Let’s be honest, sometimes we all need a good laugh. And while shows like “The Office” and “Friends” are comedy classics, there’s a wealth of hilarious content that has slipped under the mainstream radar. Here’s a curated list of 20 LOL TV comedies from the last five years that you might have missed but should absolutely add to your watchlist.
1. The Good Place (2016-2020)
A fresh take on the afterlife, this series explores what happens when a morally questionable woman finds herself in a utopian afterlife by mistake. Philosophy has never been this funny.
2. Superstore (2015-2021)
Set in a Walmart-like retail store, this ensemble comedy provides a slice-of-life look at the quirky employees and the bizarre customers they serve. Employee relations have never been so entertaining.
3. What We Do in the Shadows (2019- )
A mockumentary-style show about the daily lives of vampires sharing a house in Staten Island. Combining horror elements with absurd comedy, this show is ridiculously amusing.
4. Barry (2018-2023)
A dark comedy about a hitman who discovers his passion for acting. As he attempts to abandon his old life, the lines between crime and theater become hilariously blurred.
5. The Kominsky Method (2018-2021)
Starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin, this series dives into the ups and downs of getting older. A touch of wisdom served with a hearty laugh.
6. A.P. Bio (2018-2021)
When a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor ends up teaching high school biology, he manipulates his students into helping him seek petty revenge against his academic rivals.
7. Search Party (2016-2022)
This dark comedy-mystery follows a group of self-absorbed millennials who get embroiled in an investigation when a college acquaintance mysteriously disappears.
Hidden Gems
8. Shrill (2019-2021)
This show explores the life of a young journalist navigating her way through a world that’s not always kind to plus-sized women. Body positivity with a touch of humor.
9. Letterkenny (2016- )
Originating in Canada but gaining traction in the U.S., this rural comedy provides a glimpse into the lives of a small community’s residents, each quirkier than the next.
10. Dave (2020- )
Based on the life of rapper Lil Dicky, this show combines real-life experiences with fictional elements, delivering laugh-out-loud moments while examining the music industry’s oddities.
11. Fleabag (2016-2019)
An emotionally damaged woman navigates love, family, and her failing business. While deeply moving, its sharp wit keeps you laughing throughout.
12. Derry Girls (2018-2022)
This coming-of-age comedy set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland has a unique blend of historical references and teenage awkwardness that’s both informative and hilarious.
13. After Life (2019-2021)
Ricky Gervais stars as a man grappling with the loss of his wife. While it sounds grim, the series serves laughter as a coping mechanism for life’s tragedies.
14. Sex Education (2019- )
A socially awkward teenager starts giving sex advice, inspired by his sex therapist mother. It’s an awkward, hilarious, and sometimes poignant look at teenage relationships.
15. This Country (2017-2020)
A mockumentary about young adults living in a small English village, dealing with boredom and local gossip. An authentic and hilarious look at rural life.
16. Ghosts (2019- ) (BBC Version)
A couple inherits a haunted mansion filled with quirky ghosts from different eras. It’s a supernatural comedy that’s uniquely British.
17. Kim’s Convenience (2016-2021)
A Canadian comedy focusing on a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto. A cultural amalgam that’s endearing and funny.
18. Call My Agent! (2015-2020)
This French comedy series about talent agents in Paris offers an inside look at the film industry, complete with cameo appearances from real-life French celebrities.
19. Workin’ Moms (2017-2023)
Another Canadian entry that delves into the challenges of modern motherhood. This show presents the comedic struggles of balancing work and family life.
20. Fallet (2017)
This Swedish-British series is a parody of the Nordic noir genre. It pairs a British detective with a Swedish police officer to solve a gruesome murder, but the execution is anything but serious.
If you’re searching for a new series to indulge in or need a reason to laugh, these 20 shows offer a range of comedic styles and themes. Whether you prefer dark humor, slapstick, or satire, there’s something here for every comedy lover. Happy watching!