Best Series To Watch Comedy: 5 Shows That Actually Deliver Laughs
- 01. best series to watch comedy: Stop Wasting Time on Bad Shows
- 02. Top 5 Comedy Series You Should Watch Immediately
- 03. Comedy Series Comparison Table: Ratings & Awards
- 04. Why These Shows Stand Out for Quality Comedy
- 05. 2026 Comedy Revivals Worth Watching
- 06. How to Choose the Right Comedy Series for You
- 07. Final Verdict: Stop Wasting Time on Bad Shows
best series to watch comedy: Stop Wasting Time on Bad Shows
The best comedy series to watch right now are Hacks (99% Tomatometer, 12 Emmys), Ted Lasso (2-time Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy winner), and Schitt's Creek (8.5/10 IMDb, 7 consecutive Comedy Emmy wins). These shows deliver consistent laughs, strong character development, and critical acclaim-making them the top choices for viewers seeking quality comedy in 2026.
Top 5 Comedy Series You Should Watch Immediately
Based on critic ratings, audience scores, and award recognition, here are the elite comedy series that warrant your time:
- Hacks (HBO Max): 99% Tomatometer, 12 Primetime Emmys including 2 for Outstanding Comedy Series; Jean Smart won 4 consecutive Actress awards
- Ted Lasso (Apple TV+): Back-to-back Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy winner; first streaming service to win in program category during second eligibility year
- Schitt's Creek (Netflix): 8.5/10 IMDb rating from 174K users; swept 2020 Emmys with wins in all major comedy categories
- Arrested Development: Golden Globe winner + 5 Emmy wins including Best Comedy Series; AFI TV Program of the Year
- Parks and Recreation: Evolved from lukewarm April 2009 debut to enduring comedy classic after 7 seasons on NBC
Comedy Series Comparison Table: Ratings & Awards
| Show Title | Rotten Tomatoes | IMDb Rating | Emmy Wins | Streaming Platform | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hacks | 99% (cumulative) | 8.7/10 | 12 (2 Outstanding Comedy) | HBO Max | 5 (finale May 28, 2026) |
| Ted Lasso | 98% | 8.8/10 | 11 (2 Outstanding Comedy) | Apple TV+ | 3 |
| Schitt's Creek | 97% | 8.5/10 | 16 (7 Outstanding Comedy) | Netflix | 6 |
| Arrested Development | 93% | 8.7/10 | 5 (1 Outstanding Comedy) | Netflix | 5 |
| Parks and Recreation | 92% | 8.6/10 | 6 nominations | Peacock | 7 |
| Brooklyn Nine-Nine | 94% (Season 2) | 8.4/10 | 1 Golden Globe | Peacock/Netflix | 8 |
Why These Shows Stand Out for Quality Comedy
Hacks achieved a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for its fifth and final season, with every critic awarding it favorable reviews. The show's cumulative 99% rating across five seasons makes it the highest-rated HBO series with similar review volume. Jean Smart's portrayal of Deborah Vance earned her four consecutive Outstanding Actress awards, demonstrating consistent excellence in comedic performance.
Ted Lasso broke records as the most nominated freshman comedy in Emmy history before winning Outstanding Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022. Apple became the first streaming service to secure an Emmy in a program category during only its second year of eligibility, marking a history-making achievement for streaming comedy. The series also won for Outstanding Actor (Jason Sudeikis) and Supporting Actor (Brett Goldstein).
2026 Comedy Revivals Worth Watching
Three beloved comedies absent for over a decade are returning in 2026, according to The Hollywood Reporter's most anticipated TV shows list:
- The Comeback (HBO): Lisa Kudrow's comedy returns for its third and final season, focusing on her character navigating the modern television landscape; originally aired 2005-2014
- Scrubs (ABC): The team reunites with Donald F. Braff, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley, and Judy Reyes returning alongside familiar faces
- Malcolm in the Middle (Hulu): Frankie Muniz reprises his role in a four-episode sequel celebrating his parents' 40th anniversary; releases April 2026
How to Choose the Right Comedy Series for You
Selecting the best comedy depends on your viewing preferences. Consider these key decision factors:
- Critic acclaim vs. audience love: Hacks boasts 99% critic approval while Schitt's Creek has 83% Popcornmeter audience score
- Completed vs. ongoing: Schitt's Creek (6 seasons, finished) offers binge-worthy completeness; Hacks Season 5 finale airs May 28, 2026
- Tone preference: Ted Lasso delivers heartwarming optimism; Arrested Development offers satirical dysfunction; Brooklyn Nine-Nine blends workplace comedy with police procedural
- Episode commitment: Big Mistakes (Netflix, 95% RT) has 8 episodes at 30 minutes each; traditional sitcoms run 22 minutes per episode
Final Verdict: Stop Wasting Time on Bad Shows
With over 200 comedy series ranked by Rotten Tomatoes and countless options on streaming platforms, choosing wisely matters. The shows listed above represent the elite tier of comedy television-proven by critic scores, audience ratings, and industry recognition. Start with Hacks for contemporary excellence, Ted Lasso for feel-good optimism, or Schitt's Creek for flawless character-driven humor. Each delivers the consistent quality that separates masterful comedy from forgettable content.
Everything you need to know about Best Series To Watch Comedy 5 Shows That Actually Deliver Laughs
What is the #1 comedy series to watch in 2026?
Hacks is the #1 comedy series to watch in 2026, with a 99% cumulative Rotten Tomatoes score, 12 Primetime Emmy wins including 2 for Outstanding Comedy Series, and a perfect 100% score on its final season that premiered April 9, 2026.
Which comedy series has won the most Emmys?
Schitt's Creek has won the most Emmys among modern comedy series with 16 total wins, including 7 consecutive wins for Outstanding Comedy Series from 2020-2026, making it the most awarded comedy in Emmy history.
Is Ted Lasso worth watching?
Yes, Ted Lasso is absolutely worth watching-it won back-to-back Outstanding Comedy Series Emmys, has an 8.8/10 IMDb rating, and holds a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score as Apple's first major Emmy-winning program.
What comedy shows are coming back in 2026?
Three major comedy revivals launch in 2026: The Comeback (third/final season with Lisa Kudrow), Scrubs (ABC reunion with original cast), and Malcolm in the Middle (Hulu sequel with Frankie Muniz); all premiering between April-July 2026.
Where can I stream the best comedy series?
The best comedy series stream across multiple platforms: Hacks on HBO Max, Ted Lasso on Apple TV+, Schitt's Creek and Arrested Development on Netflix, Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Peacock.
