The Best Comedy Series of All Time: A Definitive Guide
There are plenty of lists out there that rank the best comedy series of all time, but which ones are truly the funniest? While there will never be one single answer to this question, this article seeks to present you with an objective list of the top comedies of all time—one that can be used as an authoritative and comprehensive guide to finding the best comedies available on Netflix or Hulu, on DVD or Blu-ray, or wherever you choose to watch your favorites. If you’re in need of something funny to watch, then look no further than this list of the best comedy series ever made!
How we picked our winner
The Comedians' Comedian, a collection of interviews with notable comedy writers, directors and performers by Larry Gelbart (who won three Emmys for his work on M*A*S*H), is a great way to break into comedy writing. The book covers everything from writing sitcoms to stand-up to sketch. It's an informative read that'll give you an idea what type of writer you'd like to be (and what kind are out there). For even more knowledge, check out Caroline Siede's list at Paste. In it, she ranks 50 shows from best-to-worst but also provides clips for each show so you can get a feel for them before diving in.
Our criteria
Each series had to have multiple seasons and at least a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series also needed a wide variety of critics weighing in on it, not just popular opinion. We left out standup specials, sketch comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and dramas that incorporate humor into their storylines. Finally, we made sure each show was still available for streaming or purchase.
- Blackadder
This is a British comedy series set in four different historical eras. As many historical figures are spoofed, it’s difficult to tell if you’ll like it or not. It was written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson and produced by John Lloyd, who also produced Blackadder II, Blackadder III, and Blackadder Goes Forth (see below). The series stars Rowan Atkinson as a more-or-less consistent version of Edmund Blackadder. There are also cameos from Tony Robinson as Baldrick in all episodes except for Back And Forth (2000), where Hugh Laurie (later cast in House) plays Prince Ludwig. In addition to Blackadder himself, other characters include Queenie (Miranda Richardson), Lord Percy Percy (Tim McInnerny), Lord Melchett (Stephen Fry), General Melchett (Hugh Laurie) Sir Walter Raleigh (Jim Broadbent) and Dr. Samuel Johnson (Robbie Coltrane). The original series aired on BBC One from 1983 to 1989; there were six episodes total with two Christmas specials. In 1999, a one-off special called Blackadder Back & Forth was broadcast on BBC One, which saw Tim McInnerny reprise his role as Lord Percy Percy.
- Mr Bean
British situation comedy starring Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean, first broadcast on ITV in 1990. In May 2007, a poll to find Britain's Best Sitcom saw Mr. Bean voted 14th. It is also currently ranked number 9 on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Comedies list, and as one of BBC Two's Top 100 TV Shows. The character was inspired by silent film comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Laurel & Hardy, whose physical comedy routines served as a major source of inspiration for Atkinson. The series featured an ongoing storyline about Bean wanting to get into show business but having no talent whatsoever; he is usually thwarted at every turn by his long-suffering neighbour (and landlord) Mrs. Wicket (Cathy Moriarty). Other characters included Bean's best friend Teddy (also played by Atkinson), his girlfriend Irma Gobb (played by Matilda Ziegler), her mother Mrs.
- Fawlty Towers
Beginning in 1975 and ending in 1979, Fawlty Towers is set at Fawlty Towers Hotel, a hotel located in Torquay, on England’s southeastern coast. The owner and manager of Fawlty Towers is Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese), a neurotic perfectionist who views running his establishment as his chance to show everyone just how good he really can be. Unfortunately for him, however, things rarely go according to plan. When they don’t go according to plan—which is often—he takes out his frustrations on anyone around him. The series also stars Prunella Scales as Sybil Fawlty, Connie Booth as Polly Sherman-Browne (the wife of Major Anthony Sherman-Browne), Andrew Sachs as Manuel Manny Gonzales, and Polly James as Tanya P. Johnson (the daughter of Mr. Johnson). - Arrested Development: Arrested Development first aired in 2003 and was canceled after three seasons before being revived in 2013 with 15 new episodes that were released all at once via Netflix streaming services.
- Arrested Development
With only three seasons, Arrested Development is almost criminally underrated. The series follows Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) as he attempts to keep his family’s business afloat after his father (Jeffrey Tambor) goes to jail for defrauding investors. Also starring Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, and Michael Cera, Arrested Development was beloved for its meta humor and complicated characters. Netflix has since revived it for a fifth season that was released earlier in 2018. Despite your initial thoughts on a revival without any new material—and with most of its original stars busy working on other projects—the series once again proved itself a pioneer in comedy.
- Friends
Considered one of television’s greatest comedies and often cited as one of best shows ever, Friends was a cultural phenomenon that ran for 10 seasons. The show followed six friends (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer) living in New York City. When it debuted in 1994 (after being turned down by Fox), it immediately became an NBC hit. It went on to win 16 Emmys and is still syndicated around the world. - Seinfeld: Another hugely popular comedy series that lasted nine seasons, Seinfeld is also considered one of TV’s all-time great comedies. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, it revolved around four main characters—Jerry (Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards)—and their everyday lives in New York City.
- 30 Rock
This political satire follows Selina Meyer, a down-on-her-luck senator and former president hopeful turned vice president as she juggles her new position with her narcissistic staff and rebellious family. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus in one of her best roles yet, HBO’s Veep is sure to make you laugh with its sharp jokes, heavy sarcasm and ridiculous characters. Not only does it easily make our list for being funny but also for giving us some much needed humor during these tumultuous political times. (It also has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.) If you’re looking for something that will actually make you laugh out loud – not just give you a half smile – then we highly recommend starting your binge watch ASAP.
- Monty Python's Flying Circus
The quintessential British sketch comedy show. There's no better way to start off our list than with a classic. Featuring some of Britain's best comedic minds (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman and Michael Palin), Flying Circus is perhaps one of the most influential series ever produced. After four seasons and 45 episodes, it came to an end in 1974 – but you can always catch re-runs on PBS or YouTube. And if you're looking for something new to watch, check out Monty Python Live at Aspen. It's worth your time if only for Spam.
- The Simpsons
While The Simpsons may be on its last legs, with only a couple of seasons left before it ends its historic run, there is little doubt that it is one of the greatest comedies ever made. Featuring memorable characters, laugh out loud humour and more pop culture references than you can shake a stick at, The Simpsons is an icon among television series. If you haven’t watched The Simpsons before, now’s your chance. You won’t regret it. - Arrested Development: Arrested Development has come back from cancellation twice now and will return for a fifth season next year after Netflix picked up production following Fox’s decision to cancel it in 2006. With a large ensemble cast of lovable characters, sharp writing, great direction and some of the best jokes on TV, Arrested Development is another comedy classic. It also boasts some of TV’s best guest stars including Charlize Theron (Monster), Liza Minelli (Marge Simpson) and Ben Stiller (Tony Wonder). You really need to watch Arrested Development if you haven’t already done so - you won't regret it!
And now for the moment you've been waiting for...
The best comedy series ever! The top 10 comedy series are listed below for your perusing pleasure. Are there any great ones that we missed? Let us know in comments. Also, let us know your favorite moment from each series...we want to hear from you! Make sure you share this with all of your friends who love a good laugh. Enjoy! 1. The Office (UK) - 9/10 - This show was brilliant in so many ways and had a cast of characters that were easy to relate to and absolutely hilarious. If you've never seen it, go watch it right now on Netflix or iTunes and be prepared to laugh nonstop at least through season 3. Ricky Gervais is one of my personal heroes and I will watch anything he's involved with because I know it'll be fantastic; just don't watch Extras if you're looking for more laughs like those found in The Office . It's not nearly as funny (though still entertaining). 2.
VEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (our #1 choice)
VEEP is one of HBO's most underappreciated comedy series. Much like it's inspiration, THE WEST WING, it details American politics from behind-the-scenes and has a stellar cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tony Hale. While THE WEST WING is well loved for focusing on making government work, VEEP is beloved for making government look absolutely ridiculous. It doesn't try to be dramatic or over-serious; instead, it gives us an honest picture of how our political system really works. If you like jokes about politics (which are always funny), Veep is a must see.