On a weekly basis, your favourite sitcoms offer a means to escape and be a voyeur into the life of a fictional family for thirty minutes. While it's often your favourite television stars who take centre stage on the small screen, it's easy to overlook a silent recurring co-star – their trusty sofa.
We went couch surfing to find 10 iconic sofas that are just as recognizable as those whose names appear in the title credits. Ready, set... it's showtime!
The Simpsons
For the past 24 years, the title credits of every Simpson's episode has been centred around this trusty brown couch as highlighted in this article posted on Today. These popular 'couch gags' as they are called, have taken on a whole life of their own and give diehard fans something familiar to look forward each week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c5EHpCILnY
Roseanne
Very much like the show it's featured on, the aging, crocheted afghan covered couch on Roseanne is down to earth and rough around the edges – just like its owners, Dan and Roseanne Conner. Plenty of giggles, laughs and tears have taken place on this iconic piece of run-down furniture.
The Big Comfy Couch
If you have little ones at home, you're probably familiar with The Big Comfy Couch– a Canadian children's television series that centres around Loonette the clown and her faithful companion Molly. All of their zany adventures take place on this enormous couch. According to Wikipedia, the series ran an impressive 14 years. It was probably time for Loonette to consider a new couch?
All in the Family
Controversial for its time, the classic sitcom All in the Family centred on the cranky and opinionated Archie Bunker and his family. If you were a fan of this popular sitcom, you probably recognize Archie's favourite armchair. This piece of living room furniture is considered such a piece of Americana that it is now on display at The Smithsonian.
Seinfeld
Quite often described as being 'The greatest Sitcom ever created', Seinfeld now enjoys quite a lengthy run in syndication on TBS.No list of iconic television furniture is complete without the couch from Seinfeld, which was quite often a meeting point for the characters on the show. One episode of note is 'The Couch' from season 6.
That 70's Show
According to IMDB, That 70's Show made its debut in 1998 and captured the essence of what it was like to be a teenager in 1976. Eric Forman and his friends spent a good portion of their adolescence figuring out life while sitting on the outdated, well-worn couch in his basement.
Friends
Back in 2011, fans of the hit show Friends had the opportunity to own the infamous orange sofa from the characters' favourite coffee shop Central Perk. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton notes it was estimated to sell for anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000. Pretty pricey, but would definitely make a great conversation piece don't you think?
Peewee's Playhouse
If you're a child of the 80s', you'll get kick out of thispiece of furniture by Jonathan Adler, which is a dead ringer for Peewee Herman's beloved chair in the hit show Peewee's Playhouse. Chairy served as both a functional piece of furniture and a confidant. Does your armchair do that?
Married With Children
Peg Bundy was the ultimate Anti-housewife; she took the term 'Domestic Goddess' to a whole other level.The Married With Children costar would spend her days sitting on this memorable 1970's style sofa, eating bon-bons and watching her favourite soap operas. Her neglect of domestic skills had earned top honors on Time's list of TV Moms June Cleaver would hate.
Beavis and Butthead
Beavis and Butthead shared their views on pop culture from the comforts of their pink couch, which aired in every episode. Comedy Central Blogs notes the show was a love it or loathe it affair that created the 'MTV generation.'
The next time you go couch surfing, pay close attention to the sofa your favourite characters are lounging on. You never know, it could join the ranks of iconic furniture –perhaps it will be the next piece on display at The Smithsonian.