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WeirdThe 17 Best Comedy Series On Netflix
By Claire Spellberg
@c_spellberg
Published
Aug. 6, 2018, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores!
Photos: NETFLIX ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Master of None
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Aziz Ansari's Emmy-winning series had an amazing first season and then an even more amazing second season. The show follows Dev, an aspiring Indian-American actor who flails through life: at various points in the series, his love life, his career, and his relationship with his family are all on the rocks. Dev gets his shit together somewhat in Season 2, but despite his moderate success, he never loses his underdog spirit, the show's driving comedic factor.
[Stream Master of None on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Aziz Ansari's Emmy-winning series had an amazing first season and then an even more amazing second season. The show follows Dev, an aspiring Indian-American actor who flails through life: at various points in the series, his love life, his career, and his relationship with his family are all on the rocks. Dev gets his shit together somewhat in Season 2, but despite his moderate success, he never loses his underdog spirit, the show's driving comedic factor.
[Stream Master of None on Netflix]
Netflix
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Freaks and Geeks
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Freaks and Geeks, we hardly knew ye. The show that put James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel on the map only lasted one season at NBC, but what a season it was. The series follows a group of high school students (led by freshman Sam and his older sister Lindsay) through their everyday ups and downs, and there are plenty of both to keep viewers interested.
[Stream Freaks and Geeks on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Freaks and Geeks, we hardly knew ye. The show that put James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel on the map only lasted one season at NBC, but what a season it was. The series follows a group of high school students (led by freshman Sam and his older sister Lindsay) through their everyday ups and downs, and there are plenty of both to keep viewers interested.
[Stream Freaks and Geeks on Netflix]
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
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Arrested Development
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Arrested Development has gone through many iterations, but with the exception of one iffy season, it's remained a reliable comedy staple. The show follows the dysfunctional Bluths, a wealthy, narcissistic, and often-delusional family. When George Bluth Sr. is arrested in the pilot, his son Michael tries to hold the family together, but his ridiculous family makes things difficult. As the series progresses, the Bluths go through various challenges and controversies, but they always come out together on the other side -- fighting, backstabbing, and trash-talking, but together nonetheless.
[Stream Arrested Development on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Arrested Development has gone through many iterations, but with the exception of one iffy season, it's remained a reliable comedy staple. The show follows the dysfunctional Bluths, a wealthy, narcissistic, and often-delusional family. When George Bluth Sr. is arrested in the pilot, his son Michael tries to hold the family together, but his ridiculous family makes things difficult. As the series progresses, the Bluths go through various challenges and controversies, but they always come out together on the other side -- fighting, backstabbing, and trash-talking, but together nonetheless.
[Stream Arrested Development on Netflix]
20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection
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Jane The Virgin
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
What do you do if you find out you're pregnant -- but you've never had sex? That's the basic premise of Jane The Virgin, a series that has quietly been dishing up A-plus content for four years. The CW series has yet to get the awards recognition it deserves, but fans (and critics, judging by its Rotten Tomatoes score) love its unique brand of soapy comedy. If you've been sleeping on Jane the Virgin it's time to wake the hell up and start binge watching.
[Stream Jane The Virgin on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
What do you do if you find out you're pregnant -- but you've never had sex? That's the basic premise of Jane The Virgin, a series that has quietly been dishing up A-plus content for four years. The CW series has yet to get the awards recognition it deserves, but fans (and critics, judging by its Rotten Tomatoes score) love its unique brand of soapy comedy. If you've been sleeping on Jane the Virgin it's time to wake the hell up and start binge watching.
[Stream Jane The Virgin on Netflix]
Everett Collection
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Dear White People
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This Netflix Original introduces viewers to the students of Winchester University, a fictional ivy-league school with plenty of problems. The series focuses on the university's black students and the various friendships and divisions that emerge among them after the campus comedy magazine throws a blackface party. Dear White People shoulders a lot of responsibility, but it does so with the nuance and intelligence (and some kick ass jokes) characteristic of great comedies.
[Stream Dear White People on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This Netflix Original introduces viewers to the students of Winchester University, a fictional ivy-league school with plenty of problems. The series focuses on the university's black students and the various friendships and divisions that emerge among them after the campus comedy magazine throws a blackface party. Dear White People shoulders a lot of responsibility, but it does so with the nuance and intelligence (and some kick ass jokes) characteristic of great comedies.
[Stream Dear White People on Netflix]
Adam Rose/Netflix
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Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
When lawyer Rebecca Bunch runs into her teenage ex-boyfriend on the street in New York, she makes a rash decision and quits her job to follow him across the country. Now in sunny California, Rebecca struggles to get his attention, and despite constantly breaking into elaborate song-and-dance numbers, he doesn't quite get the hint. The fourth and final season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend premieres on The CW this fall, so now is the perfect time to catch up on Netflix.
[Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
When lawyer Rebecca Bunch runs into her teenage ex-boyfriend on the street in New York, she makes a rash decision and quits her job to follow him across the country. Now in sunny California, Rebecca struggles to get his attention, and despite constantly breaking into elaborate song-and-dance numbers, he doesn't quite get the hint. The fourth and final season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend premieres on The CW this fall, so now is the perfect time to catch up on Netflix.
[Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix]
©CW Network/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection
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American Vandal
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
There's a reason American Vandal was on practically every Best of 2017 list. The true-crime parody follows two teenage filmmakers as they attempt to exonerate Dylan Maxwell, a high school senior who was accused of drawing dicks on 27 cars in the faculty parking lot. Who drew the dicks? And does it really matter? As a fan of the show's inner documentary says, "This isn't about dicks. This is a commentary on the justice system." Yes, sir, it is.
[Stream American Vandal on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
There's a reason American Vandal was on practically every Best of 2017 list. The true-crime parody follows two teenage filmmakers as they attempt to exonerate Dylan Maxwell, a high school senior who was accused of drawing dicks on 27 cars in the faculty parking lot. Who drew the dicks? And does it really matter? As a fan of the show's inner documentary says, "This isn't about dicks. This is a commentary on the justice system." Yes, sir, it is.
[Stream American Vandal on Netflix]
Tyler Golden / Netflix
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The End of the F***ing World
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
The End of the F***ing World is the best show you've never heard of. The British series snuck onto Netflix in early January and stunned viewers with its dark storyline and deadpan humor. Young actors Alex Lawther and Jessica Bardens are incredibly convincing as two messed-up teens on the run from their parents, and their story only gets more twisted as the action rages on. Episodes of The End of the F***ing world are like Lay's potato chips: betcha can't watch just one.
[Stream The End of the F***ing World on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
The End of the F***ing World is the best show you've never heard of. The British series snuck onto Netflix in early January and stunned viewers with its dark storyline and deadpan humor. Young actors Alex Lawther and Jessica Bardens are incredibly convincing as two messed-up teens on the run from their parents, and their story only gets more twisted as the action rages on. Episodes of The End of the F***ing world are like Lay's potato chips: betcha can't watch just one.
[Stream The End of the F***ing World on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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One Day at a Time
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Netflix's reboot of Norman Lear's beloved sitcom has proved to be a major hit with critics and casual viewers alike. The series revolves around a Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles and their everyday problems, but the series is much more than a simple family sitcom. One Day at a Time focuses on family drama, yes, but it also touches upon topics like PTSD, mental illness, racism, sexual identity, and more.
[Stream One Day at a Time on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Netflix's reboot of Norman Lear's beloved sitcom has proved to be a major hit with critics and casual viewers alike. The series revolves around a Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles and their everyday problems, but the series is much more than a simple family sitcom. One Day at a Time focuses on family drama, yes, but it also touches upon topics like PTSD, mental illness, racism, sexual identity, and more.
[Stream One Day at a Time on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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GLOW
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
GLOW is just non-stop fun. The first season of the series follows a group of female wrestlers as they attempt to create a cable wrestling program, and in Season 2, the ladies of GLOW grapple with the consequences -- both good and bad -- of their relative success. If you're looking for a feel-good comedy, look no further than GLOW (but be warned: you may be sad when it's over).
[Stream GLOW on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
GLOW is just non-stop fun. The first season of the series follows a group of female wrestlers as they attempt to create a cable wrestling program, and in Season 2, the ladies of GLOW grapple with the consequences -- both good and bad -- of their relative success. If you're looking for a feel-good comedy, look no further than GLOW (but be warned: you may be sad when it's over).
[Stream GLOW on Netflix]
Erica Parise/Netflix
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Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Tina Fey's whimsical comedy tells the story of Kimmy Schmidt, a woman who has just escaped a doomsday cult after being held hostage for 15 years. As Kimmy adjusts to life in New York, she makes friends, finds a job, and even falls in love. Each episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt may be more ridiculous than the last, but that adds to its sparkling charm.
[Stream Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Tina Fey's whimsical comedy tells the story of Kimmy Schmidt, a woman who has just escaped a doomsday cult after being held hostage for 15 years. As Kimmy adjusts to life in New York, she makes friends, finds a job, and even falls in love. Each episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt may be more ridiculous than the last, but that adds to its sparkling charm.
[Stream Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix]
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
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Orange Is The New Black
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Orange Is The New Black skews more towards drama in certain seasons (and in some episodes), but Season 1 -- and the new Season 6 -- places the show firmly in the comedy category. What started as a fish-out-of-water tale about Piper Chapman, a bougie woman sent to prison for a decade-old crime, has turned into an ensemble comedy with over a dozen major players. The show has benefitted from shifting away from Piper and focusing on its ensemble, which continues to grow in size and in importance each season.
[Stream Orange Is The New Black on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Orange Is The New Black skews more towards drama in certain seasons (and in some episodes), but Season 1 -- and the new Season 6 -- places the show firmly in the comedy category. What started as a fish-out-of-water tale about Piper Chapman, a bougie woman sent to prison for a decade-old crime, has turned into an ensemble comedy with over a dozen major players. The show has benefitted from shifting away from Piper and focusing on its ensemble, which continues to grow in size and in importance each season.
[Stream Orange Is The New Black on Netflix]
JoJo Whilden / Netflix
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On My Block
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
On My Block tells the story of four inner-city teenagers in Los Angeles as they begin high school. In a world of predominantly white-skewed shows, the Netflix series gives viewers a much-needed look at the lives of minority students, particularly the Latinx and black teenagers who make up the neighborhood. If you've already binged your way through all 10 episodes on Netflix, don't worry: the series was renewed for a second season in April. Season 2 will likely debut in 2019.
[Stream On My Block on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
On My Block tells the story of four inner-city teenagers in Los Angeles as they begin high school. In a world of predominantly white-skewed shows, the Netflix series gives viewers a much-needed look at the lives of minority students, particularly the Latinx and black teenagers who make up the neighborhood. If you've already binged your way through all 10 episodes on Netflix, don't worry: the series was renewed for a second season in April. Season 2 will likely debut in 2019.
[Stream On My Block on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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Glee
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
During its six-year run, Glee was nominated for a whopping 32 Emmy awards, and it came away with 6 wins. The show that began as an underdog story about an ignored high school glee club quickly morphed into an examination of social issues and larger-than-life drama, and while the show didn't always stick the landing, it was fun as hell watching them try. The show declined in quality over time, but Season 1 (the show's best season) has a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, so don't let the bad reviews scare you off from having a good time.
[Stream Glee on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
During its six-year run, Glee was nominated for a whopping 32 Emmy awards, and it came away with 6 wins. The show that began as an underdog story about an ignored high school glee club quickly morphed into an examination of social issues and larger-than-life drama, and while the show didn't always stick the landing, it was fun as hell watching them try. The show declined in quality over time, but Season 1 (the show's best season) has a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, so don't let the bad reviews scare you off from having a good time.
[Stream Glee on Netflix]
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The Good Place
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
There's a reason that The Good Place has such a high Rotten Tomatoes score: it's damn near perfect. The Mike Schur-helmed series takes risks that few sitcoms wouldn't even dare to try, including blowing up its own premise episode after episode. With its hilarious jokes, great cameos, and engaging plot points, The Good Place is can't-miss TV.
[Stream The Good Place on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
There's a reason that The Good Place has such a high Rotten Tomatoes score: it's damn near perfect. The Mike Schur-helmed series takes risks that few sitcoms wouldn't even dare to try, including blowing up its own premise episode after episode. With its hilarious jokes, great cameos, and engaging plot points, The Good Place is can't-miss TV.
[Stream The Good Place on Netflix]
Colleen Hayes/NBC
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The Office
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
It's impossible to write about the best comedies on Netflix and not include The Office. The Steve Carrell-led office comedy overcame a mediocre first season (hence the low ranking on this list) to become one of the most beloved American sitcoms of all time, and it set the standard for decades of shows to come. You've probably already seen The Office, but if you're in the mood for a re-watch, may we suggest the Season 4 episode "Dinner Party?"
[Stream The Office on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
It's impossible to write about the best comedies on Netflix and not include The Office. The Steve Carrell-led office comedy overcame a mediocre first season (hence the low ranking on this list) to become one of the most beloved American sitcoms of all time, and it set the standard for decades of shows to come. You've probably already seen The Office, but if you're in the mood for a re-watch, may we suggest the Season 4 episode "Dinner Party?"
[Stream The Office on Netflix]
Photo: NBC
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New Girl
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This long-running Fox comedy set unrealistically high expectations about finding a random roommate. When Jess, an "adorkable" teacher, moves into a loft with three men she doesn't know, they immediately hit it off. As the years go by, Jess' relationship with her roommates changes (they get married, move out, have kids, etc.), but no matter what happens, they're always there for each other. Craigslist roomies are forever, right?
[Stream New Girl on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This long-running Fox comedy set unrealistically high expectations about finding a random roommate. When Jess, an "adorkable" teacher, moves into a loft with three men she doesn't know, they immediately hit it off. As the years go by, Jess' relationship with her roommates changes (they get married, move out, have kids, etc.), but no matter what happens, they're always there for each other. Craigslist roomies are forever, right?
[Stream New Girl on Netflix]
20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection
