TV comedy shows are supposed to be your escape from reality. You can put on them after a hard day of work to get out some good laughs, relax and improve your mood. Unlike other genre shows, it’s all light fun and no drama!
There’s no shortage of TV comedies throughout the decades. But let’s face it: Not every show marketed as a comedy is the laugh riot you want it to be. Sifting through a crowded, competitive landscape to find the perfect TV show to binge-watch isn’t easy. But we’ve made things a bit easier. Here are 11 comedy shows that are actually funny enough to consider watching.
1. “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019)
“The Big Bang Theory” is one of the most popular comedy sitcoms in history. It focused on a cast of characters you don’t normally see as main characters. The show revolved around a group of self-professed nerds. Sure, the characters had all the usual relationship drama and over-the-top hijinx. But the heart of the show was its geeky relatability. While not everyone’s cup of tea, the show was a huge smash that people continue to watch as reruns.
2. “The Office” (2005-2013)
Everyone can relate to workplace ridiculousness! “The Office” is the quintessential work comedy that follows the employees of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. You have your cringy boss in Michael Scott, the office couple in Jim and Pam, the by-the-books dweeb in Dwight and more. Some of the plotlines in this show are truly unhinged, but that’s why people love it!
3. “Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” depicts a fictionalized version of Larry David experiencing life in the weirdest ways. It’s a show about life’s annoyances and how to approach them. The cast is impeccably talented, making the show the hit it is. What’s cool is that most of the stuff you see on-screen is entirely improvised. Most episodes start with nothing more than a basic outline, and the cast goes from there to create hilarity.
4. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1997)
Here’s another workplace comedy that deserves all the praise it gets. It’s a trailblazing show that depicts independent women taking full control of their lives. In addition to the titular Mary Tyler Moore, this show stars legends like Betty White, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper and more. The show broke many boundaries when it aired and continues to have tons of rewatchability.
5. “Kath & Kim” (2002-2007)
Here’s a lesser-known show that’s finally starting to get its praises in the United States. “Kath & Kim” is an Australian comedy about a mother-daughter duo. The lovable but sometimes cringy Kath and the insufferable Kim go through life in the suburbs of Melbourne. The show was so popular in Australia and Europe that it spawned two movies, tons of parodies and a permanent place in the early 2000s zeitgeist.
6. “Arrested Development” (2003-2019)
“Arrested Development” is a unique show centered around the Bluth family. Most of the members of this wealthy family are the absolute worst, but there’s something oddly endearing about them. Love or hate them, the show depicts the family going through crazy situations. Some examples include a faked death, a long-running fear of being naked, broken marriages, a less-than-successful magic act and more.
7. “The Nanny” (1993-1999)
Fran Drescher does an outstanding job leading this ’90s classic. “The Nanny” is about a larger-than-life woman who serves as the nanny for three children in the Sheffield household. Fran’s character is unapologetically loud and never pretends to be someone she’s not. She’s bold, over-the-top and hilarious, all while showing her heart of gold. It’s a fun, family-friendly show with tons of feel-good moments.
8. “Golden Girls” (1985-1992)
Who knew a show about four older women living in Miami would become such a classic? This show from the 80’s features TV juggernauts like Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. The characters find themselves in many hilarious situations. But underneath it all, “Golden Girls” is surprisingly bold. It addresses serious topics while managing to keep the laughs going. It’s not hard to see why so many still watch and reference the show.
9. “Modern Family” (2009-2020)
When it aired, “Modern Family” dominated the ratings and award season. It follows a unique blended family of all generations. This show was so special because it had something for everyone, and you could easily find a character to relate to. Of course, the comedic acting is superb. The writing is top-notch, and the show offers lighthearted laughs from start to finish.
10. “Will & Grace” (1998-2005, 2017-2020)
“Will & Grace” was a hilarious sitcom that pushed the boundaries. It focused on the lives of a gay man and a straight woman, along with their stupidly funny friends. The show did a fine job of depicting lives that weren’t normally on screen then. Fans loved the show so much that it came back over a decade after its original finale, and the reboot was just as funny as the original!
11. “Seinfeld” (1989-1998)
How funny can a show about nothing be? It turns out it can be hilarious! “Seinfeld” is a comedy classic that follows a cast of crazy characters going about everyday life. The show puts normal situations through a fiercely comedic lens. We see the worst come out of people in the most side-splitting ways!
Sit Back, Relax and Have a Laugh
These shows are all comedy gold. While plenty of other great shows can bring the laughs, these are all-time classics that will have you giggling from the moment they start. They provide good laughs that’ll distract you from the daily grind. Even if you’ve already seen them, these shows are still funny on every rewatch.
