tv comedies 2018

27 TV Comedies We Loved in 2018

Atlanta, Best of 2018, black-ish, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Lists, New Girl, One Day at a Time, Superstore, The Goldbergs, The Good Place, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Trial and Error, Will and Grace

Choosing favorite television shows is hard. 

We could never recognize every show that made us laugh, cry, or somewhere in between. But in recognition of the ones that made us happy this year or gave us an oh so needed laugh, we’ve put together a list of just some of our favorite comedies from the past year.

In no particular order, here are 27 TV comedies we loved in 2018. 

1. American Vandal

American Vandal Kevin McClain

A surprise hit of 2017, American Vandal returned to Netflix in 2018 with a far more disgusting crime: the “brown-out.” Peter Maldonado and Sam Ecklund brought Season 2 of their “documentary” series to a new town in pursuit of the “Turd Burglar,” and laughs aplenty followed.

While the second season was not as critically acclaimed as the first, the commentary on how young people communicate and the bathroom humor landed for some disgusting-yet-hilarious mockumentary fun. This year, we were all the turd burglar.

2. Atlanta

Atlanta

The first season of Atlanta, fronted and created by Donald Glover, earned praise from critics across the board. Though many wondered how “Robbin’ Season” would stack up, they were not disappointed.

The sophomore voyage of Atlanta gave us poignant gems like “Teddy Perkins,” and hilarious misadventures like “Barbershop,” proving for a second time why Donald Glover is one of the most in-demand creatives in showbusiness. We all love Zaxby’s…and Atlanta.

3. Bob’s Burgers
Bob's Burgers

Where other shows garner praise for their innovation and freshness, Bob’s Burgers deserves it for a different reason: consistency. When you’re counting on laughs, the Belcher family will be there for you. 

Even though things in the world are tough, we can always count on Bob, Linda, and the family to do a heist episode, or perhaps teach Tina, Gene, and Louise to be entrepreneurs. Bob’s Burgers is essential comfort food in these trying times. Thank you for being there, Belchers.

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4. Brockmire

Brockmire

Some of the most poignant and hilarious work of Hank Azaria’s career has been done on Brockmire, a comedy series about an aging baseball announcer itching to get back to the major leagues. In 2018, we followed Jim Brockmire further on his journey, as things like alcoholism and inability to love serve as major roadblocks in his life. 

Brockmire is emotional, raw, and real, but aside from all that it’s also very funny. Who would’ve thought a Funny Or Die sketch would grow into one of TV’s best comedies?

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

brooklyn 99 season 5 episode 22

One of the biggest events of 2018 was NBC’s swift rescue of Brooklyn Nine-Nine after FOX cold-heartedly canceled it. NBC was right to save one of the smartest and most inclusive comedies on TV. In 2018 they gave us their first bottle episode (featuring Sterling K. Brown), the long-awaited union of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago, and endless hijinks to supplement.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s ensemble is exceptionally strong, the writing is impeccable, and we’re so excited that NBC is bringing us another season in 2019. Nine-Nine!!

6. Everything Sucks
Everything Sucks Season 1 Episode 9
EVERYTHING SUCKS!

When you’re feeling nostalgic for the ’90s an excellent place to turn is Netflix’s Everything Sucks. Everything Sucks is so much more than a coming-of-age story set in the ’90s, as it gives us nerdy heroes, an LGBT love story, and perhaps most shockingly, a sympathetic high-school principal.

Though canceled after only one season, Everything Sucks was one of our favorite comedies of 2018 for being fresh, poignant, and just plain funny. It’s our “Wonder Wall.”

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7. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

After 13 years, no show has any business being hilarious anymore. But nobody told the guys on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, who managed to turn in another extremely funny season of television, even without full use of Glenn Howerton.

Part of their success is pure luck, sure, as the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl propelled two entire episodes in 2018. But the rest is the Paddy’s Pub gang and their willingness to explore any issue: ranging from Mac’s coming out to his father to the #TimesUp movement.

If It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia keeps attacking relevant topics head-on, they’ll stay atop their game for many years to come.

8. New Girl

New Girl

Even though 2018 was the end for New Girlit went out with a bang. Following the main group of friends later into their adult lives worked phenomenally well for the show, giving fans like us closure for Nick and Jess, and insights into all of our favorites finding their bliss. 

Seeing further into their lives merely amplified our love for our favorite New Girl characters as we watched them become parents to Ruth, Dan Bill, and Reginald Veljohnson, and pursue their true callings as agents, authors, and stay-at-home parents.

In 2018 New Girl taught us, if nothing else, that final season orders should be mandatory. Prank Sinatra, baby!

9. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley

A down year in 2017 left Silicon Valley fans concerned about what was to come. Amidst some shake-ups in the cast, Silicon Valley pulled it together in a big way in 2018.

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They continue to use some of the best comic actors in the game, including Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods, Martin Starr, and Kumail Nanjiani as hilarious vehicles to tell relevant stories. They even used some of the hottest topics in tech (like cryptocurrency) to get laughs this season.

As the Pied Piper continues its saga, I’d anticipate more laughs in the years to come.

10. Single Parents

Single Parents

One of the newest shows to crack the list, Single Parents barrelled into 2018 to fill the New Girl sized hole in our hearts. The cast (Taran Killam, Leighton Meester, and Brad Garrett, among others) each brings something unique to the table on this sweet, charming, hilarious ride. 

Perhaps the show’s greatest strength, though, is the cluster of talented children they use to give the show depth and the emotional moments an extra punch. Parents with kids, beware. You might find Single Parents TOO funny and relatable. You’ve been warned.

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Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.

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