From classic sitcoms to sharp dramedies, dark comedies and everything in between, some TV shows have a way of making you laugh until your stomach hurts. The best comedy series seamlessly blend witty punchlines, clever storytelling and moments of comic relief that feel effortless. On the flip side, some so-called “comedies” miss the mark entirely—but don’t worry, we’re here to help you skip those.
If you’re on the hunt for a truly funny show, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you love smart, character-driven humor like The Bear, family-friendly laughs from The Conners or fresh hits like High Potential, this list rounds up the 15 best comedies and sitcoms on TV right now. Be sure to check back for updates on what real TV lovers are enjoying right now—you won’t want to miss these hilarious picks.
Watch new comedy TV shows and old favorites on DIRECTV.
TOP 15 COMEDIES TO WATCH ON TV THIS WEEK
Below is your go-to list of the funniest comedy shows to watch on TV right now. Whether you’re looking for a single episode to pass the time or want to binge a whole sitcom series, you can’t go wrong with the shows listed below.
1. ‘The Bear’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Step into the chaotic, emotionally charged world of The Bear, where high-pressure kitchens collide with raw personal drama. When Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a rising star in the fine dining world, returns home to take over his late brother’s struggling Chicago sandwich shop, he’s forced to juggle grief, family dysfunction and the challenge of transforming a mess into a masterpiece. Packed with energy, sharp dialogue and moments of quiet intensity, The Bear masterfully blends comedy and heartbreak. With standout performances and fast-paced storytelling, this series serves up one of the most riveting dishes on TV.
Check out ‘The Bear’ Season 4 Watch Guide!
2. ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’
↔ vs. Prior Week
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows five wildly dysfunctional friends who run an Irish bar in South Philly — and have absolutely no business doing so. From get-rich-quick schemes to morally questionable antics, “The Gang” (led by Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton and Danny DeVito) consistently find themselves in hilariously terrible situations of their own making. With its fearless sense of humor, no-holds-barred satire and a complete disregard for political correctness, Sunny has become a cult classic that somehow only gets bolder with time.
Get ready for the new season of ‘It’s Always Sunny’ with this watch guide!
3. ‘Rick and Morty
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Travel across the universe with misanthropic genius/mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his hapless and fretful grandson, Morty, in Rick and Morty. This animated science fiction sitcom pushes the boundaries of humor with clever writing, cosmic exploration, and an examination of life’s bleaker aspects and the dichotomy between domestic life and all-out adventure. All of that, delivered in through the lens of mind-bending adventures that play out across infinite alternate realities.
4. ‘The Rehearsal’
↔ vs. Prior Week
In The Rehearsal, creator and star Nathan Fielder takes preparation to an extreme, offering people the chance to practice life’s most daunting scenarios before they actually face them. From difficult conversations to major crossroads, each situation is meticulously reconstructed with elaborate sets, hired actors, and endless contingency planning. The result is a mind-bending blend of documentary, performance, and psychological exploration, where reality and rehearsal are nearly indistinguishable. With his trademark dry wit and unwavering commitment to detail, Nathan becomes both guide and subject in this strange, fascinating process.
5. ‘Poker Face’
↑ 10 vs. Prior Week
Poker Face takes the classic case-of-the-week format and gives it a modern-day spin! The series follows Charlie Cale, played by Natasha Lyonne, a clever casino employee who possesses an extraordinary talent for spotting deception. When a mysterious death puts her in danger, Charlie hits the road and begins a cross-country journey. During her travels, she encounters quirky small towns, eccentric locals and baffling murders that need solving.
6. ‘High Potential’
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Meet Morgan, an unconventional genius with a knack for solving crimes in High Potential. When a single mom with an exceptional IQ stumbles into assisting the police, her out-of-the-box thinking proves invaluable—much to the dismay of the traditional detectives around her. With sharp writing, a charismatic lead and a blend of crime-solving and comedy, this new series delivers an entertaining mix of mystery and humor, making it one of the best sitcoms of the year. If you love witty procedural dramas with heart, High Potential is a must-watch.
7. ‘St. Denis Medical’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Step into the chaos of St. Denis Medical, a mockumentary-style comedy that peels back the curtain on an underfunded and overworked hospital. With a dedicated yet hilariously dysfunctional staff, this series captures the absurdity of the healthcare system with sharp wit and heartfelt moments. Fans of workplace comedies like Scrubs or Superstore will appreciate the lovable characters and laugh-out-loud humor, making St. Denis Medical the perfect medicine for comedy lovers.
8. ‘The Neighborhood’
↔ vs. Prior Week
The Neighborhood brings audiences into the idyllic setting of a Los Angeles suburb where new neighbors disrupt the community’s tranquility. Turning stereotypes on their head, these new neighbors turning heads are Dave Johnson (Max Greenfield) and his white, Midwest family that move into a proud, predominately Black neighborhood.
Starring Cedric the Entertainer alongside Greenfield, this comedy offers insightful perspectives on racial and cultural differences wrapped up in light-hearted humor and neighborly camaraderie.
9. ‘Sister Boniface Mysteries’
↓ 4 vs. Prior Week
Dive into a world of murder, mystery and virtue with Sister Boniface Mysteries. In the peaceful village of Great Slaughter, crime is best combated by faith and forensic science. Be captivated by the astute and witty Sister Boniface of Saint Vincent’s Convent, who’s not shy of wielding her criminal expertise to uproot evil in her seemingly tranquil village. Be prepared for unexpected twists, a generous dash of humor, and an insightful exploration of human nature in this tale of cozy murder mysteries from the heart of Great Slaughter.
10. ‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage is a fresh and funny spin-off of Young Sheldon that dives into the chaotic, heartfelt and often hilarious journey of Georgie Cooper and Mandy McAllister as they navigate young parenthood, marriage and adulthood in Texas. Fans of the Big Bang Theory universe will appreciate the deeper look into the Cooper family legacy, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in this warm, character-driven comedy about building a life—before you’ve even figured out who you are.
11. ‘Young Sheldon’
↔ vs. Prior Week
If you loved The Big Bang Theory, this is your chance to get to know one of its characters long before meeting the rest of the gang. Young Sheldon is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory that explores Sheldon’s unique childhood in East Texas, where his exceptional intelligence and quirky personality were not always perceived as positive.
Boasting well-written scripts and brilliant performances, this show provides a delightful mashup of humor and heart, showing fans the making of a genius in an endearing and entertaining way.
12. ‘Abbott Elementary’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
Abbott Elementary presents a heartwarming yet hilarious look into the trials and successes of public-school teachers working to build a better future for their young students, even when they don’t have the means. Quinta Brunson stars as the optimistic, dedicated, and sometimes over eager Jeannine, alongside a team of committed underdogs in this mockumentary-style sitcom.
In each episode, viewers get a front-row seat to the highs and lows of the education system in a humorous and eye-opening manner, while also getting a glimpse into what teachers do when they aren’t in front of a classroom.
13. ‘Ghosts’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
Discover the hysterical world of Ghosts US, a unique and delightful blend of humor and the supernatural. Based off the success of Ghosts UK, this sitcom introduces you to a variety of comical ghostly characters, each with their own quirky stories and life lessons for us to take away. This unique show reimagines the supernatural with an eccentric, comedic twist that has kept audiences hooked. Expect a thrilling rollercoaster ride of humor, surprises and lovable ghostly gags that make this a must-watch series.
14. ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’
↓ 3 vs. Prior Week
Experience the hilarity of being a divorced single mother with The New Adventures of Old Christine. Featuring legendary actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine, this sitcom is a blend of humor and drama, bringing to life the peculiar reality of co-parenting with her seemingly perfect ex-husband.
Christine’s life is filled with comedic misadventures that radiate humor and heart, making this an engaging exploration of life after divorce. Join Christine in this laugh-out-loud, heartfelt journey of navigating singlehood while raising a child.
15. ‘American Housewife’
↔ vs. Prior Week
In the affluent town of Westport, a fiercely confident wife and mother of three, Katie Otto, strives to stand out from the conforming crowd in American Housewife. As she raises her loving family among the flawlessly manicured lawns and cookie-cutter families, her witty manageability becomes the beacon of hope for every ‘average’ household.
This heartwarming sitcom places the talented Katy Mixon at the heart of this comical chaos, juggling uppity neighbors, societal pressures and uniquely charming family dynamics. Unlike any other housewife in the town, Katie refuses to fit into the uptight mold, turning everyday trials into enjoyable escapades of imperfections.
And there you have it: the most popular TV comedy sitcoms available to watch now. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best TV content with DIRECTV.
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Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are comedy shows sometimes called 'sitcoms'?
A sitcom is short for "Situational Comedy" which is a subgenre of comedy shows that follows a fixed set of characters as they develop episode to episode.
What are some of the most popular sitcoms that have been released since 2020?
Some of the most popular sitcoms since 2020 include 'Young Sheldon,' 'Ghosts,' 'Only Murders in the Building,' 'Ted Lasso,' 'What We Do in the Shadows,' 'Abbott Elementary' along with many others.
What are some of the most popular comedy TV shows or sitcoms from the 2000s?
Some of the most popular comedy tv shows from the 2000s are 'Friends,' 'Seinfeld,' 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' 'Scrubs,' and 'The Big Bang Theory.'
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