The 15 Best Comedy TV Shows—Because We Need to Laugh, Dammit
At this moment of intense social distancing, distractions—and laughter—are among our top priorities. So, we compiled a list of our favorite comedy TV shows (in case you’ve already binge-watched the unintentionally funny Love Is Blind three times over).
From The Office to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, keep scrolling for the 15 best comedy TV shows to watch when you need a good laugh (which would be right about now).
1. ‘The Good Place’
Who’s in it? Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper and Jameela Jamil
What’s it about? An afterlife community called The Good Place. The series follows Eleanor Shellstrop as she explores the heaven-like utopia.
How can I watch? Available on NBC, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV and YouTube TV
2. ‘Modern Family’
Who’s in it? Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson
What’s it about? Three different—but related—families. Parents Phil and Claire are trying to raise their three children, all while managing their relationships with their extended family, who live way too close for comfort.
How can I watch? Available on ABC, Hulu and YouTube TV
3. ‘Seinfeld’
Who’s in it? Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards
What’s it about? Four single friends living in New York City. Yada yada yada…
How can I watch? Available on Hulu, YouTube TV and fuboTV
4. ‘The Office’
Who’s in it? Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski
What’s it about? A paper company that’s filming a documentary about its employees. The series follows the lives of the company’s staff, including branch manager Michael Scott (aka the world’s worst best boss).
How can I watch? Available on Netflix, fuboTV and Philo
5. ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’
Who’s in it? Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess
What’s it about? Kimmy Schmidt (duh). After spending 15 years in a cult/underground bunker, she moves to New York City to reclaim her life once and for all.
How can I watch? Available on Netflix
6. ‘Parks and Recreation’
Who’s in it? Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman and Chris Pratt
What’s it about? The small town of Pawnee. As a midlevel employee of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Department, Leslie Knope has big dreams for the quaint community. Along the way, she faces several obstacles, including cranky neighbors, outdated laws and her boss, Ron Swanson.
How can I watch? Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, fuboTV and Philo
7. ‘30 Rock’
Who’s in it? Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan
What’s it about? Liz Lemon, the head writer for a live sketch-comedy show. Oh, and did we mention that 30 Rock is loosely based on Saturday Night Live?
How can I watch? Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime
8. ‘Schitt’s Creek’
Who’s in it? Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy and Emily Hampshire
What’s it about? A wealthy family who suddenly goes bankrupt. With only one asset (a small town called Schitt’s Creek) to their name, they must learn to adapt to their new way of living.
How can I watch? Available on Netflix, YouTube TV and fuboTV
9. ‘Friends’
Who’s in it? Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer
What’s it about? A group of six friends living in (mostly) the same apartment building in New York. What could go wrong?
How can I watch? Available on Sling TV, fuboTV and YouTube TV or for purchase ($2) on Amazon Prime and Google Play
10. ‘Arrested Development’
Who’s in it? Jason Bateman, Michael Cera and Portia de Rossi
What’s it about? A man named Michael Bluth, whose world is turned upside down when his dad, George Sr., is sent to prison. Fear not, Michael—there’s always money in the banana stand.
How can I watch? Available on Netflix and Hulu
11. ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Who’s in it? Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki
What’s it about? A group of nerdy best friends. Their social skills take a turn for the better when a pretty girl named Penny moves into the apartment next door. Bazinga!
How can I watch? Available on fuboTV and YouTube TV or for purchase ($2) on Amazon Prime, Vudu and Google Play
12. ‘That ’70s Show’
Who’s in it? Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, Wilmer Valderrama and Debra Jo Rupp
What’s it about? An eclectic group of friends who are up to no good. The tie-dye outfits and retro hairstyles are just icing on the cake.
How can I watch? Available on Netflix, YouTube TV, fuboTV and Philo
13. ‘The Simpsons’
Who’s in it? Characters voiced by Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer and Julie Kavner
What’s it about? An animated family living in the fictional town of Springfield. Need we say more?
How can I watch? Available on Fox, Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV and Disney+
14. ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’
Who’s in it? Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito
What’s it about? The Gang, which consists of four lifelong friends who are the proud owners of Paddy’s Pub.
How can I watch? Available on fuboTV and Philo or for purchase ($2) on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play and iTunes
15. ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
Who’s in it? Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews and Melissa Fumero
What’s it about? Detective Jake Peralta, a dedicated cop who has the best arrest record in the N.Y.P.D. That is, until a competitive colleague threatens to surpass his numbers.
How can I watch? Available on NBC, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV and fuboTV
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