It’s funny—ever since I started here at Paste in 2019, beginning an article with a line about the dire state of the world has felt like an apt introduction. Unfortunately, that hasn’t changed at all in 2023—genocide, climate change, the pandemic, the unrelenting grind of capitalism, and so much more have left those of us who’re still here feeling pretty worn down. At the very least, we deserve a few laughs to get us through the darkness, so we’ve combed through the incomprehensible number of programs to watch (I’d say consume, but that’s indelibly connected to the term “content,” which makes me want to scoop out my brain like an avocado) on way too many streaming platforms to select the 20 funniest TV shows of 2023.
Humor’s obviously subjective, but there’s a little something here on the list for everyone. From straightforward sitcoms to experimental documentary shows, you’re sure to find something to your taste. And no, I’m not going to fight you about the order in which we’ve ranked these. Frankly, I’m tired and will give up right away.
Without further ado, here are the funniest 20 shows of 2023, in ascending order:
20. Schmigadoon! (Schmicago)
Schmigadoon!’s first season, which premiered over two years ago on Apple TV+, was admittedly just okay. But its second season, which takes place in the city of Schmicago and pulls from musicals of the ’60s and ’70s, has been phenomenal. In the aftermath of the first season, Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) sought out Schmigadoon once more when they began to become unhappy in their repetitive lives, only to instead stumble upon Schmicago, with much seedier characters and different lessons to learn. Throughout the season, Melissa and Josh attempt to achieve true happiness for all the interesting people around them, each of which are familiar faces from Schmigadoon, but ultimately end up meddling in places they shouldn’t have.
Schmicago allowed for Schmigadoon! to pull from more recognizable musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, and, of course, Chicago, alongside many others, and it seemed like each episode featured more musical moments than the last. In addition to being a genuine delight each and every week, Schmigadoon! upped the ante in every way this season, and delivered in spades on its promise of ‘70s and ‘80s musicals told through a lovingly comedic lens.—Anna Govert [Full List]
19. The Afterparty
It’s clear that the cast and crew of The Afterparty were having a lot of fun with their jobs. Paul Walter Hauser, whose bread and butter are stupid and/or scary criminals, nails it as Grace’s ex-boyfriend who fancies himself the next Philip Marlowe. John Cho, who stars as Grace and Zoë’s long-lost “funcle” Ulysses, fully embraces his inner Stanley Kowalski through a rain-soaked interpretive dance. And Elizabeth Perkins is the perfect antidote to a Hitchcock blonde as Edgar’s steely and suspicious mother Isabel. Even some of the guest stars, like Stumptown alum Michael Ealy, who shows up in a later episode as someone from Danner’s past, seem delighted to be here.—Whitney Friedlander [Full Review]
18. Rap Sh!t
Season 2 of Rap Sh!t is even better than the show’s first, with the jokes getting funnier as the series progresses and the cast blooms underneath the cameras and neon lights. Characters whose time was unfortunately brief in Season 1 are finally able to shine here, with Jonica Booth and RJ Cyler delivering fantastic work alongside the show’s two central stars. The pair of them play Chastity and Lamont with such vigor it may be impossible to see them play anyone else in the future, and they mix with Shawna and Mia effortlessly. These central characters are easy to love, and easy to loathe when they make mistakes, but what Rap Sh!t understands is that the two go hand in hand. What comes of this is a heartfelt and hilarious second season that proves the show’s creative team fully understands what made the first so special, and leaves the viewer itching for the announcement of Season 3.—Kaiya Shunyata [Full Review]
17. This Fool
The second season is one of growth for all in This Fool, but growth in which direction remains to be seen. Building from the first season’s closure of the rehabilitation clinic for the formerly incarcerated, due to what we’ll call an “endowment” issue, Season 2 brought with it the return of our cast of beloved characters, delving into their backstories with more depth, dimension, and detail than before; an episode worth mentioning follows Julio’s mom during her first few days of retirement, featuring a perfectly cringe-worthy crossover appearance by Matt Ingebretson, the writer and creator of both This Fool as well as Comedy Central’s Corporate.
To the careful eye, Season 2 of This Fool makes a full-circle gesture to the very first scene of the entire series where Julio, played by stand-up comedian Chris Estrada, pours himself a cup of coffee in his typical too-much fashion. Julio, his cousin, Luis, Minister Payne (played by the inimitable Michael Imperioli), Chef Percy Williams, and their rag-tag team of rehabilitated ex-cons reunite for this epic sophomoric adventure that will leave you shaking your head from the sequence of completely avoidable, yet totally enthralling idiocracy.—Felicia Reich
16. Extraordinary
The eight-episode comedy—which has already been picked up for a second season—is a British import, which may be part of the reason it stands out so effortlessly from the superhero pack. The debut comedy series from writer Emma Moran, Extraordinary features raunchy humor and ridiculous situations, but it also boasts a sensitive heart and a nuanced understanding of the unique problems and challenges of young adulthood. The story takes place in a world in which everyone develops a superpower at the age of 18, gaining abilities that range from the predictable (flight, super strength) to the absurd (a sphincter that doubles as a 3-D printer, the power to turn literally anything into a PDF). Most people tend to use their powers for a variety of mundane, stupid, or outright ridiculous reasons, and the possession of extraordinary abilities has become so commonplace that they’re no longer seen as a big deal. Rather, it’s the lack of them that now makes people stand out.—Lacy Baugher Milas [Full Feature]
15. Poker Face
Were we complaining about new shows being helmed by flashy big names for the first couple episodes, only to then slip into using other writers and directors to mimic the showrunner’s style? Couldn’t have been us! Especially not with the winning combination of creator and star we get in Poker Face. In this Peacock series, Rian Johnson leads a barnstormer of a murder mystery show, kicking us off with an exquisite pilot before we head out on backroads and highways through America’s undergrowth, solving a different crime every week. It’s a show that loves three things equally: Natasha Lyonne, Columbo, and getting us hooked on stories.—Rory Doherty [Full Review]
14. Digman!
Neil Campbell and Andy Samberg’s absurd adventure cartoon is more than just a send-up of Indiana Jones and the National Treasure movies. Washed-up archeologist Rip Digman (Samberg in full Nicolas Cage voice) is a vain, ridiculous, embarrassing caricature of masculinity, but his grief over the death of his wife (and subsequent quest to revive her) gives Digman! a human element that’s often missing in the cynical world of basic cable adult animation. And a top notch team of hilarious actors (Samberg is joined by Tim Robinson, Mitra Jouhari, Tim Meadows, Melissa Fumero, and more) enliven whip-smart scripts that move seamlessly between pop culture parody, historical comedy, formal experimentation, and the kind of inspired silliness Samberg and his Lonely Island cohorts are known for. It’s a good show.—Garrett Martin
13. Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is not only the network comedy’s saving grace, but it might just be one of the funniest shows on TV today. When it burst onto the scene in late 2021 with a special premiere episode, word of mouth catapulted it to the top of everyone’s radar, making it an instant hit when it premiered officially in January of 2022. The show’s stellar writing, courtesy of showrunner and star Quinta Brunson, won her an Emmy award this year (the first of many I’m sure!), capturing the hearts of not only the audience, but the Academy as well.
Of course, Abbott is hilarious on the page, but the delivery of these iconic lines matters too, with the cast perfectly highlighting just how hilarious every element of this show is. Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Chris Perfetti make up an absolute dream team of a cast, elevating every moment to its full potential.—Anna Govert [Full List]
12. Cunk on Earth
Documentary satire is a niche field, but a very satisfying one. If you have watched and loved David Attenborough-hosted series like Planet Earth or, really, any educational investigation of history or the environment, then the “teachings” of Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) in Cunk on Earth are a must. Interviewing experts on a variety of topics from world religions to the dawn of man to the creation of the nuclear bomb, Morgan queries professors and historians in a flat, northern-England accent and deadpan delivery. But her provocative questions are not meant to play out as a prank; she asks with child-like ignorance, is prone to unrelated tangents, and her understanding is filled with misinformation that, she often notes, comes from YouTube videos. Most of the experts are game to the challenge of finding her underlying interests and simplifying their responses, but the unique way Philomena sees the world and describes it is what makes Cunk such a treasure. The short and heavily meta series is full of laugh-out-loud moments, but Philomena’s perspective will occasionally make you reconsider your own understanding and biases of world events. Her casual skewering of America in particular is a highlight, but no one is left unscathed by her surprisingly insightful reading of history. —Allison Keene
11. Single Drunk Female
A show about a recovering alcoholic doesn’t sound funny—but trust me, it is. Season 1 of Single Drunk Female follows writer Samantha Fink (Sofia Black-D’Elia, impeccable) as she hits rock bottom, losing her job and essentially her freedom due to her addiction. She moves in with her neurotic mom (Ally Sheedy) and joins a 12-step program, eventually finding her feet in a Boston suburb, which involves plenty of hilarity as she navigates life without alcohol for the first time in over a decade. Sans liquid courage, Sam turns out to be pretty awkward, amplified by the fact that she’s confronting her past drunken misdeeds. The second (and sadly final) season sees Sam more confident, but still as hilarious as ever as she attends a fellow AA member’s funeral, interviews Bob the Drag Queen, and generally tries to keep on the straight and narrow. Black-D’Elia’s charisma is complemented by an equally charming cast, including Sheedy, Ian Gomez (of Cougar Town fame) as her mom’s boyfriend, Garrick Bernard as her former crush James, Lily Mae Harrington as Sam’s brash best friend, and Sasha Compère as her uptight doctor pal. Single Drunk Female is a reminder that when the chips are down, or when you’re aiming for your first sobriety chip, a good laugh is always in order.—Clare Martin
10. Jury Duty
At the heart of Freevee’s Jury Duty is a good man, and that man’s name is Ronald Gladden. Ronald is the only non-actor participating in what he truly believes is a very real stint performing his civic duty in what he believes is a real court case. Unfolding in cringe-worthy hilarity, Jury Duty pushes its actors (including James Marsden as himself) and Ronald to the brink in order to complete a once-in-a-lifetime TV experiment. And largely, that experiment has paid off, with the series receiving a number of Emmy nominations, including an acting nomination for Marsden. No matter how you feel about its sometimes questionable ethics, Jury Duty is Freevee’s biggest break-out hit to date, and a series that finally put them on the streaming map. —Anna Govert
9. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The sun has shined bright for the Paddy’s Pub gang’s nearly 20-year run. The most lovable, despicable people to grace television, Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito) are back in Philly for a season that kicks the pandemic to the curb. Fresh off the heels from a pandemic-centric and story-driven 15th season—and coinciding launch of the ongoing The Always Sunny Podcast—It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s latest run takes off the post-COVID training wheels and rides back to its glorious, unhinged episodic state. Most of the gang may be well into their forties, but Season 16 proves that idiocy becomes riper with age, much like fine wine. To paraphrase Matthew McConaughey: “That’s what I love about the gang, man. I get older. They stay the same age.”—Rendy Jones [Full Review]
8. Killing It
Craig Robinson and Claudia O’Doherty already had the comedic dynamic on lock, and that returns in full force, but they, no pun intended, kill it here. The writers ensure that each scenario Craig, Jillian, and Isaiah find themselves in is as insane as possible, discussing facets of capitalism in a series of clever, laugh-out-loud gags while furthering their characters. Even the episodic concepts, such as gangsters straight out of a Safdie Bros flick collecting debts, or a Pitbull impersonator group unionizing, or a hillbilly hick gang wanting healthcare benefits, are like a game of mad libs but prove sharp in execution. As crazy as the scenarios are, the writers take each subject matter seriously, providing insightful commentary on how much upper classes screw over the working class. Also, talented comedic guest stars like Jackie Earle Haly, Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett, Tim Simons, and Melanie Field get in on the fun, and they end up stealing the show despite their minor roles.—Rendy Jones [Full Review]
7. Party Down
Party Down’s revival picked up like the last 13 years didn’t even happen—which, yes, is pretty depressing for its characters, most of whom wind up back in the catering biz after one professional dream or another goes up in flames. Despite finding themselves back behind a pink bowtie again, the new season does a great job of showing how they’ve changed (without necessarily growing) since the show was originally cancelled. The returning cast—Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally, Martin Starr, and Ryan Hansen—are as sharp as ever, and new additions like Zoë Chao’s pretentious chef and Tyrel Jackson Williams’ wannabe TikTok influencer fit in perfectly. Party Down‘s main target might be the entertainment business, but its satirical purview has never stopped there, and it’s still interested in humanizing these characters that could very easily just be cartoonish stereotypes. This season also gave us perhaps the least embarrassing drug trip episode of a TV show ever, which is no small feat. Unfortunately it remains locked behind the impregnable fortress known as Starz, but if you have a subscription (or if this third season ever shows up on another streamer), you need to catch up with Party Down.—Garrett Martin
6. What We Do in the Shadows
On paper, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows is the sort of series that shouldn’t work at all. Based on the film of the same name written by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, the series has become one of TV’s best comedies by taking the admittedly ridiculous conceit of the original and running with it to even greater heights. Following a group of vampire roommates who live together in Staten Island, New Jersey, the series fully embraces the ridiculousness of its premise, indulging in humor that ranges from complex absurdism to jokes about bodily fluids. But the specifically delightful alchemy of this show can be found in the ways it uses the story of its often idiotic undead leads to find sharp, heartfelt, and, yes, hilarious, observations about what it means to be human.—Lacy Baugher Milas [Full Review]
5. Reservation Dogs
Few shows feel as lived-in as Reservation Dogs, named for best friends Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Elora (Devery Jacobs), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), and Cheese (Lane Factor). The third and final season of this dramedy leans into the cyclical nature of existence—all the flashbacks to Okern elders Maximus (Graham Greene), Brownie (Gary Farmer), Irene (Casey Camp-Horinek), and company really drive that home—and the belief that community is one of the most vital aspects of life. In between these lessons, though, are plenty of jokes that keep any beats from becoming saccharine. The old-timers give the youngsters some good-natured ribbing, and the Rez Dogs are always up to some hilarious shenanigans. Whether they’re painting a large penis with breasts on the IHS Clinic (Willie Jack’s masterpiece) or cooking up a heist to break an elder out of medical care, we’re going to miss the antics of the Rez Dogs, which now includes the NDN mafia. Special shout-outs have to be given to Jana Schmieding, who’s outstanding as the straight-talking, bubblegum-snapping Auntie Bev; Dallas Goldtooth as the wisecracking spirit William Knifeman; and Zahn McClarnon, whose goofiness and sincerity makes Big the only cop I’ll ever like. We might be saying goodbye to the Rez Dogs for now, but hopefully that’s not the end for Sterlin Harjo and his fellow indigenous creators’ incredible comedic stylings.—Clare Martin
4. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
By now you know what to expect from I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. The sketch show’s third season bears all the hallmarks of its beloved first two, with awkward, oblivious people causing uncomfortable wists the show’s most common formula in a few surprising ways.
There are several sketches in season three that seem to start on a predictable path. A Tim Robinson character takes something too literally, or runs a bad joke that got him a few laughs into the ground, or misreads a situation and doubles down until he ruins everything. Not all of these sketches head in the direction we expect them, though. By the end of a few sketches Robinson’s characters are vindicated; their seemingly aberrant behavior actually benefits the people they seem to be annoying, or what seem to be lies or exaggerations turn out to be an accurate description of how they see the world. In at least one sketch a new character barrels in at the very end whose actions are so over-the-top and unexpected that it shifts the brunt of the embarrassment and discomfort from Robinson onto him. Even in the sketches that shift the perception of Robinson’s seemingly inappropriate characters, though, there’s often a second twist at the very end, with those characters revealing additional details right before the sketches cut that reassert their weirdness. Those are just final exclamation points on sketches that start in a familiar place but don’t necessarily follow the routes they seem destined to head down, though.—Garrett Martin [Full Feature]
3. Succession
Succession is often discussed and framed as a drama. The corporate mind games, power struggles between the siblings, and Logan Roy’s formidable authority all make HBO’s latest prestige show appear on the surface like a Shakespearean tragedy or Game of Thrones in the boardroom. However, the tightly-wound chaos of Succession’s fourth and final season solidified it as one of the best comedies of the year. The biting dialogue and elaborate insults traded by characters elevate each scene to another level (the “ludicrously capacious bag” barb is a highlight of this last series). And that’s not to mention the situational awkwardness; several times this season, I found myself looking away with the same secondhand embarrassment that would burn through me when watching the UK Office. The well-rounded cast make these comedic moments land with their brilliant deliveries, though Matthew Macfadyen is surely a stand-out this season for his portrayal of Tom’s desperate, almost degrading pursuit of power. We know who gets the last laugh, though.—Clare Martin
2. How To with John Wilson
John Wilson decided to end his one-of-a-kind HBO show with its third season, and although it’s depressing that we don’t have any more How To to look forward to, it’s a decision that makes sense. Its 18 episodes make up one of the very few TV shows that remained uniformly excellent throughout its entire run, and although I could probably watch 40 more seasons of this exact same stuff, How To really had nowhere else to go but down. Get out while you’re ahead, and all that. Wilson’s meticulously edited footage of daily life in New York finds great humor but also pathos in its contrast of image and narration, and Wilson’s lack of judgment towards the people he meets during his episodes’ unexpected twists keeps it from feeling either condescending or exploitative. How To‘s final season was an appropriately low-key send-off to a humble show that was consistently hilarious and often profound despite its understated demeanor, and although the show will be missed, it’s already proven itself to be eminently rewatchable. I’m pretty sure I’ll be returning to these lessons for years to come.—Garrett Martin
1. The Righteous Gemstones
Danny McBride truly lives by the motto “go big or go home,” and never is that clearer than in the latest season of The Righteous Gemstones: The titular Gemstone siblings bust out of their cousins’ prepper compound via monster truck, Judy’s long-suffering husband BJ (Tim Baltz, ever the scene-stealer) fights her ex-lover Stephen (Jeremy from Broad City) while the latter is naked, and Baby Billy (Walton Goggins, national treasure) performs an elaborate number at Zion’s Landing in a costume that would make Liberace blush—and that’s just a taste of what’s in store. With an insanely stacked main and supporting cast (this season sees Steve Zahn join as the Gemstones’ unhinged Uncle Peter, with their cousins played by Lukas Haas and strongman Robert Oberst in an excellent acting debut), no moment goes to waste. Every scene goes hard in the pursuit of laughs, all while giving us plenty of bombastic spectacle along the way. The Righteous Gemstones is one of those rare cases where more is more.—Clare Martin