"The Simpsons"

When It Aired: since 1989 ...
Created By: Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon
What It Was About: Nuclear safety inspector Homer Simpson
tries to be the father who knows best to three rambunctious kids
and his beehived wife, Marge.
Why We Loved It: Because it is, hands-down, the most
intelligent, insightful and hilarious show on television since "Meet
the Press."
Factoid Fun: Though Groening has made enough money off "The Simpsons" to buy and sell anyone who might read this article, he still does the weekly comic strip "Life In Hell," which runs in alternative newspapers and probably only pays enough to buy and sell an unathletic college kid.
Where Are They Now? Besides putting together a feature-length movie (due out next year), "The Simpsons" crew is also working on Season 18, which will feature such guest stars as Natalie Portman, Kiefer Sutherland, Gore Vidal and has already been blessed with an appearance by Metallica in September's season premiere.

"Friends"

When It Aired: 1994 to 2004
Created By: David Crane and Marta Kauffman
What It Was About: Six buddies struggle with life as modern 20- (and later 30-) somethings in New York City ... which mostly entailed sleeping with each other and drinking lots of coffee.
Why We Loved It: Because we wish our friends were that hot ... and were there for us ... to sleep with and drink coffee.
Factoid Fun: Had things gone differently, Leah Remini would've been Monica, Jon Cryer would've played Chandler and Courteney Cox or Tea Leoni would've played Rachel.
Where Are They Now? Chandler, Monica, Ross and Rachel all moved to the suburbs, where their kids play soccer together, while Phoebe remained in New York. Joey moved to Hollywood and was never heard from again.

"Sex and the City"

When It Aired: 1998 to 2004
Created By: Darren Star (based on the book by Candace Bushnell)
What It Was About: Four buddies struggle with life as modern 30- and 40-something women in New York City ... which mostly entailed sleeping with whomever and drinking a lot of booze.
Why We Loved It: Because there's nothing men like more that listening to women complain about how bad men are at sex. Not sure why women liked it, though.
Factoid Fun: Because Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie, was so obsessed with their shoes, Manolo Blahnik now has a shoe called The SJP.
Where Are They Now? Sitting in some Manhattan bar, complaining about how bad men are at sex.

"Seinfeld"

When It Aired: 1990 to 1998
Created By: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
What It Was About: Four buddies struggle with life as modern 30- and 40-somethings in New York City ... which mostly entails being dismissive of people for really stupid reasons.
Why We Loved It: Because in the '90s, there was nothing else on TV about people who lived in New York City.
Factoid Fun: Like with "Friends," the cast of "Seinfeld" was almost very different; possible Georges include Steve Buscemi, Danny Devito, Nathan Lane and David Alan Grier, while potential Kramers included Tony Shalhoub.
Where Are They Now? Sitting in some Manhattan eatery, complaining about ... something stupid.