The 20 Best Comedy Shows On Netflix

By Jade Budowski @jadebudowski

Published Sep. 5, 2017, 9:30 a.m. ET

These are the craziest, cleverest, most critically-acclaimed comedy series on the streaming platform.Photos: Everett Collection, NETFLIX ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps

**Absolutely Fabulous**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
Created by, written by, and starring the hilarious Jennifer Saunders opposite partner-in-crime Joanna Lumley, this British sitcom follows best friends Edina and Patsy (Saunders and Lumley), two ridiculously selfish, oblivious, drug-using women who make Edina's daughter absolutely crazy with their insane antics. Every episode is a gift, and there are a wide range of laughs to be had at all of the shenanigans that Eddie and Patsy find themselves in (or are the direct cause of).
[Stream Absolutely Fabulous]Photo: Everett Collection

**Arrested Development**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
When the Bluth family falls apart in the wake of patriarch George going to prison, the most level-headed son of the bunch, Michael (Jason Bateman) takes over and attempts to keep the family and its business together. *Arrested Development* is truly unlike anything on television; it's brilliantly written, perfectly performed, and armed with jokes that pack a punch every single time.
[Stream Arrested Development]

**Cheers**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
This iconic, 11-season sitcom tells the story of the people who work at and frequent Cheers, a Boston bar where "everybody knows your name". Starring Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, and a slew of other stars, *Cheers* is the kind of classic that immediately makes you feel at home.
[Stream Cheers]Photo: Everett Collection

Chewing Gum (British): 100%Photo: Netflix

**Dear White People**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
The series that prompted a wild response and boycott was met with critical acclaim and is more binge-able than you might expect.Dear White People is a satirical continuation the 2014 movie of the same name, and follows activist and radio show host Sam White after she is elected head of a residence hall at a predominantly white Ivy League college and deals with race dynamics within her university. This fresh, innovative series does not shy away from the tough stuff and puts topics on our radar that are more necessary now than ever.
[Stream Dear White People]Photo: Netflix

**Jane the Virgin**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
The satirical play on a telenovela tells the story of Jane Villaneuva (the eternally wonderful Gina Rodriguez), a twenty-something aspiring writer resolved to remain a virgin till marriage. While she's tempted, she sticks to her vow religiously, but her world is turned upside down when an emotional gynecologist accidentally artificially inseminates her and she becomes pregnant. This show has everything - love stories, loyal friendships, hammy jokes, an incredible narrator, female camaraderie, murder mysteries, and more.
[Stream Jane the Virgin]Photo: The CW

**Garfunkel and Oates**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci star as fictional versions of themselves on this small, snappy little show that sees their music duo Garfunkel and Oates try to find meaning out there in the wacky, wild world. These twenty-somethings may have a knack for tongue-in-cheek tunes, but they're really just trying to make it in Los Angeles like the rest of us.
[Stream Garfunkel and Oates]Photo: Everett Collection

**Lovesick**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
This under-the-radar British comedy is as snappy and smart as anyone could ask for; after finding out he has an STD, Dylan decides to get back in touch with every girl he's ever slept with to let them know what's happened. Rife with a range of different comedic styles and stand-out performances from every cast member, *Lovesick* is the perfect cure to any illness.
[Stream Lovesick]Photo: Netflix

**Master of None**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
Aziz Ansari stars as a struggling New York City actor perhaps best known for his Go-Gurt commercial navigating New York with the rest of his crew on this ridiculously smart comedy. Featuring poignant social commentary in the places you least expect, this offbeat, heartfelt series gives new life to an old premise and offers moments that will make you cringe and laugh.
[Stream Master of None]Photo: Netflix

**Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 100%
The Gizmonic Institute is back and better than ever under the guidance of Joel Hodgson on *Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return*, and it couldn't feel more at home on Netflix. The comedy series centers on a flunky named Max who is sat in front of horrendously bad movies at the leisure of a mad scientist as she studies the effects on his brain. Max and his companions make light of each flick and leave us with absurdly funny, memorable sequences bound to keep you watching till there aren't any episodes left.
[Stream Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return]Photo: Netflix

**Crazy Ex-Girlfriend**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 98%
In an attempt to pursue happiness (and a former fling), Rebecca (Rachel Bloom) leaves behind her bougie New York City law firm job to move to the modest West Covina, California, where things don't seem to work out the way she planned. Quick, fearless, and occasionally (often) cringeworthy, *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend* is the kind of show that makes you feel like you'll never be alone - not with relatable ladies like this in the world.
[Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend]Photo: The CW

**It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 98%
Now prepping for its 13th season, this hilarious series follows a group of five self-absorbed friends who run an Irish pub in Philadelphia as they navigate the inherently tumultuous arena of work, relationships, and everything in between. Because of their completely wacky world-views, however, it's never long before they've landed in a new shenanigan bound to make more than one person uncomfortable.
[Stream It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]Photo: Everett Collection

**iZombie**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 97%
If you're skeptical of this show because of its seemingly millenial-aimed title, allow us to eliminate any hesitation - it's a keeper. *iZombie* follows Liv, a medical student-turned-zombie who soon finds that her brain-eating habits actually might be of use to someone - the cops. When she consumes these brains, she acquires the memories and traits of the deceased - allowing her to assist a detective as a psychic. Well-paced, surprisingly funny, and simultaneously macabre and playful, *iZombie* is a total treat.
[Stream iZombie]Photo: Everett Collection

**Portlandia**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 97%
Created by and starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, this hit sketch comedy series parodies life in all its shapes and sizes in Portland, Oregon. Every episode is a total feat; whether they're poking fun at foodies, exploring social constructs, or just being plain weird, Armisen and Brownstein act as chameleons and never fail to deliver truly inventive, entertaining content.
[Stream Portlandia]Photo: IFC

**Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 97%
This campy, clever comedy helmed by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock stars Ellie Kemper as the eponymous Kimmy, a cult-member turned eccentric New York City gal just doing her best to navigate the wild world alongside pals played by Tituss Burgess and Carol Kane. The sincere, irreverent, off-the-wall series will make you laugh, occasionally tear up, and keep watching until you've unknowingly blown through the entire series.
[Stream Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt]Photo: Netflix

**Archer**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 96%
This long-running animated action comedy follows master spy Sterling Archer, who finds himself tangled in a series of sticky situations at an international spy agency where his mother is his boss, his ex-girlfriend is a fellow agent, and everyone else seems to be connected to each other in one weirdly incestuous way or another. Shamelessly silly, crass, and crazy, *Archer* is nothing if not a crowd-pleaser.
[Stream Archer]Photo: Everett Collection

**One Day at a Time**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 96%
This surprisingly smart, heartfelt comedy follows three generations of a Cuban-American family coexisting in the same household. Justina Machado stars as recently divorced former military mom Penelope, and she's surrounded by her teen daughter, tween son, and tradition-loving mother, played by the legendary Rita Moreno.
[Stream One Day at a Time]Photo: Netflix

**Battle Creek**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 95%
After the smash success of *Breaking Bad*, creator Vince Gilligan forayed into more light-hearted territory with *Battle Creek*, a criminally short-lived cop dramedy starring Josh Duhamel and Dean Winters. The duo's mismatched detectives are the heart of the series, and as they try to clean up the streets of their town, their starkly different personalities get in the way. Rife with comedy in the most unexpected of places, *Battle Creek* is truly a witty, unique show taken from us too soon.
[Stream Battle Creek]Photo: Everett Collection

**GLOW**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 94%
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, this dramedy series stars Alison Brie as a struggling actress named Ruth Wilder who gets invited to audition with a group of other women for a professional wrestling organization - the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast, this witty, biting, completely shameless (and fabulously feminist) should be at the top of your queue.
[Stream GLOW]Photo: Netflix

**A Series of Unfortunate Events**
**Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 94%
Adapted from the Lemony Snicket book series of the same name, this darkly funny series introduces us to the three Baudelaire orphans who are placed in the custody of their distant relative, the completely kooky and mildly evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris). Wonderfully weird and totally dry, this imagining of the iconic children's series is enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
[Stream A Series of Unfortunate Events]Photo: Netflix

Where to Stream:

Friends

Netflix knows that you cord-cutters never rest. They are always armed with the next brilliant binge, whether you’re looking for a riveting crime drama, enlightening documentary series, or uproarious comedy.

The streaming platform is home to some of the most iconic comedy series in recent memory; Frasier, Friends, The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Gilmore Girls, and more all happily live in the streaming service’s comedy category, while newbies and Netflix originals also co-exist and lend themselves to whichever binge strikes your fancy. An added bonus? Many of these comedies come with high-ranking Rotten Tomatoes scores and tons of critical love, making them even more worth your time. With hundreds of seasons of smart, silly, irreverent comedy to consume, there’s truly no way to ever get bored in your binge-ing.

Wondering where to look for laughs? We went through Netflix‘s never-ending catalogue to find you the best of the best. These are the top 20 comedy series on the platform, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

Genres

Platforms

Moods

More From Decider

'The Bear' Season 3 Review: Carmy Secures His Role as The Chairman of The...

R.I.P. Martin Mull: 'Clue' & 'Roseanne' Star Dead at 80

Every Kevin Costner Movie Is A Western (Even When They're Not)

Nicole Kidman Tore Zac Efron’s Shirt Off in One Take, Says ‘A Family...

Is Kevin Costner Dooming Himself To Be The Captain Ahab of Westerns With...

Heidi Klum Strips Down On 'Hot Ones', Leaving Host Sean Evans Speechless

Vanna White Struggles Working With Ryan Seacrest And May Exit 'Wheel Of...

'Hit Man' True Story: What to Know About the Real Gary Johnson Who...

The 20 Best Comedy Shows On Netflix

Where to Stream:

Friends

More From Decider

Kelly Ripa Stunned On 'Live' After Mark Consuelos Claims They Should Start Thinking Of Their Grandparent Names: "Why, Have You Heard Something?"

Elliot Page Wanted His 'Umbrella Academy' Character To Come Out As Trans. The Showrunner's Response? "Oh My F***ing God. Kill Me Now."

'The Boys' Claudia Doumit Is Having "So Much Fun" Playing On-Screen Enemies With Her Off-Screen Boyfriend Jack Quaid: "It's Almost Hard Not To Laugh"

'The View' Co-Hosts Point Fingers At EP Brian Teta When Jill Biden Asks Why They Insist On Calling Her "First Lady"

'The View's Whoopi Goldberg And Sunny Hostin Can't Contain Their Glee At The Thought Of Trump In Rikers: "Put Him In The Clink!"

Christina Applegate Gets Disgustingly Graphic With Deodorant Advice To 'Love Island' Stars

More From Decider

'The Bear' Season 3 Review: Carmy Secures His Role as The Chairman of The...

R.I.P. Martin Mull: 'Clue' & 'Roseanne' Star Dead at 80

Every Kevin Costner Movie Is A Western (Even When They're Not)

Nicole Kidman Tore Zac Efron’s Shirt Off in One Take, Says ‘A Family...

Is Kevin Costner Dooming Himself To Be The Captain Ahab of Westerns With...

Heidi Klum Strips Down On 'Hot Ones', Leaving Host Sean Evans Speechless

Vanna White Struggles Working With Ryan Seacrest And May Exit 'Wheel Of...

'Hit Man' True Story: What to Know About the Real Gary Johnson Who...

Where to Stream:

Friends

Tags

More From Decider

Kelly Ripa Stunned On 'Live' After Mark Consuelos Claims They Should Start Thinking Of Their Grandparent Names: "Why, Have You Heard Something?"

Elliot Page Wanted His 'Umbrella Academy' Character To Come Out As Trans. The Showrunner's Response? "Oh My F***ing God. Kill Me Now."

'The Boys' Claudia Doumit Is Having "So Much Fun" Playing On-Screen Enemies With Her Off-Screen Boyfriend Jack Quaid: "It's Almost Hard Not To Laugh"

'The View' Co-Hosts Point Fingers At EP Brian Teta When Jill Biden Asks Why They Insist On Calling Her "First Lady"

'The View's Whoopi Goldberg And Sunny Hostin Can't Contain Their Glee At The Thought Of Trump In Rikers: "Put Him In The Clink!"

Christina Applegate Gets Disgustingly Graphic With Deodorant Advice To 'Love Island' Stars