20 Comedy Shows to Watch Right Now

Don’t get me wrong I love a great true crime series or psychological thriller, but lately I’ve been in need of something a bit lighter. Anyone else? During the rare moments when I find time to watch TV, I’ve been looking for comedies. We are in the depths of winter here in Vermont, and sometimes you just need something to lighten the mood. Honestly, I kind of forgot how good it feels to laugh your head off and get lost in a show.

Kelley and I rounded up our favorite comedies, whether you’re looking for a series to binge or a great stand-up special, there’s something for everyone on this list of 20 comedy shows to watch now. Have any other favorite comedies not on this list? Let us know in the comments! We could use a little more humor these days.

Netflix

SEBASTIAN MANISCAlco

I’ve watched every single one of Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy specials and they’re all absolutely hilarious. Something about his humor is so wildly relatable and his physical comedy cracks me up. His special from 2012, What’s Wrong With People, is probably my favorite. It’s from 10 years ago but feels incredibly relevant to the last two years. (Jess)

Queer Eye

The Fab Five are back with the 6th season of Queer Eye, showcasing everything from a honky-tonk dance instructor to a trans power lifter. The ultimate feel good, uplifting, comedy to keep things light this winter and give you some hope for a brighter future. (Kelley)

Sex Education

This British com-dram explores the life of socially awkward teenager, Otis, trying to navigate the world of sex as the son of a sex therapist. Otis soon gets pulled into offering sex advice to his fellow peers and ridiculousness ensues. Looking for a cringeworthy laugh that also provides glimpses of sweetness, Sex Education will do just that. (Kelley)

Schitt’s Creek

When a wealthy family finds themselves broke and forced to move to their only remaining asset– Schitt’s Creek, a run down town with a whole array of hillbillies, the Rose family must make do and begin to pave a new life, while learning to let go of their past. This is one of those shows you will go back and rewatch for years to come. You will find yourself impersonating the characters who are so over the top that you can’t help but fall in love with them. Moira, Alexis, David… they are all so good I can’t pick a favorite. (Kelley)

Shameless

On the darker side of the comedy drama genre, Shameless follows the Gallagher family of misfits as they struggle to survive on the south side of Chicago. Shameless isn’t afraid to push the boundaries so be prepared to feel uncomfortable and cringe as this family digs themselves deeper and deeper into hole after hole. While fictional, Shameless highlights the struggles of low-income families born in unfortunate circumstances and how children often have to rise to the occasion to make it in our world. Get ready for a wild ride with the Gallaghers! (Kelley)

AMY schumer (GRowing)

This one is probably my favorite Amy Schumer comedy specials and her most personal. After watching her HBO special Expecting Amy and seeing what she went through with her pregnancy (fellow HG suffered) I honestly couldn’t believe she was even able to get through an entire comedy special, let alone be so hilariously funny. (Jess)

Jim GAFFIGAN

I love Jim Gaffigan’s stand up because it’s clean comedy with a bit of an edge. I’ve seen all of his specials on Netflix, Amazon, etc., but in his latest, Comedy Monster, he talks about pandemic life at home, billionaires, and all the little things in life, like parades, where he is the master of pointing out their absurdities. (Jess)

Hulu

PEN15

Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle (adults), play versions of themselves as middle school outcasts in the year 2000, surrounded by actual thirteen-year-olds. The show is heartfelt, nostalgic, hilarious and relatable. For those of us who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, it will bring you back to a simpler and sometimes cringeworthy time. (Jess)

Shrill

This tale of self-discovery adapted from Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman by Lindy West stars SNL’s Aidy Bryant who plays a journalist learning to accept and thrive in a world that shames curvy women. Shrill is the perfect mix of both comedic relief and emotional rollercoasters that we all need in our life right now. Bryant’s character, Annie is so incredibly lovable through her highs and lows of both cringeworthy-insecurity and badass-confidence that we can all relate to. You will find yourself cheering for her and crying for her and feeling validated in all of the things us women face in this cruel world. (Kelley)

HBO Max

how to with john wilson

Personal, dorky, awkward, bizarre and hilarious is how I’d describe this documentary style series. Filmmaker John Wilson shares everyday advice while confronting his own issues with New York City as the backdrop. He uses footage taken over several years to craft the two seasons comprised of 30 minute episodes. I don’t know what to compare this show to because there’s really nothing like it on television. When you watch, you’ll understand what I mean. (Jess)

The other two

I finished both seasons of this show faster than any other series I’ve watched recently. I love watching Molly Shannon and her return to comedy does not disappoint. The series follows a family as their youngest brother/son becomes an overnight pop sensation. It’s hilarious, witty and has lots of spot on pop culture references that will make you laugh. (Jess)

the righteous gemstones

More of a dark comedy, The Righteous Gemstones centers around a world-famous dysfunctional televangelist family and all the greed, power and family dynamics that come with it. (Jess)

curb your enthusiasm

I’ve watched all 11 seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm but the most recent may be one of the best yet. With cameos from Jon Hamm, Vince Vaughn, Woody Harrelson, Seth Rogan and Tracy Ullman to name a few, the writing and improv from this season’s cast is over the top good. (Jess)

insecure

I have to admit I was late to the party on Insecure but I’m catching up and it’s one of my favorite shows to watch. Issa Rae is incredible in this comedy/drama about two young Black women, their friendship, romances and life experiences. Aside from the writing, acting and storyline being fantastic you can’t help but notice how awesome the music is. (Jess)

AND Just Like That… (Sex and the City ReBoot)

Our favorite city girls are back (minus Samantha, sigh) and seriously looking better than ever! Side note: If you haven’t already seen it, check out the comparison to Golden Girls, WILD! Honestly, the reviews are not great, and their desperate angle at progressiveness feels forced at times, but I personally have enjoyed the sass, humor and seeing Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte back in their element. It brings all the warm and fuzzy nostalgic feels and I’m here for it. It’s also inspired me to go back and rewatch Sex and the City from the beginning. If you are looking for something fun and easy, this is your show! (Kelley)

Veep

It was a sad day when Veep ended after 7 seasons, but if you haven’t seen it yet, I’m jealous! One of my favorite sitcoms ever, truly. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Vice President of the United States Selina Meyer, is absolutely hilarious in this comedy/satire. It’s a great cast and a lot of dry humor. If that (and politics) are your thing, you’ll love Veep. (Jess)

AppleTV

Ted Lasso

I was late to the Ted Lasso game… (no pun intended) but once I was in, I immediately understood what all the hype was about. Each character is more lovable than the next and they will all begin to feel like family. Between Ted’s thought-provoking and insightful one liners, Keeley’s optimism, Rebecca’s pure badassery and Roy’s deep British drawl and honesty they just all meld together for the very best team. Each episode will leave you wanting more and contemplating the lessons each character has taught you long after you turn off your TV. Seriously, if you haven’t already, go watch now! (Kelley)

Amazon Prime

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Taking place in the 1950s, when women were expected to get married, have children and play the part of perfect housewife, “Midge” is our perfect feminist rebel- giving a big old “F U” to society. Midge begins her career in stand-up comedy and all the struggles that going against the grain in this time period entails. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is just what you need to laugh and feel inspired to follow your dreams no matter how rebellious they may be. (Kelley)

Peacock

Girls5Eva

This comedy series with an incredible cast (Sara Bareilles and Busy Phillips to name a few) follows a 90s one-hit wonder girl group and their attempt at a comeback after a popular rapper samples their song. Now, they’re navigating a more socially conscious and aware society, and realizing their old music wasn’t all that empowering to women after all. (Jess)

Showtime

Black Monday

A dark comedy starting Don Cheadle, Regina Hall and an all-star cast, Black Monday tells the story of the worst stock market crash in the history of Wall Street. It has great writing, lots of 80s nostalgia, and plenty of plot twists. The first season was my favorite, and ultimately the show was cancelled, so I guess it’s not for everyone, but I thought it was brilliant! (Jess)