The best comedy TV shows of 2024 are a combination of new gems and followup seasons of existing favorites. Most comedies embody a hyphenated genre, merging elements of drama, action, music, sport, and even documentary with humor. End-of-year awards like the Emmys have a category problem, leaving many viewers wondering, “Wait, that was a comedy?” or “Surely, that was too dark to be a comedy.” While these blurred lines also make it harder to demarcate the genre, they mostly make comedies all the more enjoyable.

The best comedies can evoke amusement alongside fear, dismay, and shock, among other emotions. Among the best comedy TV shows of 2023, for instance, the debut of the inventive murder mystery comedy Poker Face and the impossible-to-define thriller comedy Beef, the farewell to the classic feel-good comedy Ted Lasso, and the continued excellence of comedy dramas like The Bear, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Great. The list for 2024 is similarly diverse and exciting, with various streaming platforms trying to outdo each other for viewers’ attention.

11

The Gentlemen

Guy Ritchie’s Slick, Stylish Crime Comedy Starring Theo James

Adapted from Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen movie by Ritchie himself, this Netflix crime comedy series centers around Eddie Halstead (Theo James), who inherits a vast and troublesome cannabis empire hidden beneath his father’s stately English estate. The show combines Ritchie’s trademark stylistic flair—marked by exaggerated zooms, slow-motion sequences, and rapid cuts—with an engaging exploration of familial dynamics and the English countryside’s criminal underbelly. This unique blend of high-stakes drama and dark humor is the show’s main strength.

The Gentlemen‘s cast delivers solid performances, especially Kaya Scodelario’s portrayal of Susie Glass, the cunning and stylish leader of the weed operation under Eddie’s estate. Meanwhile, Theo James effectively anchors the show with his charm and quintessential British demeanor, despite his character lacking depth and complexity. While The Gentlemen season 2 is yet to be confirmed, this installment was funny, thrilling, and exciting enough to warrant a followup, ideally one that takes Eddie into a darker, morally grayer direction.

10

Conan O’Brien Must Go

A Delightful Blend of Travel, Comedy, And Human Connection

Conan O’Brien Must Go is redefining the travel show genre in 2024. Created by and starring Conan O’Brien, this Max original series is a delightful blend of travel, comedy, and human connection. The show features O’Brien visiting various locations around the world, meeting new people, and reconnecting with old acquaintances. What sets it apart is his unique ability to bring out the best in the people he meets, using his irreverent humor and keen observational skills.

The opening voice-over by Werner Herzog, which hints at the chaos to come, sets the tone for a series that is as much about the unexpected and humorous moments as it is about travel. Conan O’Brien Must Go transcend the typical travel blog format, focusing instead on the warmth and humor of human interactions. Reviews highlight Conan’s charm and wit as the driving force behind the series’ success. The comedic moments are expertly interwoven with heartfelt exchanges, making Conan O’Brien Must Go a celebration of people and places.

9

Geek Girl

A Socially Awkward Highschool Girl Becomes An Unexpectedly Successful Model

Netflix’s Geek Girl adapts a book series by Holly Smale, bringing to life the beloved character Harriet Manners (Emily Carey), a 15-year-old self-declared geek with a penchant for odd facts and logical arguments. Harriet’s journey from a socially awkward high school student to an unexpectedly successful model is filled with comedic mishaps, heartwarming moments, and a quirky charm that stays true to the spirit of the books. Created by Smale and Jessica Ruston, Geek Girl preserves the exuberance and vulnerability of Harriet.

Each of the show’s half-hour episodes are packed with energy, ensuring the narrative doesn’t lag. The Geek Girl cast delivers solid performances, especially Carey, who perfectly embodies Harriet’s unique blend of naivety and chaotic energy. The show explores themes of teenage life, personal growth, and the joys and challenges of being different with a light touch. Geek Girl ultimately stands out as a fresh, lively, and funny series that balances humor and heart in every episode.

8

Curb Your Enthusiasm

A Solid Conclusion To A Wildly Popular Sitcom

With its twelfth and final season, Curb Your Enthusiasm delivers a “pretty, pretty, pretty good” conclusion that showcases Larry David’s unparalleled ability to turn social faux pas into comedic gold. The show began as a 1999 mockumentary and has evolved over 12 seasons into HBO’s longest-running comedy. The series stars David as a fictionalized version of himself, navigating everyday life with his trademark lack of social graces. The new season features his classic blend of political satire, absurd interactions, and domino-effect catastrophes, reminding viewers why this show has been a staple of comedy for over two decades.

Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12’s reviews have praised it for maintaining its sharp humor and brilliant character dynamics. J.B. Smoove’s heightened role as Leon Black is a standout, adding an extra layer of hilarity to Larry’s already chaotic life. The season also brings back beloved characters such as Richard Lewis, Freddy Funkhouser, and Ted Danson, alongside new guest stars who further highlight Larry’s social ineptitude. As the series bids farewell, it leaves behind a legacy of innovative, risk-taking comedy, cementing its status as a monumental achievement in television history.

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6

Shoresy

A Sports Comedy Combining Gritty Humor With Heartwarming Team Dynamics

Shoresy is the perfect Ted Lasso replacement show with a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by and starring Jared Keeso, the Hulu original comedy is set against the backdrop of a high-stakes hockey championship in Sudbury, Ontario, and follows the irreverent titular Shoresy as he leads the struggling Sudbury Bulldogs. The new season blends the show’s signature humor with the intensity of competitive hockey, showcasing the Bulldogs’ journey as they face some of Canada’s best teams in the National Senior Tournament.

Shoresy has been praised for its unique blend of gritty humor and heartwarming team dynamics. Unlike Ted Lasso, it takes a more adult-oriented, comedic approach with its foul-mouthed, adult-league hockey players. Critics have lauded Shoresy for its rapid-fire humor, character development, and successful adaptation from its parent show, Letterkenny. The third season, in particular, has been celebrated for the immense growth of its characters, especially Shoresy himself.

5

We Are Lady Parts

An Inventive, Campy Comedy About An All-Muslim-Female Punk Band

We Are Lady Parts season 2 builds on the first installment, with equally strong writing and character growth. Created by writer-director Nida Manzoor, this Peacock series follows five Muslim women in London who form a punk band. The new season also turns its gaze on class and capitalism, particularly in the music industry, blending humor and heart with nuanced storytelling and social commentary. It not only includes genuinely funny, campy comedy, but also fantastic new music, with standout tracks like “Glass Ceiling Feeling”, “Malala Made Me Do it,” and “Villain Era.”

The introduction of another band that draws inspiration from Lady Parts adds an intriguing dynamic, forcing the characters to reflect on their own aspirations and challenges. Each character receives their own storyline that tackles identity, anger, and self-expression. The main cast, including Sarah Kameela Impey, Anjana Vasan, Juliette Motamed, and Faith Omole, deliver exceptional performances, bringing their characters to life in a way that feels both relatable and empowering. Despite the short episode count, We Are Lady Parts season 2 is a triumph of comedy and heartfelt storytelling.

4

Baby Reindeer

A Bizarre Black Comedy Based On A True Story Of A Stalker

Baby Reindeer offers a darkly comedic yet deeply unsettling exploration of the parasocial relationships fostered in the age of social media. The only reason this show isn’t even higher on the list is because it’s more of a disturbing and discomfiting thriller than a comedy. Created by and starring Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is based on a true story of Gadd being stalked for four years. The plot centers on Donny (Gadd), a struggling Scottish comedian and writer, whose life spirals into chaos after a seemingly innocent act of kindness towards Martha (Jessica Gunning) triggers an onslaught of obsessive stalking.

Within days of release, Baby Reindeer quickly topped Netflix’s charts globally. It sparked so much discourse that it’s led to immense speculation and scandal surrounding the real Martha Scott in Baby Reindeer. The show deftly balances black comedy and psychological drama, providing a nuanced and honest depiction of the complex emotions involved in such a traumatic experience. With its exceptional writing and striking performances, Baby Reindeer‘s refusal to present a simplistic victim-villain narrative forces audiences to confront their own perceptions and biases. It’s necessary, essential television for the digital age.

3

Abbott Elementary

A Hilarious Workplace Mockumentary About A Broken Public Education System

Abbott Elementary continues to reign as one of the best comedy TV shows of 2024, thanks to Quinta Brunson’s exceptional writing and the stellar ensemble cast. Season 3 of this workplace comedy, set in a Philadelphia public school, showcases the unique dynamics and growth of characters like Janine (Brunson), Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Jacob (Chris Perfetti), and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter). The series cleverly balances the hilarity of everyday school chaos with poignant social commentary, highlighting the challenges faced by underfunded public schools.

This season, in particular, takes bold narrative risks, such as having Janine split her time between Abbott and the school district. Guest stars like Kevin Hart, Bradley Cooper, Questlove, and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Graham add further excitement to the already vibrant cast. Abbott Elementary season 4’s Janine and Gregory story remains engaging and true to the characters, avoiding the pitfalls of the “will they, won’t they” trope. Despite a shortened season and starting the story midway through the school year, the show maintained its momentum and continued to evolve into a comedy classic.

2

Hacks

An Excellent Third Season Of A Bonafide Comedy Classic

Hacks Season 3 reinvents itself while staying true to its core. The plot follows Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) as they reunite a year after their emotional goodbye, exploring Deborah’s pursuit of her long-held dream of becoming a late-night host. This new direction allows the series to tackle fresh challenges and deepen the characters’ arcs, with Deborah at the pinnacle of her career and Ava finding purpose in Los Angeles. Created by Lucia Aniello and streaming on Max, Hacks season 3 continues its nuanced depiction of the complexities of the entertainment industry, especially concerning aging and relevancy.

The Hacks season 3 cast is exceptional, with the chemistry between Smart and Einbinder remaining electric. The season’s bold narrative choices, such as Deborah confronting her problematic past and the evolving ensemble format, demonstrate the show’s willingness to evolve without losing its essence. The guest appearances by stars like Kevin Hart and Bradley Cooper further enhance its appeal, while the continued growth of characters like Kayla and Jimmy keeps the storyline engaging.

1

The Bear

The Most Stressful Comedy Show About A Chicago Sandwich Shop

With its unique blend of stress, joy, and revelation, The Bear season 3 has solidified its status as the best comedy TV show of 2024. Set in a chaotic Chicago sandwich shop, the series follows Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), a professionally trained chef who returns home to manage his family’s restaurant after his brother’s unexpected death. Season 3 explores Carmy’s relentless pursuit of culinary perfection while grappling with personal and professional challenges. Created and directed by Christopher Storer, The Bear showcases exceptional writing and character development. Each episode delivers whip-sharp dialogue and emotionally charged scenes.

The Hulu original show has an unparalleled ability to balance intense drama with moments of humor and levity. Season 3, in particular, is praised for its artistic triumphs, daring narrative choices, and the effective use of its ensemble cast. With guest stars like Oliver Platt adding to its richness, The Bear continues to evolve, pushing boundaries while maintaining its core essence. This season proves that The Bear is not only a top-tier comedy, but also a poignant exploration of family, legacy, and the high-stakes environment of the culinary world.