Sitcoms have come a long way from the classic multi-cam studio audience set-up and the formulaic script writing. And yet, regardless of its changes, viewers always find comfort in the beloved genre. Indeed, between Cheers, Friends, and Modern Family, everyone loves to immerse themselves in a short-form story that’s funny, familiar, and easy to consume. Because unlike high-stakes dramas, sitcoms can be played anywhere, at any time, without needing one’s unwavering attention.
As such, while we settle into the new year, why not reminisce on what we have seen in the 2020s—we are halfway into the decade after all, and who says modern-day sitcoms aren’t great? Whether set in schools, crime scenes, or even pirate ships, these sitcoms carry all the humor and heart that makes the genre so lovable, while simultaneously sprinkling in their contemporary flare. So if you’re looking for a fresh binge, try these out for a change.
15
‘Animal Control’ (2023–)
Frank (Joel McHale), a former cop who was fired for exposing department corruption, has a unique ability to understand animals, even though he struggles with people. Now, the cynical yet competent Frank leads a team of eccentric animal control officers, wrangling every animal from snakes to raccoons, all the while managing a workplace full of loveable weirdos.
While Animal Control fits comfortably within the long tradition of workplace sitcoms, it still feels distinctly modern thanks to its quick wit and self-aware tone. McHale’s trademark sarcasm unsurprisingly anchors the series, but the show’s real charm lies in its ensemble—a mix of oddballs whose insecurities and compassion make the chaos strangely endearing. Smart, goofy, and surprisingly tender, Animal Control proves there’s still plenty of life left in this comedy format, even when some of its stars have fur, feathers, or fangs.
14
‘Girls5eva’ (2021–2024)
Old dreams are re-ignited for a one-hit-wonder ’90s girl group after a young rapper samples their song. And for a group of women struggling to cope with their unfulfilled lives, the opportunity to reunite couldn’t come at a better time — even after all these years.
Awakening the youthful fire in all who watch, Girls5eva was a sitcom that truly proved how it’s never too late to follow your dreams (even if they were ones you formulated 20 years ago). Yes, it was a show filled with absurd humor and tons of boppy songs by Girls5eva; however, the charm and heart often stemmed from the lovable ensemble chemistry and the beautiful journeys of growth. How it got canceled is extremely perplexing, especially since this happened not once, but twice. Why do we keep losing such great stories of sisterhood?
13
‘Dave’ (2020–2023)
A neurotic mid-20s suburbanite man is convinced that he is destined to be the greatest rapper of all time. Determined to prove this to the world, Dave (Dave Burd) ultimately seeks the help of some close friends who can guide him on his path to stardom.
In what seems like another semi-autobiographical comedy, Dave proves to be so much more. Dramatizing his own rise to fame, Burd – aka Lil Dicky – gives audiences a sitcom that is both an industry satire and a program of great introspection. Thriving on showcasing life’s absurdities and self-deprecating humor, Dave explores everything from his relationships, identity, mental health, and artistic ambitions. Plus, with a couple of fun celebrity cameos, this is a show that’ll keep you on your toes.
12
‘English Teacher’ (2024–)
Evan Marquez (Brian Jordan Alvarez), a gay teacher in Texas, must navigate the personal, professional, and political challenges of the modern high-school scene—even if that means facing school boards, concerned parents, and hoards of the Gen Z community. Luckily, Evan’s got his colleagues by his side.
Where this show premiered after another highly popular school-based sitcom, don’t mistake it as a mere copycat because English Teacher has set itself apart as its own fresh thing. Cheeky, witty, and surprisingly accurate to some aspects of reality, this sitcom isn’t afraid to poke fun at contemporary cultural progress – all the while keeping it fun and light-hearted. And with only a few episodes in the series, it’s an easy watch.
11
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
Set in Staten Island, four centuries-old vampires—who also happen to be roommates—try to adapt to modern life, while managing their supernatural dignity and the eternal boredom of immortality. But even amid their struggles and failures, they at least get some help from their ever-loyal familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén).
While it began as a spin-off of Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s cult classic film, What We Do in the Shadows has long since carved out its own undead legacy. Thriving on committed performances (especially Matt Berry‘s gloriously hammy Laszlo) and some of the sharpest comedic writing on television, it has famously become one of the best mockumentary-style shows of all time. Plus, beneath all the gore and gags, it even pulls at the heartstrings with its being about loneliness, friendship, and the bureaucratic frustrations of immortality. It’s rare for a genre parody to stay this consistently fresh, but somehow this one managed to reinvent itself season after season.
10
‘St. Denis Medical’ (2024–)
Alex (Allison Tolman) has just been promoted to Supervising Nurse in the emergency department at St. Denis Medical Center. Where this is an exciting opportunity, she and her eclectic team of nurses and doctors try their best to navigate the chaos of their daily lives, facing their patients while being overworked and underfunded.
Love medical dramas, but are not in the mood for the hard-hitting emotions and seriousness? Well, St. Denis Medical may have only just graced our screens, but it has practically cemented itself as an amalgamation of The Office and Grey’s Anatomy (ish). Of course, this may not be so surprising given that it was created by the geniuses behind Superstore. As such, prepare yourself for an endearing group of characters, snappy dialogue, tons of workplace dysfunction, and a whole lot of fun sitcom camaraderie.
9
‘We Are Lady Parts’ (2021–)
When Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey), the fierce frontwoman of the all-female Muslim punk band Lady Parts, struggles to find a new guitarist, she turns to the least likely candidate: Amina Hussein (Anjana Vasan), a meek PhD student in microbiology with stage fright and a secret love for music. Tempted by Saira’s offer to help her find a husband along the way, Amina reluctantly joins the band—and in the process, discovers her voice, her confidence, and a new sense of belonging.
As a rigorous celebration of identity, faith, and female creativity, We Are Lady Parts is yet another stellar addition to Britain’s best modern comedies. Its humor is sharp but compassionate, finding joy in contradictions—devout individuals who rage against the system, shy scientists who shred guitar solos, and friendships that form through chaos and cultural clashes. The series doesn’t just expand Muslim representation on screen, but does so with a spunky sense of style and sincerity. Funny as it is groundbreaking, We Are Lady Parts proves that authenticity and anarchy can happily co-exist.
8
‘The Righteous Gemstones’ (2019–)
As the world-famous televangelist family, the Gemstones live their lives preaching and spreading the good word—or at least that’s what they try to convince you. Instead, the Gemstones notoriously use their religious empire to hide shocking secrets and make an easy buck.
Mixing family and business isn’t always the easiest thing, especially when you’re using your megachurch to fund your own greed and selfish desires. But alas, that’s the drama of it all when it comes to this family, and it’s a pretty entertaining watch, especially with all the dysfunctional sibling dynamics that their privilege brings. Combining all kinds of dry, slapstick, and dark humor, The Righteous Gemstones is the one for you if you’re into intelligent satire and a rambunctious group of characters.
7
‘Mythic Quest’ (2020–)
As one of the biggest multiplayer games of all time, “Mythic Quest” secures its audience with its world-building, hero-making, and legendary adventures. If only things were that magical in real life, as the game’s team of designers often fight hard (even among each other) to keep Mythic Quest on top.
Brought to you by some of the creatives from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest is an easily bingeable sitcom that’ll keep you entertained all within a day. That does mean, unsurprisingly, this sitcom is extremely funny, especially with it interweaving the quirks of gaming life. However, like many other shows on this list, it doesn’t shy away from its moments of sincerity, like when they navigate through the complexities of mixing business and art. Indeed, this is yet another must-watch AppleTV+ show that has somehow flown under the radar.
6
‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023)
Unfulfilled with his aristocratic life, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) abandons his family and cushy life of riches to become a pirate. Unfortunately, without any aptitude for sea life, Stede struggles to become the Captain he dreams of being, and fails to earn the respect of his crew. Luckily, his run-in with the infamous Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) might just steer him in the right direction.
Blending all the best aspects of historical fiction and absurdist comedy, Our Flag Means Death commits to its expansion of the pirate genre. Not only does it include tons of swashbuckling antics, but it also hooks audiences in with its tender LGBTQ+ love story and the earnest journeys of self-acceptance. If only this didn’t follow in the footsteps of abruptly canceled TV shows. It truly had so much more to give.
