When life feels a bit too heavy or the work week seems never-ending, there is no better remedy than a binge-watch that makes your stomach hurt from laughing. In an era of “prestige TV” and dark dramas, these five shows stand out as the ultimate mood-lifters.
Here are the top five shows to watch when you just need a good laugh.
1. Schitt’s Creek
What starts as a story about a wealthy family losing everything quickly becomes one of the most heartwarming comedies ever made. The brilliance of Schitt’s Creek lies in its character growth and the incomparable comedic timing of Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose. Whether it’s her eccentric “bébé” pronunciations or the iconic “Fold in the cheese” scene, this show provides a perfect blend of high-fashion absurdity and genuine soul.
2. Derry Girls
Set in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, this show is a masterclass in fast-paced, irreverent humor. It follows five teenagers navigating the “The Troubles” with a hilarious lack of perspective on anything other than their own drama. Between Sister Michael’s dry sarcasm and the group’s constant, chaotic schemes, Derry Girls is a loud, energetic, and brilliantly written riot that demands your full attention.
3. Abbott Elementary
If you need something wholesome yet sharp, Abbott Elementary is the gold standard. This mockumentary follows a group of dedicated teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia public school. The humor is found in the everyday—the struggle with broken lightbulbs, TikTok trends, and the hilariously out-of-touch principal, Ava Coleman. It’s a “comfort watch” that manages to be consistently funny while celebrating the unsung heroes of education.
4. What We Do in the Shadows
For those who like their comedy with a side of the supernatural, this mockumentary about four vampire roommates living in Staten Island is a must-watch. The show thrives on the mundane struggles of immortal beings—like trying to pay rent, attending city council meetings, or dealing with “energy vampire” Colin Robinson. It is absurd, gothic, and features some of the most creative physical comedy on television today.
How often can a show tackle moral philosophy and make it laugh-out-loud funny? The Good Place follows Eleanor Shellstrop as she accidentally ends up in a heaven-like afterlife. With its endless puns, giant flying shrimp, and the legendary performance of Ted Danson, it’s a bright, colorful odyssey that proves that being a good person can be a hilariously complicated journey.