Comedy is one of television’s most common languages—it unites people of all generations, cultures, and tastes. Television has, over the years, brought us an amazing variety of comedies, ranging from biting satires to sentimental ensemble comedies and cartoon classics that are far from kid stuff. Quick banter, workplace oddballs, or offbeat zaniness—whatever your comedy flavor, there’s something for you. Here’s a glance at ten of the greatest comedy shows ever, according to their ranking on IMDb, each with its particular type of humor.
Silicon Valley (2014–2019)
Few series skewered the tech world so precisely—and hilariously—as Silicon Valley. Conceived by Mike Judge, the show follows programmer Richard Hendricks and his eccentric crew as they attempt to get their startup off the ground in the cutthroat landscape of Silicon Valley. Based on Judge’s own experience working in tech, the show delivers biting satire, cringeworthy situations, and a universally acerbic script that kept it rooted even when things became preposterous.
The IT Crowd (2006–2013)
A British comedy classic, The IT Crowd ramps workplace surrealism to absurd new heights. Based in the basement IT division of Reynholm Industries, the series is out of the dysfunctional (and sidesplitting) relationship between socially inept geeks and their equally incompetent manager. With exceptional performances from Richard Ayoade, Chris O’Dowd, and Katherine Parkinson, the series is forever quotable and surprisingly ageless.
Futurama (1999–2003)
From The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Futurama mixes sci-fi, slapstick, and surprisingly deep emotion into one animated package. The story begins with Fry, a delivery guy who’s accidentally frozen and wakes up 1,000 years in the future. What follows is a wild blend of absurd adventures, clever satire, and heartfelt moments that sneak up on you. With its twelve seasons and loyal fan base, Futurama is a testament that intelligent animation is just as emotionally rich as live-action comedy.
Community (2009–2015)
Community is a meta-comedy masterclass, pop culture spoof, and ensemble chemistry. The show is about a disbarred attorney who creates a study group at a community college, only to have the study group become the focal point of increasingly absurd and loopy plotlines. Developed by Dan Harmon, the series makes huge creative gambles—genre episodes, claymation specials, paintball battles—and manages to make them all work. It’s equally smart, anarchic, and unexpectedly sentimental.
Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
What begins as a classic rags-to-riches setup evolves into one of the most heartwarming comedies of the decade. Created by Eugene and Dan Levy, Schitt’s Creek follows the Rose family after they lose their fortune and are forced to live in a rundown town they once bought as a joke.
With standout performances and character arcs that feel genuinely earned, the show blends absurd humor with a huge heart and made Emmy history in the process.
Modern Family (2009–2020)
Modern Family revamped the family sitcom with a new, documentary-style approach and a multi-hued, endearing ensemble cast. Across 11 seasons, the show tackled the triumphs and tribulations of three interrelated families with warmth, humor, and just the right degree of mayhem. It remained relevant and relatable and addressed everything from daily parenting to generation wars. At its finest, it was laugh-out-loud hilarious and unexpectedly emotional.
Mr. Bean (1990–1995)
With just 15 episodes, Mr. Bean was an international comedy phenomenon. Rowan Atkinson’s wordless, physical acting as the bumbling, childlike Mr. Bean provided non-verbal laughter that passed across language barriers. The show’s comedy is straightforward but genius, transferring everyday situations to unforgettable mayhem using little more than a raised eyebrow or pratfall. Decades on, it remains as valid.
Adventure Time (2010–2018)
What began as a children’s cartoon soon proved to be far more ambitious. Adventure Time follows Finn the Human and Jake the Dog on an odyssey through a post-apocalyptic, candy-colored universe of weirdness, whimsy, and wisdom. It’s a show that deftly mixes surreal humor with real emotional heft, pleasing kids and adults in equal measure. Its influence can be spotted throughout contemporary animation, and its fanbase remains as strong as ever.
Archer (2009–2023)
Archer turns the tropes of the spy genre on their head with a gritty combination of sarcasm, satire, and dysfunction. H Jon Benjamin narrates the lead role of Sterling Archer, a self-absorbed spy who causes more problems than he solves. The series feeds on fast-paced dialogue, running gags, and a commitment to reinventing itself each season, keeping viewers hooked for more than a decade.
Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Few sitcoms exude optimism as much as Parks and Recreation. Amy Poehler plays Leslie Knope, a passionate government employee in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana. What begins as a humble office comedy becomes a cherished, character-based treasure. Featuring supporting turns by Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, and Rashida Jones, Parks and Rec combines stinging political satire with tender humor that remains relevant today.
These comedies demonstrate that humor exists in many guises—whether it’s dry and low-key or raucously over-the-top. Each one had something new to offer, and taken as a whole, they demonstrate just how potent and capable TV comedy is.
Comedy is one of television’s most common languages—it unites people of all generations, cultures, and tastes. Television has, over the years, brought us an amazing variety of comedies, ranging from biting satires to sentimental ensemble comedies and cartoon classics that are far from kid stuff. Quick banter, workplace oddballs, or offbeat zaniness—whatever your comedy flavor, there’s something for you. Here’s a glance at ten of the greatest comedy shows ever, according to their ranking on IMDb, each with its particular type of humor.