15 Funniest TV Comedies of the Last 25 Years

25 years’ worth of TV comedy gold is hard to wrap your head around. The landscape has certainly evolved, with mockumentaries reigning supreme and streaming creating fierce competition for cable. The internet further allows for international comedies to have more of a reach, with clips on YouTube acting as a means for people to seek out diverse global content actively. Yet, with the amount of TV available, some shows rise to the top, becoming critically praised and adored by fans.

Considering the best TV comedies of the last 25 years, we have picked only those released after the start of the year 2000. This means cornerstone sitcoms like Friends, which aired in 1994 and had its last season in 2004, are not considered for this list. Otherwise, these 15 titles tickled our funny bones and proved that TV’s comedy genre continues to thrive in the 21st century.

15

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000)

Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Larry David navigates many awkward social interactions reminiscent of the humor he crafted while working on Seinfeld. The semi-improvisational Curb Your Enthusiasm thrives as a comedy of errors and misunderstandings as David’s outspoken and curmudgeonly persona places him in many awkward situations. The show features a cast of returning characters, building its own little eccentric world over the course of 12 seasons.

“I Don’t Like Talking to People I Know, but Strangers, I have No Problem With.”

Despite Curb Your Enthusiasm becoming the most snubbed comedy of all time at the Emmys, its twelve-season run garnered a loyal fanbase by building and improving on the comedy of one of the greatest sitcoms ever: Seinfeld. Masterful at building a comedic premise from a single event that spirals out of control, Curb Your Enthusiasm gave some memorable episodes. From David embracing his inner villain after becoming universally reviled after tripping Shaq to killing a rare black swan and finding himself under investigation at the golf course that housed the prized bird, Curb Your Enthusiasm has left fans with a lot of classic humor.

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14

‘Peep Show’ (2003)

The British sitcom Peep Show revolves around the unconventional friendship of two socially awkward roommates. Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell) is a meticulous, introverted office worker striving for career advancement and personal improvement. He bumbles through relationships and is exceptionally pedantic and self-deprecating. In contrast, Jeremy “Jez” Usbourne (Robert Webb) is a laid-back, aspiring musician who quickly falls into relationships. His blasé nature and lack of shame get him into many embarrassing situations.

“Come on Fate, This Can’t Be Right. Don’t Fist Me Again, Fate.”

Peep Show is not as well known outside its native country, but the long-running sitcom captured so many elements of British culture through two varying personalities. The use of internal dialogue to deliver most of the humor offers an intimate look into the thought process of Mark and Jez. The series does an excellent job of building lore around the two characters, from Jez’s friendship with drug-addicted Super Hans sucking him into some deviant behavior to Mark’s rival at work weaving his way into his various relationships. Regarding awkward situational comedy, there is no series more uproarious than Peep Show.

13

‘The Office’ (2005)

The Office has become one of those sitcoms that, even if you don’t watch it, you know the memes and jokes by proxy of someone obsessed with it. The antics of the employees at Dunder Mifflin have become integrated into the pop culture lexicon. Any streaming platform The Office lands on becomes a huge draw for fans.

“I’m Not Superstitious… But I’m a Little Stitious.”

One of the few cases where the American remake outdid the British original, The Office is considered by many to be the greatest sitcom not just of the 21st century but of all time. Here, it is hard to pick a definitive episode or moment that has defined the series. Yet, The Office’s success is felt throughout the TV landscape, leading to a domination of mockumentary-style sitcoms in the 2010s.

12

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005)

Comedy fans became enamored with the crew running the fictional fledgling dive bar Paddy’s Pub in South Philadelphia, including Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee, and Frank. Taking a dark comedy approach, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia allowed fans to laugh at the actions of some deplorable people with some weird eccentricities. It’s Always Sunny has proven its longevity, still running after 17 seasons; the show has also crossed over with another standout sitcom, Abbott Elementary.

“What’s Your Spaghetti Policy?”

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s ability to stay relevant across its many seasons has given plenty of classic moments. From season 1’s edgy “Underage Drinking: A National Concern,” which saw Paddy Pub purposely open itself to minors, to season 16’s “Dennis Takes a Mental Health Day,” which allowed Dennis to fully embrace his rage. With a phenomenal cast, meme-worthy moments, and heavily quotable dialogue, what more would you want from a comedy series?

11

‘The IT Crowd’ (2006)

The IT Crowd developed a cult following with its nerdy humor, awkward social situations, and embrace of slacker and outsider culture. It follows an IT team operating out of the basement of a giant corporate space, including Roy Trenneman, a snarky Irishman; Maurice Moss, a socially inept genius; Jen Barber, their tech-illiterate boss; and Richmond Avenal, a once rising star in the corporate world who went goth after hearing Cradle of Filth.

“I Like Being Weird. Weird Is All I’ve Got. That, and My Sweet Style.”

Almost every other line of dialogue in The IT Crowd is quotable. The series takes a quickfire approach to humor and perfects comedic timing. The 26 episodes across four series are all killer, no filler, and the show is perfect for re-watching due to its fast-paced humor. The cast is phenomenal, with some of Britain’s best modern comedic actors, including Matt Berry of What We Do In Shadows fame.

10

‘Flight of the Conchords’ (2007)

Two seasons were far too short for the musically driven comedy of Flight of the Concords. Still, what was left behind are some of the most memorable songs committed to TV that introduced the world to the awkwardly endearing duo of Jamie and Bret. The two struggling New Zealand musicians in New York struggle to find gigs, love, and money.

“Sounds Like Something a Lamp Post Could Do.”

Beyond the highly catchy songs like “The Most Beautiful Girl (in the Room)” and “I’m Not Crying,” Flight of the Concords soared off its deadpan delivery of dialogue from Bret and Jermaine. The two seem utterly clueless about almost every aspect of New York and America. Still, their straightforward response to all the big city’s absurdities makes their interactions equally humorous and endearing. The series is so brief yet iconic that it is hard to pick a definitive episode to highlight the comedic brilliance of Flight of the Concords.

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9

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009)

Comedy fans found themselves enamored by the well-meaning yet chaotic efforts of the Pawnee Parks Department. Led by the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), alongside the stoic Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), sarcastic April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), goofy Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt), entrepreneurial Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari), and the endlessly supportive Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones), the show marks one of the best ensemble casts on comedy TV. Though the series concluded after seven seasons, it remains culturally relative and meme-worthy; from telling people to “treat yo’ self” to the infinite manly wisdom from Ron Swanson.

“Crying: Acceptable at Funerals and The Grand Canyon.”

Parks and Recreation’s knack for finding sincerity in everyday politics offered many fan favorites over 125 episodes. However, the show thrives on watching the entire series and understanding the characters better and how they interact; the main reason is that the final season is held in as high regard as the first. At the same time, Parks and Recreation has a lot of optimism in Leslie and her team trying to make the best of their small town; it can be the ideal comfort watch for some humor when feeling down.

8

‘Modern Family’ (2009)

Modern Family weaves the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker families together to offer a humorous look at the family structure through generational and cultural differences. Authenticity becomes the key to success with Modern Family, which focuses on real-life problems told through a diverse cast spanning different generations and worldviews.

“Is She Moving in Slow Motion or Is My Brain Doing That?”

Despite showing families constantly facing adversity in their daily lives, Modern Family is the definition of feel-good comedy. Notably, each family member can work through things by leaning on each other’s strengths and knowledge. The chemistry between the phenomenal cast also helps to further the show’s authenticity and sincerity. Of course, the comedy is at its best when exploring how dysfunctional families can get, but a pervasive optimism kept viewers coming back for more.

7

‘Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!’ (2007)

Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are arguably the most influential comedians in the modern era. They bring a unique absurd humor that has been integrated into various shows and viral videos. Eric Andre (The Eric Andre Show) and Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave) have both taken the absurdist angle popularized by Tim and Eric and morphed it into their own devilishly funny shows.

“It’s Free Real Estate.”

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! is not about picking a favorite episode but immersing yourself in their comedic genius. Drawing inspiration from the days of public access TV, including employing actual figures featured on local stations, the show created memorable characters like Dr. Steve Brule, The Clapper, Jean Godard, and Spghett. The duo would also continue to spin off the success of their show with series like Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule, Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories, and Beefhouse.

You can stream Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! on Max

6

‘Impractical Jokers’ (2011)

The “it’s just a prank bro” age of YouTube is one best left in the past, with the format growing controversial, stupid, and redundant. However, out of this format was birthed one of the best-improvised prank shows ever made in Impractical Jokers. Starring four real-life best friends, James, Joe, Sal, and Quinn, one or two would compete in a challenge, with the others giving directions on what they must say and do. The loser, or losers, at the end of the episode, would then have to perform an embarrassing task in public.

“Prepare For Something Amazing.”

Where Impractical Jokers excelled was in having four friends with a rich history compete against each other in a series of absurd challenges. This can range from simply trying to pin flags on shoppers at a grocery store without getting caught to them trying to sell products to a sample group, like a turtle with a battery on it. The show is the perfect companion piece to another show worth noting but not making this list, the genre-defying Nathan for You, which thrives on creating bizarre scenarios and delivering them to an unexpecting public.

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5

‘The Eric Andre Show’ (2012)

Two prank shows in a row might seem a bit indulgent, but Eric Andre’s The Eric Andre Show took the format to a new level of absurdity with sometimes dangerous pranks on the public. The street-level antics are framed by a fake talk show in which Andre makes famous guests uncomfortable while destroying his set.

“Why Would You Say Something So Controversial Yet So Brave?”

The show is very loud and in your face. As such, its appeal may not be universal, with skits like watching explicit content loudly in public cafes or Andre interrupting a town hall meeting in Rancho Cucamonga bordering on public nuisance rather than comedy. Still, more often than not, Andre’s boundary-pushing comedy, both in pranks and under the guise of a talk show, has made for some of the most memorable and memorable humor of the 21st century.

4

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015)

Canadian comedy has thrived in its native country, with titles like SCTV and Kids in the Hall still revered to this day while only hovering outside of popularity in the US. Schitt’s Creek was one of the few shows that bridged that gap. While the humor is not explicitly Canadian, legendary comedian Eugene Levy and his son Dan are revered national treasures, representing the country’s best. The series follows the Rose family from riches to rags, finding themselves in Schitt’s Creek running a small motel after losing all their other properties.

“Gossip Is the Devil’s Telephone. Best to Just Hang Up.”

Taking the bourgeois and placing them in a quaint little town to thrive creates a lot of out-of-touch humor, yet the characters remain endearing as they try to adapt to their new life. Schitt’s Creek expertly explores the culture around a tight-knit community and small-town living with wit and sincerity. The series is best viewed in order, and while there are better episodes, the journey from start to finish makes the show such an endearing comedic gem.

3

‘The Good Place’ (2016)

The Good Place stood out for its more introspective approach to the very nature of humanity while still delivering laugh-out-loud humor. Blending comedy and fantasy, the show followed four deceased people, one of whom is confused about having made it to “the good place” after living a sinful life. Given the chance, she decides to become more morally upright. However, throughout the series, things slowly break down around the group, hinting at a greater conspiracy behind their afterlife.

“You Humans Have So Many Emotions! You Only Need Two: Anger and Confusion!”

The Good Life stands tall in a sea of more situational and episodic comedies, crafting a clever script with divine humor. This proved to be a fun mystery for fans to unravel while chuckling along with some absurd antics while in “heaven.” Who knew a tale of self-redemption and diving into the moral quandaries of existence with such profundity could also be one of the best comedies of the 21st century?

2

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020)

Apple TV+ and Ted Lasso have become synonymous. The 7-time Primetime Emmy Award winner is arguably the most notable original program Apple TV+ has ever produced. The series seemed to spark interest in the American sports comedy-drama unlike any other before it, following the titular American college football coach trying to make it in England while saving a struggling English Premier League soccer team.

“I Do Love a Locker Room. It Smells Like Potential.”

Timing played a significant role in its success, with Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) giving much of America a needed laugh and moral boost during the pandemic. However, the series’ emphasis on personal growth, team dynamics, and improving lives at the forefront of Lasso’s mission in London made it feel like a fresh and endearing comedic journey over three seasons and 26 episodes. Humor, heart, humanity, and some valuable life lessons learned along the way were the perfect mix everyone needed in 2020.

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1

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021)

Abbott Elementary

Release Date

December 7, 2021

Network

ABC

Abbott Elementary continues to show that the mockumentary format of TV comedy will be a powerhouse for some time to come. Following a group of dedicated teachers and their tone-deaf principal at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia, Abbott Elementary managed to explore critical issues facing the educational system while still being able to bring laughs.

“My Followers Aren’t Going to Influence Themselves.”

The authentic representation remains one of the comedy gem’s core strengths. It finds the balance of rightfully criticizing the U.S. education system while maintaining an upbeat and optimistic viewpoint. Unlike other mockumentary-formated shows, Abbott Elementary presents an authentic and multidimensional group of characters, drawing viewers deeper into their struggles and personal relationships.

You can view the original article HERE.