Comedy used to be thought of as a male-dominated field, but over the last several decades, that has finally started to change. Female comics have taken over stand-up shows, Netflix specials, and are even behind some of the most iconic and hilarious television comedies of all time.
While women showrunners were once restricted to traditional sitcom genres, the 2010s saw female comedy showrunners expand into other areas. From musicals and teen comedies to comedies about young women of color navigating the highs and lows of love and life, there's something for everyone.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2019) - 7.6
Created By Tina Fey
Tina Fey is one of the most well-known female comedians in recent years. She got her start writing and appearing on Saturday Night Live before continuing her acting and writing career. In 2015, she co-created the hilarious Netflix comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
The series follows 29-year-old Kimmy who has been spent the past 15 years living in a bomb shelter where she was held captive by a doomsday cult leader. Finally free, Kimmy makes her way to New York where she adjusts to life and attempts to figure out who she is.
Chewing Gum (2015-2017) - 7.7
Created by Michaela Coel
Michaela Coel is a writer and actress who is taking the TV world by storm in both the comedy and the drama genres. She most recently created and starred in the Emmy nominated limited series, I May Destroy You. But before that, she created and starred in arguably one of the best British series in recent years, Chewing Gum.
Coel plays Tracey Gordon, a 24-year-old shop assistant living in London who has grown up in a restrictive religious family. Now out on her own, she is determined to learn more about life and have sex for the first time.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015 - 2019) - 7.7
Created By Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna
Rachel Bloom got her writing start in the TV world where she interned at Saturday Night Live. Meanwhile, Aline Brosh McKenna focused more on comedy features. The two teamed up in 2015 to create one of the best musical comedy TV series in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The show , which was initially sold to Showtime, was eventually bought by The CW where it ran for several seasons.
Bloom wrote and stars as Rebecca Bunch, a successful law firm partner who is growing displeased with her own life. After running into a former crush, Rebecca decides to upend her life and follow him to his hometown.
Never Have I Ever (2020 - ) - 7.8
Created By Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is a name many TV fans are familiar with. She got her start writing and appearing on the hit NBC sitcom The Office before she ventured out on her own, creating shows with hilarious women of color at the forefront. In 2020, she turned her attention to the teen TV space with the release of Never Have I Ever.
The Netflix original series centers on Devi, a 15-year-old Indian-American teenager who has had the worst year of her life. In an attempt to turn things around, she decides to make it her mission to become popular in school. Her quest is difficult especially since she's still grieving the loss of her beloved father.
Insecure (2016 - 2021) - 8.0
Created By Issa Rae
Like millions of millennials, Issa Rae got her start on YouTube, where she created and starred in the web series The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl. The web series got the attention of Hollywood and Rae eventually created Insecure based on the web series.
Insecure centers on two friends, Issa and Molly, who are just trying to figure out life as young Black women. Together they deal with their own insecurities, stupid exes, and hilarious situations they find themselves in. While a comedy at its core, Insecure doesn't shy away from talking about very real and pressing social and racial issues.
Abbott Elementary (2021 - ) - 8.1
Created By Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson is quickly on her way to becoming a household name. The comedy actress and writer rose to fame with an original Instagram series before landing a spot on A Black Lady Sketch Show. Now, she's show running and starring in one of the best comedy shows of recent years, Abbott Elementary. It's also one of the best recent shows about teachers.
The ABC sitcom centers on a group of passionate teachers who unfortunately work at an incredibly underfunded public Philadelphia elementary school. The teachers must stick together to give their kids the best education they deserve, while also dealing with their incompetent principal.
One Day At A Time (2017 - 2020) - 8.2
Created By Gloria Calderón-Kellett
Gloria Calderón-Kellett is quickly becoming one of the most successful and influential showrunners in Hollywood. She got her start in the world of improv before writing for iconic shows like How I Met Your Mother and Devious Maids. In 2017, she co-developed the reboot of Norman Leer's classic show, One Day A Time.
This time around, the series focuses on a Cuban-American family, thanks to Kellett's input. The series followed single mother and army veteran Penelope, as she juggled life with her two teenagers and zany Cuban mom.
Grace And Frankie (2015 - ) - 8.2
Created By Marta Kauffman
Marta Kauffman is one of Hollywood's most successful showrunners. Her first sitcom ran for six years, which she eventually left to co-create one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, Friends. Most recently, Kauffman co-created the Netflix original series, Grace and Frankie.
The comedy series stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and Grace and Frankie, two women in their "golden years" who get divorced when it's revealed their husbands have been having a decade-long affair with each other. The two women decide to move into their shared beach house together where they fight and eventually bond over their newfound freedom.
Broad City (2014 - 2019) - 8.4
Created By Ilana Glazer & Abbi Jacobson
Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson both got their comedy start at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre where they met. It was there they began creating and filming their original web series, Broad City, which later became the Comedy Central show fans know and love.
Broad City follows Ilana and Abbi playing fictionalized versions of themselves as they navigate New York City as 20-something American women. The ladies often find themselves in hilarious and awkward situations as they try to "make it" in New York and keep their friendship intact.
Fleabag (2016 - 2019) - 8.7
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
It's not easy for comedy to translate across countries, which is what makes Phoebe Waller-Bridge's comedy career so much more powerful. She got her start in theater and radio before making the switch to TV when she created, wrote, and starred in several hilarious and successful series, including Fleabag.
Waller-Bridge plays Fleabag, a dry-witted woman who is trying her best to heal after a tragedy affects her life. The series follows her as she navigates life and love while comically and routinely breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience.