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It’s no secret that the act of simply existing in this world can sometimes be completely exhausting. Things have been bleak! If you’re in need of a good laugh, you’re not alone.
As someone who has ~a number~ of illnesses, both mental and physical, I spend a lot of time watching TV, looking for a good laugh. Basically, that means I’ve seen… pretty much everything, which makes me qualified to suggest TV shows to others.
Here, I’ve listed 10 of my favourite sitcoms from recent years, with three seasons or fewer, so they’re a fast, easy watch on the weekend.
Whether you’re in the mood for an uplifting comedy that will warm your heart, or want to see terrible people trading insults at the speed of light, there’s a comedy here for you.
The After Party
Synopsis: When a high school reunion’s afterparty ends in a death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story – culminating in the shocking truth.
Starring: Tiffany Hadish, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao, Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, Jamie Demetriou, Dave Franco, John Early and Tiya Sircar
Seasons: One, with season two on the way
For fans of: Only Murders in the Building, Clue
Why you should watch: Look at that CAST. I haven’t been able to get Yasper (Ben Schwartz)’s “Lose Yourself”-inspired rap song “We All Get One Shot Twice” out of my head since watching.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch The Afterparty on AppleTV+
Abbott Elementary
Synopsis: Follows a group of teachers brought together in one of the worst public schools in the country, simply because they love teaching.
Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph and William Stanford Davis
Seasons: One, with season two on the way
For fans of: Parks and Recreation, The Office
Why you should watch: Abbott Elementary is just getting started, so it’s best to hop on board now, before it really blows up.
Not only did it score ABC (America) the highest ratings since Modern Family ended, the network has also made it their flagship comedy, and the show is getting a ton of Emmy buzz, as well.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Abbott Elementary on Disney+
#blackAF
Synopsis: A father takes an irreverent and honest approach to parenting and relationships.
Starring: Rashida Jones, Kenya Barris, Iman Benson, Genneya Walton, Scarlet Spencer, Justin Claiborne, Ravi Cabot-Conyers
Seasons: One
For fans of: Black-ish, Grown-ish, Mixed-ish
Why you should watch: This meta-take on the family sitcom was funny, well-written, with a great cast, and unfortunately, cancelled far too soon.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch #blackAF on Netflix
Hacks
Synopsis: Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Rose Abdoo, Christopher McDonald, Paul W. Downs, Mark Indelicato, Megan Stalter, Kaitlin Olson
Seasons: Two
For fans of: Arrested Development, Will and Grace, Veep
Why you should watch: Hacks has become a major Emmys player, and if you like seeing people trade perfectly executed barbs at one another, Hacks is for you.
Read more about Hacks: The Trailer for ‘Hacks’ Season Two Is Here
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Hacks on Stan
The Mick
Synopsis: A hard-living aunt is forced to take care of her wealthy sister’s spoiled kids after the mom flees the country to avoid criminal charges.
Starring: Kaitlin Olson, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Thomas Barbusca, Carla Jimenez, Jack Stanton and Scott MacArthur.
Seasons: Two
For fans of: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Why you should watch: Yes, I will put two shows with Kaitlin Olson in them on this list if I want to, it’s my list and she deserves an Emmy, TBH!
The Mick may have only gotten two seasons, but it was great, and if you’re a fan of Olson’s work as Sweet Dee on Sunny, The Mick is definitely worth checking out.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch The Mick on Disney+
Mythic Quest
Synopsis: The owner of a successful video game design company and his troubled staff struggle to keep their hit game ‘Mythic Quest’ on top.
Starring: Rob McElhenney, F. Murray Abraham, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hakim, David Hornsby and Danny Pudi.
Seasons: Two, with a third on the way
For fans of: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Community
Why you should watch: Yes, I’ll also put Kaitlin Olson’s husband Rob McElhenney on this list!
Honestly, Mythic Quest is one of the best comedies that’s premiered in the last few years, but I never hear anyone talking about it, and quite frankly, that’s a crime. It’s just as smart and clever as Always Sunny, with an added layer of earnestness that can also pull the heartstrings.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Mythic Quest on AppleTV+
Only Murders in the Building
Synopsis: Three strangers who share an obsession with true crime suddenly find themselves caught up in one.
Starring: Martin Short, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez
Seasons: One, with a second season premiering in June 2022.
For fans of: The Afterparty, Clue
Why you should watch: This CAST! Short, Martin and Gomez are an hysterical and charming trio of misfits, in this smart, well-written comedy, and the commentary on true crime culture is spot on.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Only Murders in the Building on Disney+
The Righteous Gemstones
Synopsis: Follows a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work.
Starring: John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam Devine, Edi Patterson, Tony Cavalero,
Cassidy Freeman
Seasons: Three, with a fourth on the way
For fans of: Saved!, Veep, Eastbound and Down
Why you should watch: If you can’t get enough Hillsong drama, or just like watching terrible people be terrible, The Righteous Gemstones is the one for you.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch The Righteous Gemstones on BINGE
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Synopsis: Four 18-year-old freshman roommates at Essex College in Vermont. A bundle of contradictions and hormones, these sexually active college girls are equal parts loveable and infuriating.
Starring: Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Gavin Leatherwood, Betti,
Seasons: One, with a second season on the way
For fans of: Broad City, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Never Have I Ever
Why you should watch: If you’re a Mindy Kaling fan, this one’s for you. It’s funny, it’s flirty, and it’s a fresh take on coming-of-age stories, set in the uni years, rather than high school.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch The Sex Lives of College Girls on BINGE
Ted Lasso
Synopsis: American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football team.
Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Hannah Waddington, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster and Juno Temple
Seasons: Two, with a third on the way.
For fans of: Schitt’s Creek
Why you should watch: Not only is this show funny, it’s so warm it feels like a hug. If you need an escape from the world, something to restore your faith in humanity, or just want to feel good, Ted Lasso is the show for you.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Ted Lasso on AppleTV+
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