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When it comes to TV comedies, the last 20 years have been an embarrassment of riches. From new hits like Ted Lasso to tried-and-true favorites like Modern Family, there has been no shortage of excellence in this highly entertaining genre. Embedded in the rich and varied landscape are certain shows that stand out from the rest. With no bad seasons, no major gaps in writing, and solid character performances throughout, these titles are the best of the best.
Sustaining a comedy show for even two seasons is difficult. Actors may decide to leave the show, the writing has to stay current and fresh, and the plots have to be interesting enough to avoid feeling repetitive. All marks for excellence go to these shows that not only excelled in their first few seasons, but kept the momentum and the laughs coming throughout their entire run. These are the most perfect comedy shows of the last 20 years.
10
’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)
Created by and starring Tina Fey, 30 Rock gives a satirical behind-the-scenes depiction of the sketch comedy format. Inspired by her time as a head writer for Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock has Fey’s fast-paced wit and on-the-nose humor all over it. Following the exploits of a TV show from the writing to the casting, and beyond, 30 Rock gave general audiences and those working within the industry something to laugh about.
30 Rock won 16 Primetime Emmys over its illustrious career and is unmatched for its electric energy. The only reason it comes last on this list is that some of the references existed so momentarily within pop culture that they will likely age out and become irrelevant as time goes on. However, this does not diminish the overall watchability of the show, and it is a perfect time capsule of the entertainment industry in the early 2000s. Every episode of 30 Rock is incredible, and it has inspired many sitcoms that followed.
9
‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011–Present)
Running for an impressive 16 seasons and counting, Bob’s Burgers is an animated series that focuses on the Belcher family as they operate their small burger restaurant in New Jersey. Featuring the unmistakable voice talents of H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal, it is a family-focused comedy with a whole lot of heart.
As the patriarch of the Belcher family, Bob (Benjamin) is one of the best TV dads of all time. His willingness to support his kids, engage with them, and take an interest in their hobbies and pursuits is heartwarming. His non-toxic masculinity is a model for anyone to follow, and watching him interact with his family is part of the magic that has made Bob’s Burgers so special and beloved. Instead of a cartoon family that works against each other or exists only to wreak havoc on one another, Bob’s Burgers is genuinely lovely in that the Belchers support each other, no matter what. That doesn’t mean there are never any conflicts or quarrels, but all are resolved, and the family harmony endures. Bob’s Burgers keeps going strong, and fans only expect continued excellence from this solid comedy-gold series.
8
‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)
Derry Girls follows a group of friends during The Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. It is a wonderful dose of nostalgia, even for American audiences, and it touches on key coming-of-age tropes that are universal, like wanting to fit in and finding self-confidence. While the series takes place during a time of political upheaval, the conflict never dominates the story. The brilliant writing by creator Lisa McGee focuses instead on the protagonists, with the crisis being another part of their daily lives.
Derry Girls‘ cast is phenomenal. Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell star as Erin, Orla, Clare, and Michelle, respectively. And there is the poor fish-out-of-water James, played superbly by Dylan Llewellyn, who must attend the all-girls’ school with the rest of the group. Derry Girls is a riot, and Siobhán McSweeney is killer as the sardonic Sister Michael. There are no bad episodes of Derry Girls, and the finale is sublime.
7
‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)
It can be difficult to pave a path of greatness as a new show, but Abbott Elementary has more than achieved that goal. A TV series focused on teachers is not a popular premise, but Abbott has shone a light into the dark void of academic comedies and found brilliance. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary documents the daily challenges of a group of teachers at the titular school in Philadelphia.
So many factors make Abbott Elementary exceptional. The writing is funny and relevant, the cast is phenomenal, and the sheer number of young kids who act as extras is impressive. For Abbott to not only dominate as a new show but also be one of the best comedies about teaching ever is a noteworthy achievement. Like many of the shows on this list, its popularity has spread far beyond the small screen, and the iconic characters, quips, and quotes have inspired many a meme. All high marks of excellence for Abbott and a well-earned A+.
6
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
What We Do in the Shadows is a dark fantasy with zero flaws. Based on the movie by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the TV series follows a group of vampires as they cohabitate in a house in Staten Island. What We Do in the Shadows is a rare example of a TV show that took an already great concept and improved upon it. By adding a vampiress and an energy vampire to the mix, the cast of characters grew even more diverse and diverting than the original film.
From trying to break their housemate out of an animal shelter because he was captured in bat form to attending the “Superb Owl Party,” WWDITS is full of hilarious plot lines. A key aspect of the show is the special effects. They are never meant to be the main focus of the action, but they are spot-on and add to the storytelling tremendously. The cast, writing, and effects in What We Do in the Shadows make it one of the best dark comedies of the last 20 years.
5
‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)
In the grand tradition of family-focused comedies like All in the Family, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Full House, Modern Family took the winning format and updated it for the 21st century. The fan-favorite sitcom focuses on the core Pritchett family of father Jay (Ed O’Neill), daughter Claire (Julie Bowen), and son Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and each of their own respective families. The genius of Modern Family is that no two nuclear families are alike. Claire and her husband Phil (Ty Burrell) have three children together; Mitchell and his husband Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) adopt; and Jay and his second wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara) have a blended family with her son Manny (Rico Rodriguez).
With such a variety, there is no end to the interesting shenanigans the larger family group gets up to, and each season of the show is better than the last. Modern Family is one of the most bingeworthy series ever. It has won 22 Primetime Emmys and remains as enjoyable now as it did upon its debut. Even though each family unit is composed of highly unique individuals, they come together as one through love and devotion and emerge all the stronger for it.
4
‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)
A riches-to-rags story that remains untouchable is Schitt’s Creek. The critics’ and audience favorite series stars Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy, and the late Catherine O’Hara as the Rose family. After their business manager embezzles and commits tax fraud, the Roses are left penniless and possession-less. The only option left is for them to hold up in a hotel, located in a town that Johnny (Eugene Levy) once bought as a joke because of its punny name, Schitt’s Creek.
The Roses had spent a lot of time and effort establishing their own lives and brands, and to suddenly be thrown together again in two small hotel rooms is an adjustment to say the least. As the series goes on, it is highly rewarding to watch the family come together as a whole, learning to support each other, for richer or for poorer. As Collider‘s Dyah Ayu Larasati writes, “Schitt’s Creek doesn’t rush to make its main family likable, and that’s what makes the Roses worth rooting for.” The Roses are allowed time to evolve and come to their own conclusions about themselves and who they want to be, which makes the outcomes feel earned. Schitt’s Creek is absolutely brilliant in its concept and characters. It is perfect from the beginning of the series to the end, and will likely remain a classic for many years to come.
3
‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)
It doesn’t take long for New Girl to charm any audience that watches it. The talented and diverse cast, relatable situations, and witty writing made it an instant hit. The show follows Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) as she moves into an apartment with three male roommates after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend. Her feminine energy fits in well with the already eclectic dynamic, and soon friendships and feelings grow deeper than ever expected.
New Girl has some of the highest-rated episodes on IMDb and an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It has become a cherished favorite for many fans, and devotees enjoy watching it again and again. It is highly quotable and has generated several popular internet memes. Like every great comedic series before it, New Girl solidified its characters and became unique and identifiable, creating moments that last forever in the minds of viewers everywhere.
2
‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)
The sports-themed triumph Ted Lasso is one of Apple TV’s most exceptional shows, with a caveat. It currently exists complete, whole, and awesome as-is with its three-season arc. However, when success is so monumental, producers and entertainment executives can’t help themselves, and at the risk of messing with perfection or kicking a dead horse, Ted Lasso will be the latest victim to have an odd, disjointed final season added to its canon. While the tentative fourth season looms in the future, now is an ideal time to celebrate the show as it is in the present and perfect.
Ted Lasso follows the titular American football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, who is hired to improve the performance of a struggling English soccer team. Culture clashes abound, and there are ample opportunities for comedy, but along with the more jovial moments, Ted Lasso weaves in vulnerable, candid, and touching scenes that tug at the heartstrings. The writing and acting performances are exemplary, and it feels fresh and interesting among other sports-centered comedies. Ted Lasso has something for everyone, even non-football/soccer fans, and it is a definite crowd-pleaser with, as of yet, no penalties.
1
‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)
If you were to combine the satirical asides of The Office with the unshakable optimism and pathos of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, you would get Parks and Recreation. Created by Greg Daniels (The Office) and Michael Schur (The Good Place), Parks and Recreation is a workplace comedy with a tender, beating heart. Although the series is full of moments that will make you laugh so hard you spit out your drink (true story), it has an undercurrent of care and devotion that holds it all together and makes the series feel like a friend you long to visit.
The personalities in Parks and Recreation are so cleverly distinct that they play in wonderful opposition to each other. There is the extremely extroverted positivity of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) paired with the reserved pessimism of Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). The loveable, innocent, and goofy Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt) met with the brooding, nihilistic persona of April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza). And the sultan of swagger, Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari), with the anxious and ambitious Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott), just to name a few. There are so many phenomenal cast members in Parks and Rec that it is impossible to name them all here. However, every performance, whether it is for one episode or the whole series, is flawless. From the quirky beginning to the terrific final episode, Parks and Recreation‘s tenure is pristine, and it is undoubtedly one of the most perfect comedies of the last 20 years.
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Lisa Nordin
Almontather Rassoul
