Buzz
It’s astonishing that Mytour, after twelve years, has yet to release a compilation of the top comedy TV series. Now, we’re finally rectifying this oversight. As someone deeply passionate about comedy—it was my go-to genre before I stopped consuming TV and movies altogether—I’ve curated this list with a focus on binge-worthy shows. While my personal preferences may influence the selections, I’ve prioritized series from this century, even those with shorter runs. Some choices might spark debate, but after thorough consideration, the cream has risen to the top.
Before diving in, I want to note that this list includes a few political references. However—and this is a significant “however” (cue the comedic pause!)—these mentions are neither inflammatory nor contentious. While politics has increasingly seeped into comedy over the past decade, this list ensures that humor remains the focal point. A handful of shows touch on political themes, but only to amplify the comedy. Rest assured, laughter is the ultimate goal here.
10. 30 Rock, 2006–2013
This often-overlooked gem delivered countless hilarious moments, as seen in the clip above. One standout involves Jenna Maroney, a main character, who stars in a film with such an absurd title that no one can decipher it without risking offense. The humor escalates when she sings about the film in a later episode, with the opening line: “The Erma Mermin-Lermin murder, turned the Bird’s world lurid,” spiraling into even more comedic chaos. Jane Krakowski, the talented actress behind Jenna, earned an Emmy nomination for her brilliant performance.
The series takes its name from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home to NBC Studios, and revolves around the behind-the-scenes antics of an NBC comedy show’s cast and crew. Starring the immensely talented Tina Fey, known for her SNL work (she also penned the show), and Alec Baldwin as the sharp, eccentric manager who delivers a stream of conservative one-liners, leaving the rest of the cast in disbelief. Baldwin’s character is undeniably the highlight, perfectly encapsulated by his line: “Business doesn’t get me down . . . business gets me off.”
9. How I Met Your Mother, 2005–2014
Neil Patrick Harris alone is a compelling reason to tune into How I Met Your Mother. This wildly popular sitcom follows a group of friends navigating life—drinking, dating (Neil Patrick Harris excels at this, while the others struggle), and simply being fantastic. Harris portrays a charming, smooth-talking ladies' man who often lands the girl and coaches his best friend, Ted, to do the same—primarily by advising him to dress sharply and emulate none other than Neil Patrick Harris himself.
The series earned an impressive 30 Emmy nominations, winning ten, with Neil Patrick Harris taking home the award for Favorite TV Comedy Actor. Honestly, they might as well have named it the Neil Patrick Harris Show. Was anyone else even noticeable? One of the funniest lines: “What do you expect? To meet some cute travel agent while you’re reading a newspaper at a bookstore? None of those things exist anymore!” Truer words were never spoken. If the clip above isn’t enough, check out Neil Patrick Harris’s best moments, more highlights, and even additional gems from Neil Patrick Harris.
8. Portlandia, 2011–2018
This sketch comedy series, created by and starring Fred Armisen (known for Saturday Night Live) and Carrie Brownstein (primarily a musician before the show), is a relentless, deadpan satire of the alternative lifestyles that define Portland, Oregon. The sketches boldly tackle social issues, fearlessly mocking contemporary norms and sacred cows. The final season, airing in 2018, showcases how exceptional talent can make political and social comedy resonate in today’s world.
The series is so sharp that it might one day be studied in universities to highlight the evolution of political discourse in the US during its run. A standout sketch features the owners of a feminist bookstore (both women, though one is intentionally and hilariously portrayed by Armisen in an unconvincing manner). The show filmed at a real feminist bookstore in Portland with the owners’ approval—until, after six years, they suddenly deemed it “transphobic” and anti-feminist (why it took them so long remains a mystery!). Best line: “Every time you point, I see a penis!”
Regardless of your political leanings, you’ll adore this show. It cleverly pokes fun at both sides without causing offense—except, perhaps, to feminist bookstore owners. It’s brilliant and unique. If the clip above isn’t enough, here’s a hilarious sketch about the consequences of forgetting a reusable bag at a Portland grocery store, and here’s an Allergy Pride Parade for more laughs.
7. Schitt’s Creek, 2015–2020
The world felt a little darker when the final episode of Schitt’s Creek aired. This lighthearted, delightful, and utterly addictive comedy is flawless in every way. Created during the binge-watching era, it checks every box and knew exactly when to conclude—a rarity in modern television. Starring the iconic Eugene Levy (the dad from American Pie) as Johnny, alongside his real-life son Daniel (who plays his on-screen son, David) and daughter Sarah (portraying local waitress Twyla), the show is a masterpiece of charm and wit.
The series begins with the family losing their immense fortune due to unpaid taxes. The judge overseeing their bankruptcy grants them one remaining asset: Schitt’s Creek, a rundown town Johnny purchased as a joke for David’s birthday years ago. It’s a tale of financial downfall followed by moral redemption. Make time to watch this gem—it’s a refreshing escape in today’s world. Best line: “Oh my God! Eww David!”
6. Will and Grace, 1998–2020
The original run of Will and Grace was charming, though its appeal isn’t as universal as others on this list. Unfortunately, the revival after 15 years tarnished its legacy by turning it into a political platform. That said, the first iteration deserves recognition. The standout was the dynamic between Will’s flamboyant friend Jack and Grace’s wealthy “receptionist” Karen, who worked for fun, not money. Forget Will and Grace—it should’ve been the Jack and Karen show. While Julia Louis-Dreyfus is arguably the best comedy actress of our time, Megan Mullally’s portrayal of Karen is a close second. Check out her funniest moments here.
For those unfamiliar, the show revolves around Will, a gay lawyer, and Grace, a straight interior designer, who share an apartment as friends with a bond akin to a married couple, leading to countless humorous scenarios. While the original series was a hit, the recent politically charged revival fell short. Still, it remains a brilliant “slice of life” comedy worth watching.
5. Arrested Development, 2003–Present
This show is an absolute delight, brimming with eccentric and vibrant characters. From Gob (pronounced “Job”), the aspiring magician, to Tobias, the mismatched husband of Portia de Rossi’s Lindsay, who’s a “never nude” and clearly as gay on-screen as his wife is in real life. The family’s quirks are magnified through the lens of the rational Michael (played brilliantly by Jason Bateman), who tries to keep things together while raising his son, George Michael, a hormone-driven teen infatuated with his cousin Maeby. The family is helmed by the narcissistic Lucille and George, a businessman on the run for selling model homes to Saddam Hussein during the Iraq trade embargo.
The core premise revolves around the family’s constant blunders, with Michael scrambling to fix their messes. Many episodes focus on their secondary business, a banana stand, and their hilariously awkward interactions with their Mexican staff. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, making the show a timeless hit you’ll revisit repeatedly. Its popularity led to two revivals—one in 2013 and another from 2018 to the present. Even The Fonz makes an appearance as their bumbling, morally questionable lawyer. Ayyy!
4. Veep, 2012–2019
This comedy centers on Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States, who is universally disliked. Republican? Democrat? It doesn’t matter—everyone in Veep is a trainwreck, and the show deliberately avoids labeling Selina with a political party. After Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus needed a new outlet for her talent, and she found it in Veep. Her character is clumsy, brash, and politically incorrect. In one episode, her staff lists her internet nicknames: “Grizzly Madam, She-Ra, Meyer the Liar, The Batcave, Pissface… The Wicked Witch of the West Wing, Veep Throat, Voldemeyer, Dickless Van Dyke, Tawdry Hepburn, Blunder Woman, Vaselina, Betty Poop…”
Selina’s awkwardness shines brightest in her interactions with Finland’s Prime Minister, Minna Häkkinen, who deserved an Emmy for her recurring role. Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus’ performance earned her six consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Critics’ Choice Television Awards, a Television Critics Association Award, and five Golden Globe nominations. If you’ve seen the show, you’ll understand why. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is arguably the most talented female comedy actress of our era.
3. Curb Your Enthusiasm, 2000–Present
Imagine a neurotic Jewish man who constantly stumbles through life despite his best efforts, paired with a carefree best friend and his foul-mouthed wife, alongside a roster of iconic comedy actors from the ’80s and ’90s (Ted Danson, Jason Alexander, and Paul Reiser, to name a few). This is the essence of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Created by Larry David, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, the show is largely improvised, with only the storyline outlined in advance. The cast’s incredible talent makes the dialogue feel meticulously scripted, even though it’s not. The series is sharp, awkward, and packed with cultural humor.
Much like Portlandia, this show has a politically outspoken creator, but it never detracts from the comedy. Larry David’s brilliance ensures the humor remains front and center. The series doesn’t preach or attack any political stance aggressively; it simply delivers laughs without resorting to cheap shots. In my view, Curb Your Enthusiasm surpasses even Seinfeld and stands as the greatest comedy series ever created.
One of the best moments: Larry hires an orchestra to play Wagner outside an Orthodox Jew’s house as payback for an earlier argument, after the man’s daughter toilet-papered Larry’s house on Halloween for refusing to give her candy without a costume.
+ Frasier, 1993–2004
While slightly older than most entries on this list, this show deserves a mention. It ran into the new century for four years and is now being revived for a new series (hooray!). A spin-off from the beloved Cheers, it follows Frasier Crane, a radio psychologist, and his family: his rugged ex-cop father and his brother Niles, who consistently steals the spotlight. Niles is married to an unseen, ultra-wealthy woman (frequently joked about for her extreme thinness) but falls for Daphne, his father’s live-in physiotherapist.
The Niles and Daphne dynamic is a sophisticated take on the “Ross and Rachel” trope. The show itself is intellectual and highbrow, never simplifying its humor for the audience. The result is one of the most refined and hilarious comedies bridging into the new millennium. For more than just a general “best of,” here’s a compilation of Niles Crane’s best moments.
2. The Office (US version), 2005–2013
Ricky Gervais? He’s alright—great when he’s calling out Hollywood celebrities at the Golden Globes, but otherwise just decent. I know this might ruffle some feathers, but the US version of The Office surpasses the British original. It follows the employees of Dunder Mifflin, a fictional paper company, led by the unforgettable Steve Carell in his career-defining role.
There’s little else to say about this show—it’s the one series most of you expected to see here, as it’s widely agreed that The Office (in one of its iterations) belongs on any list of the best comedy TV series. And for a delightful crossover moment, here’s a clip where Ricky Gervais (David Brent) meets Steve Carell (Michael Scott) outside an elevator.
1. Friends, 1994–2004
I had to include it, didn’t I? While it’s not my personal favorite, Friends captured the hearts of millions—perhaps even billions—worldwide. The iconic “Ross and Rachel” saga became a cultural phenomenon, sparking endless watercooler discussions. The characters’ quirky comments and mannerisms seeped into everyday life, influencing how people spoke and interacted. More than any other show on this list, Friends defined an entire generation.
Including it wasn’t an easy decision, as I nearly chose Frasier instead, another favorite that at least earns a bonus mention below. But let’s face it: a list like this without Friends isn’t worth reading.
++ Seinfeld, 1989–1998
Omitting this show would be almost unforgivable, as many consider it the greatest comedy in television history, transcending nations and eras. It’s one of my personal favorites. However, since it didn’t extend into the 21st century, it doesn’t qualify as recent enough for this list. Still, its impact is too significant to ignore. I highly recommend it after you’ve watched the others here. Just avoid the real-life racist rant on YouTube that effectively ended the career of one of its stars (and I don’t use the term “racist” lightly).
