Comedy Series You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)
There are so many sharp and inventive sitcoms out there that it is easy for a few gems to slip by. If you missed them the first time, this roundup gives you the quick facts you need so you can pick the ones that match your taste and your time.
Each entry highlights what the show is about, who made it, and where it originally aired, along with handy details like seasons and standout cast members. Use it as a guide to fill your watchlist with reliable laughs from different corners of the comedy world.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019– )
This mockumentary follows four vampires sharing a house in Staten Island and tracks their nightly misadventures with a human familiar. The series was developed by Jemaine Clement and stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Mark Proksch, and Harvey Guillén.
It premiered on FX and has released multiple seasons with half hour episodes that blend monster lore with workplace style gags. Recurring guest appearances and a connected universe with other titles from the same creators make it a good pick if you like expanded comedic worlds.
‘Detectorists’ (2014–2022)
This gentle comedy centers on two friends in rural England who spend weekends searching for treasure with metal detectors and navigating small town life. Written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, the show stars Crook alongside Toby Jones with a supporting ensemble that grows across the seasons.
It originally aired on BBC Four and later concluded with a special that ties up personal and club storylines. Episodes run around thirty minutes and feature music by Johnny Flynn, with filming set against Suffolk countryside locations.
‘Detroiters’ (2017–2018)
The series follows two best friends who run a tiny ad agency in Detroit and take on low budget campaigns while trying to land bigger clients. Created by Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Zach Kanin, and Joe Kelly, it features frequent appearances by local personalities and comedians.
It aired on Comedy Central and produced two seasons of brisk episodes with recurring bits built around regional businesses. The show uses a mix of location shoots and studio work to capture the feel of the city and the scrappy creativity of small shops.
‘The Other Two’ (2019–2023)
This show tracks two struggling siblings after their teenage brother becomes an overnight pop star, creating sudden spotlight whiplash for the family. Created by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, it stars Drew Tarver, Heléne Yorke, Case Walker, and Molly Shannon.
The first season ran on Comedy Central before later seasons released on Max, bringing changes in setting as the characters move through entertainment industry tiers. Episodes keep a half hour format and use recurring media satire, with a rotating roster of guest stars playing managers and executives.
‘Reservation Dogs’ (2021–2023)
Following four Indigenous teens in rural Oklahoma, this series balances crime capers with coming of age stories and community life. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, it features a primarily Indigenous writers room and cast, including Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon A Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis.
It premiered on FX on Hulu and concluded after three seasons with interconnected episodes that revisit family histories. Filming took place in Oklahoma, and the show includes music and references rooted in the region and its communities.
‘Party Down’ (2009–2023)
The series centers on a team of cater waiters in Los Angeles who tackle a new event each episode while chasing show business goals. Created by John Enbom, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and Paul Rudd, it stars Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, and Megan Mullally.
It originally aired on Starz and returned years later for a revival season that reunited most of the cast. Episodes are structured around single location events, which keeps the focus on character dynamics and guest roles tied to the party theme.
‘High Maintenance’ (2012–2020)
An episodic anthology that uses a friendly weed courier in New York City as a narrative thread, the series explores a different client or neighborhood each week. Created by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, it features a revolving cast with Sinclair playing the courier.
It transitioned from a web series to HBO, expanding production scale while keeping short story flexibility. The half hour episodes often stand alone and map different corners of the city, with recurring faces appearing across seasons.
‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)
Set in the 1990s during the final years of the Troubles, this series follows a group of school friends in Derry as they juggle family life and exams. Created by Lisa McGee, it stars Saoirse Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie Lee O’Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn.
It originally aired on Channel 4 and concludes in a final season that pairs personal milestones with historical events. The show uses familiar school and home settings and includes period music cues that match the time and place.
‘People Just Do Nothing’ (2014–2021)
This mockumentary follows the crew behind a pirate radio station in West London as they try to keep their brand alive. Created by Allan Mustafa, Steve Stamp, Asim Chaudhry, and Hugo Chegwin, it stars the creators as the main characters with supporting roles by Lily Brazier and Daniel Sylvester Woolford.
It began on BBC Three and later moved to BBC Two, producing multiple seasons and a follow up film. Episodes track station drama, small business ventures, and personal relationships that loop back to the music scene.
‘You’re the Worst’ (2014–2019)
The show is a modern romance about two people with sharp defenses who try to maintain a relationship while dealing with career stalls and personal setbacks. Created by Stephen Falk, it stars Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Kether Donohue, and Desmin Borges.
It started on FX and later shifted to FXX, running for five seasons with serialized arcs. The half hour format lets the series pair bottle episodes with longer threads that carry through each season.
‘Baskets’ (2016–2019)
A struggling clown in California tries to keep his craft alive while navigating family obligations and odd jobs. Created by Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis, and Jonathan Krisel, it stars Galifianakis in dual roles with an Emmy winning performance by Louie Anderson.
It aired on FX and ran for four seasons with tightly structured episodes around the family business and the rodeo circuit. The series mixes French clown training references with local settings in Bakersfield.
‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)
This family sitcom follows the Kims as they run a neighborhood convenience store in Toronto while balancing generational perspectives. Created by Ins Choi and Kevin White from Choi’s play, the series stars Paul Sun Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Simu Liu, and Andrea Bang.
It aired on CBC Television and produced five seasons with twenty something minute episodes. The show uses a single camera setup and features recurring customers and community members who shape the store’s daily rhythm.
‘Mythic Quest’ (2020– )
Set inside a video game studio, this workplace comedy tracks creative clashes, live service updates, and the demands of running a top multiplayer title. Created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz, it stars McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim, Danny Pudi, and David Hornsby.
It streams on Apple TV Plus with multiple seasons and special episodes that dive into studio history and spin off character threads. Production uses a mix of office sets and in engine sequences that show the fictional game’s evolution.
‘Stath Lets Flats’ (2018–2021)
An inept yet enthusiastic letting agent in London tries to impress his father and close deals while training under his more capable sister. Created by and starring Jamie Demetriou, it features Natasia Demetriou, Al Roberts, and Christos Stergioglou.
It aired on Channel 4 and completed three seasons with compact episodes that center on property viewings and office routines. The series uses recurring clients and rival agents to build running jokes across the episodes.
‘Toast of London’ (2012–2015)
This series follows an eccentric actor and voiceover artist navigating auditions, strange gigs, and agent meetings around London. Created by Arthur Mathews and Matt Berry, it stars Berry with regular appearances by Doon Mackichan and Harry Peacock.
It aired on Channel 4 and later continued with an international themed follow up. Episodes are single camera and often feature studio booth sessions and theatre settings that anchor the plots.
‘The Great’ (2020–2023)
A satirical period comedy about Catherine as she arrives in Russia and works to change the court around her. Created by Tony McNamara, it stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult with a large supporting ensemble.
It released on Hulu in the United States and ran for three seasons with hour long episodes. Production was noted for elaborate costumes and palace interiors filmed across multiple locations in Europe.
‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023)
Inspired by the life of Stede Bonnet, this seafaring comedy follows a gentleman turned pirate who crosses paths with Blackbeard. Created by David Jenkins, it stars Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi with supporting roles by Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, and others.
It premiered on HBO Max and ran for two seasons with episodes built around shipboard adventures and rival crews. Sets combine practical ship builds with water tank work to stage boarding scenes and coastal stops.
‘Ghosts’ (2019– )
A young couple inherit a crumbling country house and discover a group of resident spirits from different eras. Created by the ensemble behind ‘Horrible Histories,’ it stars Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith Bynoe with the creators playing the ghosts.
It airs on BBC One and has released multiple seasons along with festive specials. Episodes run around thirty minutes and use recurring flashbacks to explain each ghost’s backstory.
‘Wellington Paranormal’ (2018–2022)
Two New Zealand officers investigate strange events around the capital city with a deadpan approach to the supernatural. Created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, it stars Mike Minogue and Karen O’Leary with recurring appearances by Maaka Pohatu.
It first aired on TVNZ 2 and later reached international audiences through additional partners, including a run on The CW in the United States. Episodes are presented in a police procedural style with case files and interview room footage.
‘Mo’ (2022– )
A semi autobiographical comedy that follows a Palestinian American man in Houston as he balances support for his family with immigration hurdles and new work. Created by Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, it stars Amer with Teresa Ruiz and Farah Bseiso.
It streams on Netflix and includes concise episodes that trace community ties in the city. The series uses Houston locations and regional food and music to ground the story.
‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace’ (2004)
This cult series presents a fake lost hospital horror show from the 1980s along with behind the scenes interviews that frame each episode. Created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade, it stars Holness, Ayoade, Matt Berry, and Alice Lowe.
It aired on Channel 4 with a short run that has been frequently rewatched due to its distinct format. The production includes intentionally retro visual effects and a layered narrative that jumps between the broadcast and the creators’ commentaries.
‘Better Off Ted’ (2009–2010)
Set inside a giant corporation, this workplace comedy follows a research and development leader who manages projects and odd corporate policies. Created by Victor Fresco, it stars Jay Harrington, Portia de Rossi, Andrea Anders, and Malcolm Barrett.
It aired on ABC and produced two seasons with episodes that pair lab experiments with office storylines. The show uses recurring mock advertisements and corporate training videos that expand the company’s world.
‘The Last Man on Earth’ (2015–2018)
After a global event, a former temp worker believes he is alone until he meets other survivors, leading to a new kind of community. Created by Will Forte, it stars Forte with Kristen Schaal, January Jones, and Mel Rodriguez.
It aired on Fox and ran for four seasons with half hour episodes that rotate locations as the group moves across states. Production uses practical sets for deserted cities and road travel to keep the story mobile.
‘Man Seeking Woman’ (2015–2017)
This surreal dating comedy follows a young man navigating relationships with scenes that turn emotions into literal situations. Created by Simon Rich from his short stories, it stars Jay Baruchel, Eric André, Britt Lower, and Maya Erskine.
It aired on FXX and completed three seasons with episodes that blend sketch style set pieces with serialized arcs. The show uses visual effects and creature work to externalize common dating anxieties in unusual ways.
‘The IT Crowd’ (2006–2013)
The series centers on a small tech support team in the basement of a large company and their attempts to handle office life. Created by Graham Linehan, it stars Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, and Matt Berry.
It aired on Channel 4 and ran for multiple seasons followed by a special that wrapped up the story. Episodes are set primarily in the office and a few recurring locations, with running gags that build from workplace routines.
Share your own underseen favorites in the comments so everyone can find their next comfort watch.
