Everybody loves a good humour, right? Unless you’re some serial killing psychopath, you wouldn’t mind having a good laugh, would you? And fortunately, in this world we have sitcoms, which in my opinion are the epitome of comedy.
Sitcoms were (and still are) a gift to the television. From classic favourites like "All in the Family," "I Love Lucy," and "Fawlty Towers" to modern hits like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Modern Family," and "The Inbetweeners,", they have always held a special place in people's hearts. And why wouldn't they? These under 30 minutes form of entertainment generally use the relatability of their characters and situations to draw the audience into their eccentric yet hilarious world.
Sitcoms are so in-demand right now that according to a study conducted in 2021, it was noticed that in a span of 30 days sitcoms like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine reportedly had a viewership of over 40 times more than the average television, and that tells you something. It indicates that the audience is leaning more towards this genre, and the producers have been understanding this rising demand & craze.
And this mere thing has led to a huge influx of such sitcoms to our screen, and with the rise and easy availability of streaming services, this doesn't seem to be stopping any soon. But amid this vast chunk of sitcoms releasing every year, there's ought to be some that are as entertaining as the mainstream ones, but for some reasons went under the radar of people.
Since we here at MovBeans just love to discover such hidden gems, I have had the opportunity to watch many lesser-known sitcoms, best of which are going to be listed in this article. These 10 best under-appreciated sitcoms might not have received the same level of critical acclaim or audience recognition as their more popular counterparts, but they still have a devoted fanbase and offer just as much humour and heart as any other show. So, I hope you don't have any orthopaedic conditions, because the following underrated sitcoms will surely tickle your funny bone (yeah, umm, sorry for such bad one liner, but we move on).
1. Man Seeking Woman
Episodes - 30 Episodes (3 Seasons)
Duration - 22 minutes each episode
Starting this list with one of my personal favourite comedies - Man Seeking Woman, starring Jay Baruchel, and Eric André. I know that the title might sound a bit corny to you, and might put you off, but trust me when I say that you are going to have a blast with this show.
This is not like your usual comedy, it relies heavily on surrealism and exaggeration of the situations, and cleverly infuses them with the comedic tropes to create a unique hilarious experience. This show contains a lot of crazy wacky ideas which include, but are not limited to, things like wedding in hell, affair with Santa Claus, going on a date with a literal monster, or romance with a car. These are the things which obviously on paper sound silly or whimsical, but the execution is so well done that it works well with the themes of the show, and in fact complements its humour and adds an extra layer of comedic brilliance.
The humour or concept of this show might not appeal to everyone, but if you're seeking a truly unique and surreal comedy experience, then it is definitely worth checking out.
2. Trial & Error
Episodes - 23 Episodes (2 Seasons)
Duration - 22 minutes each episode
Murder Mysteries are no joke. I mean, this genre delves into serious subjects like life and death, and you also need that captivating environment to immerse and engage the audience with the mystery. But still, adding an appropriate amount of humour, and balancing it out with the mysterious aspect can work wonders. And Trail & Error does this exceptionally well.
Trail & Error is a legal based sitcom that is presented in a mockumentary form, and cleverly combines the legal and comedic aspect in a hilarious and eccentric way. The show cleverly parodies legal shows and documentaries, and incorporates the key tropes and conventions of the true-crime genre. The characters are well-written, and the plot unfolds progressively with each episode, delivering its own delightful blend of unexpected twists and turns.
In the heart of the plot of the first season lies Josh Segal, a defence lawyer who is sent to the fictional town of East Peck from the bustling streets of New York City to represent Larry, a man accused of murdering his own wife. The show then weaves a web of humour and intrigue, and takes us on an interesting path to uncover the truth. Did Larry truly commit the crime? And if so, what were his motives? Alternatively, if he is innocent, who is the real culprit behind the murder? To unveil the answers to these burning questions, embark on a viewing adventure that promises laughter and satisfaction.
3. Lovesick (a.k.a. Scrotal Recall)
Episodes - 22 Episodes (3 Series)
Duration – 21 to 27 minutes each episode
Love and Relationships are complicated, and they always will be, and Lovesick is one beautiful show which delves into such complexities of love. It explores the intricate web of emotions and romantic challenges that we all encounter in our lives, but it depicts them with a twist of humour.
If there's one show that holds a special place in my heart, one that I want to re-watch with fervour, it's undoubtedly Lovesick. The way that the characters developed over the course of three seasons, allowing us to delve into their depths and truly get to know them, is just immaculate. The enchanting soundtracks, well-crafted plotlines, the romantic development, and hilarious one-liners & punchlines make this show such an entertaining, warm watch.
On the surface, Lovesick follows the journey of Dylan (Johnny Flynn) as he embarks on a quest to reconnect with his past relationships & encounters after an unexpected revelation: he has contracted chlamydia. But when you'll dig a bit deeper, you will find that it essentially is a story about the lives of a close-knit group of friends, as they navigate the complexities of their personal relationships and romantic involvements, while constantly evolving and experiencing personal growth, both individually and as a group.
4. Blue Mountain State
Episodes - 39 Episodes (3 Seasons)
Duration - 22 minutes each episode
I had such an amazing experience watching Blue Mountain State that I completed the entire show consisting of 3 full seasons in a matter of just 3 days, and I enjoyed every single second of it.
Blue Mountain State lies in a rare slate of comedies that delve into the exhilarating realm of college life. Essentially, it is a hilariously exaggerated comedy that revolves around an American Football team. Brace yourself for an abundance of comedic moments, raunchy humour, wild parties, encounters with drugs, and instances of hazing. These elements are cleverly infused into the episodes, and add a distinctive flavour to the show, and trust me there is never a dull moment.
The show kicks off with Alex Moran's entrance into the football team at Blue Mountain State college, where he encounters a cast of hilarious characters, including Thad, Harmon, Craig, Radon, and their coach, Marty. As the series progresses, the team navigates various challenges, leading to a series of comedic and entertaining situations.
If you're open to indulging in some crude and raunchy humour cantered around college life and friendships, this show is a must-watch. There's also a follow-up movie named "Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland" that was created using a Fundraiser campaign, but personally, I found the conclusion of Season 3 to be far more satisfying than the movie's ending. Nonetheless, the show itself is simply excellent.
5. Better off Ted
Episodes - 23 Episodes (2 Seasons)
Duration - 21 minutes each episode
Any sitcom list is bound to feel incomplete without the inclusion of some workplace comedies. Sitcoms like The Office, The IT Crowd, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine have become a staple in this genre as people relate to the workplace environment, and find it refreshing with that much-needed humorous change of pace in such settings.
Better Off Ted is one such unique workplace comedy, which works like a charm with its witty and satirical humour. The show centers around Ted, a dedicated single father who leads the R&D department at Veridian Dynamics, a company notorious for its selfish and morally questionable practices. Now, in this workplace the unimaginable becomes possible – from weaponizing pumpkins to cryo-freezing employees and even producing cow-less beef, nothing is off-limits. However, rather than taking a sci-fi over the top route, this show uses a clever and satirical approach to present these extraordinary ideas in a humorous way.
The show isn't a mockumentary, but still manages to give "The Office" kind of vibes, as Ted keeps on breaking the fourth wall to narrate the events. Besides being a satire about the eccentric workplaces of modern times, Better Off Ted has something for everyone. So, if the blend of quirky humour and workplace setting suits your taste, then don't forget to check this incredible show out, it's definitely a worth to watch.
6. Party Down
Episodes - 26 Episodes (3 Seasons)
Duration - 25-30 minutes each episode
Amongst the selection of underrated sitcoms on this list, this particular show takes the crown for being the "underrated"est of them all. Just take a peek at the season 2 finale, which mustered a whopping 13,000 viewers. I mean, even the corner supermarket right on my street sees more foot traffic during its "sale" season! This show is the epitome of hidden gems, and once it reaches its full glory, you will be instantly hooked, and laugh your way towards the end. Who could have thought that a sitcom about Caterers can be so interesting and hilarious?
Party Down is an instant cult-classic show, but unfortunately, it was cancelled after the second season due to its lower viewership. But it was revived for a third season, 13 years after its initial cancellation, as the show picked up a diligent fanbase in the streaming service. And unlike the most revival shows, Party Down effortlessly preserved the humour and tone of the initial seasons, and seamlessly carried it forward to deliver a hilarious third season.
The plot follows the lives of 6 caterers as they juggle around their job and dreams. These characters are aspiring Hollywood actors and writers, and each episode delves into their experiences as they work on various events, skilfully managing demanding guests while holding onto the hope of achieving their long-awaited big break. There is a touch of reality in this show as it depicts the struggles one has to go through to even achieve his dreams.
This is not a laugh out loud sitcom, it cleverly infuses one-liners and erratic situations, adding a bit of offbeat humour on top, to deliver some hilarious yet memorable scenes.
7. Coupling
Episodes - 28 Episodes (4 Series)
Duration - 30 minutes each episode
If you find yourself longing for sitcoms like "How I Met Your Mother" and "Friends”, which center around a group of friends navigating through humorous situations in their lives, and feel a void after completing the entire shows, then "Coupling" is the perfect remedy to fill that void.
Coupling centers around a group of six friends as they navigate the mishaps and complexities of dating, relationships, hook-ups, and all the entanglements that come with them. At the core of the series, the focus lies on the relationship between Steve (Jack Davenport) and Susan (Sarah Alexander), and we see it blossom and evolve throughout the four series.
Consistently maintaining a high level of humour across all episodes is no easy feat, but Coupling just excels in this aspect. The show's comedic brilliance leaves a lasting impression, and the hilarity of the series is so infectious that even after finishing the episodes, I would remember a line or two, and that would be enough to instantly bring a smile to my face. What I love most about this series is its ability to discuss adult and NSFW topics in a natural and relatable way. Despite the potentially sensuous or sexy nature of these conversations, Coupling presents them as ordinary and realistic interactions, and that my friends, is how you present a comedy around these subjects.
So, Coupling is an excellent and hilarious series that boasts well-written and developed characters. The hilarious situations and memorable cast leave no stone unturned to provide the entertainment, and for me the standout character from the entire series is definitely Jeff (portrayed by Richard Coyle). He is easily one of my personal favourites from the television, and you'll know the reason why after watching this series.
8. Bored to Death
Episodes - 24 Episodes (3 Seasons)
Duration – 22 to 30 minutes each episode
Among the likes of Barry, Happy!, Misfits, and BoJack Horseman, lies another exceptional dark comedy, Bored to Death. Packed with stellar star cast like Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited), Ted Danson (The Good Place), and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover Franchise), Bored to Death follows the story of Jonathan Ames, a writer who, in an attempt to combat his own boredom, takes on the role of a private detective and delves into solving cases.
This clever premise is executed wittily, and manages to provide a delightful blend of comedy, mystery, and quirky characters. The best thing about this show is the chemistry and conversation between the three lead characters, and their charisma really hooks you into the show. In each episode of "Bored to Death," the trio embarks on a new mystery and tackles various intriguing cases. Along the way, we are treated with some surprising yet delightful guest stars who bring an extra layer of excitement to the show.
So, Bored to Death is yet another underrated comedy gold that excellently balances humour and quirkiness. It has its moments of weirdness, but above all, it ensures a steady stream of laughter and entertainment. The title track, on the other hand, is still stuck inside my head, and its animation still woos me every time I re-watch the show.
9. Spaced
Episodes - 14 Episodes (2 Series)
Duration - 25 minutes each episode
Spaced has rightfully earned its status as a cult classic. Notably, it served as the launching pad for the legendary trio of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright, who then ended up making the acclaimed the Cornetto Trilogy of movies. There are numerous reasons why this show is adored: the brilliantly crafted and humorous characters, hilarious situations, excellent direction, impeccable chemistry among the actors, and its enduring rewatchability.
The story revolves around Tim and Daisy, who fake their relationship and pretend to be a couple in order to secure their "dream" flat. Each episode is a masterpiece in its own right, and features a distinct blend of style and storytelling.
Despite being created way back in 1999, Spaced has stood the test of time, and still manages to remain relevant and enjoyable. Edgar Wright's exceptional direction, coupled with Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson's stellar writing, elevates the show to a whole new level. Right from the very first scene itself, you'll realize how incredible this sitcom is going to be.
10. Wrecked
Episodes - 30 Episodes (3 Seasons)
Duration - 21 minutes each episode
Picture the television show Lost, but with a cast of quirky characters and humorous situations, and you have Wrecked. This show cleverly parodies Lost and offers a fresh take that pays homage to it. The premise is indeed the same, yet Wrecked distinguishes itself by seamlessly blending the familiar aspects of Lost with its own original storytelling and comedic moments.
Just like Lost, Wrecked follows a group of survivors marooned on a remote island following a plane crash. Now, while coming to terms with this, they have to survive in this island and make plans to escape by working together.
Just from the first few episodes, this show draws you in its weird thrilling world which has such rag tag goofy characters. Each season focuses on different adventures, but the captivating plot twists and character development remain consistently strong across every season.
The show manages to feel fresh, and is a clever and twisted comedy that fills the void left by predictable sitcoms and serious dramas. It's indeed a special delight in an era when true comedies appear to be hard to come by.
So, I hope this article has introduced you to a selection of some lesser-known sitcoms, which you can add to your watchlist. If you want to know more about such underrated shows, movies or music, be sure to explore our guide on more undiscovered stuffs. Thank you for taking the time to read and happy laughter-filled binge-watching!
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