If you’re scrolling through Netflix looking for something that actually makes you laugh out loud - not just smile politely - you’re not alone. Most people give up after five minutes of bad punchlines and recycled jokes. But the good ones? They stick. They become part of your routine. You rewatch them when you’re tired, stressed, or just need to remember what joy feels like.
What makes a comedy show work on Netflix?
Not every funny show translates well to binge-watching. A great Netflix comedy has rhythm. It doesn’t need a live audience. It doesn’t rely on slapstick or cheap gags. It builds characters you care about, even when they’re being ridiculous. The best ones blend absurdity with real emotion - like Abbott Elementary, where a teacher’s desperate hope for a working coffee machine feels more relatable than any sitcom wedding.
Netflix has mastered the art of letting comedies breathe. No commercial breaks. No forced laugh tracks. That freedom lets writers take risks. Some shows are quiet. Some are loud. All of them know when to stop.
1. Abbott Elementary
This mockumentary about underfunded public school teachers in Philadelphia feels like a love letter to anyone who’s ever worked in a broken system. Quinta Brunson plays Janine Teagues, an endlessly optimistic second-grade teacher who believes in chalkboards, parent-teacher conferences, and the power of a well-timed snack. The humor comes from the gap between what teachers want to do and what the system allows. One episode features a teacher trying to get a working printer. Another has a principal who thinks "digital learning" means handing out tablets with no internet. It’s funny because it’s true - and it’s the most human comedy on TV right now.
2. Ted Lasso
At first glance, it’s a fish-out-of-water story: an American football coach moves to England to manage a soccer team he knows nothing about. But Ted Lasso isn’t about tactics. It’s about kindness as a strategy. Jason Sudeikis plays a man who shows up with a smile, a motivational poster, and zero clue about soccer - yet somehow, everyone around him starts healing. The show doesn’t punch down. It doesn’t mock. It asks: What if being nice actually worked? Spoiler: It does. The third season wraps up with emotional closure that feels earned, not rushed.
3. The Bear
Yes, this is technically a drama. But if you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, you know chaos is hilarious. The Bear follows a fine-dining chef who returns home to run his late brother’s chaotic sandwich shop. The kitchen scenes? Pure comedy gold. Screaming. Burnt food. Orders piling up. Someone yells "Yes, chef!" like it’s a battle cry. The tension is real - but so are the laughs. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh while you’re holding your breath. And yes, the "I’m not a chef" moment? Still iconic.
4. Hacks
Two generations. One legendary comedian. One struggling writer. Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, is a Vegas icon who’s been doing the same act for 40 years. Enter Ava, a 25-year-old writer fired from her job for being too edgy. They’re forced to work together. What follows is a masterclass in timing, ego, and generational clash. The jokes aren’t just funny - they’re layered. Every punchline reveals something deeper about power, aging, and what it costs to stay relevant. Jean Smart won an Emmy for this role - and she deserved every one.
5. The Good Place
This show starts with a simple question: What if you got to heaven by accident? Eleanor Shellstrop, played by Kristen Bell, wakes up in the afterlife - but she’s not supposed to be there. She’s selfish, messy, and totally unprepared. The twist? The afterlife is run like a corporate office. The jokes are smart, weird, and deeply philosophical. It explores ethics, identity, and redemption through absurd scenarios: a robot trying to understand sarcasm, a soul trapped in a time loop of bad decisions, and a demon who just wants to be liked. By season four, you’re not just laughing - you’re rethinking your life.
6. Schitt’s Creek
A wealthy family loses everything and ends up in a small town they once bought as a joke. The Roses - Johnny, Moira, David, and Alexis - are hilariously out of place. But the show doesn’t mock them. It lets them grow. David’s journey from sarcastic fashionista to someone who finds love and purpose is one of the most tender arcs on TV. Moira’s over-the-top speech patterns? Iconic. Johnny’s quiet dignity? Heartbreaking. The humor comes from contrast: luxury meets small-town life, arrogance meets humility. And the finale? It’s the perfect end to a show that never lost its heart.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A police precinct full of oddballs. Jake Peralta, the goofy detective who treats every case like a movie. Captain Holt, the stoic, deadpan leader who says things like, "I’m not a fan of the word ‘fun.’" Rosa Diaz, who could kill you with a look and still make you laugh. The show balances absurdity with real issues - racism, homophobia, workplace dynamics - without turning into a lecture. The jokes land because the characters feel real. And the running gag about Terry’s abs? Still going strong after eight seasons.
8. Only Murders in the Building
Three strangers in a New York apartment building bond over a true crime podcast - and then find a dead body. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play wildly different personalities who accidentally become amateur detectives. The humor comes from their mismatched energy: Martin’s quiet confusion, Short’s theatrical panic, Gomez’s deadpan skepticism. Each episode feels like a cozy mystery with a side of witty banter. The show’s secret? It’s not about solving the crime. It’s about how people connect when they’re lost.
9. Barry
A hitman tries to quit killing and become an actor. That’s the premise. And somehow, it works. Bill Hader plays Barry with a quiet desperation that makes his violent past even funnier. The show blends dark humor with real emotional weight. One scene has Barry rehearsing a monologue while covered in blood. Another has him arguing with his acting teacher about method acting while hiding a corpse. It’s disturbing. It’s brilliant. And it’s one of the few comedies that makes you laugh while your stomach knots up.
10. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
In 1950s New York, a housewife walks out on her husband and becomes a stand-up comic. Midge Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, is sharp, fast-talking, and fearless. The dialogue zips like a jazz riff. Every line is packed with wit, period detail, and social commentary. The show doesn’t just make you laugh - it makes you admire. Midge doesn’t need permission. She doesn’t wait for approval. She just does it. And the costumes? Pure visual comedy. Velvet suits, fur stoles, and heels that could kill.
Why these shows stand out
These aren’t just random funny shows. They all have something in common: they make you feel something. Whether it’s warmth, nostalgia, relief, or even hope. They don’t rely on shock value or crude humor. They build worlds you want to live in - even if they’re full of broken printers, overworked chefs, or dead bodies.
Netflix doesn’t just host comedies. It curates them. These ten shows represent the best of what happens when writers are given space to be weird, honest, and human. You won’t find them all on other platforms. Not like this.
What to watch next
If you loved Abbott Elementary, try Mythic Quest. If Ted Lasso made you cry, check out Reservation Dogs. If you want more fast-talking women in history, Call My Agent! (French, with subtitles) is a gem. And if you’re craving something completely offbeat, Pen15 - about two middle schoolers played by adult women - is weird, raw, and unforgettable.
Final thought
Comedy isn’t about being the funniest. It’s about being the most real. These shows remind us that laughter doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s just a quiet moment when someone finally says what they’ve been holding back. And that’s worth watching for.
Are these Netflix comedy shows available worldwide?
Yes, all ten shows are available on Netflix in most countries. Some regional restrictions may apply - for example, Call My Agent! is a French series and might have different subtitle options depending on your region. But the core titles - Abbott Elementary, Ted Lasso, The Bear, Hacks, and others - are globally accessible with English audio and subtitles.
Which of these shows has the most seasons?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine has the most seasons with eight, running from 2013 to 2021. Schitt’s Creek and Hacks both have five seasons. Ted Lasso ended at three seasons, and The Bear is currently at three as of late 2025. Most of these shows were designed with a clear endpoint, so they don’t drag on.
Are any of these shows based on true stories?
Most are fictional, but they’re rooted in real experiences. The Bear draws from chef Chris Storer’s time working in Chicago kitchens. Hacks was inspired by real comedians like Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller. Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson based Janine on her own public school teachers. Even Ted Lasso started as a real ad campaign - then became a full story about healing.
Which show is best for someone who hates cringe humor?
Hacks and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel are your best bets. They rely on sharp writing, timing, and character depth - not awkward situations for laughs. Ted Lasso is also low on cringe. It’s uplifting without being fake. Avoid Pen15 if you dislike uncomfortable awkwardness - it leans into it hard.
Do any of these shows have spin-offs?
Not yet. But Netflix has confirmed a spin-off of The Bear focused on the restaurant’s catering side, set to release in 2026. Hacks is also rumored to explore Ava’s life after the show’s finale. For now, all ten stand strong on their own.
