‘When Netflix first burst onto the scene as a simple by-mail DVD rental service, few could have predicted it to transform into a huge streaming service. But what started as a modest alternative to brick-and-mortar video stores has now evolved into a full-fledged production powerhouse that offers original content across every genre imaginable.
While Netflix has undoubtedly made its mark with prestigious, fan-favorite supernatural and historical dramas like Stranger Things and The Crown, it’s the platform’s comedy series that have truly struck a chord with audiences. These shows are a combination of highbrow wit, low-brow hilarity, and awkward cringe humor. The streaming giant’s catalog of original comedy series is huge, but we’ve curated a list of 10 wildly diverse and truly funny titles that prove Netflix is clearly bringing its A-game to the table.
10
‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015 – 2019)
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Release Date
March 6, 2015
Seasons
4
After being rescued from a doomsday cult, where she spent 15 years trapped in an underground bunker, Kimmy Schmidt is determined to reclaim her life, so she moves to New York City. With an unbreakable spirit and bubbly disposition, she navigates the trials of the modern world and meets an array of characters, forming an unlikely family along the way.
A Joyful, Feel-Good and Whimsical Series
Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt puts a refreshingly optimistic spin on the fish-out-of-water formula. It is anchored by a career-making performance from Ellie Kemper, whose portrayal is endearing and hilarious at the same time. With its sharp writing, the series manages to find the light even in the strangest of circumstances by being wildly funny and deeply poignant. Over the course of its four-season run, the series cemented itself as one of Netflix’s truly remarkable comedies.
9
‘Love’ (2016 – 2018)
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Release Date
February 19, 2016
Seasons
3
The main characters of Love meet in the most conventional ways ever – at a coffee shop when one forgets to bring their wallet and the other offers to pay. And yet, the series is extremely quirky in its exploration of the messy realities of relationships. We follow Mickey Dobbs, an alcoholic, dishonest wild child with a rebellious streak, and Gus, an emotionally needy and awkward nice guy as they try to build a relationship.
Joys of Finding “The One”
Praised for its raw, no-holds-barred approach to depicting modern romance, Judd Apatow’s Love is a nuanced romantic comedy that refuses to shy away from the uncomfortable truths about adult relationships. With tender, laugh-out-loud humor, it explores themes of anxiety, addiction, insecurities, the occasional self-sabotage and eventual personal growth that plague even the most well-intentioned couples. Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust are dynamic as the leading duo.
8
‘Master of None’ (2015 – 2021)
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Release Date
November 6, 2015
Seasons
3
Loosely based on Aziz Ansari’s real-life experiences, who co-created the show with Alan Yang and also stars in it as the protagonist, Master of None is a comedy-drama that follows Dev Shah, a 30-year-old struggling actor going through the highs and lows of life in New York City. over the course of three seasons, it dives into Dev’s relationships, career challenges, and cultural identity as he searches for a purpose in life.
Clever Exploration of Life’s Challenges
A hilarious reflection on the universal experiences that shape modern millennial life, Master of None is a critically acclaimed series. It has received tremendous praise for its innovative storytelling, clever writing, and for its fresh perspective on everything from race and religion to generational divides and the complexities of romance. Standout episodes like “Parents” and “Thanksgiving” particularly show Ansari’s range as an actor.
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7
‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ (2019 – 2023)
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Release Date
April 23, 2019
Seasons
3
From the moment the opening credits roll on this brilliant sketch comedy series, it’s clear that viewers are in for something delightful and off-the-wall. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson created by Tim Robinson and it features a collection of awkward and hilarious sketches where Robinson and his guests try to make someone leave… quite stubbornly.
Absurd Humor at Its Finest
The brainchild of former Saturday Night Live writer Tim Robinson, this gloriously weird sketch comedy series takes the cringe factor to dizzying new heights by taking a deep dive into the most uncomfortable and utterly absurd situation possible and mining genuinely funny moments out of them. It has garnered a cult following for its atypical brand of comedy and for pushing the boundaries of the genre. With a carefully stacked ensemble cast and twisted sense of humor, I Think You Should Leave has become an instant fan favorite.
6
‘Mo’ (2022 – Present)
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Mo
Release Date
August 24, 2022
Cast
Teresa Ruiz
, Mo Amer
, Caleb Tourres
, Joe Brooks Jr.
, Betsy Medina
, Carol Hickey
, Mike Kaye
, Kelly Kidd
, Jeff Guerrero
, Farah Bsieso
, Omar Elba
, Alan Rosenberg
, Tobe Nwigwe
, Kamal Zaid
, Bassem Youssef
, Moayad Alnefaie
, Sanjay Rao
, Amelia Rico
, Christopher Rivera
, Rutherford Cravens
, Lori Z. Cordova
, Walt Roberts
, Wilmer Calderon
, Cynthia Yelle
, Troy Hogan
Seasons
1
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Created by Ramy Youssef with Mo Amer and inspired by the latter’s real-life experiences, Mo is a comedy-drama series that centers around Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee who finds himself living the life of an undocumented immigrant in Houston, Texas. Balancing two culture, three languages, and a pending asylum request, Mo must rely on his quick wit and infectious charm to survive.
Refreshingly Unique and Authentic Immigrant Comedy
At its core, this comedy series is about the titular character’s struggle to support his family and find his place in America while dealing with the everyday absurdities that come with his unique circumstances. Mo Amer draws from his real-life story and brings an unparalleled authenticity to the series. Rather underrated, Mo holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s also the first TV show to portray a Palestinian-American refugee as the main character.
5
‘After Life’ (2019 – 2022)
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Release Date
March 8, 2019
Seasons
3
Another Netflix original comedy worth checking out, if you haven’t already, is Ricky Gervais’ After Life. Written by and starring Gervais himself, it follows Jony Johnson, a misanthropic local journalist struggling to cope with the sudden loss of his wife, Lisa. Rather than succumb to despair, Tony decides to say and do whatever he pleases, no matter the consequences. But the approach only alienates those around him.
A Bittersweet Blend of Laughter and Tears
Otherwise considered dark because of its premise, After Life has some genuinely wicked humor and loads of swearing. It balances the profound and profane with deeply emotional moments that have struck a chord with audiences. In Tony, Gervais crafts a richly complex protagonist, a man whose scathing worldview and callous behavior stems directly from the all-consuming pain of his personal tragedy. The supporting cast includes Diane Morgan, Tom Basden, Ashley Jensen, and more.
4
‘Flaked’ (2016 – 2017)
Flaked is a comedic and introspective series created by Will Arnett and Mark Chappell. Arnett stars in the series as Chip, a self-proclaimed “guru of Venice Beach” who often mentors others on their life problems. But beneath his charming exterior, Chip is struggling to maintain his sobriety while navigating a web of lies and half-truths that threaten to tear his meticulously crafted image apart.
A Deadpan Character Study
Growing up feels fascinating, but with adulthood comes a parade of complex addictions, personal demons, and a not-so-zen life. Arnett takes this truth and churns it into a humorous narrative where the main character is trying to improve himself but refuses to confront certain truths about his life. The show’s laid-back California setting and offbeat supporting characters add to its wonderful and wry tone.
3
‘Lady Dynamite’ (2016 – 2017)
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Lady Dynamite
Release Date
May 20, 2016
Cast
Maria Bamford
, Fred Melamed
, Mary Kay Place
, Ana Gasteyer
, Mo Collins
, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
, Lennon Parham
, Bridget Everett
Seasons
2
A surreal comedy series starring Maria Bamford and inspired by her own life, Lady Dynamite follows the stand-up comedian as she suffers a highly publicized mental health crisis and returns to Los Angeles to put the pieces of her life back together. From her career to her personal life, the series adapts an unconventional narrative style to depict chapters of Maria’s life before and after her time in recovery for bipolar disorder.
Daring and Disorienting in Equal Measure
Starring the incomparable Maria Bamford as a fictionalized version of herself, Lady Dynamite is a masterclass in defying genre conventions. It’s a part autobiographical dramedy and part absurdist sketch show that revels in its own unhinged sense of humor and self-referential comedy. Across two seasons, it playfully toys with Maria’s past, present, and future while offering an honest and humorous take on mental health. That said, Lady Dynamite is probably Netflix’s most distinctive original comedy.
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2
‘FUBAR’ (2023 – Present)
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Release Date
May 5, 2023
Rating
Seasons
1
Combining comedy with action and suspense, FUBAR centers on Luke, a seasoned CIA operative who is on the brink of retirement. Just as he’s about to start a quieter life, he discovers a shocking family secret – his daughter Emma is also a CIA operative working undercover for years now. This revelation thrusts Luke back in the field, this time, with Emma, as they navigate dangerous missions and clash over their contrasting personalities.
Father-Daughter Buddy Comedy
FUBAR stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro in the lead roles, who bring an infectious chemistry to their respective father-daughter roles. But as the series explores the fraught dynamic between the two, it never loses sight of its primary objective, which is to deliver relentless explosive thrills and laugh-out-loud comedy. The stunts, the plot twists, and the profane humor, all led to FUBAR gaining popularity and becoming a must-watch.
1
‘Nobody Wants This’ (2024 – Present)
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Nobody Wants This
Release Date
September 6, 2024
Cast
Kristen Bell
, Adam Brody
, Justine Lupe
, Timothy Simons
, Jackie Tohn
, Tovah Feldshuh
, Paul Ben-Victor
, Sherry Cola
, Stephanie Faracy
, Emily Arlook
, Shiloh Bearman
, Stephen Tobolowsky
, Michael Hitchcock
, D’Arcy Carden
, Eric Satterberg
Seasons
1
Expand
One of the most popular romantic comedies of 2024, Nobody Wants This is created by Erin Foster and it features Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in the lead roles. The show centers around Joanne, an outspoken, agnostic sex podcaster, and Noah, an unconventional rabbi. After a memorable meet-cute, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. And despite their wildly different backgrounds, Joanne and Noah try to build a relationship.
Explores the Challenges of Blending Two Worlds
The series stands out because of its fresh and relatable take on modern relationships and the humorous exploration of the strings that come attached to them, like the opinions and interventions of meddling families and friends. Bell and Brody’s on-screen chemistry is something, and they both add warmth and appeal to their characters. Nobody Wants This earned critical acclaim and enormous love from fans, enough for the series to be renewed for another season because, as it turned out, everybody wants this.
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