Nowadays, streaming services are full of all kinds of comedy projects. With buzzworthy projects likeOnly Murders In The BuildingandTed Lassogetting all the praise though, it’s easy to overlook some of the hidden gems. Which is why we’ve come up with a list of several projects that are too good to be this underrated:
11Derry Girls
Set in 1990s Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the series is based on a group of young girls, the titularDerry Girls, studying at an all-girls high school. The Irish series has been lauded by the likes ofMartin Scorseseand offers a mix of humor, drama, and heart. The show is known for its sharp and often absurd humor, making it a lighthearted and enjoyable viewing experience while it explores serious topics such as family, friendship, and growing up, making it a touching and emotional journey.
RELATED:The Best Comedy Shows on Netflix Right Now
10Starstruck
Starstruckis a British television series that first premiered on the streaming service, BBC iPlayer, in February 2021 and quickly moved to HBO Max. It is a romantic comedy-drama that follows the life of a young woman named Rose (Rose Matafeo), who is trying to balance her newfound fame with her personal life after a chance encounter with a famous actor. The show explores themes of celebrity culture, relationships, and the struggles of young adulthood. It has received positive reviews for its quirky and charming storytelling, relatable characters, and lighthearted tone.
Lootis a comedy television series that was released in 2022 and starsMaya Rudolphin the leading role. After finding out that her husband of 20 years has been cheating on her, Molly Novak divorces her billionaire husband and struggles to figure out what to do with her $87 billion settlement and how to move past her husband’s transgression. She decides to reengage with her charitable foundation and reconnect with the real world–and finds herself along the way. It featuresSeverance’sAdam Scottas her ex-husband,Micheala Jae Rodriguezas her foundation director,Nat Fixonas her distant cousin Arthur andRon Funchesas Howard, the resident IT guy.
The series is based on a BBC comedy of the same name and starsRose McIverandUtkarsh Ambudkaras a couple that inherits a rundown mansion in upstate New York that they decide to convert into a bed & breakfast. After a near-death experience, McIver’s character is suddenly able to see the ghosts that inhabit the house putting her in the crosshairs of ghosts played byBrandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman, Román Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, Rebecca Wisocky,andDevan Chandler Long. Since its release, the series has consistently brought in good ratings for the CBS network, being a hit with audiences thanks to its perfect blend of heart, comedy and ghost hijinks.
7Our Flag Means Death
The series follows upper class gentleman Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) as he attempts to make a name for himself on the open seas, leaving behind his charmed life. There’s plenty of comedy to be found with Bonnet’s hopelessly unprepared new pirate as he deals with the ruthlessness of the high sea where bloodthirsty pirates and other deadly threats are a daily occurrence. Also on board the series isTaika WaititiofThor: RagnarokandJojo Rabbitfame playing as the notorious captain Blackbeard who develops a romantic relationship with Darby. The series is wholesome and enjoyable and stands withHacksas HBO Max’s finest comedy.
6Schmigadoon!
Schmigadoon!is a musical comedy television series that was released on Apple TV+ in 2021. It follows the story of a couple who stumble upon a magical town called Schmigadoon, where everything is a musical and people break into song and dance. The show is a spoof of classic Hollywood musicals and features original songs, colorful characters, and comedic moments. It starsCecily StrongandKeegan-Michael Keyas the lead characters, with supporting roles from other notable actors such asAlan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth,andFred Armisen. Season 2 is set to premiere this April and it’s well worth a shot for fans of these two sketch comedians and musicals in general
5I Hate Suzie
I Hate Suzieis a British television series that premiered in August 2020. It follows the life of Suzie Pickles (Billie Piper), a former child star, as she navigates the aftermath of her private life being publicly exposed. The series has been described as a dark comedy-drama and explores themes such as identity, privacy, and the impact of fame on one’s personal life. Other notable cast members includeLeila Farzadas Suzie’s best friend and manager,Nathaniel Martello-Whiteas Suzie’s husband, andDaniel Ingsas her agent.
4The Outlaws
The narrative revolves around seven individuals from diverse backgrounds who are made to work together as part of a Community Payback sentence in Bristol. However, their fate takes a turn — not necessarily a positive one — when they come across a bag filled with money, not realizing that its rightful owners are extremely dangerous. The series is a BBC/ Amazon Studios production and featuresChristopher Walken, Stephen Merchant, Darren Boyd, Rhianne Baretto, Eleanor TomilsonandClaire Perkins. A mix of crime thriller and comedy, there are currently two seasons out.
3The Afterparty
Apple TV+ has certainly ramped up its comedy slate and another addition is theTiffany Haddishled murder mystery seriesThe Afterparty. The show follows a high school reunion where things go all wrong when one of the former classmates is murdered. It includesSam Richardson, Dave Franco, Ike Barinholtz, Zoe Chao, Ben SchwartzandIlana Glazerin its roster. The second season is set to bring a whole new mystery withKen Jeong, John Cho, Elizabeth Perkins, Zack WoodsandJack Whitehalljoining the cast. The series is created byChristopher MillerofInto The SpiderverseandThe Lego Moviefame and is set to release its second season this April.
One of two Irish comedies on this list — which just goes to show how well the country is doing with its content in the wake of a historic 11 Oscar nominations. The premise ofBad Sistersis a black comedy set in Dublin that follows four sisters who try to kill their awful, abusive brother-in-law (Claes Bang). It is based on the Flemish seriesClanand starsSarah Horgan, Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson, Anne-Marie Duff,andEva Birthisleas the titular sisters.
