From “The Cosby Show” and “Cheers” to “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” Thursday nights on NBC have been home to comedy for well over 20 years. While the four comedies in the upcoming season aren’t the ratings behemoths that the aforementioned series were, they are still critical and cult favorites.

“30 Rock” (scheduled for 9:30 p.m.) is probably the highest profile show of the four coming off its 22 Emmy nominations and five wins this year, including its third consecutive Emmy for Best Comedy. In its three seasons on the air, it has accumulated a whopping 49 Emmy nominations.

“The Office” (at 9 p.m.), a remake of the BBC hit, has become a hit in its own right, consistently nabbing high ratings in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo. It has also been an Emmy fave, garnering 24 Emmy nominations in five years.

Starting as a midseason replacement show last year, “Parks and Recreation” (at 8:30 p.m.) may not have the critical kudos yet, but star Amy Poehler can boast of two consecutive Emmy nominations. Though they were both for “Saturday Night Live,” you can bet her comedic chops will shine through in her new gig.

The new show in this season’s lineup, replacing the underrated “My Name is Earl,” is “Community” (now at 9:30 p.m.), starring Joel McHale of “The Soup” fame and Chevy Chase. Many critics are already calling “Community” one of the best new shows of the year.

“Parks and Recreation,” “The Office” and “Community” have already begun their new seasons, while “30 Rock” premiers Oct. 15.

“Parks and Recreation: Season One,” “The Office: Season Five” and “30 Rock: Season 3” have all been recently released on DVD if you’d like to be brought up to speed on anything you might have missed. If nothing else, you must see the “Kidney Now” episode of “30 Rock,” destined to become a classic.