In the golden age of television, it's easy for great shows to slip through the cracks. With so many options across cable, network, and streaming platforms, some truly brilliant sitcoms from the 2010s didn't get the attention they deserved. But like a fine wine, these series have only gotten better with time. Whether it's their sharp writing, ahead-of-their-time themes, or simply the joy of rediscovery, these forgotten gems are ripe for a comeback.
'Angie Tribeca' (2016–2018)
Rashida Jones, already beloved for her roles on Parks and Recreation and The Office, finally got her own vehicle with this TBS gem. Created by Steve and Nancy Carell, Angie Tribeca is a loving parody of police procedurals, channeling the spirit of The Naked Gun with rapid-fire puns, sight gags, and absurd situations. Jones plays the titular detective, a lone-wolf cop in the LAPD's Really Heinous Crimes Unit, who investigates everything from a ventriloquist's murder to a rash of baker suicides. The ensemble—including Hayes MacArthur, Jere Burns, Andrée Vermeulen, and Deon Cole—is flawless, and guest stars like Bill Murray, Adam Scott, and Lisa Kudrow add to the fun. For four seasons, Angie Tribeca mastered a style of comedy that felt both timeless and fresh. It's the best show you probably never watched.
'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' (2015–2019)
Despite its provocative title, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is one of the most daring comedies of the decade. The CW musical follows Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a successful but unhappy New York lawyer who impulsively moves to West Covina, California, to pursue an old flame. What unfolds is a satirical, insightful exploration of love, mental health, and identity, all set to over 150 original songs that range from pop to rap to Disney-style numbers. The show subverts stereotypes and treats mental health with nuance and care—a topic that's now common in comedies, but was ahead of its time here. With a stellar cast including Santino Fontana, Donna Lynne Champlin, David Hull, and Vella Lovell, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend remains a brilliant, boundary-pushing masterpiece.
'Happy Endings' (2011–2013)
Few shows are as beloved by their cult following as Happy Endings. This ABC single-camera sitcom followed six friends in Chicago: overachiever Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) and perfectionist Jane (Eliza Coupe), ditzy Alex (Elisha Cuthbert), daydreamer Dave (Zachary Knighton), slacker Max (Adam Pally), and party animal Penny (Casey Wilson). The show was a modern take on Friends and How I Met Your Mother, but with a sharper, more self-aware edge. Its witty scripts, recurring gags, and pop culture references made it feel inclusive and smart. Though it was canceled after three seasons, its legacy has only grown, with fans still clamoring for a revival. Happy Endings is a lost legend that deserves to be rediscovered.
'Life in Pieces' (2015–2019)
CBS's Life in Pieces took the family sitcom format and gave it a fresh twist by telling each episode through four short stories, each focusing on a different member of the Short family. The ensemble cast—including James Brolin, Dianne Wiest, Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt, Thomas Sadoski, and Zoe Lister-Jones—brought warmth and humor to everyday situations. The show's clever structure allowed for rapid-fire jokes and heartfelt moments, making it a standout among network comedies. While it never reached the heights of The Big Bang Theory, Life in Pieces has aged gracefully, offering a comforting, laugh-out-loud experience that feels just as fresh today.
These forgotten sitcoms prove that great comedy doesn't always get its due in the moment. But with time, their brilliance shines through. Whether you're revisiting them or discovering them for the first time, these shows are a testament to the enduring power of smart, heartfelt humor. For more hidden gems, check out our list of Forgotten Spy Thrillers That Are Perfect From Start to Finish or explore The 2020s' Five Comedy Masterpieces That Redefined Laughter.
