10 Comedy Series From the 2010s You’ve Probably Never Seen (But Should!)

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The 2010s, oh, what a golden age for Hollywood! When one reflects upon that decade, it’s hard not to be flooded with memories of the monumental blockbuster films. The young adult book-to-film adaptations flourished during that time, and there was no scarcity of intense dramas. However, let us not forget about television. In those years, shows like “Downton Abbey” graced our screens, and “Black Mirror” redefined our perspective on the world.

10
‘House of Lies’ (2012 – 2016)

House of Lies” might be categorized as a dramedy, but don’t let the ‘drama’ tag mislead you. This Showtime series is filled with genuine humor moments. The main character, Marty Kaan, is a charismatic management consultant who employs his wit and ethically ambiguous tactics to close deals with CEOs. The show delves into his adventures and those of his team members.

A Group of Con Artists?

Don Cheadle brilliantly portrays the character Marty, capturing the charm of a shady salesman. Although his questionable actions keep viewers hooked, they can’t help but wonder what he does next. The ensemble cast includes Kristen Bell and Ben Schwartz in key roles. House of Lies, which ran for five seasons, was well-received, but it deserves even more acclaim.

9
’Santa Clarita Diet’ (2017 – 2019)

Santa Clarita Diet revolves around a horror-comedy plot featuring an intriguing twist: the central characters, Sheila and Joel Hammond, are a California-based married couple in real estate, whose life takes a bizarre turn when Sheila exhibits strange behaviors, like an uncontrollable hunger for human flesh. They soon discover that she’s transformed into a zombie, and as they try to find a cure, they must navigate the challenges of her new existence.

The Latest Crazed Diet

Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant are the leading pair in this show, and let me tell you, their charisma and eccentricity make every scene they share a delight to watch. While their chemistry is undeniably captivating, the hilarity doesn’t stop there. The daughter of the couple and their neighbor contribute to the comedy in this outrageously enjoyable series.

8
‘Happy Endings’ (2011 – 2013)

Titled “Happy Endings“, this story unfolds in the bustling city of Chicago, focusing on the lives of six close friends. They all grapple with challenges that resonate widely, such as strained marriages, complicated dating scenarios, monetary struggles, and chasing dreams. A significant change occurs among the group when two members, who were planning to wed, abruptly split after one was left at the altar unexpectedly.

The Perfect Set-Up

The secret to a hit ensemble series lies in creating distinct, memorable characters who not only complement each other but also shine individually. Shows such as “Friends”, “The Office”, and “Happy Endings” are perfect examples of this. Each character is quirky yet relatable, making them endearing to viewers. Regrettably, ABC decided to end the show after three seasons, but that means you have an impressive collection of more than fifty-five episodes to enjoy!

7
‘Angie Tribeca’ (2016 – 2018)

Between 2016 and 2018, Rashida Jones played the leading role in the show titled “Angie Tribeca“. The character, Angie, is a seasoned detective who has spent more than a decade with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). To begin with, she’s teamed up with her new partner, Detective Jay Geils. In much the same way as many police dramas, each episode presents the detectives with a fresh crime to solve.

Where are the Ferrets?

The comedy in this series is largely derived from the unusual crimes that the detectives handle, such as bakery killings, the demise of a ventriloquist, and the clandestine transport of pet ferrets. Remarkably, these events transpired during the initial season. Both critics and viewers found it entertaining, resulting in four seasons. However, following its termination, it ceased to be a topic among discussions about top sitcoms for the 2010s, which is unfortunate, considering the exceptional acting and scriptwriting that set this show apart during that decade.

6
‘Girls’ (2012 – 2017)

As a fan, I can’t help but recommend giving “Girls,” a comedy series set in NYC, a try. Although it might seem like another story about women in their twenties at first glance, the unique blend of character types and clever writing sets it apart as a compelling watch. So, before you move on to something else, give this one a chance – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

What to Expect

Hannah Horvath is an ambitious writer facing financial independence loss from her parents. Navigating this unfamiliar adult terrain are her companions Marnie, Jesse, and Shoshanna. The series subtly explores feminist themes without being overtly didactic, allowing humor to remain impactful. Remarkably, it’s the secondary characters in Hannah’s friends who often take center stage.

5
‘Chewing Gum’ (2015 – 2017)

The show “Chewing Gum” is a British comedy, with Michaela Coel portraying Tracey Gordon. Raised in a devout family that discouraged self-exploration, especially regarding sexuality and intimacy, Tracey, now 24 years old, feels the urge to delve deeper into understanding herself. This journey might involve some awkward moments for her.

We Need a Third Season

This show will leave viewers both wincing and roaring with laughter. Coel’s comedy skills are exceptional yet underestimated. The series brings forth aspects of ourselves we often try to ignore. Despite its exaggerated antics, it’s hard to look away. Remarkably, it only ran for two seasons spanning twelve episodes. Fortunate for those who can watch all of Chewing Gum in a single weekend, but unfortunate for those eager for more Tracey.

4
‘The Guest Book’ (2017 – 2018)

The Guest Book is a series that revolves around the employees and travelers of vacation rentals. The first season takes place at Froggy Cottage, a charming cottage tucked away in a quaint mountain town, while the second season shifts to Barefeet Retreat, located by the sea. Each episode showcases a fresh visitor who will temporarily inhabit these properties.

No Relaxing Vacations Here

The television series was developed by Greg Garcia, who is also known for the underappreciated sitcom “My Name Is Earl.” Here, it was Garcia himself who wrote every one of the twenty episodes. Notable celebrities make appearances, such as Stockard Channing from “Grease,” in an episode revolving around a mother drugging her son’s atheist fiancé. Despite the outlandish storylines, the backdrop and acting enable viewers to suspend their disbelief.

3
‘The End of the F***ing World’ (2017-2019)

The show “The End of the F***ing World” is a British series centered around two teenagers named James and Alyssa. James considers himself a psychopath due to his past actions of killing animals, and now aims to kill a human. His chosen first victim is Alyssa, though she is unaware that he plans to use their escape from her abusive home as an opportunity for this dark purpose.

Pushed Too Many Boundaries?

This idea might be hard for some people to accept, raising questions about whether it disrespects victims of murder and animal cruelty. Some critics argue this is the case, but others see it as a playful critique of the true crime genre and those who gain fame or martyrdom within it.

2
‘Trophy Wife’ (2013 – 2014)

The show titled “Trophy Wife” centers around a woman named Kate, who is often perceived as a typical blonde socialite. However, she takes everyone by surprise when she marries an older lawyer named Pete, making her his third spouse. His former wives are still in the picture, and the series explores Kate’s journey to navigate this intricate family setup.

On the Wrong Network

The series was occasionally likened to “Modern Family”, yet it failed to replicate its level of popularity. Despite a promising start, the show “Trophy Wife” was unfortunately terminated after only one season. Malin Åkerman’s performance as the lead character was exceptional. Although Kate wasn’t always a charming main character, her struggles in navigating her complex new life kept viewers engaged and rooting for her success.

1
‘Great News’ (2017 – 2018)

The story revolves around Katie Wendelson, who works as a producer for a news television program. She yearns for more challenging stories and finds her motivation after a personal loss. Alongside Katie, her mother Carol, embarks on a fresh journey by taking up an internship at Katie’s workplace. Both women are embracing new opportunities in their lives.

The Duo We Didn’t Know We Needed

In films and TV shows, mother-daughter dynamics often provide a rich source of tension. The bond between Katie and Carol is clear, yet there seems to be a blurring of personal space. Audience members might find themselves urging Katie for support and secretly wishing for more interference from Carol.

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2025-01-20 01:33