best comedies on television

Ever found yourself snorting milk through your nose at 2 a.m. while binge-watching a sitcom you’ve seen six times already? Yeah, us too. There’s just somethin’ ‘bout the way best comedies on television wrap humor around real-life messiness that hits different—like your grandma’s casserole that’s burnt on the edges but somehow still tastes like heaven. While streaming platforms flood us with content faster than a Midwestern thunderstorm, best comedies on television remain the cozy hoodie of entertainment: reliable, warm, and always there when your boss ghosts you again. Whether it’s a snarky roommate or a talking dog with trust issues (looking at you, BoJack), these shows remind us that laughter ain’t just medicine—it’s survival. And honestly, in this chaotic era of AI, climate doom, and avocado toast prices hitting $9.99? We need those giggles like we need Wi-Fi in an airport terminal.

So, what actually makes a comedy worthy of the best comedies on television badge? Is it the punchlines? The character arcs? Or just how many times Jim Halpert stares deadpan into the camera while Dwight does something unhinged? Truth is, it’s all that—and more. The best comedies on television blend wit, timing, emotional honesty, and just enough absurdity to feel lifelike yet surreal. Think of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”—it wasn’t just about a gal in Minneapolis; it was about womanhood, independence, and throwing your hat in the air like nobody’s watching. Fast-forward to “Abbott Elementary,” and we see that same spark: humor rooted in truth, served with sass and heart. That’s the secret sauce of the best comedies on television: they don’t just make you laugh—they make you *feel*.

Back in the day, you’d catch Lucille stomping grapes in her living room while your dad chuckled into his pipe smoke. Now, you’re crying-laughing as Phoebe Waller-Bridge smirks at a priest like, “Yup, I’m emotionally stunted—and Catholic.” The best comedies on television didn’t just adapt to the times—they mirrored them, cracked them open, and tossed in a one-liner for good measure. In the '80s, “Cheers” gave us found family over beer. In the '00s, “The Office” taught us that awkward silence could be art. And today? “Barry” mixes hitmen with existential dread and stand-up comedy—because why not? Through every era, the best comedies on television have stayed relevant by being brave enough to be weird, honest enough to be vulnerable, and funny enough to keep us hitting “next episode” till the sun peeks through the blinds.

Let’s be real—sometimes critics and regular folks be livin’ on different planets. A show might get five stars from some bespectacled dude in Brooklyn, but your cousin DeShawn from Cleveland’s like, “Man, that dialogue drier than week-old cornbread.” That’s the beautiful chaos of the best comedies on television: audience and critics rarely agree, and that’s okay. Rotten Tomatoes might crown “Succession” (which, let’s be honest, is more tragicomedy than pure LOL), but your group chat is hyping up “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” like it’s the second coming. And guess what? Both can be “best comedies on television” in their own right. After all, humor’s personal—like your Spotify Wrapped or your secret taco recipe. What matters is whether it makes *you* cackle, snort, or ugly-cry-laugh in your sweatpants on a Tuesday.

Netflix, Hulu, Max, Peacock—y’all got more logos than a cereal aisle. But where do you actually find the best comedies on television without drowning in the algorithm abyss? Here’s a hot take: it ain’t about the platform—it’s about the vibe. Hulu’s got that “Only Murders in the Building” energy (Steve Martin doing cartwheels in his socks? Sign us up). Max churns out gems like “Hacks,” where Jean Smart roasts millennials like she’s seasoning a Thanksgiving turkey. And let’s not sleep on network TV—“Abbott Elementary” proves ABC still knows how to serve wholesome, razor-sharp comedy that’s got more heart than a rom-com marathon. No matter where you click, the best comedies on television are out there, waiting behind a “Play Next” button like your next soulmate.

Let’s geek out for a sec. According to Nielsen and Parrot Analytics (yep, that’s a real thing), the best comedies on television in early 2025 include “Reservation Dogs” (which ain’t just funny—it’s revolutionary), “The Bear” (chaotic kitchen energy = comedy gold), and “PEN15” (awkward teen years, but make it art). Here’s a fun stat: “Ted Lasso” pulled in over 10 million weekly viewers at its peak, while “Schitt’s Creek” earned a record-breaking sweep at the 2020 Emmys. But don’t sleep on niche hits—“Barry” may not have blockbuster numbers, but its audience engagement score? Off the charts. The best comedies on television prove that popularity ain’t just about eyeballs; it’s about impact, rewatchability, and how many group texts it spawns. Bottom line? If your show’s got memes, tears, and inside jokes between strangers at brunch, you’re doin’ somethin’ right.

Y’all ever laughed till you cried, then realized you’re actually crying? That’s the magic of dramedy—the genre that smuggles heartbreak into punchlines like contraband. Shows like “BoJack Horseman,” “Fleabag,” and “Ramy” might be filed under best comedies on television, but they’re really emotional ninjas. One minute you’re giggling at a horse ordering almond milk, the next you’re questioning your entire existence. And that’s the point. The best comedies on television today aren’t afraid to get messy. They know life isn’t just punchlines—it’s panic attacks in parking lots, awkward funeral laughs, and crying into a burrito at 3 a.m. By blending humor with humanity, these shows don’t just entertain—they heal. Quietly. With a wink and a sniffle.

Who said the best comedies on television gotta be American? “Derry Girls” from Ireland? Pure chaotic Catholic school joy. “Call My Agent!” from France? Sassier than a Parisian barista on espresso overload. Even Japan’s “Aggretsuko”—a cartoon red panda screaming death metal after office hours—deserves a standing ovation. These shows remind us that humor’s universal, even if the slang ain’t. The best comedies on television now span continents, languages, and cultural quirks, proving that whether you’re in Melbourne or Mumbai, everyone understands the pain of bad Wi-Fi, awkward family dinners, and trying to adult without crying. And thanks to subtitles and streaming, we get to laugh together—across borders, time zones, and snack preferences.

Let’s be honest—if a show drops and nobody makes a TikTok of the main character’s facial expression, did it even happen? The best comedies on television thrive in the digital age because fans turn episodes into inside jokes, theories, and thirst traps (we see you, Jason Mendoza). Take “Ted Lasso”: what started as a commercial gimmick became a global comfort blanket, thanks to 3-second clips of “believe” signs and Rebecca’s side-eye. Or “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” whose “Cool, cool, cool, cool” lives rent-free in every group text. The best comedies on television aren’t just watched—they’re *shared*, remixed, and shouted across social feeds like, “OMG THIS IS SO ME.” That organic buzz? That’s free marketing with heart. And honestly, it’s kinda beautiful.

Overwhelmed? Same. The world of best comedies on television is a buffet—delicious but dang crowded. If you’re just dipping your toes, start with the classics: “Friends” for comfort, “Parks and Rec” for optimism, “Arrested Development” for wordplay so sharp it cuts. Ready to level up? Dive into “Atlanta” for surreal humor, “What We Do in the Shadows” for vampire roommates who can’t pay rent, or “Only Murders in the Building” for true-crime-meets-senior-citizens chaos. And if you wanna go deep? Check out Suzzanne Douglas for fresh takes, head over to our Films category for genre deep dives, or binge the guide at Funniest Series on TV Endless Chuckles. No matter where you start, the best comedies on television got your back like a trusty couch and a pint of ice cream.

References

• https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230710-the-greatest-tv-comedies-of-all-time
• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/tv/comedy
• https://parrotanalytics.com/insights/us-tv-demand-rankings
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2025/top-streaming-programs