Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? There are few things as universally appreciated as genuinely good and clevercomedy. Whether it’s a witty one-liner or a meticulously crafted comedic story,the ability to make an audience chuckle or roar with laughteris a true form of art. And in the fast-paced, competitive world of television, creating a successful comedy series that captures the hearts and tickles the funny bones of millions of viewers is one of the greatest achievements.
The landscape of comedy on television and streaming has evolved dramatically over the last few decades. We’ve gone from enjoying the zany humor ofI Love LucyandThe Dick Van Dyke Showto quoting the cringe-worthy one-liners ofThe OfficeandSeinfeld. But through it all, certain fundamentals remain the same. Like the keen understanding of comedic timing, a feel of what’s relatable enough to make audiences laugh, and the ability to construct funny stories around it.Prime Video, fortunately, is a goldmine for comedy TV shows as it houses both original series and cult-favorites. Here are the 10 best ones to begin with.
10‘Harlem’ (2021 – Present)
In the heart of New York City, four free-spirited andambitious thirty-something womennavigate the highs and lows of their lives, love, and the pursuit of their dreams. From the creator of Girls Trip and Little,Harlemis an unapologetically authentic series that follows the friends – Camille, Tye, Quinn and Angie – who have been friends since college, as they each confront the unique challenges that come with being a modern-day millennial.
A Delightful Slice-of-Life Comedy
Set in one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world,Harlemis a refreshing, honest, and hilarious exploration of female friendships. Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, and Jerrie Johnson share incredible chemistry and bring out their multifaceted selves on screen with such poignance as they tackle the universal experiences of dating, career aspirations, and personal growth. While it may not be flashy or thrilling,Harlemhas amassed a devoted following.
9‘The Tick’ (2016 – 2019)
We’re currently experiencing a surge in superhero shows and television, and while most deliver dark and gritty narratives,The Tickwalks the road less taken by being extremely fun and light-hearted. It follows Arthur, a mild-mannered accountant, who starts to suspect the city’s operational functions and teams up with an eccentric, blue-suited hero named The Tick to uncover a dark and all-consuming conspiracy.
An Offbeat Superhero Satire
The Tick and his human sidekick fight evil one hilariously over-the-top battle at a time and make the series a wild and absurd ride. It embraces its own quirkiness and the irreverent spirit of classic comic book series but also delivers deadpan humor and clever subversion of genre tropes. Also worth praising are Peter Serafinowicz and Griffin Newman’s turns as the main characters.The Tickis relatively short-lived, but it’s an unforgettable watch.
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With technology advancing at breakneck speed, it’s not surprising that more TV shows are experimenting with the idea of a future where it basically controls us.Uploadis set in a not-so-distant future where people can “upload” their consciousness into a digital world after their death. The main character is Nathan, who dies mysteriously and finds his virtual self still living with his very-much-alive girlfriend, Ingrid, in Lakeview.
A Quirky Exploration at the Afterlife
Uploadblends speculative sci-fi with a heartfelt romance that sparks between Nathan and Nora, his living customer service rep. It not only offers a bizarre and humorous scenario to ponder on and relate with, but at the same time, explores the implications of technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the nature of mortality. Created by Greg Daniels, the series is perhaps one of the most innovative comedies on Prime Video.
7‘Jury Duty’ (2023)
Created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky,Jury Dutyis a unique comedy that blends drama and reality TV tropes. It is centered around a fake jury trial and it follows Ronald Gladden, a solar contractor from San Diego who believes that he’s participating in a real court case. However, as it turns out, everybody in the courtroom, including the judge, lawyers, and fellow jurors, are actors participating in an elaborate hoax.
Hilarious and Innovative Reality Comedy
The wayJury Dutycaptures Ronald’s genuine reactions as he navigates the trail and his interactions with people inside and outside the courtroom is amusing. The interactive concept and authentic humor paired with the show’s clever writing and the chemistry among the rest of the cast members makes the show a hilarious watch.Jury Dutywon three Primetime Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and took home a Peabody Award as an Entertainment Honoree.
6‘Catastrophe’ (2015 – 2019)
Catastrophe
Catastropheis a British sitcom that chronicles the whirlwind romance between Rob Norris, an American advertising executive, and Sharon Morris, an Irish schoolteacher. The series kicks off with Rob visiting London on a business trip and having a six-day fling with Sharon only to return to America and find out that she’s pregnant. He moves to London, they start dating and are soon thrust intoa brand-new world of marriage and parenthood.
Refreshing and Relatable Take on Love and Life
As “catastrophic” as its premise sounds, the series is actually a humorous and poignant exploration of the joys and setbacks of building a relationship and raising a family in the modern world. It obviously comes with challenges andCatastrophepulls no punches in its depiction of the messiness and reality of it all. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, who also created and wrote the show, are an unstoppable duo that anchors the genuine, insightful, and relatable series.
5‘Better Off Ted’ (2009 – 2010)
Better Off Ted
Anunderrated workplace comedy from the late 2000s,Better Off Tedtakes you to the cutthroat corporate world of Veridian Dynamics, a giant but soulless corporation that does everything it can to get ahead in the game, from creating killer pandas to turning ordinary fruit into weapons. We follow Ted Crisp, a well-respected and ethical employee in the research department as he navigates the daily challenges and moral dilemmas of working for a company that prioritizes profits over principles.
Skewers the Corporate Culture
Considering how wicked, smart, and funnyBetter Off Tedis, it’s actually surprising how underrated it is. The creative premise paired with an impeccable comedic timing of its eccentric ensemble cast is what the series thrives on. It’s led by a flawless performance from Jaw Harrington, who is accompanied by Portia de Rossi, Andrea Anders, Isabella Acres, Jonathan Slavin, and Malcolm Barrett. Despite its short-lived run, the subversive comedy is a must-watch.
4‘Good Omens’ (2019 – Present)
Good Omens
Adapted from Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s imaginative novel of the same name,Good Omensfollows the iconic but unlikely duo of a fussy angel named Aziraphale and a smooth-talking demon named Crowley as they find themselves reluctantly teaming up to prevent an upcoming apocalypse. Engaging in a cosmic battle between good and evil, the whimsically mismatched pair is accompanied by two others.
Divinely Entertaining Supernatural Comedy
Known for its sharp humor, visual splendor, and heartfelt character development,Good Omensis an irreverent but highly entertaining comedy. At its heart is the indelible chemistry between stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant, who play off each other perfectly in every situation – from absurd comedy and high-stakes drama to philosophical contemplation and an excruciatingly long but ultimately cathartic romance. The series also features Sam Taylor Buck, Jon Hamm and Frances McDormand in supporting roles.
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3‘Psych’ (2006 – 2014)
Psych, a fan-favorite detective comedy, stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, a freelance consultant with the Santa Barbara Police Department with a memory so photographic and observation skills so acute that he’s able to convince the police that he’s a psychic. Teaming up with his best friend Gus (Dulé Hill), he uses his remarkable abilities to solve crimes and eventually starts his own consulting agency to make money off the ruse.
Way Better Than the Typical Crime Procedural
Across eight seasons,Psychmaintains itself as a high-energy comedy that never loses sight of its crime-solving narrative. Amidst the buddy-cop hijinks, which go as far as Shawn and Gus embarking on a scavenger hunt to track down a serial killer, it is the easy-going chemistry, witty banter, and a healthy dose of pop culture references that keeps the show interesting.Psychholds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a huge draw because of its genuine sense of heart.
2‘Fleabag’ (2016 – 2019)
Fleabagis a clever and self-destructive woman navigating the ups and downs of modern life in the bustling heart of London. Often using her biting sense of humor and unapologetically honest opinion to break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience, she’s dealing with the grief of losing her best friend and searching for purpose while being surrounded by the most unhinged and dysfunctional family.
Explores the Human Condition Through a Darkly Comedic Lens
Based on the one-woman-show she performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival back in 2013, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’sFleabagis a remarkable, genre-defying series that infuses great emotional depth to its unconventional narrative. Waller-Bridge is a force to be reckoned with as an actor, writer, and director because she effortlessly shifts between beingdownright hilariousand heartbreakingly vulnerable. Messy, often painful, but a delight to watch regardless,Fleabagis the ultimate comedy.
1‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017 – 2023)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Set in the vibrant ’50s and ’60s,The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselrevolves around Miriam “Midge” Maisel and her seemingly perfect life with her handsome husband, two beautiful children, and a comfortable apartment on New York’s Upper West Side. But Midge’s entire existence is upended when Joel leaves her, and she discovers a talent for stand-up comedy. Now navigating a male-dominated industry, Midge juggles her traditional Jewish values and complex personal life to emerge as a trailblazer.
Celebrates Freedom and Empowerment
A dazzling and visually opulent comedy that not only features a period-accurate setting but also whips out smark dialogue every second,The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselis a must-watch. Created by the acclaimed Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) and led by a towering central performance from the very talented and unparalleled, fast-talking Rachel Brosnahan, the series is known for its humor and heart, but also its message about female empowerment and the transformative power of finding one’s singular voice.
