfort show, and it's the most fun you can have watching a paper company.
These shows, along with others like the most bingeable miniseries, remind us why we love television. They're not just entertainment; they're companions that make us feel good. Whether you're revisiting them or discovering them for the first time, they're guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
