Moms, dads, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters — more than just a hilarious reflection of the people we grow up and old with, sitcoms have opened our hearts to a more inclusive visions of what “family” can mean.

Since America has long found it easier to laugh about sex than talk seriously about it, sitcom humor has had a critical role ushering in a new era of openness, not just towards sex, but toward women’s rights and gender identity.

When Americans look beyond family or work for their identity, the “hanging out with friends” sitcom hilariously redefines the genre while also revealing television’s challenging quest for inclusivity and authentic representation.