This Sunday kicks off the nineteenth season of “The Simpsons,” adding to an already impressive streak of longevity. Consistently hilarious, “The Simpsons” has earned its place as one of the funniest TV shows ever. Where exactly does it rank?

5. “Da Ali G Show”
This is the show that launched Sasha Baron Cohen to stardom. Borat might be the show’s most popular character, but it’s hard to beat Ali G. This is the guy who once asked Buzz Aldrin what it was like to be the second man to walk on the sun.
Example:
Ali G: “But what harm has violence ever done?”
Media analyst: “Oh. death.”
Ali G: “Yeah, but apart from that?”

4. “South Park”
“South Park” is still going strong 11 seasons in, and if anything, the show is actually getting better with age. It’s a little low-brow at times, but it’s also one of the smartest political comedies currently on air. Cartman might be the funniest character on TV right now.
Example:
Stan: “Dude, dolphins aren’t stupid. They’re intelligent and friendly.”
Cartman: “Intelligent and friendly on rye bread with some mayonnaise.”

3. “Saturday Night Live”
“Saturday Night Live” had some low days in the ’80s and it really hasn’t been any good since Will Ferrell left. That said, the show’s best years were amazing, whether it’s the original cast or the early ’90s lineup.
Example:
Darrell Hammond as Dan Rather: “Well, things are officially battier than the memorabilia in Adam West’s garage.”

2. “Seinfeld”
The adventures of Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer are the stuff of legend. Every character was hilarious, and every episode came full circle in a moment of beautiful synergy that always managed to surprise and entertain.
Example:
Gina: “A man is lying here unconscious and you’re afraid of him. What kind of a man are you?”
Jerry: “I’m a man who respects a good coma.”

1. “The Simpsons”
“The Simpsons” might be the funniest thing ever, regardless of medium. It’s hard to even begin to describe how great this show was at its best (think 1992-1999). The newer seasons have slipped a bit, but it’s still better than almost everything else on TV.
Example:
Homer: “Haven’t you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain Whatshisname? We live in a society of laws! Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well, I didn’t hear anybody laughing, did you?”