Netflix is the 2nd best place to watch comedy series (the first being Apple TV+). I’ve gathered all the best comedy series I’ve watched and can recommend. You’ll find everything from classics like Seinfeld and Friends to newer hidden gems like Friends From College and Stath Lets Flats. I’ve ranked them in order of best to least favourite based on my rating system, but I think you should watch everything at least once.
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Click the three dots on the left hand side to open the table of contents and quickly jump to a series or movie you haven’t seen.
You might be interested in my other best comedy lists:
Arrested Development
Perfect for fans of: The Office, Community, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
When real estate mogul George Bluth Sr. is arrested for fraud, his son Michael (Jason Bateman) reluctantly steps in to manage the family’s collapsing empire—and even more unstable relatives. Michael tries to bring order to the chaos, but his efforts are constantly thwarted by his self-absorbed siblings: Gob, an aspiring magician who botches every trick (including making a yacht disappear—with someone still on it), Lindsay, a clueless socialite with a talent for protest chic, and Buster, a sheltered man-child overly attached to their controlling mother, Lucille.
Across the series, the Bluths stumble through fake charities, disastrous family business ventures, and uncomfortable misunderstandings—like when Michael’s son George Michael develops a crush on his maybe-cousin, Maeby. There’s also a one-armed man used for parenting lessons, a cornballer that causes third-degree burns, and a recurring chicken dance that’s somehow never even close to what chickens actually do.
Tim’s Take: One of my favourite comedy series of all time, I will never get bored rewatching. You need to watch Arrested Development at least a few times as there are so many easter eggs you’ll have missed watching the first time. It’s probably still the show I quote the most, despite the first season having been released two decades ago.
Friends
Perfect for fans of: How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and Seinfeld.
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Six twenty-somethings navigate work, love, and life in 1990s Manhattan, with their local coffeehouse, Central Perk, as a second home. There’s Monica (Courteney Cox), a perfectionist chef with a competitive streak; her brother Ross (David Schwimmer), a palaeontologist whose love life is a comedy of divorces and misguided crushes; Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica’s high school friend who flees her wedding in the pilot and learns adulthood on the fly; Chandler (Matthew Perry), a sarcastic data analyst who never quite explains what he does; Joey (Matt LeBlanc), a struggling actor best known for his soap role and catchphrase “How you doin’?”; and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), a quirky masseuse and songwriter with a taste for the absurd (“Smelly Cat,” anyone?).
The show thrives on character-driven humour and long-running jokes: Ross’s three divorces, Joey never sharing food, Chandler’s fear of commitment, and Monica’s obsessive cleaning. Iconic episodes include Ross wearing leather pants that he can’t get off, Rachel making a trifle with beef and peas, and the gang getting locked out of Monica’s apartment in their wedding attire. Through ten seasons, their friendships deepen, romances evolve, and apartments rotate—but the core charm never changes.
Tim’s Take: Another series I could continue to watch over and over again (which I did when I was in high school and the series repeated on Channel 4). Much of my early humour was shaped by Friends and still holds up.
The Office (US)
Perfect for fans of: Parks and Recreation, Community, and Superstore.
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Set in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of paper company Dunder Mifflin, The Office follows a mismatched crew of employees whose daily grind is anything but ordinary. Shot in a mockumentary style, the show centres on regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), an attention-hungry, deeply inappropriate boss who thinks he’s hilarious and beloved, but routinely says the worst possible thing at the worst time – like declaring bankruptcy by yelling it aloud, or accidentally hitting an employee with his car.
Among the staff: Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), the charming slacker who spends most of his time pranking his tightly wound desk mate Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) – filling his phone with nickels, hiding his desk in the bathroom, or convincing him it’s Friday when it’s really Thursday. Receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), whose quiet sarcasm and will-they-won’t-they romance with Jim drives the show’s heart. And there’s also Ryan (B.J. Novak), who goes from temp to VP to fraud case in a dizzying arc, and Kelly (Mindy Kaling), who speaks in run-on pop culture tangents.
Tim’s Take: I personally prefer the over the top style of the US version vs the dry humour of the UK. The characters have more extreme personalities. If you like other workplace comedies like Parks and Recreation, you’ll probably like The Office (US). The quality of the series does dip towards the end, markedly when Steve Carell leave the show at the end of series 7.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Perfect for fans of: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, and Community
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Set in the fictional 99th precinct of the NYPD, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a brilliant but immature cop whose devotion to the job is matched only by his love of pranks, pop culture references, and bending the rules. His world is shaken up when Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), a stoic, by-the-book commanding officer, takes charge. Their oil-and-water dynamic drives much of the show’s humor—like the time Jake forces Holt into an impromptu singing competition at a stakeout, or when Holt deadpans his way through a Halloween heist rivalry that escalates wildly each year.
Peralta’s squad includes the ultra-competent Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), who’s obsessed with binders and rules; Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), a leather-jacketed enigma with a secret soft side; Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), Jake’s overenthusiastic partner; and Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), a yogurt-loving sergeant trying to balance fatherhood and police work. Even the deadpan admin duo – Scully and Hitchcock – deliver bizarre backroom chaos. Each episode blends crime-solving capers with sitcom-style absurdity, like a hostage situation involving a pigeon, or the unforgettable lineup scene where suspects sing the Backstreet Boys.
Tim’s Take: Another incredible ensemble comedy series to add to your watchlist, Brooklyn 99 is a little more absurd than other workplace comedies like Parks and Rec or The Office due to the crimes, criminals and rival enforcements making it more on par with the humour in Arrested Development.
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
Perfect for fans of: Tim & Eric, Mr. Show, and Nathan for You.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson is a fast-paced sketch comedy series where the punchlines don’t land – they crash through walls. Created by and starring Tim Robinson (formerly of SNL and Detroiters), each episode is a carousel of bizarre characters who refuse to admit they’re wrong, doubling down on social awkwardness until the situation becomes absurdly unhinged.
There’s no central plot, but recurring bits and faces give the chaos a strange cohesion. One standout moment: a man chokes on a hot dog in a meeting and, rather than admit it, insists he just talks like that now. In another, a man in an office is forced to wear a grotesque “Stinky Suit” to demonstrate what happens to people who steal lunch. Patti Harrison plays a wild-eyed investor who demands a baby with full-size adult teeth, while Sam Richardson appears as a party host whose elaborate game “Dangerous Nights” turns a chill evening into complete anarchy.
The show thrives on the exact moment when a person should back down – but instead explodes with illogical rage, paranoia, or childlike panic. Each sketch escalates in unpredictable directions, making every episode a minefield of surreal surprises.
Tim’s Take: I Think You Should Leave may be too weird for some, but there’s no denying the humour is unique. It’s like Curb Your Enthusiasm on another cringe level in another universe.
Stath Lets Flats
Perfect for fans of: The Office (UK), Peep Show, and This Country.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Stath Lets Flats follows the painfully inept yet endearingly earnest Stath, a London-based letting agent played with wild-eyed conviction by Jamie Demetriou (who also created the series). Stath works for Michael & Eagle, the family-run estate agency owned by his Greek-Cypriot father Vasos (Christos Stergioglou), and despite his complete lack of skills, tact, or basic social awareness, he’s determined to prove himself the best lettings agent in the business – mostly by shouting.
Each episode plunges Stath into a new property disaster. He bungles house viewings by confusing meters with boilers, using terms like “floor window,” or showing flats still clearly occupied by baffled tenants. His idea of salesmanship often involves screaming “This one’s got walls!” or attempting breakdancing to impress prospective renters. His softer, more competent sister Sophie (played by Natasia Demetriou, Jamie’s real-life sister) dreams of being a musician and mostly functions as the show’s emotional core – when she’s not accidentally crushing on their coworker Al.
The humour is delightfully awkward, with every social encounter stretched past breaking point. From Stath misreading Tinder dates as rental inquiries to his desperate attempts at impressing their smug rival agency Smethwicks, the show builds a world where incompetence is a lifestyle.
Tim’s Take: One of the funniest British comedies to have been released in the last decade, I think Stath Let’s Flats will be considered in the pantheon of The Office and Father Ted in years to come.
Murderville
Perfect for fans of: Taskmaster, Reno 911!, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Murderville is a semi-improvised crime comedy where each episode pairs Terry Seattle (Will Arnett), a gruff, world-weary homicide detective, with a new celebrity guest star playing a rookie partner – without a script. The guest (ranging from Conan O’Brien to Kumail Nanjiani to Marshawn Lynch) must solve a murder case by improvising their way through bizarre crime scenes, strange suspects, and Terry’s absurd antics, all while having no idea what’s coming next.
Each episode follows a similar structure: a murder occurs, Terry briefs the guest, and then they interrogate three suspects – each played by character actors who get increasingly unhinged. The tension comes not from the case (which is always secondary) but from watching the guest try not to break character. Whether it’s Ken Jeong corpsing through an autopsy demonstration or Sharon Stone delivering a deadly serious performance amid the chaos, the joy is in the unpredictable messiness.
Terry himself is a caricature of every hard-boiled detective cliché: he’s divorced (but still works with his ex), emotionally repressed, and always just one step away from a breakdown. The murder cases are ridiculous – one victim is killed via poisoned magic trick; another dies from a competitive eating accident.
Tim’s Take: Arnett is fantastic as weary cop Seattle and improvising – some of the best moments involve him breaking character. The guests can be a little hit or miss, but it’s still worth watching every episode for the crimes which are genuinely difficult to solve. The Christmas special is my rotation of movies and TV shows to watch during the festive period.
Peep Show
Perfect for fans of: The Inbetweeners, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Office (UK)
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Peep Show is a brutally honest and hilariously uncomfortable sitcom about two wildly mismatched flatmates, Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell) and Jeremy “Jez” Usborne (Robert Webb), navigating life, work, and disastrous relationships in London. What sets the show apart is its unique POV filming style and voiceover narration – viewers are trapped inside Mark and Jez’s heads, hearing their unfiltered, often contradictory internal monologues as they say or do something completely different on the outside.
Mark is a repressed, anxious loan manager obsessed with WWII history and social etiquette, while Jez is a lazy, deluded aspiring musician who thinks he’s destined for fame despite having no discernible talent. Their opposing worldviews constantly clash, but neither of them can quite function without the other. Across nine seasons, they get into endless scrapes: Jez accidentally kills a dog and tries to cook it to hide the evidence; Mark runs away from his own wedding, hides in a cupboard, and later stalks his coworker crush by joining her book club.
Recurring characters like the wildly erratic Super Hans (Matt King) and Mark’s will-they-won’t-they girlfriend Sophie (Olivia Colman) add chaos and charm. It’s a show about two men who shouldn’t be friends, shouldn’t be adults, but somehow are both.
Tim’s Take: It might seem a little odd that Jesse Armstrong created both Succession and Peep Show, but the jokes are very similar. If you enjoyed the jibes from Succession, you’ll probably enjoy Peep Show.
Big Boys
Perfect for fans of: Sex Education, Derry Girls, and Please Like Me.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Big Boys follows the tender, hilarious, and often awkward coming-of-age of Jack (Dylan Llewellyn), a shy, sweet 19-year-old starting university just six months after the sudden death of his father. Jack’s quietly grieving and still figuring out his sexuality when he’s placed in a shared dorm with Danny (Jon Pointing), a chaotic, straight, 25-year-old mature student who’s rejoined education after a breakdown. At first, their differences – Jack’s wide-eyed innocence versus Danny’s laddish bravado – seem irreconcilable, but a genuine friendship blossoms, filled with support, misunderstandings, and loads of mischief.
From disastrous freshers’ nights to awkward therapy sessions and hallucinogenic mushroom trips, each episode dives into the duo’s growing bond as they navigate their mental health, masculinity, and sexual identity. In one standout scene, Jack nervously tries to flirt at a gay club only to panic and order “one beer, please” like he’s in a spy film. Meanwhile, Danny attempts a heartfelt conversation about grief that devolves into a rant about protein shakes and bad dads. The show is filled with awkward hugs, unexpected tears, and jokes that catch you off guard with how deeply they land. Created by Jack Rooke, Big Boys mixes laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt honesty about the weirdness of growing up.
Tim’s Take: Big Boys is much more than a comedy. It’s one of the rare entries in this list that will make you happy and sad in equal measure. It takes time to develop the four characters arcs, so you really care about the characters which makes the ending even more emotional.
Seinfeld
Perfect for fans of: Curb Your Enthusiasm, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Arrested Development.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Seinfeld centres on the everyday misadventures of four neurotic New Yorkers whose social quirks and petty grievances drive the action more than any traditional plot. Jerry Seinfeld plays a stand-up comedian version of himself, who spends his days obsessing over trivial annoyances – like a girlfriend eating peas one at a time or a close talker who invades his personal space. His best friend George Costanza (Jason Alexander) is a bald, perpetually unemployed schemer whose terrible instincts always land him in humiliating chaos – whether it’s faking a disability to get a better job or trying to eat a sandwich during sex.
Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Jerry’s ex and close friend, is bold, impulsive, and famously unlucky in love. Her failed relationships include a man who refuses to share sponge contraceptives and another who refers to his body as “the pain factory.” Rounding out the group is Kramer (Michael Richards), Jerry’s absurdly eccentric neighbor who bursts into rooms unannounced and invents ideas like a coffee table book about coffee tables or a make-your-own-pizza restaurant where customers dangerously toss raw dough.
Built around “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld turns minutiae into comedy gold and changed sitcoms forever with its sharp dialogue and unforgettable catchphrases.
Tim’s Take: I was late to watching Seinfeld and could instantly see how it influenced other ensemble sitcoms like Friends and cringe comedies like I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson and became a blueprint. While I prefer other shows in a similar style, Seinfeld remains timeless.
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The Four Seasons
Perfect for fans of: The White Lotus, Friends, and sharp, character-driven comedies.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Three long-time married couples—Kate and Jack (Tina Fey and Will Forte), Danny and Claude (Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani), and Nick and Anne (Steve Carell and Kerri Kenney-Silver)—have spent years vacationing together, navigating the ups and downs of life with laughter, wine, and passive-aggressive banter. But when Nick drops a bombshell during their annual spring getaway—he’s divorcing Anne—their carefully balanced dynamic implodes. Suddenly, their seasonal retreats become awkward battlegrounds, especially when Nick shows up with his new, much younger girlfriend, Ginny (Erika Henningsen).
As the group cycles through summer’s forced smiles, autumn’s simmering resentment, and winter’s outright chaos, tensions rise, secrets spill, and friendships are tested. The show delivers hilarious moments, from a disastrous skiing trip to a painfully awkward dinner party, all leading to a shock twist that no one saw coming. With razor-sharp dialogue, biting social commentary, and a cast that nails every comedic beat, The Four Seasons is a brilliantly messy exploration of love, friendship, and the reality of growing older together.
Tim’s Take: I wasn’t convinced by the trailer or first episode, but I’m glad I stuck with the series. It’s a wonderful depiction of older relationships and the struggles of keeping things together. It’s quite rightly been commissioned for a second series already.
BoJack Horseman
Perfect for fans of: Rick and Morty, Big Mouth, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
BoJack Horseman is a darkly comedic animated series that delves deep into the life of its titular character, BoJack Horseman (voiced by Will Arnett), a washed-up actor who once starred in a 90s sitcom called Horsin’ Around. BoJack spends his days mired in self-loathing, substance abuse, and fleeting attempts at relevance, often leaning on his long-suffering friends to numb the ache of his past mistakes. His best friend, Todd Chavez (Aaron Paul), is an optimistic slacker with a gift for bizarre, often nonsensical ideas – like starting a fast-food chain that only serves sandwiches with bread on the outside and the inside.
BoJack’s former co-star, Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), is a driven and exhausted talent agent juggling her career with her personal life. She constantly tries to steer BoJack toward better decisions, though she herself struggles to balance her aspirations and relationships. Meanwhile, Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie), a writer and BoJack’s occasional confidante, fights to find her own voice while trying to help him confront his demons.
The show deftly blends surreal humour with gut-wrenching moments of emotional depth, with episodes like “The Dog Days Are Over,” where BoJack contemplates the consequences of his actions, illustrating its unique ability to tackle deep issues like mental health, identity, and self-worth.
Tim’s Take: Don’t let the fact that it’s animated fool you, BoJack Horseman knows where your heart is and how to make it feel. Sure, there are a ton of comedic scenes throughout, but as my friend warned me don’t watch this if you’re in a bad place. It’s one of a few comedies which knows how to balance light and dark in the same episode.
Love
Perfect for fans of: Master of None, You’re the Worst, and Fleabag.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Love is a raw and unapologetically honest look at modern relationships, following the unlikely romance between Mickey Dobbs (Gillian Jacobs), a troubled, self-destructive woman, and Gus Cruikshank (Paul Rust), a nerdy, overly earnest guy with a penchant for being overly nice. The series explores how their deep insecurities and flaws challenge their budding relationship, as they attempt to navigate the complexity of love in Los Angeles.
Gus is a tutor on a kids’ TV show, while Mickey is a recovering addict who works as a producer for a raunchy reality show. Both are grappling with their own personal issues—Gus has a tendency to over-commit and become too emotionally involved too quickly, while Mickey is constantly running away from feelings she doesn’t want to deal with.
Their relationship is filled with comedic awkwardness and moments of intense vulnerability, such as when Mickey drunkenly confesses that she doesn’t believe she deserves to be loved, or when Gus awkwardly tries to set boundaries that only push her away further. Over three seasons, they face career setbacks, family drama, and emotional turmoil, all while trying to figure out if they’re truly right for each other.
Tim’s Take: One of the best rom-com TV series to have been released in the last ten years, Love manages to mix laugh out loud physical comedy together with genuine heartache and pain that comes from relationships. Rust and Jacobs are perfect as the leads and you will them to get and stay together every step of the way.
Friends from College
Perfect for fans of: Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and The Big Chill.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Friends from College is a sharp, comedic look at the complicated dynamics between a group of Ivy League friends as they try to navigate adulthood, relationships, and the fallout from their shared pasts. The show centres on Ethan (Keegan-Michael Key), who has just rekindled an affair with his former lover, Lisa (Cobie Smulders), despite being married to his college sweetheart, Samantha (Annie Parisse). The show’s humour lies in how these old friendships are both supportive and corrosive, as their collective history creates chaos in their adult lives.
Along with Ethan and Lisa, the group includes Max (Fred Savage), an obsessive, neurotic lawyer, and his wife, Juliet (Jae Suh Park), a well-meaning, self-aware therapist who’s often caught in the middle of the group’s antics. Then there’s Nick (Nat Faxon), a well-meaning but often clueless man who frequently provides comic relief through his attempts to be the peacemaker.
Through hilarious mishaps, emotional outbursts, and an overwhelming sense of not knowing how to grow up, the series explores how these characters’ old-school, dysfunctional friendships continue to hold them back, often leaving them unable to fully embrace the present.
Tim’s Take: Friends From College deserves more recognition, this ensemble was casted perfectly. If you liked Platonic on Apple TV+, you’ll probably like Friends From College.
Catastrophe
Perfect for fans of: Fleabag, Transparent, and The End of the F***ing World.
WYALAN Rating: 4/5
Catastrophe is a biting, dark comedy that follows the whirlwind romance between Sharon (Sharon Horgan), an Irish schoolteacher living in London, and Rob (Rob Delaney), an American ad executive who finds himself in her bed after a drunken one-night stand. The catch? Sharon ends up pregnant, and Rob, who was supposed to fly back to the U.S., makes the impulsive decision to stay and help her navigate this unexpected turn of events.
As they try to make a relationship work despite their wildly different personalities, they’re faced with the absurdity of their situation. Sharon is fiercely independent but quick to snap, while Rob, who’s charmingly clueless, often overcompensates with awkwardly funny attempts at being a good partner. Their conversations are filled with sharp, irreverent humour and uncomfortable honesty, but beneath the bickering is a genuine bond.
The show explores the chaos of parenting, relationships, and life’s inevitable misfortunes through a lens of cynicism and hilariously crude moments. Highlights include Rob’s clumsy interactions with Sharon’s family, their hilarious struggles with pregnancy and early parenthood, and their witty, foul-mouthed exchanges that somehow make you root for them despite their flaws.
Tim’s Take: Catastrophe is such an apt name for what happens in the show. Chaotic could also have been used. Try as they might, Sharon and Rob make mistake after mistake which make you cringe. If Catastrophe is a little too much to handle, you might prefer Trying on Apple TV+ which takes a slightly calmer approach to new parenthood.
Derry Girls
Perfect for fans of: The Inbetweeners, Misfits, and The IT Crowd.
WYALAN Rating: 4.5/5
Derry Girls is a hilarious coming-of-age sitcom set against the backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland, following a group of teenagers trying to navigate the chaos of adolescence while living in a politically charged environment. The show centres on Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), an aspiring writer with big dreams, and her group of friends: Orla (Louisa Harland), her quirky cousin; Clare (Nicola Coughlan), a neurotic overachiever; James (Dylan Llewellyn), the only English member of the group, who is constantly treated as an outsider; and the bold and brash Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), who drags everyone into wild and often absurd situations.
The group’s antics include sneaking into pubs, dealing with school drama, and navigating family expectations, all while political tension looms in the background. Whether it’s Erin’s disastrous attempts at being the responsible one or James constantly getting caught in the crossfire, the group’s bond remains strong despite their constant bickering and mishaps.
In addition to the teen drama, Erin’s parents (played by Tara Lynne O’Neill and Tommy Tiernan) and her eccentric Granny (Marlene Sidaway) provide endless comedic moments, with their own quirks adding to the mix of humour. The show’s sharp wit, hilarious cultural references, and vibrant characters make it a delightful watch.
Tim’s Take: Similar to Big Boys, Derry Girls is a heartfelt coming of age comedy with a brilliant ensemble cast of oddballs and misfits.
Tires
Perfect for fans of: Trailer Park Boys, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Detroiters.
WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
Tires is a raucous workplace sitcom that revs up the comedy with its irreverent humor and offbeat charm. Created by Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, and John McKeever, the series centers on Will (Steve Gerben), a well-meaning but underqualified heir to his family’s struggling auto repair chain, Valley Forge Automotive Center. Will’s attempts to modernize the business are constantly derailed by his cousin Shane (Gillis), a crude and disruptive mechanic who seems more interested in causing chaos than fixing cars.
The show thrives on its low-budget, mockumentary-style aesthetic, reminiscent of Trailer Park Boys and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The humor is unapologetically juvenile, with characters engaging in absurd antics like a misguided bikini car wash to boost business. Despite the crude exterior, the series occasionally delves into moments of unexpected depth, particularly in its portrayal of the characters’ personal lives and aspirations.
Tim’s Take: Tires tries to emulate the humour from the early 00’s and succeeds for the most part (think Idiocracy). If you enjoy Shane Gillis projects, you’ll love Tires.
The Pentaverate
Perfect for fans of: Austin Powers, So I Married an Axe Murderer, and The Man Who Would Be Queen.
WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
The Pentaverate is a quirky, conspiracy-laden comedy series created by and starring Mike Myers, who returns to his roots of eccentric characters and offbeat humour. The show follows Canadian journalist Ken Scarborough (also played by Myers), who stumbles upon a centuries-old secret society – the Pentaverate – that has been influencing global events since the Black Plague of 1347. When a member of the Pentaverate dies under mysterious circumstances, Ken is thrust into a mission to uncover the truth and possibly save the world.
Mike Myers showcases his flair for character work by portraying multiple roles, including Lord Lordington, Bruce Baldwin, and Shep Gordon. The ensemble cast features Keegan-Michael Key as Dr. Hobart Clark, a nuclear physicist recruited to resolve a climate crisis; Ken Jeong as Skip Cho, a casino mogul with expertise in chaos theory; and Lydia West as Reilly Clayton, Ken’s colleague who becomes embroiled in the adventure. Jennifer Saunders also appears in dual roles as the Maester and Saester of Dubrovnik, key figures in the Pentaverate’s operations
Directed by Tim Kirkby, the series comprises six episodes and is available for streaming on Netflix. The show’s humour is a blend of satirical takes on conspiracy theories and Myers’ signature comedic style. However, it has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its creativity and others finding it lacking in substance. Despite the varied reception, The Pentaverate offers a nostalgic nod to fans of Myers’ earlier work and those who enjoy offbeat, character-driven comedies.
Tim’s Take: Not as good as Austin Powers, but there is a similarity in humour which make this worth watching once – it’s just as incredibly silly.
Busted!
Perfect for fans of: Running Man, The Return of Superman, and Crime Scene.
WYALAN Rating: 4/5
Busted! is a fast-paced, hilarious Korean variety show that combines elements of mystery, comedy, and drama, featuring a star-studded cast of comedians and actors on a thrilling, real-time treasure hunt. The show follows seven celebrity “detectives” who are tasked with solving mysterious cases, each one more bizarre and comical than the last. With puzzles to crack and criminals to catch, the team – led by Sehun from EXO, Yoo Jae-suk, and Lee Kwang-soo – uses their wit, humour, and quirky personalities to crack the cases and face off against unexpected twists and challenges.
Each episode is structured like an interactive murder mystery, blending scripted scenarios with moments of improv and games that often leave the cast members in hysterics. The show is a wild ride, with the detectives regularly facing off against outrageous villains, including a mysterious antagonist known only as “The Boss.” From elaborate heists to escape rooms, the team faces increasingly ridiculous yet entertaining situations. Special guest appearances are a regular feature, adding to the unpredictability of the cases.
Produced by Netflix, Busted! has received praise for its unique blend of unscripted humour and dramatic storytelling, with standout moments driven by the fun dynamic between the cast members, who play exaggerated versions of themselves. The show’s creativity and humour have made it a hit among fans of variety shows and those who enjoy a good mix of mystery and comedy.
Tim’s Take: I’m surprised Busted! doesn’t have UK and US versions. Seeing the cast get genuinely frustrated and have pranks played on them is worth watching alone. Busted! was a surprising comedy and deserves a larger audience.
Taskmaster
Perfect for fans of: David Mitchell’s Outsiders
WYALAN rating: 4/5
Taskmaster is a wildly inventive British game show that takes a group of comedians and challenges them to complete bizarre, often ridiculous tasks with nothing but their wit, creativity, and limited resources. The show is hosted by the always hilarious Greg Davies, who plays the “Taskmaster,” and his ever-patient assistant, Alex Horne, who is also the creator of the show.
Each episode features a group of five celebrity contestants, usually well-known comedians, who are given strange tasks to complete – tasks like building the tallest tower out of spaghetti, launching a specific object into a target, or trying to draw something without touching the paper. These challenges are absurdly fun and often end up with unexpected, comedic results. The contestants are then judged based on their solutions to the tasks, with points awarded by Greg Davies based on creativity, effectiveness, and humour.
What makes Taskmaster so compelling is the unpredictable nature of the tasks, paired with the contestants’ over-the-top reactions and problem-solving approaches. The chemistry between Greg and Alex adds a layer of humor, as Greg’s deadpan delivery and Alex’s earnestness provide a perfect comedic balance. With its mix of absurdity, sharp humour, and competitive spirit, Taskmaster has become a beloved cult hit.
Tim’s Take: Series are defined by how well each of the contestants get on with each other I think, but in general it’s fun to see people’s creative ways to solve challenges as well as fail miserably. I think series 1 featuring Frank Skinner, Roisin Conaty, Josh Widdicombe, Romesh Ranganathan, Tim Key is still my favourite. The editing is superb and contributes so much of the comedy.
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