Dramedy—a blend of drama and comedy—is a delicate balancing act. Too much of either can tip a show into pure sitcom or heavy drama, but when done right, it creates some of the most memorable television. Here are the best dramedy series in TV history, ranked.
10. Scrubs (2001–2010)
Scrubs is a perfect example of a show that swings wildly between absurd humor and gut-wrenching emotion. Set in a hospital, it follows a group of doctors navigating the chaos of their profession while dealing with personal struggles. The show's surreal comedic style—think daydreams and slapstick—contrasts sharply with moments of profound loss and growth. It's a testament to the cast and writers that they made this tonal tightrope walk look easy, especially in its first eight seasons. The less said about the ninth, the better.
9. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
BoJack Horseman starts as a satirical look at Hollywood, complete with anthropomorphic animals and celebrity cameos. But beneath the surface, it's a devastating exploration of depression, addiction, and the search for meaning. The show's willingness to let its characters fail spectacularly, and its unflinching look at the consequences of fame, elevate it from a clever cartoon to a profound meditation on the human condition. It's a show that makes you laugh and then leaves you staring at the ceiling.
8. Girls (2012–2017)
Girls is a show about young women in New York City, but it's far from a glamorous romp. The characters are often selfish, messy, and unlikable, yet they're also painfully relatable. Over six seasons, we watch them stumble through careers, relationships, and friendships, often making terrible choices. The show's strength lies in its honesty—it captures the awkwardness and pain of growing up, and the humor that can be found in even the most cringe-worthy situations.
7. The Office (U.K.) (2001–2003)
While the American version of The Office is beloved for its warmth and comedy, the original U.K. series is a much darker, more uncomfortable watch. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant created a cringe-comedy masterpiece that exposes the soul-crushing banality of office life. It's a show that finds humor in the most awkward silences and the most painful social interactions, but it also has a surprising amount of heart. It's a shorter, sharper, and arguably more powerful take on the workplace sitcom.
6. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag is a masterclass in dramedy. Over two short seasons, it tells the story of a young woman in London dealing with grief, guilt, and her own self-destructive tendencies. The show is hilarious, thanks to Waller-Bridge's razor-sharp writing and her character's constant breaking of the fourth wall. But it's also deeply moving, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for connection. It's a show that feels both incredibly specific and universally relatable.
5. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
M*A*S*H is the granddaddy of the modern dramedy. Set during the Korean War, it follows the staff of a mobile army surgical hospital. The show balanced the absurdity of war with the very real trauma of the doctors and nurses. It could be laugh-out-loud funny one moment and then break your heart the next. Its famous finale remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history, a testament to its enduring power.
4. Succession (2018–2023)
Succession is a drama at its core, but it's also one of the funniest shows on television. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, even as the characters are doing terrible things to each other. The show follows the Roy family, media moguls fighting for control of their empire. It's a scathing satire of wealth and power, but it also has moments of genuine pathos. The combination of biting humor and Shakespearean tragedy makes it a modern classic.
3. The Bear (2022–present)
The Bear is a stress-inducing, anxiety-ridden masterpiece. It follows a young chef who returns to Chicago to run his late brother's sandwich shop. The show is known for its intense, fast-paced kitchen scenes and its raw portrayal of grief and mental illness. But it's also surprisingly funny, with the characters' banter and the absurdity of the restaurant world providing moments of levity. It's a show that captures the chaos of life and the beauty that can be found in it.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a visual feast, with its vibrant colors and rapid-fire dialogue. It follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a 1950s housewife who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy. The show is a comedy, but it also deals with serious themes like gender roles, family, and the cost of ambition. It's a show that makes you laugh and think, and it's a joy to watch.
1. Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
Six Feet Under is the ultimate dramedy. It's a show about a family that runs a funeral home, so death is always present. But it's also a show about life, love, and the messy, complicated relationships between people. The show is darkly funny, but it's also deeply emotional, and its series finale is widely considered one of the best in television history. It's a show that stays with you long after you've finished watching it.
These shows prove that the best dramedies are the ones that make you feel everything—laughter, tears, and everything in between. Whether you're in the mood for a classic like M*A*S*H or a modern gem like a show that gets better on rewatch, there's a dramedy on this list for you. And if you're looking for more great TV, check out our list of the greatest novels of the 1980s for some literary inspiration.
