The landscape of television entertainment has witnessed a remarkable expansion throughout the 21st century, particularly in the realm of comedy, which has undergone significant transformation fueled by the increasing popularity of this medium. Shows like Fleabag, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and <em>Rick and Morty</em> have emerged as cultural touchstones of the decade, showcasing the vast diversity and depth of the genre.
Yet, as the comedy television space becomes more crowded, it is unsurprising that many exceptional series, despite their undeniable brilliance and humor, have gone unnoticed by a larger audience. Spanning genres from biting social satire to hilarious horror spoofs, as well as whimsical period dramas that cleverly comment on television trends, these ten underrated comedy shows are not only hilarious but also deserving of greater recognition.
10
Discover the Unique Brilliance of ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015–2019)
Created by Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a vibrant blend of romance, drama, and musical elements that aired for four seasons during the latter part of the 2010s. Despite receiving critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, this series often struggled with low viewership numbers. The narrative centers around Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a highly successful attorney in New York who sacrifices her thriving career to return to her hometown in California, driven by the desire to rekindle a romance with a former crush. This relocation leads her to a series of unexpected insights and experiences.
At its core, beneath the lively and extravagant presentation, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend thoughtfully addresses important themes such as mental health, female sexuality, and the intricate nature of human relationships, all delivered with a mix of humor and emotional depth. The show stands out in the competitive landscape of contemporary comedy, embracing its unique appeal by concluding its narrative after four seasons rather than facing abrupt cancellation. This intentional wrap-up allows for a fulfilling exploration of its themes.
9
Explore the Unique Comedy of ‘Wellington Paranormal’ (2018–2022)
Created by Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Paul Yates
Wellington Paranormal captures the essence of quirky comedy through the lens of Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s signature style, blending horror, comedy, and police procedural elements in a delightful manner that establishes it as a true hidden gem in New Zealand television. Serving as a spin-off of the 2014 film What We Do in the Shadows, the series adopts a mockumentary format that follows a team of police officers in Wellington, tackling bizarre supernatural cases, from demonic possessions to blood bank heists.
Over its four-season run, Wellington Paranormal shines with its understated comedic charm and a clever monster-of-the-week format. The series captures the unique quirks of Kiwi culture, appealing to fans of Waititi’s work in his homeland. Despite its charm and entertainment value, the show was unfortunately canceled before its fourth season. However, devoted fans can continue to enjoy the series through the ‘The Wellington Paranormal Podcast,’ which launched in 2023 and remains active.
8
Dive into the Hilarious World of ‘Angie Tribeca’ (2016–2018)
Created by Steve Carell and Nancy Carell
Co-created by Steve Carell, Angie Tribeca artfully marries the conventions of a police procedural with the delightful charm of a sitcom, featuring a stellar cast led by comedy icon Rashida Jones. In the series, Jones portrays Detective Angie Tribeca, a seasoned member of the LAPD’s Really Heinous Crimes Unit (RHCU), known for her preference to work independently. Her solitary approach is challenged when she is unexpectedly paired with the unpredictable Detective Jay Geils (Hayes MacArthur), leading them to solve an array of bizarre and humorous crimes.
With its quick-fire one-liners and adept physical comedy, Angie Tribeca expertly balances sharp wit with accessible humor, ensuring that both the characters and the satirical take on police dramas remain engaging. Despite its clever writing, the series was canceled by TBS in 2019, roughly six months after the conclusion of its fourth season, titled Angie Tribeca: Special Division Force, which introduced substantial changes to the cast.
7
A Hilarious Take on Viking Life in ‘Norsemen’ (2016–2020)
Created by Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen
In the wake of popular series like Vikings and the compelling portrayal of characters such as Chris Hemsworth’s Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Viking culture surged in popularity during the 2010s, captivating audiences with its rich history, societal structure, art, and beliefs. Norsemen capitalizes on this fascination, blending violence and comedy in a unique narrative that premiered in 2016, chronicling the lives of the inhabitants of Norheim, a village in 8th-century Norway, as they navigate daily challenges amid intense rivalries, societal shifts, and political turmoil.
With its distinct mix of absurdity, clever parody, and unexpected bursts of violence, Norsemen leaves a memorable impact with its refreshing originality. The series can be likened to a blend of a Monty Python sketch and The Office, while simultaneously offering a playful critique of shows like Game of Thrones. It enjoyed a successful run with two seasons plus an additional prequel season before being canceled in 2020.
6
Experience the Fresh Comedy of ‘Chewing Gum’ (2015–2017)
Created by Michaela Coel
Fans of the acclaimed miniseries I May Destroy You who haven’t yet experienced Chewing Gum should prioritize this series as soon as possible. This innovative creation by Michaela Coel follows a 24-year-old woman raised in a strict religious environment, resulting in a sheltered existence devoid of many pivotal life experiences. Eager to explore the world and determined to lose her virginity, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation.
While the series may tackle lighter themes compared to I May Destroy You, it remains deeply contemplative and insightful. Coel shines in her lead role, infusing her character with warmth and remarkable comedic talent, while her writing deftly balances elements of crude humor, Christian beliefs, and thought-provoking commentary. Despite Coel’s aspirations to continue the story, the series was unfortunately canceled after just two seasons.
5
Unpack the Layers of ‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)
Created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang
Offering a thought-provoking exploration of modern life, Master of None is divided into two distinct sections: the first two seasons focus on Dev Shah (Aziz Ansari), a directionless actor navigating the complexities of single life in New York City while grappling with his desires and aspirations. The third season, distinctively titled Master of None: Moments in Love, shifts its attention to Denise (Lena Waithe), a novelist confronting the challenges of married life alongside her wife, Alicia (Naomi Ackie), as she endeavors to write her second book.
While the show is defined by its comedic elements, it artfully delves into relevant themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. The series tackles issues such as cultural diversity in modern America, the intricacies of dating in the digital age, and the pervasive sense of malaise that many millennials experience as they seek clarity in their personal and professional lives. Its ability to address these complex topics with a lighthearted touch is a remarkable achievement, solidifying its status as an underrated gem in modern comedy.
4
Discover Heartwarming Stories in ‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)
Developed by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce
The remake of the classic series of the same name from 1975 to 1984, One Day at a Time skillfully honors its predecessor while infusing fresh energy into the sitcom genre through a nuanced and socially aware approach. The story revolves around Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado), who, after her divorce, relocates with her two children and mother to a new apartment. As the series progresses, each family member confronts their own challenges, addressing issues such as sexuality, identity, alcoholism, and the complexities of mortality.
Its adept balancing of significant societal issues with family-oriented humor is both skillful and heartfelt, bolstered by the endearing sincerity of its characters. Despite earning widespread critical acclaim throughout its four-season run, One Day at a Time struggled to find its audience. Following its initial cancellation by Netflix after three seasons, it was picked up by Pop TV for a fourth season, only to face cancellation again after production disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3
Reflect on Life with ‘Men of a Certain Age’ (2009–2011)
Created by Ray Romano and Mike Royce
Acclaimed for its profound insights and mature handling of themes, Men of a Certain Age debuted in December 2009 and aired for two seasons. Featuring Ray Romano (who co-created the show), Andre Braugher, and Scott Bakula, the narrative follows three friends who have known each other since college as they navigate the complexities of approaching their 50s. They confront the need to reconcile their past aspirations with the realities of their current lives.
With its astute writing and exceptional performances, Men of a Certain Age serves as both a hilarious exploration of friendship and a poignant reflection on life’s transitions. Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim, the show struggled with viewership ratings, leading TNT to cancel it in favor of more action-oriented programming like Falling Skies and Rizzoli & Isles.
2
Discover the Witty Charm of ‘Crashing’ (2016)
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
In 2016, Phoebe Waller-Bridge made waves in the realm of small-screen entertainment with her groundbreaking dramedy, Fleabag. However, she also starred in another brilliant comedy series titled Crashing. This quirky British sitcom centers around six individuals in their 20s and 30s who reside together as property guardians of a defunct hospital. Within this unconventional living arrangement, the group navigates overlapping relationships, escalating sexual tensions, and personal struggles.
Though spanning just six episodes, Crashing—in true Waller-Bridge fashion—is both delightfully manic and poignantly dramatic, with a level of authenticity and depth that resonates powerfully. Its innovative approach to the traditional sitcom format is both energetic and intelligent, and while it may not reach the same heights as Fleabag, it remains an unrecognized treasure within modern comedy that truly deserves a larger audience.
1
Relive the Comedy Gold of ‘Broad City’ (2014–2019)
Created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson
It’s evident that sitcoms centered around relatable yet flawed characters navigating the complexities of life in New York City continue to hold a timeless appeal. However, many of these series manage to present fresh, unique perspectives on contemporary existence, captivating audiences with their depth, nuance, and humor. Broad City exemplifies this trend. Premiering in 2014, this Comedy Central series follows the misadventures of two close friends as they grapple with the absurdities of everyday life while juggling low-paying jobs.
With its distinctive blend of eccentricity, Broad City captivates viewers through its delightful oddities as much as its comedic brilliance. It is within this charmingly bizarre framework that the series discovers its emotional core, creating memorable and impactful moments. Despite facing low viewership, the series concluded on its own terms in 2019 after five successful seasons.
