Master of None is one of those comedies that’s almost impossible to dislike. A lot of this stems from the fact that Aziz Ansari is a likable actor. However, it’s also true that the show really examines what it means to be a person in one’s 30s, as the haze and immaturity of one’s 20s starts to fade away and one has to confront the realities of adulthood.
Of course, it’s also worth pointing out that it’s just a funny show. Fortunately for fans, there are actually quite a few other shows out there that hit some of the same notes and provide similar kinds of pleasure.
Love
This seems to be something of a golden age for the off-kilter romantic comedy, and Netflix, in particular, has really leaned into this part of its comedy lineup brand.
Love is very similar to other shows of its type since it shows two very flawed people still trying to make a go of their romantic life (and not always succeeding). What really makes the show special, however, is the undeniable talent of each member of the cast and the chemistry they have with one another.
Silicon Valley
HBO is one of those networks that really does seem to love the idea of the antihero, or at least of a group of misfits who aren’t, all things considered, terribly pleasant people.
This a perfect description of Silicon Valley which, as its title suggests, is about a founder of a start-up trying to survive in the cutthroat world of tech, with decidedly mixed results. The humor and writing are excellent, though it should be pointed out that there is often a bit of an edge to it.
BoJack Horseman
In addition to being a golden age of television romantic comedies, this also seems to be a golden age for series that showcase existential dread and angst, as can clearly be seen in shows like BoJack Horseman.
It’s a truly strange show, focusing on an anthropomorphic horse who has seemingly regular relationships with actual humans. However, once one gets past the rather strange premise, it’s a truly hilarious, and at times, deeply touching series that explores remarkably mature topics and issues.
Lovesick
This British show focuses on a group of friends living in Glasgow. What is remarkable about it is how much it focuses on the lives of ordinary people, as opposed to the wealthy (or at the very least those who are able to afford beautiful apartments).
This is helped along by its setting, as Glasgow is a postindustrial city. What’s more, the performances are uniformly excellent, and it’s impossible not to like these characters.
Arrested Development
Arrested Development is one of those comedies that really does seem destined to be immortal, if for no other reason than that it has proven to be the source of numerous memes and fan art, both when it was on the air and once it concluded.
It is, of course, a show about a dysfunctional family, but it’s more than that, it really is one of those shows that, because of its offbeat nature, requires something of the viewer. Perhaps this helps to explain why it remains such a prominent part of the popular culture landscape.
Veep
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the finest actresses of her generation. It really says something that she has created not one, not two, but three remarkable television characters in the course of her career.
The titular character, Selina, is truly a terrible person, but that’s precisely what makes her such a compelling character to watch. While she’s obviously the center of the show, she’s surrounded by a great supporting cast, playing all of the helpers and aides that ultimately end up hurting her career rather than helping it.
Casual
Many of the comedies that are currently, or recently, on television focus on the perils of dating and, more generally, of the modern world that everyone finds themselves a part of. Casual, a series produced by Hulu, is no different, and it revolves around a single mother and her daughter.
Like so many of the other series currently available from the various streaming services, it really does provide the viewer with a lot to enjoy, ranging from the great writing to the exemplary performances from the leading ladies.
Fleabag
Fleabag has to be one of the edgiest comedies in recent years, and a lot of credit for this goes to the creator and star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. This is one of those shows that leans quite heavily into its black comedy, which means that there are times when the humor can be a bit vicious (particularly from an American point of view).
However, that’s not to say that there isn’t quite a lot to love about it and if nothing else, it’s worth watching for the presence of the divine Olivia Colman.
The End Of the F***ing World
At first glance, it might seem like an adolescent who believes he’s a psychopath and sets out to murder his classmate might make for an odd choice for a comedy. Somehow, though, this series takes this concept and really makes it work.
A large part of this, no doubt, stems from the extraordinary talent of the two young people in the starring roles, but the writing is also sharp and incisive. The humor might not be to everyone’s liking, but one can’t help but admire its audacity.
Dead To Me
Dead to Me is one of the finest comedies currently airing on Netflix. It focuses on two characters, Jen and Judy (played by Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini), who originally come together through shared grief but ultimately find out some very unpleasant truths about one another.
The chemistry between the two leads is truly off the charts, and it’s one of those series that it’s impossible not to like, Its true brilliance stems from its ability to shift registers between uproarious comedy and deep tragedy without a hitch (sometimes in the same episode).