Top 10 Funniest TV Shows Airing Right Now
#10: “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson” (2019-)
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When it comes to sketch comedy, it doesn’t get much better than Netflix’s “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.” It was co-created, written, and produced by (obviously) Tim Robinson, a comedian best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” As with all sketch comedy, not every single sketch is a home run, but the show is definitely more hit than miss. It also has a manic energy that’s frankly unmatched in the sketch comedy genre. While it goes to some truly bizarre and silly places, its daringness and unpredictability are what make it one of the funniest things distributed by Netflix.
#9: “Archer” (2009-)
Some people may argue that “Archer” is not as good as it once was, but it’s still miles better than most animated comedies currently on the air. “Archer” remained extremely consistent throughout its first six or seven seasons, and it was acclaimed for its unique animation style, gorgeous visuals, and outlandish cast of characters. It was more than just a James Bond spoof; it was a wonderful and hilarious look into the depraved and wacky world of ISIS (thankfully, not that ISIS). And while most may argue that seasons eight and nine took a noticeable dip in quality, season 10 has produced some amazing episodes, particularly the season finale, “Robert De Niro”. Let’s hope it continues this upward trend.
#8: “Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)
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H. Jon Benjamin has had himself a fantastic decade. Not only does he voice everyone’s favorite aforementioned secret agent, but he also provides the voice for Bob Belcher, the owner of the titular Bob’s Burgers. Unlike “Archer,” this show borrows heavily from the animated sitcom tradition: it centers around a wacky family with three children; the dad is incredibly stubborn; and episodes are often split into A and B plots. But you know what they say – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and “Bob’s Burgers” proves that we can still mine tons of comedic gold (not to mention heartfelt lessons) from familiar tropes.
#7: “BoJack Horseman” (2014-)
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“BoJack Horseman” is an animated sitcom about a washed-up anthropomorphic horse, but it’s so much more than that. Unlike the other sitcoms on this list, “BoJack Horseman” takes a far more serious and introspective look into its characters and delves into a wide variety of themes. These include depression, self-destructive behavior, and the very nature of the human . . . or horse . . . condition. But it is also a hilarious, satirical, and absolutely scathing look into celebrity culture and the entertainment industry. It’s also one of those rare shows that gets better as it goes, so don’t let the first couple of episodes fool you. Season 5 was fantastic, and we have absolute confidence that season 6 will be even better.
#6: “The Good Place” (2016-)
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Michael Schur is proving himself to be one of the greatest minds in the contemporary television comedy landscape. Since 2005, he has produced and written for “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” His latest contribution is “The Good Place,” whose fourth and final season will begin airing in the fall of 2019. “The Good Place” not only contains a unique story and setting, but also boasts some truly incredible actors, including Kristen Bell and Ted Danson. Like “BoJack Horseman,” “The Good Place” also uses its premise to explore deeper themes, in this case the elasticity of morality and the value of philosophy, among others. For its efforts, the show was honored with the prestigious Peabody Award in 2019.
#5: “South Park” (1997-)
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We don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say that “South Park” is the most consistent animated sitcom in history. The show has aired 22 seasons since 1997 and is arguably more relevant now than it has ever been. Sure, it may have been more controversial and newsworthy back in the 90s, but it is still one of the most scathing and popular animated shows on television. It seems like each episode results in a discussion, and the show manages to use crudeness, gross exaggeration, and absurdity to intelligently comment on contemporary issues. There isn’t a more topical program on TV, and it remains king of the satirical animated comedy.
#4: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)
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There are few, if any, comedies like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Famously called “Seinfeld on crack,” “It’s Always Sunny” follows the misadventures of a small group of bar staff. Like in “Seinfeld,” the group is made up of notably selfish people. Pushing past “Seinfeld” however, this concept is typically taken to absurd extremes, the gang terrorizing each other and ruining the lives of pretty much everyone they come across. No topic or storyline is off limits, and the show often ventures into some truly dark and uncomfortable places. Each episode bravely encourages us to laugh at the gang, not with them, and each season keeps things fresh by taking the characters into more outlandish and insane territory. “Seinfeld on crack” is about right.
#3: “Big Mouth” (2017-)
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We really are living in the Golden Age of animated sitcoms. In 2017, Netflix knocked it out of the park with “Big Mouth,” a highly inappropriate yet hilarious and insightful show about adolescents and their sexualized hormone monsters. The show employs a lot of scatological, awkward, and borderline repulsive humor, yet it also treats its characters with respect and maturely explores the complex (and often messy) issues of puberty. The show was such a surprise success that Netflix ordered four additional seasons after season two had aired, ensuring that “Big Mouth” should see a season six sometime around 2022. So get on board, because you don’t want to miss out on one of the most original comedies in some time.
#2: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-)
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Here we circle back around to Michael Schur, the co-creator of the funniest cop sitcom in some time. The show admittedly doesn’t sound that unique or interesting, as it simply follows a group of wacky police officers working in New York City. But the concept is greatly elevated thanks to Schur’s trademark sense of humor, sharp writing, and some brilliant performances from the likes of Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, and an especially funny Andre Braugher. Each episode is a laugh riot, and like “BoJack Horseman,” it has only gotten better over time. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-) “The Other Two” (2019-) “What We Do in the Shadows” (2019-) “PEN15” (2019-) “Documentary Now!” (2015-)
#1: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)
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“Rick and Morty” has developed a cult following over the years, which has earned the show a bit of a stigma - especially following the infamous Szechuan sauce debacle. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s one of the smartest, most inventive, and funniest shows of the decade. It’s arguably the most visually unique animated program on TV, and effortlessly blends comedy with elements of science fiction and domestic drama. It also explores some truly heavy subject matter by delving into the existential and nihilistic ramifications of our utter insignificance within the cosmos. It’s certainly not passive, lighthearted entertainment, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hilarious!
