Over the last ten years, television comedy has undergone a seismic shift. Gone are the days when a sitcom was just a string of punchlines and laugh tracks. Today's best comedies are darker, more personal, and unafraid to blend humor with heartbreak. They've embraced the messiness of real life, turning awkward moments into gold and making us laugh even when we're cringing. Here's our pick for the greatest comedy show from each year of the past decade—shows that didn't just make us laugh, but also left a mark.
2016: Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman show became a BBC series and instantly redefined what a comedy could be. Fleabag follows a sharp-witted, grieving London café owner who narrates her life directly to the camera, breaking the fourth wall at the most awkward moments. Waller-Bridge's pitch-perfect delivery turns shame, guilt, and heartbreak into comedy gold. With standout performances from Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott, and Olivia Colman, the show is as moving as it is hilarious—a true masterpiece of the decade.
2017: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino's follow-up to Gilmore Girls made Rachel Brosnahan a star. Set in 1950s New York, it follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers her talent for stand-up after her marriage falls apart. The show is a whirlwind of rapid-fire dialogue, gorgeous costumes, and feminist energy. Brosnahan's charm and the show's stylish production earned it multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, making it the comedy event of 2017.
2018: Derry Girls
Lisa McGee's Irish teen sitcom became a cultural phenomenon, following five friends navigating Catholic school in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The show finds humor in the absurdity of adolescence against a backdrop of political unrest. With a cast that includes Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, and Dylan Llewellyn, Derry Girls is a nostalgic, laugh-out-loud trip through the '90s, blending witty writing with genuine heart.
2019: What We Do in the Shadows
Based on the 2014 film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this mockumentary follows a group of vampire roommates in Staten Island. Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, and Natasia Demetriou lead a cast that turns mundane suburban life into supernatural comedy. The show's deadpan humor and absurd scenarios earned it critical acclaim and 35 Emmy nominations, yet it remains a hidden gem. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good vampire laugh.
2020: Ted Lasso
In a year that needed optimism, Ted Lasso delivered. Jason Sudeikis stars as an American football coach hired to manage an English soccer team, despite knowing nothing about the sport. The show's relentless kindness and humor became a balm for audiences worldwide. With a stellar supporting cast and a heart as big as its laughs, it won multiple Emmys and became a cultural touchstone.
2021: Hacks
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder shine in this comedy about a legendary Las Vegas comedian and a young writer forced to work together. The show explores generational clashes, creative burnout, and the price of fame with sharp wit and surprising tenderness. Smart's performance earned her an Emmy, and the show's writing is as sharp as they come.
2022: Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson created and stars in this mockumentary sitcom about teachers at a Philadelphia public school. It's a love letter to educators, blending workplace comedy with social commentary. The show's ensemble cast, including Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams, brings warmth and humor to every episode. It quickly became a ratings hit and a critical darling.
2023: The Bear
Though often classified as a drama, The Bear is one of the most intense and funny shows on TV. Jeremy Allen White stars as a young chef who returns to run his family's sandwich shop in Chicago. The show's chaotic kitchen scenes are balanced with moments of dark humor and emotional depth. It's a stress-inducing, laugh-out-loud, and ultimately rewarding experience.
2024: The Studio
This meta-comedy from Apple TV+ takes a satirical look at Hollywood's inner workings. With a star-studded cast and sharp writing, it skewers the absurdities of the entertainment industry. It's a love letter to movies and a biting critique of the business, all wrapped in a hilarious package.
2025: Nobody Wants This
This rom-com series, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, became a sleeper hit. It follows a podcast host and a rabbi who fall for each other despite their very different worlds. The show's charm and chemistry made it a standout, proving that classic romantic comedy can still thrive in the streaming era.
From great performances to nerve-shredding movies, the past decade has been a golden age for storytelling. But these comedies stand out for their ability to make us laugh, think, and feel—all at once. Here's to the next decade of laughter.
