Top 10 Netflix Comedy Series to Watch Right Now
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If you're tired of scrolling through Netflix for hours and still can't find something that actually makes you laugh, you're not alone. With thousands of shows to choose from, finding the right comedy can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. But here’s the good news: some shows stand out every year-not because they’re new, but because they’re just that good. These aren’t just popular. They’re the ones people rewatch when they need a pick-me-up, the ones that show up in group chats at 2 a.m., and the ones that make you forget you’re even on your couch.
1. Abbott Elementary
Set in a struggling public school in Philadelphia, Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary that feels like a warm hug from your favorite teacher. Created by Quinta Brunson, who also stars as Janine Teagues, the show nails the chaotic energy of underfunded schools with heart and zero sarcasm. What makes it work isn’t just the jokes-it’s how real the characters feel. You’ll recognize the overworked principal, the sarcastic teacher who knows too much, and the well-meaning but clueless new hire. It’s not just funny; it’s the kind of show that makes you care. And yes, it’s still getting better with each season.
2. Barry
Don’t let the premise fool you: a hitman who wants to be an actor sounds like a dark thriller. But Barry is one of the funniest, most surprising shows on TV. Bill Hader, who also directs most episodes, plays Barry Berkman with a quiet desperation that’s both heartbreaking and hilarious. The show blends crime drama with improv theater, and the contrast is genius. One minute you’re watching a murder go wrong; the next, Barry’s in a scene with a hyper-enthusiastic acting coach who says, “I want to feel your fear!” It’s a masterclass in tone, and the writing is sharp enough to cut glass.
3. Ted Lasso
Yes, it’s a bit of a feel-good cliché-a cheerful American coach takes over a bitter English soccer team. But Ted Lasso turns that cliché into something real. Jason Sudeikis doesn’t just play Ted; he embodies him. The humor comes from Ted’s relentless optimism in a world that keeps punching back. The jokes aren’t loud or crude-they’re quiet, awkward, and deeply human. And the supporting cast? Rebecca’s dry wit, Roy’s gruff charm, and even the team’s overly enthusiastic kit manager all add layers. It’s the kind of show that makes you believe in people again.
4. Only Murders in the Building
This one’s a mystery wrapped in a comedy. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play three neighbors obsessed with true crime who start a podcast after a murder in their building. The chemistry between the three leads is electric. Martin’s deadpan delivery, Short’s over-the-top energy, and Gomez’s grounded skepticism create a perfect balance. Each episode feels like a cozy night in with friends who just happen to be amateur detectives. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it never underestimates its audience either. And the seasonal twists? They’re always surprising.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Even though it ended in 2021, Brooklyn Nine-Nine still dominates Netflix watchlists. The show follows a quirky team of detectives in a New York precinct, led by the charmingly immature Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg). What makes it last? The characters. From the stoic Captain Holt to the chaotic Rosa Diaz, everyone has a distinct voice and a reason to be there. The humor is fast, smart, and often absurd-but never mean. And the show’s commitment to inclusivity and social issues, wrapped in punchlines, is rare. If you’ve never watched it, start now. You’ll binge all seven seasons in a weekend.
6. The Bear
Wait-this is a comedy? Yes. The Bear is a high-stakes, high-pressure kitchen drama that somehow lands more laughs than most sitcoms. It’s about a chef who returns home to run his late brother’s sandwich shop. The chaos is real: exploding fryers, screaming staff, impossible orders. But the humor comes from the humanity. The way they yell “Yes, chef!” like a battle cry. The panic before a busy dinner rush. The quiet moments between shifts where everyone just exhales. It’s stressful, yes-but also deeply funny because it’s so true to life.
7. Sex Education
Set in a British high school, Sex Education tackles awkward teen moments with grace and zero judgment. Otis, the awkward son of a sex therapist, becomes an unofficial counselor for his classmates. The show balances raunchy humor with emotional depth. It’s not just about sex-it’s about identity, anxiety, family, and being okay with not having it all figured out. The cast is fantastic, especially Asa Butterfield as Otis and Emma Mackey as Maeve, the sharp-tongued girl who knows more than she lets on. The jokes land because they’re rooted in real teenage experiences, not stereotypes.
8. Mythic Quest
If you’ve ever worked in tech, gaming, or creative industries, Mythic Quest will feel uncomfortably familiar. It’s a workplace comedy about the team behind a massive online game. From the egotistical creative director to the quiet programmer who secretly runs the show, every character is a type you’ve met. The humor is dry, sarcastic, and often brilliant. The writers know how absurd game development can be-the endless meetings, the toxic fanbases, the last-minute changes before launch. It’s not just funny; it’s a love letter to people who build digital worlds.
9. Reservation Dogs
This is the show that quietly broke the mold. Set in rural Oklahoma, it follows four Indigenous teens who dream of escaping to California. But instead of a tragic story, it’s a joyful, weird, and deeply funny look at friendship, grief, and growing up. The humor is deadpan, cultural, and often surreal-like when they try to rob a local convenience store just to get money for a bus ticket. The show doesn’t explain its jokes. It just lets them live. And that’s what makes it special. It’s not trying to be “representative.” It’s just being real.
10. Harley Quinn
Who knew a cartoon about a supervillain turned antihero could be this funny? Harley Quinn is animated, violent, and ridiculously clever. It’s packed with DC Easter eggs, absurd plotlines, and a cast of characters who are all wildly over-the-top. Harley’s chaotic energy is matched by her best friend Poison Ivy, her ex-boss The Joker (who’s now a pathetic loser), and the League of Villains who keep failing at being evil. The voice acting is spot-on, and the animation style is bold and playful. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud while also making you think about what it means to be free.
Why These Shows Work
What ties these ten together isn’t just their popularity-it’s their authenticity. They don’t rely on punchlines or slapstick. They build humor from character, situation, and timing. The best comedy doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers, then catches you off guard. These shows understand that. They let you laugh at the messiness of life, not just the jokes.
What to Skip
Not every Netflix comedy deserves your time. Avoid shows that feel like recycled SNL sketches, overused tropes (the nerdy guy gets the girl), or ones where the humor relies on cruelty. If a show makes you feel bad for the characters instead of with them, it’s not worth it. Stick with the ones that make you feel seen, not just entertained.
Where to Start
If you’re new to Netflix comedy, start with Abbott Elementary. It’s easy to jump into, universally funny, and leaves you smiling. If you want something darker and smarter, go for Barry. For a quick laugh with zero commitment, try Harley Quinn-each episode is 20 minutes. And if you need a reason to believe in people again? Ted Lasso is your answer.
Are these Netflix comedy shows available worldwide?
Yes, all ten shows are available on Netflix globally. However, some regional licensing rules might delay new seasons by a few weeks. For example, Reservation Dogs had its final season drop in the U.S. first, but it was added to international libraries within 10 days. If you don’t see a show, check the "Popular on Netflix" section or search by title directly.
Which of these shows has the most seasons?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine has seven seasons, making it the longest-running show on this list. Ted Lasso and Abbott Elementary each have three seasons as of 2025, with renewed seasons confirmed. Most others are in their second or third season, with some still ongoing.
Are any of these shows based on real people or events?
Not directly, but many draw from real-life experiences. Abbott Elementary was inspired by creator Quinta Brunson’s own public school teachers. The Bear was shaped by chef Christopher Storer’s time working in Chicago kitchens. Reservation Dogs was co-created by Indigenous writers and actors who grew up in similar communities. The humor comes from truth, not fiction.
Which show is best for someone who hates sitcoms?
Barry or Mythic Quest are your best bets. They don’t follow traditional sitcom structures-no laugh tracks, no formulaic plots. They’re character-driven, with layered storytelling that feels more like a drama with funny moments. If you’ve been turned off by canned laughter, these will feel fresh.
Do any of these shows have spin-offs or related series?
Yes. Mythic Quest has a spin-off called Robinson, focusing on a single player in the game world. Only Murders in the Building has a companion podcast called "The Last Laugh," released alongside Season 3. Harley Quinn is part of the larger DC Animated Universe, with crossovers in other animated series like Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Next Steps
Don’t just pick one-try a mix. Start with one show this week, then pick another next week. Keep a list of what made you laugh. Was it the timing? The character? The absurdity? That’ll help you find your next favorite. And if you’ve already watched them all? You’re probably already planning your rewatch. That’s the real sign of a great comedy.
