Sitcoms have changed a lot over the past two decades and they barely resemble the comedy that we used to watch before YouTube and other venues for video funnies became popular. We see quite a shift to more serious and dramatic series taking over the air and they seem to be getting the most attention. The truth is that there are some fairly hilarious sitcoms that are airing right now. Not all have been promoted to their full potential and some of them are definitely an acquired taste, but sitcoms are beginning to make a comeback. We believce that people are returning to what makes them laugh because real life isn’t always funny and it’s nice to take a break from the drama if for no other reason, to have a good laugh and lighten up a little. Here are the five top sitcoms that are currently being aired.
1. Crazy ex-Girlfriend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od9mD6JmYHo
If you haven’t had the chance to catch an episode, we highly recommend this hilarious and zany show that sirs for half hour segments. It was co-created by its star Rachel Bloom. This comedy is an overly ambitious production we will admit but that is half of the fun of watching it. It’s a bit unsettling for some, but a good jolt can be a healthy thing to get the blood flowing. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend by the CW is more of a musical comedy with feminist undertones that help us to approach some fairly serious and contentious current issues with a sense of humor, even if we don’t agree.
It is currently in its’ second season which is always an indication of some sort of success. Year two has ramped up the comedy with a little more intensity as it targets more mature subject matter. You’ll hear a lot of singing along with some great plots including a humorous twist applied to alcoholism, bisexuality, mental health issues and abortion. We must explain that these important topics are handled tastefully so don’t be afraid to tune in for an episode to find out how it settles with you. You should also be comfortable with hearing songs about sex. If this is the case then you may enjoy the sitcom thoroughly.
2. Documentary Now
This sitcom is perhaps one of the most brilliant comedy shows airing in 2016. While the title isn’t particularly comical, the content certainly is. The show stars Fred Armisen and Bill Hader in a clever meld of comedy and the parody of documentaries. The stars focus on satirical takes on tragic events with conjured stories that are actually believable. You have to figure that with writers like John Mulaney and Seth Meyers combining forces with Alex Buono and Rhys Thomas as directors we’re going to have some serious comedy going on. The show is brilliant in that it blends the seriousness of the events behind the documentaries with some unexpected comedy that grabs you even harder that a straight forward approach would.
3. The Last Man on Earth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf0YgnV0mdg
If you like weird you’re gonna love this sitcom. It’s airing for the third year and focuses in its exploration of a timely topic. What would it be like if you were a survivor of the apocalypse? Imagine all of the stupid mistakes that you would make if technology came to a stop and you were still trying to conjure the modern conveniences you’ve known without having the resources. This includes stooping to the level of reading a book to learn how to perform a major surgery.
The local hole up stations are always changing and although some harsh realities are encountered the the group, there is a note of optimism. They know that it is up to them to repopulate the earth. The jokes and situations are weird by design but it’s strangely appealing. If you are into apocalyptic situations and crave just a little bit of suspense and drama with healthy helpings of humor, we recommend that you give this show a glance. You may end up finding a new favorite.
4. Silicon Valley
Fans find this sitcom to be side splitting, but if you haven’t watched it you may assume by the title that it is just a cutthroat series about competing tech startups. It’s actually about Silicon Valley geniuses who are out to change the world for the better while competing in the Valley for the best business opportunities. One day the main character may be on top and the next, at the bottom of the dogpile. How is this funny? They manage to infuse some intense humor into this geek spattered comedy that deals with lawsuits and total ruin on occasion. Find out how the smartest guys in the valley are debased in the most absurd ways that will leave you holding your sides. The show is in its thirrd season and is enjoying a good level of success. Stars are Josh Brener, TJ Miller and Thomas Middleditch.
5. BoJack Horseman
Perhaps one of the funniest animated shows created for adults, BoJack is in its third year and is the pride of Netflix. The comedy takes a serious poke at Hollywood culture with the same approach that was taken by Animal Farm. It makes the best use of animals by using their traits and characteristics to relate to the personality types that are commonly seen in the industry with a greatly exaggerated focus on stereotypes with a bleak perspective that readers a dry and satirical approach to comedy. If you like Jessica Biel, you’ll be happy to know that she appears as herself in the sitcom with the exception that her character has been created as perhaps the most self absorbed being on the planet.
Final thoughts
These are the five top sitcoms that are currently airing and available for your consideration. In a world where there is so much seriousness, sometimes it’s nice to watch something other than violence and turbulence which is so often portrayed on the news and so many of the popular dramas. Sitcoms have a lot to offer us and perhaps the best thing that they do is to poke a little fun at the things that stress us out, giving us a break and hopefully a chance to laugh and see the humorous side of serious.
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