The 40 Best Comedy Series of All Time

There are a thousand and one ways to break down the anatomy of a great comedy series. Sure, it has to make you laugh, but that’s just the bare minimum. Does it render an amused chuckle, or does it produce a gut-busting, tear-jerking laugh? Does it comment wittily on society, or does it feature adolescent boys giving birth to infant-sized bowel movements in (we’re looking at you, Big Mouth)? Whether you like your comedies sophisticated, crude, or some combination of both, we’re living in the golden age of streaming, meaning that there’s no shortage of stellar choices. But what stands out amid the crowded field?

Presented in no particular order are 40 of our all-time favorites, which run the gamut from old faithfuls to new standouts, sketch comedies to scripted programs, mockumentaries to workplace comedies. When you settle in on the sofa to stream your new obsession, be sure to keep a pillow within arm’s reach—you’re going to need it to brace your ribs when they start to ache from laughter.