There are few things better in life than a good, short TV comedy.
When the 30-minute comedy is done well, it’s something you can revisit over and over and over again, finding new joy in familiar characters and jokes each time.
So you’ve already watched [deep breath]The Simpsons(Disney Plus), 30 Rock(Hulu), Seinfeld (Netflix), The Office(Peacock), Futurama(Hulu), New Girl (Netflix), Martin(HBO Max), Arrested Development (Netflix), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia(Hulu), Rick and Morty(Hulu), andAdventure Time (Hulu and HBO Max). Now what?
We’re here to help expand beyond those classics, with a selection of classic sitcoms, modern workplace comedies, mockumentary series, and much more for you to enjoy at home.
Mockuseries maestros Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault helmed this pair of hilarious and surprisingly poignant series about lovable “confident idiots” and the trouble they get into. The first, American Vandal, parodies true-crime documentaries and contains two seasons following a pair of student journalists investigating adolescent pranks. The second, Players, is one of the best shows of 2022 and parodies sports documentaries in an esports setting.
Yacenda and Perrault’s appreciation for and mastery of the genres and subgenres they mimic elevate what would otherwise be silly TV comedies into truly excellent television. The pair have an impeccable eye for detail, and the shows’ production design and inspired casting of skilled under-the-radar actors (and non-actors) immerse viewers in ridiculous worlds filled with memorable over-the-top gags. —PV
American Vandal is streaming on Netflix. Players is streaming on Paramount Plus.
A direct predecessor of 30 Rock, The Larry Sanders Show is a sitcom that follows the staff of a
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