The best comedy TV shows of 2024 are a combination of new gems and follow-up 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 likethe 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 thebest comedy TV shows of 2023, for instance, the debut of the inventive murder mystery comedyPoker Faceand the impossible-to-define thriller comedyBeef,the farewell to the classic feel-good comedyTed Lasso,and the continued excellence of comedy dramas likeThe Bear,The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,andThe Great.The list for 2024 is similarly diverse and exciting, with various streaming platforms trying to outdo each other for viewers' attention.
Kaos
Cast
Kaos is a dark comedy series starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. Zeus is enjoying being the King of the Gods, until he starts to self-destruct after thinking a wrinkle on his forhead is a sign of an ancient prophecy. His situation becomes even worse when Prometheus develops a plan to take Zeus down once and for all.
There are a number of comedy shows this year that bring big laughs while also blending in other genre elements.Kaosis one of the most recent with a very ambitious story thatmixes in Greek mythology. Jeff Goldblum leads the series as the all-powerful god Zeus, who is also overcome with insecurities about people questioning his rule. Prometheus is one such dissenter, a god who has long been tortured by Zeus only to set in motion a plan to overthrow his former friend with the unwitting help of some mortals.
Seeing the series take a comedic look at Greek mythology is a lot of funas it uses the well-known stories to reimagine these characters, like Poseidon, Medusa, and Hades in new and interesting ways. Goldblum makes for an intimidating and even chilling Zeus, but he also brings his trademark quirky energy to the role, making Zeus one of the great comedic villains.
The Boys
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
From the first season ofThe Boys, the superhero show was brutal and violent, butit also knew how to be hilarious in the midst of all the mayhem. The show depicts a world filled with superheroes who present themselves to the public as the heroic figures who will save the day, but most of them are self-centered, vile, and even sadistic people behind closed doors. It takes The Boys to ensure they are kept in line.
The show also has a lot of fun satirizing modern politics as well as the superhero movie genre, taking aim at DC and Marvel in equal measure.
The Boyshas never been shy about pushing boundaries and embracing the wild, which helps to make it such a funny show. Even the most gory moments can be played for laughs,such as season 4’s scene with the killer farm animals. The show also has a lot of fun satirizing modern politics as well as the superhero movie genre, taking aim at DC and Marvel in equal measure. Season 4 continued to bring big laughs while also setting the stage forThe Boys’fifth and final season.
Bad Monkey
A former Miami detective turned health inspector, Andrew Yancy, discovers a severed arm while working in the Florida Keys. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim his former position, he navigates through a web of quirky locals and corruption, all while dealing with a troublesome monkey.
Vince Vaughn is a movie star known for appearing in some of the funniest comedies of all time, such asOld SchoolandWedding Crashers.However, the actor proved he can be just as funny on the small screen while also leading his own unique detective series.Bad Monkeystars Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a former cop who has been forced to find work as a restaurant inspector. However, in doing a favor for a friend, he is drawn into a mystery with the appearance of a severed arm.
Bad Monkeyworks as a mystery crime series, but it also draws inspiration from the likes ofThe Rockford Fileswith Vaughn as the charming and laidback detective who makes for a fun, reluctant hero.Vaughn’s rapid-fire delivery, which has made him a star ever sinceSwingersis perfectly used in this role, making for a funny and engrossing crime story.
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA is a 2024 special featuring John Mulaney in six live installments. The performance showcases Mulaney’s exploration of Los Angeles during a week teeming with comedic talent, capturing the unique atmosphere of the city during this period.
John Mulaney established himself as one of thebest comedians working todaywith his comedy specials likeNew in TownandBaby J.He also delivered some fun and inventive content, such as the strange yet hilarious Netflix specialJohn Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch. He returned to Netflix with another idea that sounded strange but ended up being predictably hilarious.
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LAis a talk show of sorts that lasted for six episodes and was broadcast as one of Netflix’s few live events over the course of six consecutive nights. The show had Mulaney as the host and acclaimed character actor Richard Kind as his late-night sidekick as they would go throughthe typical monologue, pre-taped segments, guest interviews, and even call-in segments. The random and chaotic nature of the show only made it funnier with guests like Will Ferrell, Bill Hader, David Letterman, and Sarah Silverman adding to the fun.
Only Murders in the Building
Only Murders in the Building is a mystery-comedy series following three strangers, portrayed by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, who bond over their shared obsession with true crime. Set in a Manhattan apartment building, the trio becomes embroiled in a real murder mystery within their residence.
The star-studded comedy seriesOnly Murders in the Buildingreturned for its fourth season in 2024 and continued to prove it is one of the most entertaining shows on television. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez share wonderful chemistry as the trio of true-crime enthusiasts whose murder investigation podcast keeps putting them right in the middle of murder investigations.
With so many funny people involved, it should come as no surprise that there are big laughs despite the constant murders on the show.
The latest season of the show provided an interesting shift,taking the action out of New York City and relocating the characters to Los Angeles. With the likes of Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, and Tina Fey having already appeared in the series, theOnly Murders in the Buildingcastgot even more star-studded in season 4 with the additions of Eugene Levy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Melissa McCarthy. With so many funny people involved, it should come as no surprise that there are big laughs despite the constant murders on the show.
The Gentlemen
Based on the film of the same name, the Gentlemen is a crime drama series created for Netflix by Guy Ritchie. The series follows Eddie Horniman, who inherits his father’s estate, only to discover he has inherited a vast cannabis empire - and all of the rivals that come with it.
Adapted fromGuy Ritchie’sThe Gentlemenmovieby 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 castdelivers 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. WhileThe Gentlemenseason 2is 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.
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Conan O’Brien Must Gois 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 Gotranscends 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, makingConan O’Brien Must Goa celebration of people and places.
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Geek Girl
Geek Girl follows the journey of Samantha “Sam” Charles, a socially awkward but brilliant high school student who accidentally gains superpowers through an experimental invention. Balancing her new superhero identity with the challenges of teenage life, Sam must navigate high school drama, friendships, and family while protecting her city from emerging threats.
Netflix’sGeek Girladapts a bookseries 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 Girlpreserves the exuberance and vulnerability of Harriet.
Each of the show’s half-hour episodes are packed with energy, ensuring the narrative doesn’t lag. TheGeek Girlcastdelivers 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 Girlultimately stands out as a fresh, lively, and funny series that balances humor and heartin every episode.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm is a Comedy television show created by Larry David, the same creative mind behind the wildly popular sitcom, Seinfeld. Starring Larry David himself, along with Cheryl Hines, and Jeff Garlin, the show acts as a semi-fictionalized look at Larry’s every day life and the people he would come in contact with.
With its twelfth and final season,Curb Your Enthusiasmdelivers 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 Enthusiasmseason 12’s reviewshave 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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Shoresy
A foul-mouthed hockey player takes on the challenge of coaching a struggling team, bringing his abrasive humor and relentless determination to the rink. As he pushes his players to their limits, he faces personal and professional obstacles, striving to transform the team into champions while navigating the complex dynamics of small-town life and the sport he loves.
Shoresyis theperfectTed Lassoreplacement showwith 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.
Shoresyhas been praised for its unique blend of gritty humor and heartwarming team dynamics. UnlikeTed Lasso,it takes a more adult-oriented, comedic approach with its foul-mouthed, adult-league hockey players.Critics have laudedShoresyfor 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.
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