Ranking the 50 best comedy TV shows available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, including Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, House of Lies and many more hilarious favorites.
From new classics to iconic throwbacks, Amazon Prime Video offers a varied collection of comedy favorites for a binge of any mood. When you’re looking to ring some laughs out of a tense election year, try HBO’s heavily awarded political satire, Veep. Maybe you want something a little lighter, maybe you want to go to a place where everybody knows your name, and have a drink with the Cheers gang.
But when you’re feeling dark, there’s always Six Feet Under and everyone’s favorite teen detective, Veronica Mars. There’s also an assortment of throwbacks amid the latest selection of modern TV favorites. Whether it’s Lucille Ball in the ’50s or Melissa Joan Hart in the ’90s, Amazon Prime takes you back in time to when Lucy had some ‘splaining to do and we were thanking God it was Friday.
Of course, Amazon has become a haven for original and quality content, and their comedies bring the laughs just as loudly as the networks and other streaming services. Amazon’s original series have won prestigious awards and broke boundaries with their cutting edge comedy and characters. Add a new flavor to your binge-watching with some prime Amazon TV.
We all need a burst of good humor to escape the chaos of everyday life. Thankfully, Amazon Prime Video features comedic escapism for everyone. Find your next show to binge-watch in our comprehensive list of the 50 best comedy TV on Amazon Prime Video, and comment below with your favorite picks!
50. Crisis in Six Scenes
Release Year: 2016
Seasons: 1
Creator: Woody Allen
Starring: Woody Allen, Miley Cyrus, Elaine May, Rachel Brosnahan, John Magaro
Created, written, and directed by Woody Allen, Crisis in Six Scenes marks the Hollywood legend’s first turn at taking his talents to episodic television. He’s proven his comedy chops with classic films like Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and Her Sisters, but all his award-winning has been strictly for big-screen features.
Now, Allen breaks into television like a wrecking ball with his Amazon original series Crisis in Six Scenes starring Miley Cyrus. The comedy series, which follows a suburban family during turbulent 1960s America, is something of a departure for the singer, given the bulk of her acting credits are for playing the title character Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana.
If you’re a fan of Woody Allen’s brand of dry comedy or have an affinity for a good period piece, add Crisis in Six Scenes to your list. As a limited series with only six episodes, it’s hardly a commitment to make for the sizable laughs you’ll get.
49. Veep
Release Year: 2012
Seasons: 5 (2 included with subscription)
Creator: Armando Iannucci
Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, Sam Richardson
You might have heard about a little show called Veep on HBO that has swept the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress for its entire five years on the air. It’s hard to miss what with all its critical praise. And the Julia Louis-Dreyfus starrer has only gained steam over the course of its run, picking up two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series for its fourth and fifth seasons.
Centered on Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the, fortunately, fictional Vice President of the United States, Veep tracks the day-to-day whirlwind of the VP and her team as they navigate D.C.’s political chessboard. Often, Selina and her team find themselves in the midst of the chaos, if not creating it.
The political satire boasts one of the most tactful ensembles and some of the sharpest jokes on television. Considering we have been caught up in a rather intense election year, we could all blow off some steam with the crazier, and admittedly funnier, political circus of Veep.
48. Schitt’s Creek
Release Year: 2015
Seasons: 2
Creator: Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy
Starring: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, Jennifer Robertson, Tim Rozon, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott
The Canadian comedy series, which airs on Pop in the U.S., stars comedy legends but remains an underdog in the sitcom world. Schitt’s Creek follows the wealthy Rose family, who relocate to the titular town they once jokingly purchased when they lose their money. Johnny (Eugene Levy) and Moira (Catherine O’Hara) pick up the pieces of their lives in a shoddy motel with their adult children, David (Dnaiel Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy).
Although it’s toward the bottom of our list, don’t take that as a testament of its quality. That’s just how it shakes out when there’s an abundance of hilarity on Amazon Prime. Schitt’s Creek has proven itself to be one of the most original family sitcoms to breakthrough in the past few years. And on top of a great cast, the series makes strides for the LGBTQ+ community.
David, played by creator and writer Daniel Levy, came out as pansexual in the first season. Unfortunately, few series have represented the sexual identification in a normalizing way or have even brought it up for conversation. However, Schitt’s Creek isn’t a social issues show. It’s quirky and worthy of a binge.
47. House of Lies
Release Year: 2012
Seasons: 5
Creator: Matthew Carnahan
Starring: Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell, Ben Schwartz, Josh Lawson, Dawn Olivieri, Donis Leonard Jr., Glynn Turman
The first of two shows on this list starring Kristen Bell, House of Lies ran for five seasons on Showtime and racked up Don Cheadle Emmy nominations and one Golden Globe win for his role. Based on the book House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Then Tell You the Time by Martin Kihn, Cheadle stars as ruthless management consultant Marty Kaan.
House of Lies also stars Bell as Jeannie van der Hooven, Ben Schwartz as Clyde Oberholdt, and Josh Lawson as Doug Guggenheim, Marty’s team at his firm. Together with his team, Marty does whatever it takes—really, whatever it takes—to close his business deals.
While focusing on the shady and often questionable business dealings of Marty and his team, the show also devotes time in the sordid personal lives of Kaan & Associates. From Marty and Jeannie’s romance to Clyde’s rollercoaster of a personality, House of Lies runs on all cylinders, making for the perfect comedy binge.
46. Cheers
Release Year: 1982
Seasons: 11 (9 available with subscription)
Creator: James Burrows, Glen Charles, Les Charles
Starring: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth, Roger Rees
Isn’t it time to take a trip back to the place where everybody knows your name? Pull up a seat at the bar next to Norm and have a beer or two with the Cheers gang down in Boston. Running for 11 seasons, grabbing 28 Emmys, and spawning an equally successful spin-off series, Cheers has cemented its legacy as one of NBC’s most popular Must See TV comedies.
The legendary series centers on the zany happenings at the Boston hot spot, as well as the personal entanglements of the bar’s employees and its loyal customers. While Sam Malone (Ted Danson) tends bar and flirts with Diane (Shelley Long), his friends and patrons Norm (George Wendt) and Cliff (John Ratzenberger) provide witticisms from the other side of the countertop.
Of course, Cheers also featured additional heavyweights in its cast, like Rhea Pearlman as the feisty waitress Carla, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier, and Woody Harrelson as the dopey backup bartender. Without a doubt, Cheers is a necessary throwback to the good old days of TV sitcoms.
45. Bored To Death
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 3
Creator: Jonathan Ames
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, Ted Danson, Heather Burns
Another comedy series starring television veteran Ted Danson, Bored To Death ran for three season on HBO under the radar despite the star power attached to it. Zach Galifianakis starred in the unprecedented monstrous box office hit The Hangover in the same year, which like Bored To Death, resulted in a trilogy.
Jason Schwartman stars as a fictionalized version of series creator Jonathan Ames. Still a Brooklyn based writer, this version of Ames dabbles in private investigation come nightfall. Jonathan ropes his friends Ray (Galifianakis) and George (Danson) into joining his detective efforts after he successfully solves his first crimes.
Despite its title, Bored To Death will not leave you bored to death in the slightest. The clever dialogue, enthralling stories, and impressive list of guest stars will keep you laughing to death during all 24 episodes.
44. BrainDead
Release Year: 2016
Seasons: 1
Creator: Robert King, Michelle King
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Danny Pino, Aaron Tveit, Tony Shalhoub, Nikki M. James, Johnny Ray Gill, Charlie Semine, Jan Maxwell
From Robert and Michelle King, the creators of the wildly successful drama series The Good Wife, comes the recently canceled political satire series BrainDead. If you’re a fan of House of Cards but also enjoy a good laugh, you’ll love the outlandish political climate of BrainDead.
Laurel (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) begins work for her senator brother (Danny Pino) in her hometown of Washington D.C., but she runs into a few problems that have plagued the government. For starters, the government has been disrupted and ceased operations because of a budget blunder. Also, bugs have begun to munch on the minds of Capitol Hill and Congress elite. Normal.
Conspiracy theories and mysterious bugs complicate congressional matters, and Laurel must investigate the cause. Overflowing with a talented cast from Winstead to Monk’s Tony Shaloub and everyone in between and from executive producer Ridley Scott, BrainDead is a unique political science fiction thriller that makes a comedic impact larger than its 13 episodes.
43. Hung
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 3
Creator: Dmitry Lipkin, Colette Burson
Starring: Thomas Jane, Jane Adams, Anne Heche, Eddie Jemison, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Charlie Saxton, Rebecca Creskoff, Gregg Henry, Lennie James, Stephen Amell
There are a lot of shows on the market with unusual premises, and then there’s Hung. The tongue-in-cheek title leaves little to the imagination about the HBO series’ focus, but that’s what makes it work. When Ray (Thomas Jane), a struggling high school basketball coach, loses his home to a fire, he uses his second largest asset to make money.
That’s right, Ray capitalizes on being, well, hung to create a gigolo business with help from his friend Tanya (Jane Adams). The new gigolo also juggles his ex-wife (Anne Heche) and twins (Charlie Saxton, Sianoa Smit-McPhee) while rebuilding his life and fortune beyond suburban coaching.
As you could imagine, tensions arise as the business of being well-endowed and in-demand grow more and more complicated. Case in point, Arrow’s Stephen Amell joins the cast in Season 3 as a competing gigolo. With an original premise and an excellent team in front of and behind the camera, Hung’s 30 episodes are well worth a binge.
42. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Release Year: 1996
Seasons: 7
Creator: Nell Scovell
Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Nate Richert, Nick Bakay
Relive the literal magic from your TGIF favorite Sabrina, the Teenage Witch starring the formal queen of the ’90s, Melissa Joan Hart. When she turns 16, Sabrina Spellman (Hart) learns that she’s got magic in her fingertips. Along with her talking black cat Salem (Nick Bakay) and aunts Zelda (Beth Broderick) and Hilda (Caroline Rhea), Sabrina hones her witchcraft in high school and later at college.
Whether she was accidentally casting spells on her enemies or getting caught up in her own magic, Sabrina’s ride to nailing the whole “witch” thing was bumpy at best. But she always had a little help. The series featured great guest stars, such as Britney Spears, and boasted an incredible main cast in each of its seasons.
Even though Sabrina’s high school days were hilarious, she became a pro at casting spells and living a double life in the stellar final three seasons set in college. Essentially, Sabrina set the standard for teen sitcoms with an edge back in the ’90s and remains in the hearts of those who grew up wishing they could travel to another realm.
41. Alpha House
Release Year: 2013
Seasons: 2
Creator: Garry Trudeau
Starring: John Goodman, Clark Johnson, Matt Malloy, Mark Consuelos
Among the first batch of original series to hit Amazon Studios, Alpha House paved the way for Amazon’s award-winning hit series. The political satire premiered in April 2013 during Amazon’s inaugural pilot season. Following its successful reception, the first season began streaming in November, and its second and final season premiered in 2014.
From the creator of the Doonesbury comic, Garry Trudeau, Alpha House follows the adventures (though misadventures could be more apt) of four Republican senators who cohabitate in the same house in Washington D.C. Interestingly enough, the series borrows its premise from real-life Democratic legislators living Big Brother style in D.C.
Fronted by comedy legend John Goodman and co-starring a great cast in Clark Johnson, Matt Malloy, and Mark Consuelos, Alpha House brings the political satire in the vein of Veep. Also, keep your eyes peeled during its 21 episodes, and you might catch cameos from politicians and celebrities like Bill Murray and Kelly Ripa.
40. Mad Dogs
Release Year: 2015
Seasons: 1
Creator: Cris Cole
Starring: Ben Chaplin, Michael Imperioli, Romany Malco, Steve Zahn
Another product of the Amazon Studios pilot season cycle, Mad Dogs premiered its pilot in 2015 and unrolled its first season for streaming the following year. Although Amazon ultimately chose against ordering a second season of the darkly comedic thriller, which is a remake of a British series, the series stands out.
Mad Dogs barrels in as a seeming hybrid of The Hangover and Man vs. Wild as a group of 40-something men travel to Belize for a celebration of one of their own’s retirement, and the gathering flies off the rails. What had been intended as a vacation quickly turns into a nightmare after they become caught up in a whirlwind of chaos, secrets, and murder. For a wild ride of 10 episodes, these “mad dogs” wreak havoc in Belize and try to make it out alive.
39. Glee
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 6
Creator: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan
Starring: Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Amber Reilly, Jenna Ushkowitz
In the beginning of its impressive run, Glee wasn’t just a show. It was an institution—a movement. You couldn’t step three feet without walking into a conversation about the musical comedy’s latest episode, running into its songs on the charts, or catching its concert tours on the big screen. Glee was everywhere.
From the unstoppable team behind such irreverent television comedies as Nip/Tuck and Scream Queens, Glee captured a previously untapped combination of comedy and music in the teen drama landscape. Fox’s smash hit featured jokes and musical numbers aplenty while following the lives of small-town teenagers and honoring music’s biggest stars.
Also, Glee launched the careers of a crop of brand new household names into the stratosphere, including (but not limited to) the likes of Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, and Darren Criss. Relive every melodic and groundbreaking moment of the boundary-pushing, award-winning comedy series.
38. Californication
Release Year: 2007
Seasons: 7
Creator: Tom Kapinos
Starring: David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, Pamela Adlon, Madeleine Martin, Madeline Zima, Evan Handler
David Duchovny, known for his role on The X-Files, returned to television in 2007 with Showtime’s Californication. Starring as Hank Moody, a one-hit wonder author with a bad reputation, Duchovny picked up a Golden Globe for his role.
Hank, still hung up on his ex, tries to co-parent his teenage daughter and fight his writer’s block as he moves to California. But the allure of sex, drugs, and drinking keep Hank from making the decisions that will help him get his life back on track.
Californication features an enviable supporting cast in Natascha McElhone, Pamela Adlon, and Evan Handler and a fearless leader in former Dawson’s Creek writer and executive producer, Tom Kapinos. To go along with its irreverent humor, Californication makes frequent references to popular rock and roll music, such as its controversial title.
37. Hello Ladies
Release Year: 2013
Seasons: 1
Creator: Stephen Merchant, Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky
Starring: Stephen Merchant, Christine Woods, Nate Torrence, Kevin Weisman, Kyle Mooney
Based on Stephen Merchant’s stand-up special of the same name, HBO’s Hello Ladies premiered in 2013 and lasted for one season. In lieu of a second season, the cabler ordered a feature film to wrap up the series’ loose threads and to give it a proper sendoff.
Primarily co-written and directed by co-creator and star Stephen Merchant, Hello Ladies follows the struggle of an awkward, Los-Angeles-based Englishman’s quest to find the woman with whom he belongs. Stuart Pritchard (Merchant) calls on the support of his friends Jessica (Christine Woods) and Wade (Nate Torrence).
Hello Ladies adds another perspective to the influx of comedy series about the mystery of modern romance. With only eight uncomfortably funny half-hour episodes and a concluding movie marked by Merchant’s distinct sense of humor, Hello Ladies ranks among the best binges on Amazon Prime Video.
36. That Girl
Release Year: 1966
Seasons: 5 (4 available with subscription)
Creator: Bill Persky, Sam Denoff
Starring: Marlo Thomas, Ted Bessell, Lew Parker, Bernie Kopell, Rosemary DeCamp
Another throwback sitcom, That Girl premiered in 1966 on ABC and cemented an impactful five-season, 136-episode run. Anchored by Emmy-winner and celebrated activist Marlo Thomas, That Girl follows the exploits of aspiring actress Ann Marie (Thomas) as she jumps from audition to temp job on the road to becoming a star in New York City.
Joining Ann on the journey to becoming “that” girl, her boyfriend Donald Hollinger (Ted Bessell) stuck by her side while her parents, Lew (Lew Parker) and Helen (Rosemary DeCamp), expressed concern for her career path. Does she make it in the entertainment business?
While a legendary sitcom for its years of laughs, That Girl also ushered in a new era of feminist television. Looking around the television landscape of that time, Thomas’ Ann Marie was the only female character who wasn’t a housewife or living with her parents. That Girl was one of the first comedies to showcase goals beyond marriage, making it definite binge-watch material.
35. Accidentally On Purpose
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 1
Creator: Claudia Lonow
Starring: Jenna Elfman, Jon Foster, Ashley Jensen, Nicolas Wright, Grant Show, Lennon Parham
Although CBS’ short-lived 2009 sitcom isn’t a true throwback, its high-concept setup is a throwback to when sitcoms had a little more to their stories than just families or friends. Starring Dharma & Greg Golden Globe-winner Jenna Elfman, Accidentally On Purpose followed the relationships that resulted from a one-night stand.
Billie (Elfman), a film critic in her ’30s, has a one-night stand with 20-something Zack (Jon Foster) and becomes pregnant. Even though she and Jon choose to move in together, Billie still must handle the jealousy of her boss and almost-fiancé James (Grant Show).
Creator Claudia Lonow has a history of writing for and/or creating sitcoms about unconventional family setups, such as FOX’s The War at Home and ABC’s How To Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life). Accidentally On Purpose, with its great cast (especially Playing House’s Lennon Parham), boasts one of her most unconventional and hilarious family setups yet.
34. Out of Practice
Release Year: 2005
Seasons: 1
Creator: Joe Keenan, Christopher Lloyd
Starring: Christopher Gorham, Ty Burrell, Stockard Channing, Paula Marshall, Jennifer Tilly, Henry Winkler
Another short-lived CBS sitcom, Out of Practice centered on a family of doctors who struggled to find common ground in every other aspect of their lives. To the ridicule of his family, Ben Barnes (Christopher Gorham) practices marriage counseling, and it’s ironic considering he couldn’t save his own marriage.
Despite its all-star cast including Modern Family’s Ty Burrell, Paula Marshall, Jennifer Tilly, and legends Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler, Out of Practice couldn’t remain afloat in the ratings. But the sitcom captured a comically dysfunctional family.
Out of Practice shared producers with Frasier, another sitcom about a savage family of professionals. With only a single season of 22 episodes, the mid-aughts sitcom is the perfect addition to any comedy fan’s binge list.
33. Tenacious D
Release Year: 1997
Seasons: 1
Creator: Jack Black, Kyle Gass, David Cross, Bob Odenkirk
Starring: Jack Black, Kyle Gass
If you’re a fan of Jack Black, then you know he got his start as one-half of the comedy-rock duo Tenacious D. They have released three albums and starred in their own movie, The Pick of Destiny. But back in 1997, Jack Black and Kyle Gass created and starred in HBO’s Tenacious D, the fictional adventures of their real band.
Along with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk of Mr. Show (as well as many other hit series over the years), Black and Gass crafted crazy stories about their band and played songs that fans could later listen to on their studio albums.
Even though Black and Gass could mine story after story out of their wild band, the series only produced three half-hour episodes, which aired in 1997, 1999, and 2000. Much like Flight of the Conchords but with the “out there” irreverence of Mr. Show, Tenacious D is a must-watch of any diehard fan of Jack Black’s pre-School of Rock rock band.
32. Hearts Afire
Release Year: 1992
Seasons: 3
Creator: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Harry Thomason
Starring: John Ritter, Markie Post, Billy Bob Thornton, Beth Broderick, Wendie Jo Sperber, Clark Duke, Leslie Jordan, Conchata Ferrell
Following his memorable and lauded turns in Three’s Company and Hooperman, John Ritter returned to television in a starring capacity with CBS’ short-lived sitcom Hearts Afire. Despite grabbing three seasons, the series didn’t make as dense of a pop cultural impact as Ritter’s previous television work.
Ritter starred as John Hartmann, an aide to a senator, who hires a new press secretary named Georgie (Markie Post) and finds their professional spats in Washington D.C. the battleground for a blossoming romance. The second season flipped the setting and storyline, moving John back to his hometown to save the local newspaper. Still, hearts were afire.
Most television fans have seen John Ritter’s work in shows like Three’s Company and 8 Simple Rules, but few have caught his work in between, apart from guest starring roles in other popular series. Watch another piece of his legacy with Hearts Afire.
31. How To Make It in America
Release Year: 2010
Seasons: 2
Creator: Ian Edelman
Starring: Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Scott Mescudi, Lake Bell, Luis Guzman, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Shannyn Sossamon
How To Make It in America, much like a handful of HBO series, explored the subcultures of New York City. Bryan Greenberg, whom you might recognize from One Tree Hill and most recently The Mindy Project, anchored the series as Ben Epstein, an entrepreneur determined to attain the American Dream.
Along with his business partner Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk), Ben works overtime to turn his ideas, designs, and connections into a profitable fashion label fit to compete with the top guns in the New York scene. Of course, like any 20-something trying to make it in America, Ben and Cam hit bumps in the road in business and in love.
With just two eight-episode seasons, How To Make It in America is the perfect precursor to HBO’s later New York City subculture success story Girls and an easy binge. If you’re looking for the motivation to start over and startup the American Dream, this is the stylish dramedy for you.
30. Betas
Release Year: 2013
Seasons: 1
Creator: Evan Endicott, Josh Stoddard
Starring: Joe Dinicol, Karan Soni, Jon Daly, Charlie Saxton, Maya Erskine, Daivik Dave
Along with Alpha House, Betas premiered during Amazon Studio’s initial push for original programming. And similarly to its companion in testing Amazon’s waters, Betas didn’t live a long life as far as comedy series go. Still, the series delivered an original premise.
Trey (Joe Dinicol), Nash (Karan Soni), Hobbes (Jon Daly), and Mitchell (Charlie Saxton) are a group of computer whizzes who have created the next big, revolutionary dating and social networking app this side of Tinder and Facebook. To make their way in the tech startup world, they need an investor with deep pockets, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make it.
If you’re a fan of HBO’s Silicon Valley, then you’ll definitely want to remain in the technology capital of California for the 11 episodes of Amazon’s Betas.
29. Family Tree
Release Year: 2013
Seasons: 1
Creator: Christopher Guest, Jim Piddock
Starring: Chris O’Dowd
In a blink-and-you’ll miss-it type outing in 2013, HBO premiered Christopher Guest and Jim Piddock’s Family Tree for a one-and-done eight-episode run. The series differed in tone to the other comedy series on HBO at the time, but its quirky whimsy made an impact.
Family Tree follows Tom Chadwick (Chris O’Dowd) as he, well, tracks down the lineage of his family tree. When he receives a case of a deceased aunt’s belongings, he tries to put a name to the face of a man in a photograph. From there, Tom dives into the history of his family and where he came from.
You might recognize the series’ lead, Chris O’Dowd, from such popular films as Bridesmaids, This Is 40, and Thor: The Dark World. O’Dowd brings his charm to Family Tree, making the comedy series an easily digestible but delightful exploration of lineage.
28. Penn & Teller: BS!
Release Year: 2003
Seasons: 8
Creator: Micheal Goudeau, Eric Small
Starring: Penn Jillette, Teller
Are you fans of Penn and Teller’s brand of comedy? Are you also not here for anyone’s bullsh-t? Well, Showtime’s long-running documentary series Penn & Teller: Bullsh-it! might just be the comedy series for you to binge on Amazon Prime Video.
The series premiered in 2003 and racked up a grand total of 89 episodes over eight seasons. In each episode, magicians, comedians, and skeptics Penn Jillette and Teller poke holes in the many concepts and ideas that are popularly deemed as truth by society. The duo seeks to bluntly deliver the truth, provide a new point of view, and/or debunk common misconceptions behind the BS.
Penn & Teller: Bullsh-t! covered a variety of topics in its impressive run. In the first season alone, Penn and Teller tackled contacting the dead, aliens, the environment, alternative medicine, secondhand smoke, and sex. Cut through the BS with skits stunts, and interviews tinged with Penn and Teller’s irreverent comedy.
27. Mr. Show with Bob and David
Release Year: 1995
Seasons: 4
Creator: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Tom Kenny, Jill Talley, Jay Johnston
You definitely know David Cross from his work on Arrested Development and Bob Odenkirk from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but you just might remember their HBO days in the ’90s with their cult sketch comedy series Mr. Show.
The series premiered in 1995, running for four seasons and 30 episodes. Mr. Show featured fictionalized versions of Bob and David, while also throwing its starring performers into characters for sketches that tore down traditionalism with a alternative perspective—much like the other variety series on this list, as well shows like Inside Amy Schumer and Portlandia.
Although Mr. Show isn’t ubiquitously popular in the mainstream, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross’ biting point of view has left an influential mark on sketch comedy. Before you watch the 2015 Netflix revival series W/ Bob and David, relive the hilarity and insanity with Mr. Show.
26. Six Feet Under
Release Year: 2001
Seasons: 5
Creator: Alan Ball
Starring: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Rachel Griffiths, Jeremy Sisto, James Cromwell, Justina Machado
Sure, Six Feet Under is commonly known as a drama series (especially by the Emmys, for which the series was nominated 23 times). But Alan Ball’s creation, much like his others American Beauty and True Blood, employed dark comedy in the Fisher family’s funeral business.
When the Fisher patriarch dies and leaves the family business to Nate (Peter Krause) and David (Michael C. Hall), it’s up to the dysfunctional Fisher family to honor the deceased and work together to bury the dead. Six Feet Under kicks off each episode with a death, and that death results in the Fishers gaining clarity in their respective personal lives.
With its black comedy and exemplary cast (Parenthood’s Peter Krause, Dexter’s Michael C. Hall, Brothers & Sisters’ Rachel Griffiths, and many, many others), Six Feet Under’s 63 episodes are the gloomy yet humorous binge-worthy rumination on mortality with a twist of family funeral drama.
25. Frasier
Release Year: 1993
Seasons: 11
Creator: David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee
Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney, Dan Butler
As a spinoff of the popular comedy series Cheers (which is also featured on this list), Frasier premiered in 1993 and left behind an immense legacy. Spinoff series don’t typically pan out well (Does anyone remember Joey’s ill-fated eponymous Friends spinoff?), but Frasier was as successful, if not more, than its parent series.
Frasier followed Kelsey Grammer’s titular therapist turned radio host moving from Boston to Seattle to move in with his father and reunite with his high-strung brother. Still, Frasier Crane brought all of his baggage with him to the West Coast, and it only grows. Before long, the shrink needs a shrink of his own.
With 11 seasons and 264 episodes, the 37-time Emmy winner poses quite the binge commitment. But to experience an integral piece of NBC’s Must See TV pop culture phenomenon and one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, it’s more than worth diving right into the side-splitting world of Frasier.
24. Eastbound & Down
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 4
Creator: Ben Best, Jody Hill, Danny McBride
Starring: Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, Steve Little, Joaquin Cosio, Michael Fysh
As the only series on this list to combine sports and comedy, HBO’s Eastbound & Down exists in a league entirely its own. Starring Danny McBride as a washed-up and directionless former professional baseball player, the series follows Kenny Powers as he returns to his hometown to become a middle school PE teacher.
Knowing Eastbound & Down hails from Danny McBride and the formidable team of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (creators of such classics as Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers), an over-the-top, ridiculously hilarious tone is set. While it could admittedly be too much for some viewers, everyone should experience the crazy of Kenny Powers.
Eastbound & Down features a long list of famous guest stars from executive producer Will Ferrell to Parks and Recreation’s Adam Scott to Matthew McConaughey and even Lily Tomlin. The series’ narrative never took itself too seriously as it traveled from North Carolina to Mexico, making its 29 episodes pure comedic escapism.
23. Fleabag
Release Year: 2016
Seasons: 1
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Starring: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Hugh Skinner, Sian Clifford, Brett Gelman, Bill Paterson, Olivia Colman, Ben Aldridge, Jamie Demetriou, Jenny Rainsford, Hugh Dennis
Based on star and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s one woman play, which was born from a stand-up storytelling challenge, Fleabag finds a complex character floundering through life in modern London armed with anger, sarcasm and an unfiltered self-righteousness fed by grief.
Waller-Bridge stars as the no-holds-barred Fleabag, a character who breaks open a fresh perspective on television and in dark comedy. The titular main character surrounds herself with her family and friends, while getting into comical situations with ex-lovers and silent weekend retreats.
With only six half-hour episodes in the vibrant first season of the Amazon Studios/BBC Three joint venture, Fleabag takes viewers along for Fleabag’s journey to becoming a little less lost and little more found.
22. Lucky Louie
Release Year: 2006
Seasons: 1
Creator: Louis C.K.
Starring: Louis C.K., Pamela Adlon, Kelly Gould, Mike Hagerty, Jim Norton, Laura Kightlinger, Rick Shapiro, Jerry Minor, Kim Hawthorne
Before he attained widespread success and praise for his FX series Louie, Louis C.K. created, starred in, and co-wrote his first eponymous television series, Lucky Louie. Although the shows are incredibly different, they explored similar themes, like parenting, marriage, and sex.
Where Louie centers on a divorced father of two with interstitial stand-up comedy segments, Lucky Louie took on the DNA of the traditional multi-cam family sitcom, complete with a live studio audience and weird lighting. Much like many of the multi-cams currently on air, Lucky Louie shared the daily life of a working class family. But since the series aired on HBO, the language and situations were much more mature.
As an introduction to Louis C.K., Lucky Louie laid the groundwork for the future of the comedian’s career as well as the outspoken tone and voice employed in his comedy. The short-lived sitcom featured the talents of frequent C.K. collaborator Pamela Adlon and a team of stand-up favorites, making these 12 episodes a familiar viewing experience for comedy fans.
21. United States of Tara
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 3
Creator: Diablo Cody
Starring: Toni Collette, Rosemarie DeWitt, John Corbett, Brie Larson, Keir Gilchrist
From Diablo Cody, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of the heartbreakingly funny film Juno, comes another dramedy with a bark equal to its bite. The 2009 Showtime series United States of Tara centered on your average suburban housewife who happens to weather the storms of dissociative identity disorder.
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Friends writer Alexa Junge, and Transparent’s Jill Soloway, United States of Tara starred Toni Collette as the titular Tara struggling to manage her mental illness and maintain balance in her home. Tara’s collection of personalities emerge without notice, to the support and exhaustion of her husband and children.
Also worth noting, the series co-stars Brie Larson, recent Oscar winner and soon-to-be Marvel “it” girl, cutting her teeth before her indie darling stardom. With a mere 36-episode commitment, United States of Tara is a must for fans of Larson, Collette, Cody, and darkly humorous comedies.
20. I Love Lucy
Release Year: 1951
Seasons: 6 (5 “best of” collections available)
Creator: Desi Arnaz, Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh, Bob Carroll, Jr.
Starring: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, Richard Keith
Perhaps one of the most quoted, instantly recognizable, and celebrated comedy series in television history—and maybe even all of popular culture—Amazon Prime brings back an all-American favorite, I Love Lucy, with five “best of” collections.
We have seen multiple shows honor the 1950s landmark in parody, from Lucy’s conveyor belt nightmare to any time she had some ‘splaining to do. Well, it’s time to turn back the clock and honor the original series and its remarkable talent for ourselves.
Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy followed Lucy and Ricky Ricardo’s marriage and desires to claim stardom as Lucy caused trouble and shenanigans at every turn. Ball showed off her enviably expert physical comedy chops and left behind a beloved legacy with her breakthrough television performance in I Love Lucy.
19. Shameless (UK)
Release Year: 2004
Seasons: 11 (3 available with subscription)
Creator: Paul Abbott
Starring: David Threlfall and a massive ensemble cast
Before the American Gallagher family shamelessly survived to thrive in the South Side of Chicago, the British Gallagher clan originated the Shameless family values. If you’re a fan of Showtime’s hit adaptation, then you know and hate to love Frank Gallagher. Well, David Threlfall walked a mile in Frank’s shoes before William H. Macy gave bad a new name.
Much like the American version, Shameless sheds light on the working class culture in Manchester, England. And the story begins the same way: Fiona raises her brothers and sister, with the support of Kev and Vee, and meets the intriguing Steve. For 11 seasons and 139 episodes, the original Frank Gallagher led the pack of misfits.
The cast changed throughout its run, focusing less on the Gallagher family and more on the surrounding working class families in Frank’s orbit. Although its story went different places than its predecessor, any fan of the Emmy Rossum-led Shameless should experience the original dark comedy.
18. Mozart in the Jungle
Release Year: 2014
Seasons: 2
Creator: Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Alex Timbers
Starring: Lola Kirke, Saffron Burrows, Bernadette Peters, Peter Vack, Hannah Dunner, Malcolm McDowell, Gael Garcia Bernal
Amazon Studios’ underdog 2016 Golden Globe winner for Best Comedy Series, Mozart in the Jungle takes viewers into a world mostly unseen. Although plenty of films and television series have been centered around music, few have given an inside look at modern classical music.
Based on a professional oboist’s memoir and created by the impressive team of Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Alex Timbers, Mozart in the Jungle dives into the lives of a confident conductor (Gael Garcia Bernal) and fresh-faced oboist (Lola Kirke).
The charming comedy series might concern itself with a facet of music and entertainment outside the area of interest of the average television viewer. However, Mozart in the Jungle doesn’t alienate viewers and stands out with its original concept and stories. Before Amazon rolls out the latest season, catch up on the first few batches of episodes.
17. Workaholics
Release Year: 2011
Seasons: 6 (5 available with subscription)
Creator: Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, Kyle Newacheck, Connor Pritchard, Dominic Russo
Starring: Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm
Comedy Central’s hit sitcom might be titled Workaholics, but its three main characters are nothing of the sort. Blake (Blake Anderson), Adam (Adam DeVine), and Ders (Anders Holm) are a trio of college dropouts who maintain the college lifestyle well into adulthood.
As they hardly work hard at their shared telemarketing job, the guys try to keep out of trouble while simultaneously causing all kinds of trouble. Workaholics, which is often written or directed by its stars and creators, resembles Broad City, another Comedy Central series about friends taking on the world together one bad decision at a time.
If you get your laughs from arrested development debauchery and ridiculous antics, then Workaholics is right up your alley. Catch up with the sitcom’s first six seasons before it bows out with its seventh and final season in 2017.
16. The Andy Griffith Show
Release Year: 1960
Seasons: 8
Creator: Sheldon Leonard
Starring: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier
There aren’t many bonafide throwback series on Amazon Prime Video, but out of the legendary series featured, The Andy Griffith Show and its immediately recognizable history stands out. The classic sitcom premiered in 1960 on CBS and produced 249 episodes of Mayberry madness.
The Andy Griffith Show drops viewers into the small (fictional) town of Mayberry, North Carolina, where Andy Taylor rules the town as sheriff and keeps the townspeople—and fellow law enforcement—in check. Andy’s joined by his zany deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), housekeeper Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), and clever son Opie (Ron Howard).
The series captured a relative decade of time, a distinct tone in mood in our society, and arguably became one of the sitcoms that set the standard for future comedies. The Andy Griffith Show left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, and with all eight seasons available to stream, we can head back to Mayberry and relive all of the famous moments.
15. Tosh.0
Release Year: 2009
Seasons: 8 (Seasons 4-5 available with subscription)
Creator: Daniel Tosh, Mike Gibbons
Starring: Daniel Tosh
Tosh.0 differs from the majority of comedy series featured on this list, as it isn’t a conventionally scripted sitcom with characters and a narrative. Instead, comedian Daniel Tosh’s eponymous series takes on an identity of its own by breaking down our popular culture.
One thing we can all attest to viewing probably too many of is viral videos. Whether we seek them out on YouTube or they relentlessly pop up on our Facebook timelines, there’s always someone doing something ridiculous and someone behind the camera capturing it for all the internet to like and share.
Enter Tosh.0. The popular Comedy Central staple premiered in 2009, and as the virality of videos and the ridiculousness of culture continued to rise, so did Tosh.0. Daniel Tosh skewers and satirizes everything and anything, from online videos to celebrities with his offensive brand of observational comedy.
14. Sex and the City
Release Year: 1998
Seasons: 6
Creator: Darren Star
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
You know them, you love them, you may have even grabbed a cosmo or two with them back in the day, in reruns or on the big screen. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha swapped stories of sexual misadventures and romantic misfires for six seasons on HBO, in turn becoming on of the most-talking about TV comedies in history.
Sex and the City, created by Darren Star (creator of such hits as Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, and the current SATC surrogate Younger), followed the lives of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her three friends as they navigated the constantly evolving terrain of love and sex. Bradshaw, a newspaper columnist, wrote on her struggles as well as those of Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Samantha (Kim Cattrall).
In a matter of seasons, Sex and the City became a pop culture institution as it grew into a phenomenon and the world wondered whether Carrie would end up with Mr. Big. The comedy series doesn’t hold back in its exploration of social life, guaranteeing a dialogue on a host of topics and, of course, laughs.
13. Red Oaks
Release Year: 2015
Seasons: 2
Creator: Gregory Jacobs, Joe Gangemi
Starring: Craig Roberts, Ennis Esmer, Jennifer Grey, Gage Golightly, Paul Reiser, Richard Kind, Paul Reiser, Alexandra Socha, Josh Meyers, Alexandra Turshen, Freddie Roman
As one of the most underrated Amazon Studios original series, Red Oaks flies under the radar of the mainstream. But the ’80s coming-of-age period piece carves out a space for itself as a highly relatable story of finding clarity—and yourself—in unlikely and unprecedented circumstances.
David Meyers (Craig Roberts), an uncertain NYU junior, spends the summer of 1985 working as a tennis pro at suburban New Jersey’s Red Oaks Country Club. Even though it’s the summer job of a lifetime, David finds himself pressured at every angle to pursue a future differing from his true desires.
Over the course of the summer, David becomes entangled in the Red Oaks world of crazy members and crazier employees. From the excellent cast to the welcome throwback to the coming-of-age thrills of John Hughes and Richard Linklater, you’ll definitely want to make a trip down to Red Oaks.
12. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Release Year: 2000
Seasons: 8
Creator: Larry David
Starring: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman
Larry David has been a fixture in pop culture for decades after creating Seinfeld with Jerry Seinfeld in 1989. David continued his specific brand of comedy with his own creation, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, in 2000. Somehow, Larry David has a masterful talent in creating shows about “nothing” and turning them into compelling classics.
Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Curb Your Enthusiasm doesn’t have a hook or a high-concept plotline. Much like Seinfeld, the series concerns its comedy with the common minutiae and trivialities of everyday life. Larry David (fictionalized Larry David) rubs people the wrong way with his abrasive personality and unwarranted social commentary, causing friction all around him.
Featuring a hilarious main cast and a revolving door of recognizable guest stars playing fictionalized versions of themselves, the mostly improvised comedy series will return with a brand new ninth season in 2017 after an extended hiatus. Be sure to curb your slacking and catch up on the past eight seasons.
11. Enlightened
Release Year: 2011
Seasons: 2
Creator: Mike White, Laura Dern
Starring: Laura Dern, Luke Wilson, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns, Timm Sharp
Probably one of the most underrated and beloved cult series on this list and Amazon Prime Video, Enlightened only lasted for two seasons before getting canceled at HBO. Despite its acclaim by critics and loyal viewers, the show didn’t catch on with the mainstream.
However, that isn’t indicative of its quality in the least. The comedy-drama series employed a fresh premise and point of view for a situational comedy with stakes. Enlightened starred the delightful Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe, a self-destructive woman who receives holistic therapy treatment following a nervous breakdown at work.
While in treatment, Amy becomes illuminated with a reawakened perspective on life. Dern grabbed a Golden Globe award for her fearless portrayal of Amy and won over the hearts of Enlightened’s trusted fans. For 18 episodes, experience the enlightenment of Enlightened’s heartbreaking optimism.
10. Louie
Release Year: 2010
Seasons: 5
Creator: Louis C.K.
Starring: Louis C.K.
Louis C.K.’s name has come up more than a few times within this list, whether as a featured performer, a writer, or a producer. But the series that broke him through to the mainstream and earned him widespread notability is, without question, FX’s Louie.
The comedian’s eponymous black dramedy set the tone for comedies to plot a little more loosely and go a bit more dark and contemplative, from HBO’s Girls to Comedy Central’s Broad City and others in between. Louie follows the titular main character throughout his everyday life and explores a variety of subjects he encounters, such as divorce, sex, and Catholic guilt.
Unlike most comedy series on television, Louie doesn’t have a fixed cast or format, rather opting for a loose structure of one-off stories and segments of stand-up comedy performances relevant to the episode’s plot. It’s this kind of comedy pioneering that earns Louis C.K. praise and Emmy awards and makes Louie required viewing for any fan of comedy.
9. Flight of the Conchords
Release Year: 2007
Seasons: 2
Creator: James Bobin, Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie
Starring: Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie, Rhys Darby, Kristen Schaal, Arj Barker
The second musical comedy on this list, Flight of the Conchords was a quirky little show that left an impression on the television landscape, and then flew away just as quickly. Centered on the daily lives of a New Zealand folk band implanted in New York City, the HBO comedy offered something different than any other comedy of its time.
Jemaine and Bret (Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie) have their sights set on blazing into the New York folk scene, but with their clueless manager Murray (Rhys Darby) and one fan/stalker Mel (Kristen Schaal), hitting the big time isn’t without its many struggles.
Of course, Flight of the Conchords features comedic songs that pull from or shape the story of the episode. The song are often filmed in the style of a music video or an internal monologue, adding another layer to the Emmy-nominated series. Although there’s talk of a movie and the band still tours, the series produced 22 jam-packed and quotable episodes.
8. One Mississippi
Release Year: 2016
Seasons: 1
Creator: Tig Notaro, Diablo Cody
Starring: Tig Notaro, Casey Wilson, Noah Harpster, John Rothman
A new original series from Amazon Studios, One Mississippi comes from comedian Tig Notaro and the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Juno, Diablo Cody. Inspired by the events of Notaro’s life, the dark comedy follows Notaro’s eponymous character as she returns to her hometown in Mississippi following her mother’s death.
While back home, Tig deals with her mother’s passing, her own health issues, and learns a few things about herself along the way. One Mississippi delves deep into the honesty surrounding life’s darkest moments and the levity one can find within those moments.
On top of the gripping talent of Tig Notaro and Diablo Cody’s charming touch, One Mississippi counts Louis C.K. as an executive producer, as if the amount of talent involved wasn’t already off the charts. With only six episodes in its first season, One Mississippi is a must-watch showcase for Tig Notaro.
7. The Comeback
Release Year: 2005, 2014
Seasons: 2 (1 available with subscription)
Creator: Lisa Kudrow, Michael Patrick King
Starring: Lisa Kudrow, Malin Akerman, Robert Bagnell, Lance Barber, Robert Michael Morris, Laura Silverman, Damian Young
Who would have thought that just shy of the 10-year anniversary of its series finale, The Comeback, Lisa Kudrow’s little HBO show with big laughs, would stage a comeback of its own? In 2014, after a lengthy break from TV’s former “it” girl Valerie Cherish, she burst back onto the scene prepared to take over the world.
Kudrow stars as Valerie Cherish, a tragically optimistic veteran actress in the sitcom world (sounds familiar) dead-set on elbowing her way back into prominence. In Season 1, Valerie stars in a new sitcom, but doesn’t fit in with the young cast. In Season 2, she’s cast in an HBO series, and this time, her comeback almost works at the expense of her personal happiness.
The Comeback tells its story almost entirely in found footage from Valerie’s reality series documenting her climb back to the top. You loved Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe in Friends, and you’ll love her even more as the hilariously hopeless Valerie Cherish in The Comeback.
6. Veronica Mars
Release Year: 2004
Seasons: 3
Creator: Rob Thomas
Starring: Kristen Bell, Percy Daggs III, Jason Dohring, Francis Copra, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, Tina Majorino
Even though Veronica Mars technically categorizes as a mystery drama, the short-lived cult favorite weaves wit in between the noir. Starring the effervescent Kristen Bell in her breakout role, Veronica Mars follows its titular teen detective through the sleazy underbelly of fictional Neptune, California. By day, she’s your average high school wallflower. But by night, Veronica goes undercover.
You might not expect a teen series about a wannabe private investigator to be particularly funny, but Rob Thomas’ creation hinges on its comedy as much as it does its mystery. Although the tone often goes dark (like murder dark), the humorous dialogue keeps it light. Bell severely missed out on an Emmy nomination for playing the serious and comical duality of Veronica Mars.
The series, which ran for two seasons on UPN and one on The CW, ended with a cry from diehard fans. In 2014, a crowdfunded film of the same name hit theaters, proving the staying power of a loyal fanbase and a quality television series. The ultimate intersection of crime and comedy, Veronica Mars is the perfect binge for anybody.
5. Catastrophe
Release Year: 2015
Seasons: 2
Creator: Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan
Starring: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney, Carrie Fisher, Ashley Jensen, Mark Bonnar
Originating from the United Kingdom, the Amazon Studios original series Catastrophe hails from the writing team Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. When Rob Norris (Rob Delaney) visits London and hooks up with Sharon Morris (Sharon Horgan) for a “one-week stand,” the pair get way more than they bargained for. Sharon’s pregnancy brings Rob back to London from Boston ready to take on a relationship.
Rob and Sharon get the whole “catastrophe” all at once after a simple week-long affair. The sitcom also features Ashley Jensen, Mark Bonnar, and Carrie Fisher in supporting roles to round out the immensely talented cast. Also, Delaney and Horgan write each episode together, and a sole director helms the series. It’s not often that a television show has a singular vision and tone through and through.
With six episodes per season (and at least two more seasons on the way in the coming years), the funny and heartfelt Catastrophe stands as one of the best and breeziest binges on Amazon Prime Video.
4. Awkward.
Release Year: 2011
Seasons: 5
Creator: Lauren Iungerich
Starring: Ashley Rickards, Beau Mirchoff, Nikki DeLoach, Jillian Rose Reed, Brett Davern, Molly Tarlov, Desi Lydic, Jessica Lu, Greer Grammer
MTV, aka Music Television, hasn’t been known for its musical programming in some time. In the last couple decades, they have leaned more toward reality series and competitions. But every now and again, they introduced an original scripted series that connected with their audience. One such series was the incomparably hilarious Awkward.
Jenna Hamilton (Ashley Rickards) doesn’t stand out, but her crush on school heartthrob Matty McKibben (Beau Mirchoff) does. After they hook up on the last day at camp, she returns home business as usual to an anonymous letter. In the letter, a “friend” bluntly tells her to pluck herself out of obscurity. A misunderstanding leads her parents and the whole school into believing she attempted suicide. She’s left humiliated and stuck in an eyesore of an arm cast.
Awkward. portrays the high school experience like it never has been seen on television. With the fast-talking witticisms of Tamara (Jillian Rose Reed) and the striking cut downs of Sadie (Molly Tarlov), Awkward. tosses a little irreverence and intelligence into a rather self-indulgent, hormonal time in life. Laugh along with Jenna as she endures all of the teenage awkwardness.
3. Entourage
Release Year: 2004
Seasons: 8
Creator: Doug Ellin
Starring: Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven, Debi Mazar, Perrey Reeves, Rex Lee, Rhys Coiro, Gary Cole, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Scott Caan
Unless you slept through the last 12 years, you have heard of HBO’s hit series Entourage. From executive producer Mark Wahlberg, movie star and burger connoisseur, the series loosely borrows its logline from Wahlberg’s own experience of shooting to stardom in Hollywood.
Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) has become the next big film star, and his childhood pals from Queens, New York, hitch their wagon to his rising star. Drama (Kevin Dillon), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), Vince’s manager Eric (Kevin Connolly), and his high-strung agent Ari (Jeremy Piven) revolve around Vince’s success as an actor. Together, they take on both the strange and surreal in the unfamiliar land of Los Angeles.
Entourage used real-life themes to explore fame, relationships, and, probably most prevalent, male friendship. Although it’s not particularly the most culturally vital series and doesn’t often speak on important issues, these guys will crack you up and those celebrity cameos will have you seeing stars.
2. Girls
Release Year: 2012
Seasons: 2 available with subscription, 5 total
Creator: Lena Dunham
Starring: Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, Jemima Kirke, Adam Driver, Alex Karpovsky, Andrew Rannells
Picking up where network-mate Sex and the City left off, Lena Dunham’s brainchild tackles the brutally honest sexual adventures of a group of New York City women. Except, where the SATC ladies were confident and assured in their questionable decision-making, Girls dives deep into the ugliest shades of Hannah, Marnie, Shoshanna, and Jessa.
Girls, a painfully funny character study of twentysomething struggles, burst onto the scene as a critical darling. It’s racked up awards and nominations throughout its five seasons (its sixth and final will air in early 2017) and has never wavered in its commitment to make sense of the harshest realities of growing up.
Hannah (Dunahm), a hapless writer unsure of her place in life or love, wades through her twenties with her best friends Marnie (Allison Williams), Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet), and Jessa (Jemima Kirke). However, living the post-grad life is not always easy. Girls features one of the most honest depictions of female friendship on television and speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost.
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maise7
Release Year: 2014
Seasons: 1
Creator: Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino
Starring: Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen, Tony Shaloub
Amazon Studios’ crown jewel, the Emmy Award-winning and Golden Globe-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, easily snags the top spot in our list of the best comedy series to stream on Amazon Prime. Stacked with talent and brimming with uniquely important stories, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel transcends the hype. It’s a must-watch.
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The series follows the Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a mother and housewife. Set during the 1950s, she’s happy with her high class lifestyle until the night her husband (Michael Zegen) decides to leave her for his secretary. Midge is confused, shocked, and heartbroken.
After he walks out, Midge decides to find herself. She needs to figure out who she is as not a housewife and that leads to a passion of standup comedy. Deciding to keep it a secret from her family, Midge becomes friends with Susie, who bails her out of jail after her first night on stage and becomes her manager.
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With incredible performances from all involved, there’s no doubt that this is a series you need to watch. While it’s focused on a woman finding herself initially, the second season has developed other characters. There’s still a way to go for her ex-in-laws, but Midge’s parents gained far more and it’s time Tony Shaloub got an Emmy or Golden Globe win for his acting.
What are your favorite comedies on Amazon Prime Video? Share in the comments below.