Comedy as a genre has always been huge in the world of television. Comedy shows—from purely comedic outings to sitcoms and dramedies—have always occupied a special place in the audience’s mind, largely because of their undemanding yet highly rewarding natures. Comedies are ideal to sit back and relax, not quite asking their viewers to turn off their brains but never overstepping their welcome.
The 2000s produced several incredible comedies. The new millennium’s changing attitudes produced works of true genius, groundbreaking comedies that pushed boundaries while still embracing tradition. In many ways, the best comedies from the 2000s are the last of their kind, sandwiched between Gen X ideas from the ’90s and the new wave of trends from the 2010s. These comedies are funny, wicked, and brilliant, genuine works of humorous excellence that stand tall and proudly in the pantheon of great shows from the small screen.
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‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)
Image via Fox
Malcolm in the Middle premiered in the spring of 2000, and noughties pop culture was never the same. Frankie Muniz stars as the titular character, an 11-year-old prodigy living with his lower-middle-class family, a dysfunctional yet well-meaning bunch. The show chronicles the family’s life and their numerous misadventures with friends and family.
Acclaimed for its dark, biting humor and earnest take on working-class families, Malcolm in the Middle was a worthy heir to sitcoms that came before, like Roseanne. Benefitting from an impressive cast, including the underrated Jane Kaczmarek and future Walter White, Bryan Cranston, Malcolm in the Middle is an influential comedy that paved the way for future single-camera hits like The Office and Arrested Development. In Frank Reynolds’ words, Malcolm “changed the game.”
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‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
Image via NBC Universal
And speaking of The Office, few shows have the chokehold this wacky series has on pop culture. Steve Carell stars as Michael Scott, the largely useless and highly unprofessional regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin paper company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show follows several characters working under him, following a mockumentary style and featuring one-on-one interviews.
One of the most popular and enduring comedy shows from the 2000s, The Office is widely regarded for its quotes, distinctive humor style, and the performances of its cast. Embracing chaos and an over-the-top approach, The Office soars to new comedy heights due to its impressive and committed ensemble. The writing is good, but the cast takes it and makes the most out of it, often turning already funny material into a work of true comedic genius. The Office remains an enduring part of the 2000s, continuing to attract new fans thanks to streaming.
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‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)
Image via 20th Television
Arriving late into the decade, <em>Modern Family</em> was an instant hit. The show revolves around a large and chaotic yet loving blended family and stars a large ensemble cast. Like other peers from its time, Modern Family uses a mockumentary approach, featuring interviews, voice-overs, and meta-humor.
A five-time Emmy Winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, Modern Family dominated the first half of the 2010s. The show was famous for its wild but heartwarming humor, which wasn’t afraid to make biting jokes, sometimes at the expense of its game cast. Modern Family also featured a large parade of guest stars, to the point where it seems anyone who’s anyone had a stint on the show. Although it features many of the questionable jokes that many other comedy series from its time indulged in, Modern Family‘s loving depiction of family remains a highlight, especially as television became increasingly cynical throughout the 2010a.
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‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)
