The 14 best comedy shows on Paramount+ ready to stream now

From classic sitcoms to hidden gems, here are the funniest series on the streamer.

Laughter may not actually be the best medicine, but it sure does help. Comedy shows are one of the most sure-fire sources of joy, surprise, and, just for a moment, a fun reprieve from the stresses of everyday life.

Whether it’s a feminist sketch show, a cult classic Cops parody, a kids series reboot, or an iconic sitcom, Paramount+ has comedies of all varieties that keep your spirits up like it’s their job — because, well, it is. Here are the 14 best comedy series on Paramount+ right now.

Ghosts (2021–present)

Adapted from the British sitcom of the same name, Ghosts emerged as an unexpected comedy gem on CBS. The series follows Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a married couple who inherit a gorgeous country home, only to discover it’s haunted by eight ghosts who inhabited the house at different points in history, including a Revolutionary War captain, a jazz singer, and a Viking. The trick is that only Sam can interact with them, while Jay has to rely on his wife to know what kinds of shenanigans are going on among the dead. The series expertly blends humor and heart, and features one of the sharpest ensembles on TV. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Ghosts: Paramount+

Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty

Related content: Rose McIver on Ghosts' very special Christmas episode and who's putting the 'romance' in necromance

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

The valedictorian of comedy shows that were canceled too soon, Freaks and Geeks only aired one season on NBC, but its impact is still felt decades later. The series effectively launched the careers of Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Philipps, who all play high school students in 1980s Michigan. Chronicling the lives of ordinary teenagers rather than the glamorous cool kids found on other teen soaps at the time, Paul Feig’s dramedy was (fittingly) misunderstood by its network but later found a loyal cult following. —K.J.

Where to watch Freaks and Geeks: Paramount+

EW grade: A (read the review)

Cast: Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Busy Philipps

Related content: Jason Segel explains why it will be hard for kids to watch Freaks and Geeks now

Drunk History (2013–2019)

Who knew watching celebrities like Jenny Slate, Amber Ruffin, and Paul F. Tompkins recall historical stories — while inebriated, naturally — could be so endlessly entertaining? Various guest stars appear to act out these drunken ramblings, even lip-syncing to the more ridiculous statements from the storyteller. Drunk History earned numerous Emmy nominations over its six seasons and even spawned international spinoffs like Drunk History U.K., and Drunk History Mexico, which are also available on Paramount+. —K.J.

Where to watch Drunk History: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Bennie Arthur, Tim Baltz, Mort Burke, Sarah Burns, Maria Blasucci, Craig Cackowski

Related content: Inside Drunk History's hilarious drunken origins with Jack Black and Michael Cera

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

Few modern sitcoms have the live-wire hilarity of Everybody Loves Raymond, which ran for nine seasons (210 episodes!) on CBS. Ray Romano stars as the title character, a sportswriter whose lackadaisical attitude brushes up against his wife Debra’s (Patricia Heaton) sense of responsibility. In addition to managing their three children, they must contend with Ray’s fussy older brother Robert (Brad Garrett) and parents (Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle) who happen to live across the street. Many family sitcoms have attempted to replicate this Emmy-winning series, but its relatable dynamics and sharp dialogue are a cut above. —K.J.

Where to watch Everybody Loves Raymond: Paramount+

EW grade: A (read the review)

Cast: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, Madylin Sweeten

Related content: Everybody Loves Raymond creator has tried to pitch a reunion special but had 'no takers'

Cheers (1982–1993)

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, so why not sit back and spend some time with the staff and patrons of a fictional Boston bar? There, you’ll get TV magic, including Ted Danson and Shelley Long as the GOAT will-they-won’t-they couple and Woody Harrelson as a lovable but dimwitted bartender. But Cheers’ most impressive feat is never once losing its sparkle across 11 seasons. The show’s first year was such a flop that it once finished dead last in the ratings, but it soon became a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. By the eighth season in 1990, 35 million Americans were watching the hilarious, well-rounded, wonderfully mismatched characters have another round. —Hope Lasater

Where to watch Cheers: Paramount+

Cast: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth

Related content: Cheers stars Ted Danson and George Wendt once puked with Woody Harrelson on set 'out of solidarity'

Detroiters (2017–2018)

There are sadly just two seasons of Detroiters, a comedy show about best friends and local TV commercial producers Sam (Sam Richardson) and Tim (Tim Robinson of I Think You Should Leave) who want to bring Detroit back to its former glory. Though it was beloved by critics and had some great guest stars, Detroiters never garnered a large audience, making this delightful, wacky series a real hidden gem that Comedy Central canceled far too soon. It’s the kind of underground, off-kilter series that will earn you social clout once your friends laugh at Sam and Tim believing insurance is “for suckers” even after hitting someone with their car. —H.L.

Where to watch Detroiters: Paramount+

Cast: Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson

Related content: Jason Sudeikis returns to Detroiters in season finale clip

iCarly (2021–2023)

As far as revivals go, turning a classic aughts kids’ show into an adult sitcom for its now-grown fans is an enticing premise. Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) and the gang are still causing shenanigans while creating their web show, but now there’s cursing… plus sex and divorce. In addition to being (surprisingly) good, the iCarly reboot gives you all the fun nostalgia without any of the behind-the-scenes trauma associated with the original. Though, why would you even want to watch the original when you can see adult Freddie (Nathan Kress) try to navigate fatherhood and Spencer (Jerry Trainor) compete with new addition Harper (Laci Mosley) over who can hook up with more people at a wedding? —H.L.

Where to watch iCarly: Paramount+

Cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress, Laci Mosley, Jaidyn Triplett

Related content: Josh Peck and Miranda Cosgrove have a Drake & Josh reunion in exclusive iCarly clip

Frasier (1993–2004)

Though a Cheers spinoff, Frasier — about a Seattle psychiatrist (Kelsey Grammer) with a popular radio show and problems with his own interpersonal relationships — achieved a different tone. As EW’s critic described in 1995, “This is the only sitcom that can get a real laugh out of an obvious play on words involving the term frigate… as well as deploy the punchline ‘You sweet-talking succubus!’ while assuming that viewers will know what that means.” That delicate tonal balance helped Frasier float from family sitcom to workplace farce to rom-com to buddy comedy for 11 seasons. (The recent revival is also streaming on Paramount+, though it doesn’t scratch the same itch.) —H.L.

Where to watch Frasier: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney

Related content: The cast of Frasier: Where are they now?

Nathan for You (2013–2017)

Comedian and star Nathan Fielder will make you cringe and take it to the bank, (where he’ll be denied a loan for his latest bad pitch). These schemes are the centerpiece of Nathan for You — a docuseries where Fielder attempts to help real struggling businesses with wild comedy stunts  — but the actual focal point is how gross and manipulative management consulting can be. Fielder presents an aura of dire social anxiety through his antics, from saving a shipping company money by classifying smoke detectors as instruments, and subsequently starting a band to prove his point, to posting an ad for a pet store on a pet cemetery grave (for a fly, no less). —H.L.

Where to watch Nathan for You: Paramount+

Cast: Nathan Fielder

Related content: Nathan for You: The experimental comedy's 10 best (worst?) business ideas

Taxi (1978–1983)

With the most 1978 premise ever — a sitcom about the day-to-day lives of a group of New York City taxi drivers, their dispatcher, and their mechanic —  Taxi is classic American television, a jean jacket with commercial breaks. Of course, like any sitcom, this comedy series is a product of its era, so be prepared for a sting or two. “Taxi was the right show at the right time with the right group of people,” co-creator James L. Brooks told EW in 2004. “It is no exaggeration to call it a labor of love.” That love lasted for five gritty, no-nonsense seasons, but Tony Danza is down for a reboot, so you might get to add a 21st-century take to your watch list soon (fingers crossed). —H.L.

Where to watch Taxi: Paramount+

Cast: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Randall Carver, Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane

Related content: Tony Danza reunites with Taxi costars 40 years after show's end

Younger (2015–2021)

Lies often get out of hand. That’s certainly true for 40-year-old Liza (Sutton Foster), who pretends she’s in her 20s to get back into the ageist world of publishing. Younger is the sort of show meant for ice cream and warm blankets on a Sunday afternoon — a.k.a. the perfect kind of dramedy — though it might make you laugh so hard that you choke on said ice cream. (We dare you not to lose it when you hear a character tell the cop who caught her peeing in the street that she was “doing nothing of the sort.”) Friendships between women take centerstage, followed by professional woes, soft and exciting love stories, and pristine clothes. So. Many. Beautiful. Blouses. —H.L.

Where to watch Younger: Paramount+

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Sutton Foster, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella, Hilary Duff, Miriam Shor, Peter Hermann, Molly Bernard, Charles Michael Davis

Related content: Sutton Foster says goodbye to 7 seasons of Younger and discusses that iconic final throwback

Reno 911! (2003–2009)

Take Cops and twist it into a mockumentary parody with some of the best comedy actors of the recent era, and you get Reno 911!. A send-up of law enforcement and pseudo-edgy reality television, the cult classic series is also rife with stellar jokes — just look at Lieutenant Dangle, who wears short shorts and won’t get a writer’s novel out of a burning building because the plot sounds too similar to the 2000 movie Frequency. (Oh, and most of the dialogue is improvised, which is even more impressive.) All six original seasons are streaming now, as well as the topical 2021 Emmy-nominated film, Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon. —H.L.

Where to watch Reno 911!: Paramount+

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Cast: Cedric Yarbrough, Niecy Nash, Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, Carlos Alazraqui, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Mary Birdsong, Ian Roberts, Joe Lo Truglio

Related content: Reno 911!: The beginning

Key & Peele (2012–2015)

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele — yes, that Jordan Peele — became household names through their immensely popular sketches on Comedy Central's Key & Peele. Many of the bits center on race and/or stereotypes, like the one about two enslaved men who are insecure when nobody wants to bid on them at an auction, or the iconic substitute teacher sketch, or the skit that asks an age-old question: Is this country song racist? The duo’s take on Obama was so good that the president even included it in a White House Correspondents’ dinner speech. —H.L.

Where to watch Key & Peele: Paramount+

Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele

Related content: Key & Peele promise to work together again

I Love Lucy (1951–1957)

Don’t worry, the legendary ‘50s sitcom still holds up today, featuring hijinks and unsuccessful schemes galore for housewife Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball), her neighbor Ethel (Vivian Vance), and their respective husbands Ricky (Desi Arnaz) and Fred (William Frawley). A feminist masterpiece onscreen and off, I Love Lucy was a trailblazer for women shining as the comedic stars, the weird ones, the buffoons. “Vitameatavegamin,” anyone? How about jobs gone awry at a candy factory? If you don’t get those references, clear your schedule and watch all six seasons immediately. (I Love Lucy also popularized the multi-cam, live in front of a studio audience sitcom format, in case you need another reason to tune in.) —H.L.

Where to watch I Love Lucy: Paramount+

Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley

Related content: Being the Ricardos review: Aaron Sorkin goes full inside-baseball in talky Lucille Ball biopic

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.