The 10 Best Comedy Series on Netflix, Ranked — All Sure to Leave You in Stitches

Bonnie Siegler

January 18, 2024 at 11:48 PM·7 min read

Almost from the beginning of entertainment television, comedy has been present in its many forms, whether it be variety shows, improv comedy, stand-up or, most popular of all, sitcoms. The truth is, sitcoms — through the combination of their casts and writers — have provided opportunities for viewers to relate to the content in these shows and laugh along with them. Today, our favorite streaming services have recognized our need for that laughter, so whether your preference is for dark comedy, cartoons or just downright silliness about nothing, the following guide to comedy series on Netflix will surely put a smile on your face.

The 10 best comedy series on Netflix, Ranked

10. Kath & Kim (2002-2007)

From Australia comes this sitcom following the day-to-day lives of a jovial, middle-aged mom (Kath Day-Inight, played by Jane Turner) and her selfish daughter (Kimberly Diane Craig, played by Gina Riley). Kim's husband is a salesman and Kath's love interest works as a "purveyor of fine meats." Out-dated fashion — not vintage or retro — clothe these women who revel in the belief that they're up to date in terms of style.

At the same time, the show makes fun of their aspirations for good taste that eludes them. As a whole, the series focuses on their personal struggles and the overall dullness of their mundane achievements. At the same time, it mocks Australian and international mass popular culture, including reality TV shows Big Brother and Australian Idol.

Watch Kath & Kim now.

9. Master of None (2015-2021)

Comic Aziz Ansari’s real-life experiences come into play for this comedy/drama. He stars as Dev Shah, a New York based 30-year-old actor struggling to discover what he really wants out of life, driving home the fact that being young and single in the Big Apple is not as easy as you may think.

Scenes showing Dev's younger years — when texting and social media were not mastered by most people — leave you chuckling and is certainly something those with computer issues can identify with. The show's title refers to the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none."

Watch Master of None now.

8. Insecure (2016-2021)

Praised by critics as one of the best shows of late, this comedy series on Netflix spent five years looking at the ups and downs of the contemporary Black experience through the personal sense of humor of Issa Rae. It follows long-time friends Issa and Molly, who are in their late 20s and not representative of strong and confident modern-day women. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Their insecurities are at the forefront of this comedy as they try to cope with uncomfortable everyday experiences most of us would just brush off and move on from. As it touches upon social and racial issues, the comedy makes us laugh in a very unique way.

Watch Insecure now.

7. Murderville (2022-present)

Based on the British series Murder in Successville, this comedy on Netflix gives viewers some great comic performances in a silly, messy, largely improvised sitcom. The feeling is you're watching a combination of a game show and a theatrical production that hasn't been burdened by any sense of rehearsal It stars Will Arnett as a jaded detective who teams up with a different celeb guest playing themselves — Conan O’Brien, Annie Murphy, Ken Jeong, among others — trying to solve a quirky murder. Unlike other detective shows, Murderville has the celeb guest try and figure out the identity of the killer by the end of the episode.

Watch Murderville now.

6. Beef (2023)

Released on Netflix in April 2023, the ten-episode series received eight wins at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. The dark comedy, created by Korean director Lee Sung Jin for the streaming service, finds laughter couched within anger.

A contractor happens to be on the wrong side of the parking lot where a houseplant business owner is trying to get out, with road rage ensuing. We all have our bad days, but the situation between the two strangers and their pettiness snowballs into a prolonged feud that serves as the basis of this comedy on Netflix. While making viewers laugh about everything from fads to crypto trading, the comedy also addresses mental health.

Watch Beef now.

5. Arrested Development (2003-2019)

Orange County in Southern California might look like a nice place to live, but when you’ve set your sights on leaving, it’s not so easy to do. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) finds himself forced to stay in this white-collar community and run his family real estate business.

Why? His dad, George Bluth, Sr (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison for committing white-collar crimes involving a whole lotta money. The sitcom reveals a multi-layered show that focuses on the fractured and entitled Bluth family. Each family member has their own weirdness, such as teenage George Michael (Michael Cera), who's in love with his cousin, or drunkard matriarch Lucille (Jessica Walter). And how about a Segway riding failed magician? Yes, the sitcom gives viewers a lot of “huhs," but also some good belly laughs.

Watch Arrested Development now.

4. BoJack Horseman (2014-present)

Another original comedy series on Netflix, this is definitely not for the youngsters to watch — the animated show is filled with sex, drugs and alcohol references. BoJack was once the star of a 90s sitcom, the cancelation of which threw BoJack into a boozy 18 years. Now he wants to regain his pride, self-respect and his former career, but Hollywood isn’t what it used to be. It is quite adult, but also hilarious to watch.

Watch BoJack Horseman now.

3. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2019)

After Kimmy Schmidt is rescued from 15 years spent in a cult, she moves to New York. There she is introduced to a cast of strange and wonderful characters who ultimately teach her how to live in the real world.

Admittedly New York City, with its land of garbage, exploitation, and cynicism, is not the exact place Kimmy should have landed after being out of circulation for 15 years, but ultimately her newfound friends turn out to be exactly what she needs. While it doesn’t sound like a comedy, creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who were behind the laughs on 30 Rock, bring us into the outlandish experiences of Kimmy’s new life.

Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt now.

2. Russian Doll (2019-2022)

You somehow can’t stop smiling while watching Natasha Lyonne on screen. This comedy/drama series created by her, Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler, follows Nadia Vulvokov, a game developer who repeatedly dies on her 36th birthday, only to relive the same party night in an ongoing time loop. Kind of an updated version of Groundhog Day. Anyway, she tries to solve the time loop problem only to find another person, Alan Zaveri, suffering the same situation.

Through Lyonne’s own natural charisma and frantic persona, watching her relive the same day over and over again, and what she does with that open-ended potential, is what makes you laugh.

Watch Russian Doll now.

1. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

This list of best comedy series on Netflix wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Seinfeld, voted the greatest sitcom of all time. The show about nothing follows the antics of four self-absorbed New Yorkers who never learn a thing by their misadventures. While the sitcom was about the nothingness of everyday life, it was based on the observations of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Along with friends Elaine, George, and Kramer, they casually run roughshod over other’s lives, with no sense of remorse.

With nine seasons to binge, Seinfeld is a true treasure trove of classic episodes, much of its verbiage now integrated into our everyday lexicon. "The Soup Nazi" gave us, "No soup for you," while "The Contest" gave us "Master of My Domain," and shrinkage provided us with a whole new meaning. Mention double-dipping, spongeworthy, Festivus or serenity now, and most will immediately know the reference. So, sit back, quit the yada, yada, yada-ing and get ready for some laughs.

Watch Seinfeld now.

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