Comedy TV shows are a great way to relax and get some laughs after a long day. With the rise of streaming services, there are now more options than ever for watching comedy series and stand-up specials. Here are some of the main places you can watch comedy TV:
Streaming Services
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max have huge libraries of comedy series and stand-up specials. Some popular comedy shows on these platforms include:
- The Office
- Parks and Recreation
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Schitt’s Creek
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Arrested Development
Many streaming services also produce their own original comedy series. For example, Netflix has shows like Grace and Frankie, Russian Doll, and Master of None. Hulu has comedies like The Great, Ramy, and Pen15.
The major benefit of streaming services is their massive catalogs and ability to binge watch. For one monthly fee, you get access to more comedy TV than you could ever watch.
Premium Cable
Premium cable networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz are known for their original comedy series. Some shows to check out include:
- Barry (HBO)
- Insecure (HBO)
- The Righteous Gemstones (HBO)
- Black Monday (Showtime)
- Shameless (Showtime)
- The L Word (Showtime)
Many premium channels also air popular comedy specials. HBO in particular has a deep lineup of stand-up specials from major comedians like John Mulaney, Jerrod Carmichael, Ali Wong, and others.
The downside is you usually have to pay extra for premium channels on top of a base cable package. But for avid comedy fans, it can be worth it.
Basic Cable
Basic cable networks still air some great comedy shows in their primetime lineups. Some current and recent hits include:
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
- Atlanta (FX)
- Dave (FXX)
- Grown-ish (Freeform)
- Younger (TV Land)
- The Last O.G. (TBS)
Networks like Comedy Central and TBS also air syndicated episodes of classic comedy series like The Office, Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, and more.
The advantage of basic cable is you can often find comedy hits without needing a streaming subscription. But the selection is typically more limited than dedicated streaming platforms.
Broadcast Networks
The major broadcast networks—NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX—also debut new comedy series each fall. Current shows to watch include:
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Young Rock (NBC)
- The Conners (ABC)
- Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS)
- Call Me Kat (FOX)
In addition, many broadcast networks feature blocks of syndicated comedy reruns in both daytime and late night. You can find hits like The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and Mike & Molly airing daily.
The major perk of broadcast TV is that it’s available for free over-the-air. But you’ll have to contend with commercial breaks and a more limited selection.
Where to Find Classic Comedy Series
In addition to current shows, many platforms offer access to older comedy classics:
- Hulu – Saturday Night Live, The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show
- Netflix – Cheers, Frasier, Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- HBO Max – South Park, The Big Bang Theory, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Amazon Prime – Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Everybody Loves Raymond
- Broadcast syndication – Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Married… with Children
Many classic sitcoms and sketch comedies can be purchased by the season or episode on platforms like Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and iTunes if not available on a streaming service.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform
Here are some factors to think about when deciding where to get your comedy TV fix:
Factor | Details |
---|---|
Content library size | Some platforms like Netflix and Hulu have huge libraries while more niche services will be more limited. |
Original vs. syndicated shows | Streaming platforms focus on originals while cable/broadcast air more syndicated reruns. |
Release schedules | Networks air episodes weekly while streaming services often release full seasons at once. |
Cost | Streaming services and premium channels require subscriptions, while broadcast TV is free. |
Device compatibility | Make sure to choose a service that works on your preferred devices. |
The “best” platform really depends on your personal preferences around cost, content selection, and viewing habits. It may take some experimenting to find your perfect comedy TV match.
Conclusion
While cable networks historically dominated comedy programming, streaming has opened up more viewing options than ever. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime provide vast on-demand libraries with original series and classic hits. Premium channels like HBO and Showtime offer cutting-edge original comedies. And basic cable and broadcast still deliver reliable laughs through long-running sitcoms and late night blocks.
With the rise of cord-cutting, viewing habits are becoming more fragmented across platforms. But thankfully, comedy fans have no shortage of choices to get their fix of hilarity. Whether you prefer sitcoms, sketch comedy, stand-up, or political satire, there’s a streaming service, network or platform fit for your sense of humor. The channel guide may be complex, but laughs await on screens both big and small.