The 20 best comedy shows on Paramount+ ready to stream now (original) (raw)

Good news for comedy nerds: Your favorite show is always on over at Paramount+. Amalgamating the best content Comedy Central, CBS, MTV, VH1, and more have to offer, the streamer is ready, willing, and able to introduce you to your next binge.

Whether it’s a feminist sketch show, a cult classic Cops parody, a kids series reboot, or an iconic sitcom, Paramount+ has comedies of all varieties that keep your spirits up like it’s their job — because, well, it is. Here are the 20 best comedy series on Paramount+ right now.

Another Period (2013–2018)

Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome on 'Another Period'.

Comedy Central/Everett Collection

Downton Abbey and Keeping Up With the Kardashians collide in Another Period, a sitcom set at the turn of the 20th century. The show, which follows a pair of socialite sisters and their ever-present quest to find fame, gives an anachronistic look at issues of money, class, and culture.

The show ran for three seasons on Comedy Central, and features some of the best stand ups and comic actors working during the mid to late 2010s. (EW’s critic writes that Another Period is “buoyed by an absurdist sensibility, genuinely surprising jokes, and a strong cast.”) With 32 episodes available to stream, the series is bingeable without being overwhelming, and even though the show is a period piece, the comedy never feels dated. —Ilana Gordon

Where to watch Another Period: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Jeremy Konner

Cast: Lauren Ash, Michael Ian Black, Paget Brewster, Donna Lynne Champlin, Beth Dover, Brett Gelman, Lauren Flans, Christina Hendricks, Brian Huskey, Dave Koechner, Natasha Leggero, Riki Lindhome, Missi Pyle, Jason Ritter, David Wain, Armen Weitzman

Broad City (2014–2019)

Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer on 'Broad City'. Comedy Central

Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer met while taking improv classes at New York City’s UCB theater and found a way to convert their friendship and comedic chemistry into a popular web series. After attaching Amy Poehler to produce, the comedy duo sold their odd-couple friendship series, Broad City, to Comedy Central, and the rest is sitcom history.

Featuring a creative team and writers room composed of many of the same people who later went on to create Max’s acclaimed series Hacks, Broad City is a raunchier and more loving alternative to the satirically self-involved millennial comedy featured in shows like Girls. —I.G.

Where to watch Broad City: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer

Cheers (1982–1993)

Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt on 'Cheers'. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, so why not sit back and spend some time with the staff and patrons of a fictional Boston bar? There, you’ll get TV magic, including Ted Danson and Shelley Long as the GOAT will-they-won’t-they couple and Woody Harrelson as a lovable but dimwitted bartender. But Cheers’ most impressive feat is never once losing its sparkle across 11 seasons.

The show’s first year was such a flop that it once finished dead last in the ratings, but it soon became a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. By the eighth season in 1990, 35 million Americans were watching the hilarious, well-rounded, wonderfully mismatched characters have another round. —Hope Lasater

Where to watch Cheers: Paramount+

Cast: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth

Corporate (2018–2020)

Matt Ingebretson and Jake Weisman on 'Corporate'.

Comedy Central/Everett Collection

We only got three seasons — one of them shortened — of the little-watched satirical comedy, Corporate, but that was more than enough time to capture the feeling of workplace despair caused by office power dynamics. Set in Hampton DeVille, a fictional, multi-national conglomerate headed up by a team of business psychopaths, the show follows two miserable junior executives as they attempt to keep their jobs and survive the vicious interpersonal and business incidents that define Hampton DeVille’s corporate culture.

A little too true to be 100% funny, Corporate failed to find its audience on Comedy Central, but EW’s critic writes that the show “has always been good and was frequently awesome.” —I.G.

Where to watch Corporate: Paramount+

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Directors: Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson

Cast: Matt Ingebretson, Jake Weisman, Anne Dudek, Adam Lustick, Aparna Nancherla, Lance Reddick

The Daily Show (1996–present)

Jon Stewart on 'The Daily Show'.

Comedy Central

It’s an election year, and this year especially, politics will not be ignored. But if reading the news straight sounds like too much strain on the stomach and brain, you might be in for a rough time. Or maybe you should head over to Paramount+ to watch the two most recent seasons of The Daily Show.

The series is taking a break from its traditional one-host format in favor of employing a rotating crew of familiar faces (which includes the return of Jon Stewart). Turn on The Daily Show for your everyday fix of information and terror (and hopefully a few laughs). —I.G.

Where to watch The Daily Show: Paramount+

Cast: Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah

Detroiters (2017–2018)

Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Mike O'Gorman on 'Detroiters'. Comedy Central/Courtesy Everett Collection

There are sadly just two seasons of Detroiters, a comedy show about best friends and local TV commercial producers Sam (Sam Richardson) and Tim (Tim Robinson of I Think You Should Leave) who want to bring Detroit back to its former glory. Though it was beloved by critics and had some great guest stars, Detroiters never garnered a large audience, making this delightful, wacky series a real hidden gem that Comedy Central canceled far too soon.

It’s the kind of underground, off-kilter series that will earn you social clout once your friends laugh at Sam and Tim believing insurance is “for suckers” even after hitting someone with their car. —H.L.

Where to watch Detroiters: Paramount+

Cast: Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson

Drunk History (2013–2019)

Evan Rachel Wood on 'Drunk History'. Comedy Central

Who knew watching celebrities like Jenny Slate, Amber Ruffin, and Paul F. Tompkins recall historical stories — while inebriated, naturally — could be so endlessly entertaining? Various guest stars appear to act out these drunken ramblings, even lip-syncing to the more ridiculous statements from the storyteller.

Drunk History earned numerous Emmy nominations over its six seasons and even spawned international spinoffs like Drunk History U.K., and Drunk History Mexico, which are also available on Paramount+. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Drunk History: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Bennie Arthur, Tim Baltz, Mort Burke, Sarah Burns, Maria Blasucci, Craig Cackowski

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

(From left to right) Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, and Patricia Heaton on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. CBS via Getty

Few modern sitcoms have the live-wire hilarity of Everybody Loves Raymond, which ran for nine seasons (210 episodes!) on CBS. Ray Romano stars as the title character, a sportswriter whose lackadaisical attitude brushes up against his wife Debra’s (Patricia Heaton) sense of responsibility.

In addition to managing their three children, they must contend with Ray’s fussy older brother Robert (Brad Garrett) and parents (Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle) who happen to live across the street. Many family sitcoms have attempted to replicate this Emmy-winning series, but its relatable dynamics and sharp dialogue are a cut above. —K.J.

Where to watch Everybody Loves Raymond: Paramount+

EW grade: A (read the review)

Cast: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, Madylin Sweeten

Frasier (1993–2004)

David Hyde Pierce, Kelsey Grammer, John Mahoney on 'Frasier'. Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Though a Cheers spinoff, Frasier — about a Seattle psychiatrist (Kelsey Grammer) with a popular radio show and problems with his own interpersonal relationships — achieved a different tone. As EW’s critic described in 1995, “This is the only sitcom that can get a real laugh out of an obvious play on words involving the term frigate… as well as deploy the punchline ‘You sweet-talking succubus!’ while assuming that viewers will know what that means.”

That delicate tonal balance helped Frasier float from family sitcom to workplace farce to rom-com to buddy comedy for 11 seasons. (The recent revival is also streaming on Paramount+, though it doesn’t scratch the same itch.) —H.L.

Where to watch Frasier: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

(From left to right) Martin Starr, Busy Phillips, Sam Levine, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, John Francis Daly, and James Franco on 'Freaks and Geeks'. NBCU Photo Bank

The valedictorian of comedy shows that were canceled too soon, Freaks and Geeks only aired one season on NBC, but its impact is still felt decades later. The series effectively launched the careers of Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Philipps, who all play high school students in 1980s Michigan.

Chronicling the lives of ordinary teenagers rather than the glamorous cool kids found on other teen soaps at the time, Paul Feig’s dramedy was (fittingly) misunderstood by its network but later found a loyal cult following. —K.J.

Where to watch Freaks and Geeks: Paramount+

EW grade: A (read the review)

Cast: Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Busy Philipps

Ghosts (2021–present)

(From left to right) Richie Moriarty, Devan Chandler Long, Sheila Carrasco, Rebecca Wisocky, Danielle Pinnock, and Brandon Scott Jones on 'Ghosts'.

Jonathan Wenk/CBS

Adapted from the British sitcom of the same name, Ghosts emerged as an unexpected comedy gem on CBS. The series follows Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a married couple who inherit a gorgeous country home, only to discover it’s haunted by eight ghosts who inhabited the house at different points in history, including a Revolutionary War captain, a jazz singer, and a Viking.

The trick is that only Sam can interact with them, while Jay has to rely on his wife to know what kinds of shenanigans are going on among the dead. The series expertly blends humor and heart, and features one of the sharpest ensembles on TV. —K.J.

Where to watch Ghosts: Paramount+

Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty

iCarly (2021–2023)

Jeanette McCurdy and Miranda Cosgrove on 'iCarly'. Nickelodeon

As far as revivals go, turning a classic aughts kids’ show into an adult sitcom for its now-grown fans is an enticing premise. Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) and the gang are still causing shenanigans while creating their web show, but now there’s cursing… plus sex and divorce.

In addition to being (surprisingly) good, the iCarly reboot gives you all the fun nostalgia without any of the behind-the-scenes trauma associated with the original. Though, why would you even want to watch the original when you can see adult Freddie (Nathan Kress) try to navigate fatherhood and Spencer (Jerry Trainor) compete with new addition Harper (Laci Mosley) over who can hook up with more people at a wedding? —H.L.

Where to watch iCarly: Paramount+

Cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress, Laci Mosley, Jaidyn Triplett

I Love Lucy (1951–1957)

Vivian Vance and Lucille Ball on 'I Love Lucy'.

Everett Collection

Don’t worry, the legendary ‘50s sitcom still holds up today, featuring hijinks and unsuccessful schemes galore for housewife Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball), her neighbor Ethel (Vivian Vance), and their respective husbands Ricky (Desi Arnaz) and Fred (William Frawley). A feminist masterpiece onscreen and off, I Love Lucy was a trailblazer for women shining as the comedic stars, the weird ones, the buffoons. “Vitameatavegamin,” anyone? How about jobs gone awry at a candy factory?

If you don’t get those references, clear your schedule and watch all six seasons immediately. (I Love Lucy also popularized the multi-cam, live in front of a studio audience sitcom format, in case you need another reason to tune in.) —H.L.

Where to watch I Love Lucy: Paramount+

Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley

Nathan for You (2013–2017)

Nathan Fielder on 'Nathan for You'. Comedy Central/courtesy Everett Collection

Comedian and star Nathan Fielder will make you cringe and take it to the bank, (where he’ll be denied a loan for his latest bad pitch). These schemes are the centerpiece of Nathan for You — a docuseries where Fielder attempts to help real struggling businesses with wild comedy stunts — but the actual focal point is how gross and manipulative management consulting can be.

Fielder presents an aura of dire social anxiety through his antics, from saving a shipping company money by classifying smoke detectors as instruments, and subsequently starting a band to prove his point, to posting an ad for a pet store on a pet cemetery grave (for a fly, no less). —H.L.

Where to watch Nathan for You: Paramount+

Cast: Nathan Fielder

Reno 911! (2003–2009)

(From left to right) Cedric Yarbrough, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Ian Roberts, Thomas Lennon, Niecy Nash, and Robert Ben Garant on 'Reno 911!'. David Lincoln/COMEDY CENTRAL/courtesy everett collection

Take Cops and twist it into a mockumentary parody with some of the best comedy actors of the recent era, and you get Reno 911!. A send-up of law enforcement and pseudo-edgy reality television, the cult classic series is also rife with stellar jokes — just look at Lieutenant Dangle, who wears short shorts and won’t get a writer’s novel out of a burning building because the plot sounds too similar to the 2000 movie Frequency. (Oh, and most of the dialogue is improvised, which is even more impressive.) All six original seasons are streaming now, as well as the topical 2021 Emmy-nominated film, Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon. —H.L.

Where to watch Reno 911!: Paramount+

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Cast: Cedric Yarbrough, Niecy Nash, Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, Carlos Alazraqui, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Mary Birdsong, Ian Roberts, Joe Lo Truglio

Taxi (1978–1983)

(From left to right) Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito, Tony Danza, and Carol Kane on 'Taxi'. FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives/Getty

With the most 1978 premise ever — a sitcom about the day-to-day lives of a group of New York City taxi drivers, their dispatcher, and their mechanic — Taxi is classic American television, a jean jacket with commercial breaks. Of course, like any sitcom, this comedy series is a product of its era, so be prepared for a sting or two.

“Taxi was the right show at the right time with the right group of people,” co-creator James L. Brooks told EW in 2004. “It is no exaggeration to call it a labor of love.” That love lasted for five gritty, no-nonsense seasons, but Tony Danza is down for a reboot, so you might get to add a 21st-century take to your watch list soon (fingers crossed). —H.L.

Where to watch Taxi: Paramount+

Cast: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Randall Carver, Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane

Teachers (2016–2019)

(From left to right) Katie O'Brien, Caitlin Barlow, Cate Freedman, and Katy Colloton on 'Teachers'.

Evans Vestal Ward/TV Land/Everett

Another show to emerge out of the 2010s improv comedy world, Teachers started as a web series created by a Chicago improv team called the Katydids. The group is composed of comics all named Katy (or Kate or Cate or Katie or Kathryn or Caitlin), and while the team may have formed thanks to a novelty naming convention, the show offers so much more than that.

Teachers is a funny, character-based sitcom about a group of educators working in a suburban, Chicago elementary school — think Abbott Elementary, but not structured in mockumentary format. The show ran for three seasons on TV Land and never got the attention it deserved, but thanks to Paramount+, the series is ready to educate a wider viewing audience. —I.G.

Where to watch Teachers: Paramount+

Cast: Katy Colloton, Katie O’Brien, Kate Lambert, Caitin Barlow, Cate Freedman, Kathryn Renée Thomas

Workaholics (2011–2017)

Adam DeVine, Blake Anderson, and Anders Holm on 'Workaholics'. Adam Newacheck/Comedy Central

For a specific subset of the population, the post-recession years are best depicted by Workaholics, a comedy about three college dropouts who live and work together at a telemarketing company in the middle of soulless, suburban Southern California. A series about twentysomething screw ups with no future, no plans, and no problem living in the present, the show ended after seven seasons, but managed to develop a cult following among comedy fans. Dubbed “TV’s version of a lad mag,” EW’s then-editor at large writes that the show is “a controlled mess, anarchy that’s almost artful.” —I.G.

Where to watch Workaholics: Paramount+

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, Jillian Bell, Maribeth Monroe, Erik Griffin

Younger (2015–2021)

(Fron left to right) Debi Mazar, Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, Miriam Shor, Molly Bernard on 'Younger'. Norman Jean Roy/TV Land

Lies often get out of hand. That’s certainly true for 40-year-old Liza (Sutton Foster), who pretends she’s in her 20s to get back into the ageist world of publishing. Younger is the sort of show meant for ice cream and warm blankets on a Sunday afternoon — a.k.a. the perfect kind of dramedy — though it might make you laugh so hard that you choke on said ice cream. (We dare you not to lose it when you hear a character tell the cop who caught her peeing in the street that she was “doing nothing of the sort.”) Friendships between women take centerstage, followed by professional woes, soft and exciting love stories, and pristine clothes. So. Many. Beautiful. Blouses. —H.L.

Where to watch Younger: Paramount+

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Sutton Foster, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella, Hilary Duff, Miriam Shor, Peter Hermann, Molly Bernard, Charles Michael Davis