As a connoisseur of comedies who’s seen more sitcoms than I care to count, let me tell you about some hidden gems that have left an indelible mark on my laughter-filled life.
Comedy is subjective; what sends one person into a fit of uncontrollable laughter might barely elicit a smirk from another. Plus, the genre encompasses everything from slapstick to satire. This means that, while comedy has endured the ebb and flow of changing cultural trends, what remains constant is that there’s something in there to tickle the funny bones of every viewer.
Additionally, with television shifting towards streaming services, comedy is experiencing a golden age of creative freedom. Writers and producers can craft distinctive, offbeat narratives that appeal to specialized audiences while still being engaging for those seeking fresh, innovative content. Notably, platforms like Netflix are offering an unprecedented variety in terms of format and storyline, providing a vast array of comedic series to explore.
Absolutely, even though popular shows that capture our hearts and accolades dominate your Netflix screen time, there are hidden treasures that often go unnoticed but are definitely worth a watch. In this collection, we’re highlighting some of the most underappreciated comedy series on Netflix, which surprisingly offer a lot of laughs and charm.
10 Lunatics (2019)
This is a ten-part comedic documentary-style series, titled “Lunatics,” which provides an in-depth look at six unusual characters whose lives intersect, all portrayed by the multi-talented Chris Lilley. Each episode, authored and produced by Lilley himself, offers a humorous yet relatable examination of these individuals’ quirks, peculiarities, outrageous behaviors, and personal tribulations. The characters span from a 7-foot tall college student managing life in California to a renowned South African animal psychic who is also a celebrity.
Strange Characters, Stranger Situations
The unusual plotline and an eccentric cast of characters make “Lunatics” a one-of-a-kind comedy that shines due to Lilley’s exceptional acting skills. Filmed as a mockumentary, the series provides a refreshing view on everyday oddities and skillfully integrates satire into its most heartwarming scenes. Although certain parts are over-the-top, “Lunatics” is worth watching for its original screenplay.
9 Bonding (2019 – 2021)
In “Bonding”, a comedy show, the spotlight often gets taken by more popular series. The story revolves around Tiffany Chester, a graduate student who secretly works as a dominatrix, and her high school friend Pete, who unwillingly assists her in this role. Based in New York City, the program provides an insight into Tiffany and Pete’s lives as they navigate their unconventional profession while Tiffany juggles her academic responsibilities, and Pete seeks to build his self-confidence as a budding comedian.
A Unique and Dark Buddy Comedy
What makes Bonding stand out is the seamless blend of offbeat office humor with genuine moments of camaraderie and personal growth, all wrapped up in a dark comedy format. It’s clever, emotional, shocking, sincere, and laugh-out-loud funny. Performers Zoe Levin and Brendan Scannell lend an authentic appeal to their characters, making the series hard to resist binge-watching. While its subject matter may be specific, Bonding garnered acclaim for its daring narrative and character development.
8 Unstable (2023)
A humor-filled TV show titled “Unsteady” revolves around Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe as a real-life father-son duo. The story unfolds when Ellis Dragon, a biotech mogul, succumbs to alcohol after the loss of his wife. In response to instructions from the CFO, Jackson, Ellis’ socially awkward son, travels to California to aid his father in overcoming his personal and professional struggles and get him back on track.
A Quirky Family Comedy
Despite not being typical role models, Ellis and Jackson’s persistent drive to improve and their unwavering optimism amidst failures make “Unstable” an enjoyable series to watch. This is largely due to the genuine camaraderie between Rob Lowe and his on-screen son. The direction by Victor Fresco skillfully blends humor with emotional depth. Furthermore, the witty script, captivating plotline, and satisfying conclusion place “Unstable” among overlooked TV gems.
7 American Vandal (2017 – 2018)
The true crime genre has a massive appeal with streaming audiences, so a mockumentary series that parodies true-crime documentaries sounds like a recipe for success. American Vandal kicks off with a high school prank where 27 faculty cars are vandalized, which leads sophomore student Peter and his friend Sam to investigate the matter and uncover the truth by looking at evidence and interviewing suspects.
Fascinating Addition to the Parody Genre
Initially, when American Vandal debuted on Netflix in 2017, its unique and intriguing concept attracted a moderate audience. However, by the time the second season arrived – boasting an equally captivating plot involving someone spiking the school cafeteria’s lemonade with a laxative – the show seemed to slip under many people’s notice. Despite this, it is certainly worth watching for its humor, sharp dialogue, and the outstanding performances of Tyler Alvarez and Griffin Gluck.
6 Fubar (2023 – Present)
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “Fubar,” an exhilarating blend of action and comedy that stars none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro in leading roles. This series follows Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA operative nearing retirement, who uncovers a shocking truth: his daughter, Emma, has been secretly working for the same agency. When they’re thrust into a top-secret mission together, they encounter unexpected challenges that reveal how little they truly know about each other.
Offers Both Laughter and Adrenaline
Netflix has been dominating the action-comedy movie genre, so it’s only logical for them to try a live-action series in the same vein. While the series Fubar may not be as widely recognized, it definitely delivers an exhilarating, action-packed espionage experience. What sets Fubar apart is its distinctive character development – with Schwarzenegger showcasing his trademark charm and Barbaro matching his appeal – and top-notch action sequences.
5 Man vs. Bee (2022)
The well-known comedian, Rowan Atkinson, is back in action with a new series he helped create and write alongside William Davies titled “Man vs. Bee.” Just as you might expect, this show centers around a character named Trevor, who’s tasked with house-sitting for a wealthy couple. However, instead of peace and quiet, Trevor finds himself engaged in an unyielding struggle against a bee that has taken up residence in the opulent mansion. In each episode, Trevor manages to create havoc and destruction as he declares war on the persistent bee.
Atkinson Does It Better Than Anyone Else
In a nutshell, the comedic mastermind manages to extract giggles from an altercation with an diminutive opponent, making “Man vs. Bee” a delightfully absurd spectacle that leaves you chuckling out loud due to its ingeniously designed physical gags, over-the-top facial expressions, and inventive twists on traditional slapstick humor. The film consistently serves up contemporary humor while striking the right chords, earning high praise from critics for Atkinson’s enduring charm in this genre and his ability to maintain his comedic prowess.
4 Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020)
Maddie Phillips, now recognized as Cate Dunlap from The Boys’ spin-off series Gen V, previously acted alongside Anjelica Bette Fellini in the show “Teenage Bounty Hunters.” In this role, she portrayed Sterling Wesley, who together with her twin sister Blair Wesley, accidentally damaged their father’s truck. To cover the cost of repairs, they joined forces with a seasoned tracker named Bowser Jenkins and delved into the thrilling world of bounty hunting, leading them on an exhilarating journey filled with adventure and tracking exploits.
A Combination of Smart and Funny
Teenage Bounty Hunters offers a unique blend of teenage dramas and action-comedies, boasting complex and dynamic female protagonists who share an engaging rapport. The show’s handling of topics like identity, sexuality, and growing up is unconventional yet impactful. The humor is derived from clever dialogue and physical comedy, as characters find themselves in absurd predicaments but somehow navigate their way out, often with minimal damage.
3 Great News (2017 – 2018)
A less popular but equally remarkable workplace comedy is “Great News,” created by Tracey Wigfield and produced by Tina Fey. The story revolves around Katie Wendelson, a driven news producer, who finds her life turned upside down when her mother, Carol – a persistent meddler – lands an internship at her station. Katie must juggle her professional life with Carol’s unwanted interference, resulting in a series of amusing predicaments.
A Newsroom Chaos Like No Other
Though it might appear that “Great News” is simply another television show focusing on the chaos that arises when a mother and daughter share living quarters, this series takes a fresh approach by delving into family dynamics and careers in an innovative manner. Performers Briga Heelan and Andrea Martin, portraying Katie and Carol, respectively, deliver exceptional performances. The ensemble cast, comprising a self-centered anchor, a production executive, and a video editor, is equally lively and amusing.
2 Good Girls (2018 – 2021)
Originally developed by Jenna Bans, the TV show titled “Good Girls” focuses on the lives of Beth, Ruby, and Annie – three suburban moms who are struggling financially and teetering on the brink of destitution. In a bid to keep their heads above water, they opt for an unconventional solution: robbing a nearby supermarket. However, when one of them is recognized by the store manager, and a crime boss takes notice of their audacious act, they find themselves in a web of criminal activities and hurdles.
Michigan Moms Turn Into Criminal Masterminds
As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate how Good Girls distinguishes itself amidst the sea of frothy procedurals and rom-coms. It offers a refreshing take on complex and imperfect female leads who seize control of their lives in remarkable ways. The on-screen chemistry between Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman is nothing short of enchanting. They deliver exceptional performances as they navigate the challenging material that the show presents.
1 Crashing (2016)
A humorous British television show called “Crashing” follows a group of young adults living in an abandoned hospital to reduce rental costs, using a fly-on-the-wall approach. This diverse group consists of Lulu, her childhood buddy Anthony, Anthony’s partner Kate, and friends Melody, Sam, and Fred. As they grapple with their intertwined lives, there are moments of strain and discord, but these issues quickly dissipate.
A Relatable Ensemble Comedy
The series titled “Crashing,” crafted by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, offers a comical perspective that resonates with many, set in an unusual environment and brimming with clever wit. Its power primarily stems from the exceptional writing and the ensemble cast, which includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge herself along with Jonathan Bailey, Damien Molony, and others. Despite being limited to just six episodes and often overshadowed by Phoebe’s subsequent work, Fleabag, Crashing still makes a lasting impact with its portrayal of youth and dark humor, leaving viewers with an unforgettable impression.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-09-11 02:02