These standouts from Netflix’s TV comedy category are sure to boost your mood, even on the grayest winter days.

The 32 best comedy shows on Netflix to watch when you need a laugh

These standouts from Netflix's TV comedy category are sure to boost your mood, even on the grayest winter days.

By Andrew Walsh,

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

and Kevin Jacobsen

on January 19, 2026 11:53 a.m. ET

Kim Fields as Regina Upshaw on 'The Upshaws'; Steven Yeun as Danny Cho on 'Beef'; Scott Pilgrim (voice: Michael Cera) on 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off'. Credit:

Lara Solanki/Netflix; Andrew Cooper/Netflix; Courtesy of Netflix

The year 2026 just arrived, so — naturally — 2016 is back in style. Lucky for comedy fans, 2016 was a great time for the genre, especially on Netflix. Animated celebrity satire *BoJack Horseman* hit its stride, the *Odd Couple-*esque* **Grace and Frankie* entered its second season, and comedian Maria Bamford's semi-autobiographical sitcom *Lady Dynamite* made a critically acclaimed debut on the platform.

Of course, Netflix offers comedy from every era, and the 32 shows on this list premiered as far back as the late '80s and as recently as last year. If you're looking for EW's crash course in comedy, read on for the 32 best options streaming on Netflix.

American Vandal (2017–2018)

Jimmy Tatro as Dylan Maxwell and Tyler Alvarez as Peter Maldonado on 'American Vandal'. Netflix

*American Vandal** *is a true-crime parody that sees two teenagers investigate juvenile offenses like graffiti with all the seriousness of *Making a Murderer. *The series, created by *Funny or Die*’s Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, earned a Peabody Award for its ability to mix the potty humor of its central mysteries with an astute examination of the genre it’s skewering.

“The idea of satirizing true-crime docs through the lens of two teen wannabe filmmakers sounds like a nifty idea for a single sketch instead of eight longer-than-half-hour episodes,” writes EW’s critic, “but the longer run time allows Yacenda and Perrault to dig deep into the nuances of high-school friendships, hookups, and rivalries.” *—Andrew Walsh*

Where to watch *American Vandal*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast: **Tyler Alvarez, Griffin Gluck, Jimmy Tatro

Arrested Development (2003–2006; 2013; 2019)

Jeffrey Tambor as George Bluth Sr. and Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth on 'Arrested Development'.

Sam Urdank/Netflix/Everett

When George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison for fraud and “light treason,” his straitlaced son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes over business dealings and struggles to make his wealthy, eccentric family adapt to their new financial reality. The absurd antics of the extended Bluth clan are narrated by showbiz vet Ron Howard and presented in a cinéma vérité style by a now all-star cast that EW’s critic deemed “the best ensemble on TV” back in 2004. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Arrested Development*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast: **Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Portia de Rossi

Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show (2019)

Jonathan Braylock, James III, Shawtane Bowen, Jerah Milligan, Caroline Martin, Keisha Zollar, Monique Moses, and Ray Cordova on 'Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show'. Lara Solanki/Netflix

Part sketch series, part fake reality show, this Netflix original from *Black-ish* creator Kenya Barris stars the improv theater Upright Citizen Brigade’s first all-Black house team. The many skits, ranging from riffs on ASMR to mansplaining, see the cast play heightened versions of themselves living together in a fictional clubhouse in the Hollywood Hills. *Astronomy Club *may have been canceled after one season, but the six brilliant episodes, featuring guest stars like Ice Cube and Busy Phillipps, are worth repeated viewings. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show*: Netflix

**Cast: **Jonathan Braylock, Shawtane Bowen, Ray Cordova, Caroline Martin, Jerah Milligan

Beef (2023–present)

Ali Wong as Amy Lau and Steven Yeun as Danny Cho on 'Beef'. Andrew Cooper/Netflix

After a near collision in a parking lot, business owner Amy Lau (Ali Wong) and contractor Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) engage in a reckless, road rage-fueled chase that escalates into a series of increasingly destructive attempts at revenge. Touching on everything from philosophy to the cost of the American dream, A24’s *Beef** *earned 13 Emmy nominations and won eight, including wins for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Actor and Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

“Yeun and Wong are exceptional,” writes EW’s critic, who praised the duo for dosing out “physical and intellectual comedy, apoplectic rage and stifled, stomach-churning frustration, abject despair and numbing emptiness… all seamlessly while maintaining the aching humanity of their increasingly unlikable characters.” A second season (starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny) comes out April 16. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Beef*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Cast: **Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, Maria Bello, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino

Big Mouth (2017–2025)

Nick Birch (voice: Nick Kroll) and Connie the Hormone Monstress (voice: Maya Rudolph) on 'Big Mouth'.

This irreverent animated series chronicles a group of middle schoolers and the sticky (sometimes literally) situations they encounter during puberty. Their raging libidos physically manifest in the form of “Hormone Monsters” voiced by co-creator Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, and Thandiwe Newton.

In fact, the cast is a who’s who of stars, featuring the likes of Jason Mantzoukas, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Rannells, while the wild plotlines tackle everything from furious masturbation to first love. The result, in the words of EW’s critic, is “an endlessly empathetic reminder that everyone is confused, shocked, horrified, and in awe of life pretty much always, especially in times when life’s foundation seems shaky.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Big Mouth*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast: **Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jason Mantzoukas, Maya Rudolph, Thandiwe Newton

BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

BoJack Horseman (voice: Will Arnett) on 'BoJack Horseman'. Netflix

You may not expect an animated comedy about a horse with an alcohol problem to inspire existential dread, but *BoJack Horseman* packs many emotional punches. The series follows the exploits of the title character (Will Arnett), a washed-up has-been actor (and yes, a horse) who attempts a Hollywood comeback but struggles to escape the shadow of his wholesome starring role on the *Full House*-style sitcom *Horsin’ Around*.

This sharp satire of the entertainment industry tackles serious issues like addiction and depression while never skimping on the jokes. Whether it’s silly gags like a bartending fish named “Marlin Brando” or a character who’s just three kids in a trench coat, *BoJack Horseman* will make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *BoJack Horseman*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast: **Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)

Melissa Fumero as Amy Santiago, Terry Crews as Terry Jeffords, Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz, and Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'.

Fox Image Collection via Getty

New York City crime has met its match in the 99th Precinct. Under the guidance of Capt. Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), the team of detectives that make up Brooklyn’s Nine-Nine squad are determined to make the city’s streets safe again — and to have fun while doing it.

A procedural that manages to find the funny in policing, while also providing a surprisingly self-aware commentary on the systemic issues associated with modern law enforcement, *Brooklyn Nine-Nine** *is a goofy sitcom that gets smarter and more nuanced as the seasons progress. And if you need more convincing about the show’s charm, there’s no better argument than this iconic cover of a beloved Backstreet Boys song. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*: Netflix

**Cast: **Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio

Cunk on Earth (2022)

Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk in 'Cunk on Earth'.

Netflix/Everett

This send-up of historical docuseries produced by *Black Mirror*’s Charlie Brooker follows fictional investigative reporter Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) as she interviews real-life experts around the globe on topics like religion and the Renaissance. *Cunk on Earth *plays like a *Daily Show *segment spread out across five hours, in which viewers watch the earnest — and ofttimes exasperated — talking heads field inane questions from Morgan’s uproariously daft Cunk. A continuation of the BBC’s *Cunk on Britain, *this Netflix iteration continues the original’s tradition of combining factual information with absurd belly laughs. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Cunk on Earth*: Netflix

**Cast: **Diane Morgan

Dead to Me (2019–2022)

Christina Applegate as Jen Harding and Linda Cardellini as Judy Hale on 'Dead to Me'. Saeed Adyani/Netflix

*Dead to Me* sees Christina Applegate play Jen, a recently widowed realtor who joins a grief support group after her husband is killed in a hit-and-run. Despite her desire to keep everyone at arm's length, Jen forms an unexpected friendship with fellow attendee Judy (Linda Cardellini), who is mourning her fiancée and harbors a secret.

As the duo connects over drinks and their mutual love of *The Facts of Life*, Jen soon turns into a “white wine vigilante,” searching for the driver who killed her partner. EW’s critic praises the dark comedy's central relationship, writing, “It’s still all too rare for TV to offer an honest, thoughtful representation of a relationship between two women bonding over life’s challenges and disappointments.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Dead to Me*: Netflix** **

**EW grade: **B

**Cast: **Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden, Sam McCarthy, Luke Roessler

Detroiters (2017–2018)

Tim Robinson as Tim Cramblin and Sam Richardson as Sam Duvet in 'Detroiters'.

A love letter to Detroit, Michiganders and friends Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson rep the city proudly in *Detroiters*. The Comedy Central sitcom was shot on location four years after Detroit declared bankruptcy, and while they only got the opportunity to produce two seasons, the show crammed a lot of quality comedy into those 20 episodes. *Detroiters* was a critical hit during its run, but low ratings ultimately doomed the show before it could find an audience.

Richardson and Robinson star as Sam and Tim, friends who work together at Tim’s family’s advertising agency, producing low-budget TV ads for small businesses in the city they love. *I Think You Should Leave *enthusiasts will notice similar sensibilities in Robinson’s character here, and he and Richardson offer consistent comedy and chemistry excellence, no matter how weird the premise. (See: “Farmer Zack,” a season 2 standout.) *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Detroiters*: Netflix

**Cast:** Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson

Derry Girls (2018–2022)

The cast of 'Derry Girls'. Netflix

Set in the '90s against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, *Derry Girls* follows the adventures of five Catholic school outsiders who can’t seem to keep themselves out of mischief. (In one hilariously blasphemous episode, the crew pretends to witness a miracle involving the Virgin Mary to get out of taking a history exam.)

Despite the exaggerated shenanigans, the series manages to present a more relatable view of teenage angst than most high school media, with EW’s writer asserting that it “doesn’t so much tug on our heartstrings as pluck at them as it throws us back to the years of dressing garishly, writing fervently in diaries and believing every setback to be the end of the world.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Derry Girls*: Netflix

**Cast: **Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn

Documentary Now! (2015–2022)

Fred Armisen and Bill Hader on 'Documentary Now!'. Tyler Golden/IFC

This anthology series mercilessly spoofs some of the most famous (and infamous) documentaries of our time, and it’s a perfect watch for news aficionados and *Saturday Night Live *fans alike. A straight-faced Helen Mirren hosts each episode, introducing parodies of classics like *Grey Gardens *and* The War Room*.

“The show is often a cutting satire of cultural storytelling in general, and how all reporting about reality — people, places, ideas – is unreliable at best, distorting fiction at worst,” writes EW’s critic, who also praised the stellar efforts of core comedy players Fred Armisen and Bill Hader. *—A.W.*

Where to watch* Documentary Now!*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A

**Cast: **Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Helen Mirren

Girls5eva (2022–2024)

Catherine Cohen as Taffy and Busy Philipps as Summer on 'Girls5eva'.

Emily V. Aragones/Netflix

Fans of *30 Rock* and *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt* will love the most recent offering from the Tina Fey/Robert Carlock producing universe: *Girls5eva*. A girl group that peaked when they became one-hit wonders around the turn of the millennium, the show follows the remaining four members as they reunite as middle-aged women to pursue a second shot at stardom and personal fulfillment.

Originally made for Peacock, *Girls5eva* moved to Netflix for its third season. A clever look at the music industry and second acts, EW’s former critic writes, “the show celebrates the characters' self-nostalgia but also undercuts it. They are horrified by their old lyrics, so full of obvious wish fulfillment by sleazy males looking to attract an unabashedly sleazy nation. Can they rewrite their own story by writing their own hit song?” *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Girls5eva*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast: **Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell

GLOW (2017–2019)

Alison Brie as Ruth Wilder on 'GLOW'. Erica Parise/Netflx

Ruth (Alison Brie) is an out-of-work actress who sleeps with her best friend Debbie’s (Betty Gilpin) husband due to a deep-seated resentment. Desperate for a paying gig, she auditions for a women’s wrestling TV show, but when the enraged Debbie discovers the affair, she pulls up and kicks her ass up and down the ring — leading the producers to cast them both.

Inspired by the real Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, this fictional version of the ‘80s series sees the pair work out their relationship through clotheslines and powerbombs. Surrounded by a delightful cast of weirdos — with a scene-stealing, hilarious turn by Marc Maron as sleazy director Sam Sylvia — *GLOW* is a comedy match-up worth cheering for. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *GLOW*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A

**Cast: **Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron

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Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)

Jane Fonda as Grace and Lily Tomlin as Frankie on 'Grace and Frankie'. Saeed Adyani/Netflix

When their husbands (Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston) leave them for each other, these septuagenarian ladies — the type-A, boozy WASP Grace (Jane Fonda) and flighty, pot-loving bohemian Frankie (Lily Tomlin) — are forced to live together as they transition into their new, post-divorce lives. *Grace and Frankie* proves that comedy doesn’t have an age limit, telling fully fleshed-out stories beyond the typical “old people” jokes (although there are plenty of those as well). With plotlines revolving around vibrators for the arthritic, prescription drug smuggling, and assisted suicide, it’s a sitcom unafraid to push boundaries through punchlines. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Grace and Frankie*: Netflix

**Cast: **Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen, June Diane Raphael

I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson (2019–present)

Tim Robinson on 'I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson'. Netflix

If you like your sketch comedy served loud with a side of awkwardness, then look no further than *I Think You Should Leave* from former *SNL *writer and *Detroiters *star Tim Robinson. Its best moments are born from Robinson’s penchant for leaning into cringeworthy social interactions, but it also features several fantastic guest star turns, like Vanessa Bayer’s outrageous send-up of disingenuously self-deprecating Instagram captions.

Produced by the Lonely Island trio of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, and featuring appearances by Bob Odenkirk, Steven Yeun, Patti Harrison, and Sam Richardson, *I Think You Should Leave *will have you laughing so hard you just might crash your hot dog car. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson*: Netflix** **

**Cast: **Tim Robinson

Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021)

Simu Liu as Jung and Andrea Bang as Janet on 'Kim's Convenience'.

*Kim’s Convenience *centers on the dysfunctional Kim family and their hysterical interactions with each other and the customers of their corner store. Based on the play of the same name by showrunner Ins Choi, this Toronto-based sitcom finds estranged, rebellious Jung (Simu Liu) and wannabe artist Janet (Andrea Bang) butting heads with their old-school immigrant parents.

In a loving tribute to the series, EW’s writer penned, “[T]he heart of this program isn't just in the amusing situations our beloved family finds themselves in, but rather in the kernels of familial truth that ring true no matter what shade you are or what country you're from.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Kim’s Convenience*: Netflix

**Cast: **Simu Liu, Andrea Bang, Jean Yoon, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Andrew Phung

The Kominsky Method (2018–2021)

Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky and Paul Reiser as Martin on 'The Kominsky Method'. Michael Yarish/Netflix

Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas) is a prominent L.A. acting teacher who once had a brush with stardom. Now in his 70s, Sandy and his longtime agent and friend Norman (Alan Arkin) struggle with the realities of aging, grief, and an ever-shifting culture.

In addition to the joy of watching two Hollywood legends work their magic together, fans of Douglas' work in *Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, *and *War of the Roses *will want to check out the final two seasons, which reunite the actor with his frequent '80s costar Kathleen Turner, who plays his ex-wife. *The Kominsky Method*, created by sitcom uber-producer Chuck Lorre (*The Big Bang Theory*), earned 12 Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe wins. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *The Kominsky Method*: Netflix

**Cast: **Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, Sarah Baker, Nancy Travis, Paul Reiser

Lady Dynamite (2016–2017)

Maria Bamford as herself on 'Lady Dynamite'. Doug Hyun/Netflix

Comedian Maria Bamford made her name in the stand-up world by discussing mental illness using big ideas and funny voices. In her two-season sitcom, *Lady Dynamite, *she plays a heightened version of herself and explores how a mental breakdown can become the catalyst for a whole new life.

Expanding on her years of stand-up material and specials, *Lady Dynamite* follows Maria as she returns to Los Angeles after spending six-months at home in Minnesota treating her bipolar disorder. Bamford is a stand-up beloved by other performers, and her show features no small number of comedians in cameo roles. But make no mistake, Bamford carries the series, tapping into her vast assortment of voices and quirks to disguise her character’s insecurity about existing in her own skin. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Lady Dynamite*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast:** Maria Bamford, Fred Melamed, Mary Kay Place, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson

Long Story Short (2025–present)

Naomi Schwartz (voice: Lisa Edelstein), Avi Schwooper (voice: Ben Feldman), Shira Schwooper (voice: Abbi Jacobson), Elliot Cooper (voice: Paul Reiser), Danny (voice: Dave Franco), and Yoshi Schwooper (voice: Max Greenfield) on 'Long Story Short'.

Courtesy of Netflix

From the creator of *BoJack Horseman* comes a new adult animated comedy about three siblings reflecting on their lives growing up together in a middle-class Jewish family. Ben Feldman (*Superstore*), Abbi Jacobson (*Broad City*), and Max Greenfield (*New Girl*) voice Avi, Shira, and Yoshi Schwooper (respectively), whose family and personal stories unfold over a non-linear timeline, set across multiple decades, and told from different points of view.

Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg treats the Schwoopers with loving care, delving into themes of queerness, loss, religion, love, mental health, and growing up with a thoughtfulness and specificity that make his characters feel both familiar and unique. Don’t worry if you binge the first 10 episodes too quickly — season 2 is on the way. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Long Story Short*: Netflix

**Cast: **Ben Feldman, Angelique Cabral, Abbi Jacobson, Nicole Byer, Max Greenfield

Mo (2022–2025)

Mo Amer as Mo and Farah Bsieso as Yusra on 'Mo'. Rebecca Brenneman/Netflix

For one of the best dramedies of the decade so far, look no further than *Mo*. Stand up comic Mo Amer stars as the titular character, Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee born in Kuwait and living in Houston as he and his family seek asylum and citizenship.

Released more than a year before the war in Gaza became front page news, *Mo* received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Palestinian culture and the refugee experience. Amer co-created the series with fellow comic Ramy Youssef, and for a while, the biggest critique one could offer was that there was too long of a delay between the two seasons. Now that all 16 episodes of the series are available to stream, *Mo *is a fast, funny, and fiercely important watch. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Mo*: Netflix

**Cast: **Mo Amer, Farah Busies, Teresa Ruiz, Tobe Nwigwe, Omar Elba

Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi Vishwakumar on 'Never Have I Ever'. Lara Solanki/Netflix

This coming-of-age comedy follows the exploits of 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who deals with the emotional fallout of her father’s death while juggling school, a complicated relationship with her mother, and an obsessive crush on a classmate. Her acerbic inner monologue (voiced by tennis legend John McEnroe) is a clever meta-commentary on her rage issues, but the lead actress is still the series’ highlight.

“Newcomer Ramakrishnan, whom [creator Mindy] Kaling found through an open casting call on Instagram, has remarkable comedic swagger,” writes EW’s critic. “[S]he delivers Devi’s savage takedowns with the cheerful confidence of a young Amy Poehler.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Never Have I Ever*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast: **Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison, Darren Barnet

On My Block (2018–2021)

Jessica Marie Garcia as Jasmine on 'On My Block'.

Kevin Estrada/Netflix

*On My Block* kicks off as a group of childhood friends enter high school and experience the highs and lows of adolescence. However, the fraught waters of young love and homework are not the only things they have to navigate; gangs, death, sex, and even a treasure hunt are just some of the extracurricular obstacles in their way.

The show — co-created by Lauren Iungerich (*Awkward*), Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft — brings some much-needed diversity to the YA genre. And even if the subject matter is heavy at times, *On My Block* inspires more smiles than tears as the Freeridge kids find hope and triumph in each other. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *On My Block*: Netflix

**Cast: **Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray, Diego Tinoco, Jessica Marie Garcia

One Day at a Time (2017–2020)

Marcel Ruiz as Alex Alvarez, Justina Machado as Penelope Alvarez, and Isabella Gomez as Elena Alvarez on 'One Day at a Time'.

Nicole Wilder/Pop TV

A reimagined take on Norman Lear’s classic ’70s series, this critically acclaimed reboot shifts the focus to a Cuban American family led by single mother/military veteran Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) as she raises two children with the help of her mother, Lydia (the legendary Rita Moreno). Though filmed as a typical multi-camera sitcom — complete with a studio audience — *One Day at a Time* tackles fresh stories beyond the traditional fare, touching on queerness, mental health, gentrification, racism, and more.

“You don’t have to be Cuban, an immigrant, gay, or a recovering addict to understand and/or to feel understood, and such is the beauty of this show,” says EW’s writer, which only made its cancellation hurt that much more. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *One Day at a Time*: Netflix

**Cast: **Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky

Portlandia (2011–2018)

Carrie Brownstein as Jacqueline and Fred Armisen as Vince in a sketch on 'Portlandia'. Augusta Quirk/IFC

The hipster aesthetic of the early 2010s was specific, but *Portlandia** *perfectly captures the vibe. This IFC sketch show stars *Saturday Night Live*’s Fred Armisen and rock musician Carrie Brownstein in various roles as they satirize the city of Portland and its hipster inhabitants, in all their vegan food-loving, banjo-playing, mustache-wearing glory.

This may seem like a limited source of material, but *Portlandia* ran for eight seasons and produced almost 80 episodes. The show attracted a number of celebrity fans, many of whom endorsed the series through cameo appearances. If you’ve ever watched *SNL* and wished for considerably more Fred Armisen, *Portlandia *is the sketch series for you. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Portlandia*: Netflix

**Cast: **Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein

The Residence (2025)

Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter on 'The Residence'.

Jessica Brooks/Netflix

Lovers of eccentric detectives, meet the newest object of your enthusiasm: Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is a Metropolitan Police Department consultant and the detective assigned to investigate a mysterious murder that took place at the White House during a state dinner for the Australian Prime Minister.

A dramedy mystery in the style of *Knives Out*, *The Residence *gives its detective eight episodes to narrow down the 157 suspects and figure out who masterminded the killing. The show boasts an impressive cast of dramatic and comedic favorites, but Aduba carries the series and will certainly compel you to get comfortable as you binge *The Residence*. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Residence*: Netflix

**Cast: **Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino

Russian Doll (2019–2022)

Natasha Lyonne as Nadia Vulvokov and Greta Lee as Maxine on 'Russian Doll'. Netflix

*Russian Doll** *is a *Groundhog Day*-style comedy in which sardonic New Yorker Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) meets her untimely demise on her 36th birthday, only to relive the same 24 hours over and over again. She soon hooks up with the down-on-his-luck Alan (Charlie Barnett), a fellow time loop prisoner, and the two work together to escape the cycle while repeatedly dying in comically gruesome ways.

The darkly funny series earned 13 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Lyonne and a writing nod for co-creators Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland (*Bachelorette*). *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Russian Doll*: Netflix

**Cast: **Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee, Elizabeth Ashley, Chloe Sevigny

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)

Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) and Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) on 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.'.

Courtesy of Netflix

Thirteen years after the comic book adaptation *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World* became a cult classic, Edgar Wright returns to produce this anime continuation with the original all-star cast.

The hyperkinetic love story of bass player Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) battling Ramona Flowers’ (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven evil exes was fertile ground for an animated update, and it shocked viewers by ejecting our titular hero “in order to show viewers more about his friends, enemies, and lovers,” EW’s critic analyzed. “But instead of coming off like a cheap ploy, it demonstrates a wise maturity. There’s more to someone else’s life than being your girlfriend’s ‘evil ex,’ after all; maybe you aren't the center of the universe. These are important life lessons delivered in an extremely entertaining way." *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Scott Pilgrim Takes Off*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast: **Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Brie Larson, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick

Seinfeld (1989–1998)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes, Jerry Seinfeld as himself, Jason Alexander as George Costanza, and Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer on 'Seinfeld'. Joey Delvalle/NBCU Photo Bank

“Sponge worthy,” “yada yada yada,” and “no soup for you!” are just a few of the endlessly quoted lines from this iconic series. When *Seinfeld* debuted in 1989, it introduced viewers to the idiosyncratic exploits of New York comedian Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), his ex-girlfriend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), best friend George (Jason Alexander), kooky neighbor Kramer (Michael Richards), and a parade of memorable side characters and guest stars.

EW’s critic wrote in 1992 that *Seinfeld *is “one of the purest of all TV-viewing pleasures” in part for its simplicity, proving that *“...*the little things that happen to all of us — forgetting where you parked your car in a mall garage, waiting too long for a table in a restaurant — are the true stuff of comedy.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Seinfeld*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A

**Cast: **Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards

Sex Education (2019–2023)

Ncuti Gatwa as Eric Effiong and Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn on 'Sex Education'. Sam Taylor/Netflix

Otis (Asa Butterfield), the teenage son of prominent sex therapist Dr. Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson), opens a secret sex therapy clinic at Moordale Secondary School with fellow student Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) to help his classmates navigate the birds and the bees (and make some extra cash along the way). But Otis soon finds himself developing feelings for his business partner — and learns he is much better at dishing out advice than he is at taking it.

“A sweet, progressive British dramedy from newcomer Laurie Nunn, *Sex Education*… blends teen sex-romp tropes with a refreshing level of empathy,” writes EW’s critic. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Sex Education*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast: **Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Gillian Anderson, Connor Swindells

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020)

Sara Chase as Cyndee Pokorny, Ellie Kemper as Kimmy Schmidt, and Lauren Adams as Gretchen Chalker on ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. Eric Liebowitz/Netflix

After being held captive in an underground bunker for 15 years by a charismatic cult leader, Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) moves to New York City to restart her life. There, the naïve, bright-eyed woman moves in with a cynical, down-on-his-luck actor (Tituss Burgess), and the two push each other to look at the world in new ways. *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt* is filled with double entendres, silly puns, and slapstick humor, but underneath it all lies a heartwarming story about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*: Netflix

**Cast: **Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, Jane Krakowski

The Upshaws (2021–2026)

Mike Epps as Bernard Upshaw, Kim Fields as Regina Upshaw, Journey Christine as Maya Upshaw, and Wanda Sykes as Lucretia Turner on 'The Upshaws'.

Lara Solanki/Netflix

Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps) and his wife, Regina (Kim Fields), try to balance work, romance, and their three kids while coping with the consequences of his past extramarital affair with Tasha (Gabrielle Dennis) and her and Bennie’s son, Kelvin (Diamond Lyons). Tensions notably come to a head between Bennie and his sister-in-law, Lucretia (a game Wanda Sykes), because of his past infidelity, which provides some of the sitcom's funniest moments via razor-sharp one-liner wars.

EW’s critic likened the dialogue to “an old-school, Norman Lear-style rhythm to the writing” while praising how the series, co-created by Regina Y. Hicks (*Insecure*), “juices the multicamera-family-sitcom model with fresh dynamics, depth, and genuine laughs.” *—A.W.*

Where to watch *The Upshaws*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast: **Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Khali Spraggins, Wanda Sykes, Journey Christine

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Source: “EW TV”