As it constantly pushes boundaries and finds creative ways to make us laugh, comedy remains a thriving and dynamic genre in television entertainment. 2024 has given us a diverse line-up of shows that challenge conventions, blend genres, and draw attention to real talent. From workplace satires that hit close to home to surreal explorations of the human psyche, this year’s top titles prove that humor can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling, social commentary, and emotional resonance.
Whether you’re a fan of biting wit, absurdist humor, or dark comedies, the following list represents the pinnacle of small-screen hilarity, each offering a unique perspective on the world and the laughter that helps us navigate it.
1. The Bear (2022 — Present)
The Bear is a critically acclaimed comedy-drama that skillfully blends with intense kitchen drama. It follows Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), a talented chef who returns to his hometown to take over his family’s struggling sandwich shop after his brother’s death.
As Carmy who has previously worked at Michelin Star restaurants attempts to navigate the chaotic kitchen environment, he’s faced with a ton of challenges including mounting debt, a disorganized restaurant, and a staff that’s hard to work with. The show’s unique charm lies in its ability to find moments of levity and wit amidst this high-pressure milieu.
Over its three-season run, The Bear has earned praise for its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and deft handling of themes such as grief, workplace dynamics, and dysfunctional family relationships. It’s no wonder the show won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The Bear is available on Hulu.
2. Hacks (2021 — Present)
Hacks has been praised for its perfect blend of sharp critique of the comedy world and more intimate, character-driven moments. Jean Smart, who has won the Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy three times for her role, has received widespread acclaim for her performance alongside Hannah Einbinder.
The series focuses on the professional relationship between young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Einbinder) and legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance (Smart). Despite their contrasting personalities, the two form a strong bond as Ava pushes Deborah to take more creative risks. Hacks is available on Max (formerly HBO Max).
3. Abbott Elementary (2021 — Present)
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary sitcom created by and starring Quinta Brunson. Since its premiere in December 2021, the series has enjoyed tremendous success for its comedic take on the challenges faced by staff in underfunded public schools, effectively receiving critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
The series centers on Janine Teagues (Brunson), an eternally optimistic second-grade teacher at the fictional Abbott Elementary, a Black school in Philadelphia. The comedy arises from Janine’s earnest attempts to support her students, even if it means having to deal with the quirks of her incompetent coworkers and the limitations of the school system.
The show’s mockumentary style adds an extra layer of comedic depth, allowing for subtle jokes and reactions that serve to enhance the viewing experience. Abbott Elementary is available to stream on Hulu.
4. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 — Present)
Curb Your Enthusiasm concluded its triumphant 12-season run this year to much fanfare and has unsurprisingly turned out to be one of the best comedy shows of 2024 so far. Since its debut in October 2000, the series has received widespread praise from critics and gained a massive following. Although the show’s popularity was at its highest in the mid-2000s, it has continued to do well in the years that followed, further solidifying its cult status.
Aside from being the genius behind the show’s conception, Larry David also stars as a fictionalized version of himself, portraying the semi-retired life of a TV writer and producer. What was initially meant to be a one-time gig evolved into a full-blown comedy series, shot in mockumentary style with a cinéma vérité approach, where much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. Curb Your Enthusiasm is available on Max.
5. We Are Lady Parts (2021 — Present)
Created, written, and directed by Nida Manzoor, the British sitcom We Are Lady Parts is a popular sitcom with several awards including BAFTA and Peabody, two Gotham nominations, and a Rose d’Or nomination to its name.
Seeing an all-female Muslim punk band has never been this fun. The series follows Lady Parts, the punk rock band that draws inspiration from London’s rich and diverse collection of cultures. With its infectious energy, great songs, and outstanding cast, it’s easy to see why We Are Lady Parts is a critic favorite. The show is available on Peacock.
6. Only Murders in the Building (2021 — Present)
Who would have thought the unlikely trio that is Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short could be this entertaining? Only Murders in the Building showcases the incredible chemistry between the three as they investigate a series of suspicious murders in the Arconia, their apartment building. This leads them to create their own podcast also titled, Only Murders in the Building, where they document and discuss the cases they encounter.
The show became an instant hit, receiving widespread praise for its comedic take on crime fiction and top-notch performance from the cast. The comedy-drama has picked up several major nominations, while the trio themselves have received acting nods. Only Murders in the Building is available for streaming on Hulu.
7. Ted (2024 — Ongoing)
What began as a feature film starring the foul-mouthed Ted on the big screen has now become a critic and fan-favorite comedy series that has been renewed for a second season. As the third installment in the Ted franchise, the TV show, which centers around a fictional teddy bear, serves as a prequel to the two previous feature films.
Seth MacFarlane reprises his role as the voice of the eponymous lead, accompanied by a main cast that includes Max Burkholder as a 16-year-old John (the younger version of Mark Wahlberg’s character from the films), Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes as John’s parents, and Giorgia Whigham as John’s cousin Blaire. The TV series with its caustic comedy and constant shenanigans has been lauded for its humor and handling of political themes. Ted is available exclusively on Peacock.
8. Girls5eva (2021–2024)
Another girl group brings laughs to the small screen in Meredith Scardino’s Girls5eva. The series follows four women who were part of a 1990s group called Girls5eva. However, by the 2000s, their popularity had faded, pushing them into one-hit-wonder status. But this group has no plans to give up; when the chance arises, they reunite to find musical success again, despite the hardships and challenges they’re forced to overcome.
Originally aired on Peacock, Girls5eva was saved by Netflix after its cancellation. Despite this change, the show has not lost its popularity, with many praising the Girls5eva cast for its sweet comedic interplay and a story that brings major nostalgia to many.
9. Conan O’Brien Must Go (2024 — Present)
At this point, late-night shows and Conan O’Brien may as well be synonymous with each other. Although we all know what an excellent host and comedian Conan is, we also know that he loves to experiment constantly, so here we are. Conan O’Brien Must Go is a spinoff of his extremely popular podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.
The former late-night talk show host came up with this comedy travel series to meet his various fans in person, after previously featuring them via video calls in a sub-series of his podcast. In the first season alone, O’Brien already went to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. So, expect to see O’Brien exploring different parts of the world as the series has been renewed for a second season. Conan O’Brien Must Go is available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max).
10. Shoresy (2022 — Present)
This Letterkenny (a popular Canadian comedy series) spin-off about a foul-mouthed ice hockey player and his attempts to turn his underdog team around scored big laughs, satisfying Letterkenny fans and critics alike.
The sitcom maintains the rapid-fire dialogue and oddball characters that Letterkenny is known for, while developing the titular protagonist Shoresy into a more complex character than his appearances in the original series. As of 2024, three seasons have been produced and released, with the fourth one in the works.