Best 30 Minute Comedies
Here are my favorite comedies that are about 30 minutes or less. Not necessarily in order, mostly in tiers of my personal favorites (except for end which features non-narrative comedies).
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- CreatorLucia AnielloPaul W. DownsJen StatskyStarsJean SmartHannah EinbinderCarl Clemons-HopkinsExplores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.This is my current favorite so I'm not objective about it at all.
- CreatorGreg DanielsMichael SchurStarsAmy PoehlerJim O'HeirNick OffermanThe absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.Iffy quality in season 1 but by s2 (s3 at best), it finds its true comedic talent and heart.
- CreatorMitchell HurwitzStarsJason BatemanMichael CeraPortia de RossiLevel-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.1st 3 seasons are the best, very iffy after that (shot much later with not all cast members present at once).
- CreatorDan LevyEugene LevyStarsEugene LevyCatherine O'HaraDan LevyAfter being a victim of fraud, Johnny Rose and his family go from extremely wealthy to penniless overnight. The only asset left to them is a small, unsophisticated town: Schitt's Creek. They relocate there. Culture shock ensues.
- CreatorGreg DanielsRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsSteve CarellJenna FischerJohn KrasinskiA mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, tedium and romance.1st season is iffy, seasons 2 and 3 are brilliant, quality slowly declines until season 7, sharply declines after season 7.
- CreatorArmando IannucciStarsJulia Louis-DreyfusTony HaleAnna ChlumskyFormer Senator Selina Meyer finds that being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she hoped and everything that everyone ever warned her about.Less lol funny for me personally but brilliant show with some hilarious moments.
- CreatorTina FeyStarsTina FeyAlec BaldwinTracy MorganLiz Lemon, head writer of the sketch-comedy show "TGS with Tracy Jordan", must deal with an arrogant new boss and a crazy new star while trying to run a successful television show without losing her mind.It has a lot of smart, funny comedy with classic lines but a little less heart than other favorites and can be a little over the top with certain characters.
- CreatorDavid CraneMarta KauffmanStarsJennifer AnistonCourteney CoxLisa KudrowFollows the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty year-old friends living in the Manhattan borough of New York City.Very problematic at times (sexism, racism, homophobia, fatphobic, etc) but still lovable and lol funny to me when it's not being problematic. Ross is the worst.
- CreatorLarry DavidJerry SeinfeldStarsJerry SeinfeldJulia Louis-DreyfusMichael RichardsThe continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.1st two seasons uneven but quality gets better in s3, at its best in s4 and mostly great after that (except finale).
- CreatorMichael SchurStarsKristen BellWilliam Jackson HarperJameela JamilFour people and their otherworldly frienemy struggle in the afterlife to define what it means to be good.Watch until season 1 finale at least. It is less lol funny but brilliant when it comes to the narrative.
- CreatorJulie KlausnerStarsJulie KlausnerBilly EichnerJames UrbaniakJulie and Billy, two jaded aspiring comedians who live together in New York City, navigate through their thirties while dealing with their individual careers and personal relationships.If you can tolerate assholes, hilarious and consistently rewatchable show with lots of pop culture references.
- CreatorQuinta BrunsonStarsQuinta BrunsonSheryl Lee RalphTyler James WilliamsA workplace comedy centered around a group of dedicated teachers - and an oblivious principal - in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.
- CreatorBrendan HuntJoe KellyBill LawrenceStarsJason SudeikisHannah WaddinghamJeremy SwiftAmerican college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.1st season is amazing but quality has declined a little in s2 and a lot in s3. Very lovable though.
- CreatorJemaine ClementStarsKayvan NovakMatt BerryNatasia DemetriouA look into the nightly lives of four vampires who have lived together on Staten Island for over a century.Gets better with time but funny and lovable. Helps to see the movie 1st.
- CreatorDan GoorMichael SchurStarsAndy SambergStephanie BeatrizTerry CrewsComedy series following the exploits of Det. Jake Peralta and his diverse, lovable colleagues as they police the NYPD's 99th Precinct.If you can get past police content, its a funny, smart, and lovable show with great queer characters.
- CreatorJoe HampsonMae MartinStarsMae MartinCharlotte RitchiePhil BurgersThe series follows recovering addict and comedian Mae, who is trying to control the addictive behaviors and intense romanticism that permeate every facet of their life.A little less lol funny for me but great queer content and writing.
- CreatorDavid JenkinsStarsRhys DarbyJoel FrySamson KayoThe year is 1717. Wealthy land-owner Stede Bonnet has a midlife crisis and decides to blow up his cushy life to become a pirate. It does not go well. Based on a true story.Not as lol funny but VERY lovable with great queer characters.
- CreatorPhoebe Waller-BridgeStarsPhoebe Waller-BridgeSian CliffordOlivia ColmanSeries adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.I didn't find it very lol funny but brilliantly written esp the 2nd season (ie hot priest season).
- StarsPaul Sun-Hyung LeeJean YoonAndrea BangThe misadventures of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store.
- CreatorDavid AngellPeter CaseyDavid LeeStarsKelsey GrammerJane LeevesDavid Hyde PierceDr. Frasier Crane moves back to his hometown of Seattle, where he lives with his father and works as a radio psychiatrist.A little dated/problematic at times but still funny and well written for the most part.
- CreatorDavid CaspeStarsEliza CoupeElisha CuthbertZachary KnightonThis Chicago-set sitcom follows the intertwined lives of six young urbanites trying to learn the ropes of adulthood. Through breakups and whatever other curve-balls life throws them, the pals stick together.1st season (esp beginning) is iffy quality but patience rewards a lovable group of friends with some great jokes.
- CreatorArmando IannucciStarsChris AddisonJames SmithPeter CapaldiThe Minister for Social Affairs is continually harassed by Number 10's policy enforcer and dependent on his not-so-reliable team of civil servants.Gets funnier after s1.
- CreatorVictor FrescoStarsJay HarringtonPortia de RossiAndrea AndersIn an amoral science-based company, a manager tries to keep control of his scientists while being pressured by his shrewd boss.
- CreatorBill LawrenceStarsZach BraffDonald FaisonSarah ChalkeIn the unreal world of Sacred Heart Hospital, intern John "J.D." Dorian learns the ways of medicine, friendship and life.
- CreatorJustin SpitzerStarsBen FeldmanLauren AshColton DunnA look at the lives of employees at a big box store.Similar to The Office (US) and while it doesn't reach that level of humor/brilliance, it offers a solid level of humor and lovability.
- CreatorJoey SolowayStarsJeffrey TamborAmy LandeckerGaby HoffmannAn L.A. family with serious boundary issues have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out.If you can get past Jeffrey Tambor playing a trans woman, it has some brilliant writing even if it's not as lol funny as many others on this list.
- CreatorAmanda PeetAnnie Julia WymanStarsSandra OhJay DuplassBob BalabanAt a major university, the first woman of color to become chair tries to meet the dizzying demands and high expectations of a failing English department.Not as lol funny but enjoyable especially due to Sandra Oh.
- CreatorJeffrey BlitzAndy DalyCharlie SiskelStarsAndy DalyJessica St. ClairMegan StevensonIn this spoof of review shows, Forrest MacNeil, a critic obsessed with his work, experiences whatever the viewers ask him to review including divorce, anonymous sex, and all manner of criminal activity.Not as lol funny (although it has its moments) but brilliant and unique in what it does.
- CreatorDarren StarStarsSarah Jessica ParkerKim CattrallKristin DavisFour female New Yorkers gossip about their sex lives (or lack thereof) and find new ways to deal with being a woman in the late 1990s.It has its problematic issues but can be very lovable and funny (less lol funny). Contrary to popular belief, the women don't only talk about guys (it passes the bechedel test) but also career, friends, and life issues.
- CreatorAaron SorkinStarsJosh CharlesPeter KrauseFelicity HuffmanCasey McCall and Dan Rydell are sports anchors and best friends on "Sports Night", a nightly cable program.Early Sorkin with the usual sparkling dialogue along with lovable characters and humor. You don't need to like sports at all.
- CreatorAlena SmithStarsHailee SteinfeldAdrian EnscoeAnna BaryshnikovSet in the 19th century, it explores the constraints of society, gender and family from the perspective of rebellious young poet, Emily Dickinson.Not as lol funny but very fun with great queer content and exploration of poetry with modern take on a period piece.
- CreatorIssa RaeLarry WilmoreStarsIssa RaeYvonne OrjiJay EllisFollows the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern-day African-American woman.Not as lol funny but wonderful writing and lovable characters with great female friendships.
- CreatorRobert CarlockTina FeyStarsEllie KemperJane KrakowskiTituss BurgessA woman is rescued from a doomsday cult and starts life over again in New York City.Similar to 30 Rock but not quite as funny or brilliant.
- CreatorMichael Patrick O'BrienStarsGlenn HowertonLyric LewisMary SohnA former philosophy professor who takes a job teaching advanced placement biology uses his students to get back at the people in his life who have wronged him.
- CreatorChristopher StorerStarsJeremy Allen WhiteAyo EdebiriLiza Colón-ZayasA young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop.Lower on this list due to not being as funny but the writing is fantastic.
- CreatorMindy KalingStarsMindy KalingIke BarinholtzEd WeeksA young Ob/Gyn doctor balances her personal and professional life, surrounded by quirky co-workers in a small office.Can be very uneven but has some moments of brilliance and hilarity. Great for romantic comedy lovers.
- CreatorDavid KohanMax MutchnickStarsEric McCormackDebra MessingMegan MullallyGay lawyer Will and straight interior designer Grace share a New York City apartment. Their best friends are gleeful and proud gay Jack and charismatic, filthy-rich, amoral socialite Karen.Can be a little dated (didn't watch reboot) but still lovable and full of funny moments.
- CreatorLiz FeldmanStarsChristina ApplegateLinda CardelliniSam McCarthyA series about a powerful friendship that blossoms between a tightly wound widow and a free spirit with a shocking secret.Not as lol funny (more dramatic) but has some fun writing and a great (conflicted) female friendship at heart.
- CreatorCharlie DayMegan GanzRob McElhenneyStarsRob McElhenneyCharlotte NicdaoAshly BurchThe head of a successful video game design company and his troubled staff struggle to keep their hit game 'Mythic Quest' on top.
- CreatorCarter BaysCraig ThomasStarsJosh RadnorJason SegelCobie SmuldersA father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.Do NOT watch the series finale - it will ruin the whole show for you. Ignoring that, 1st season is iffy/slow but by mid-late s1, it starts getting funny and lovable from the rest of the show on. But trust me, don't watch the final episode - it's the worst series finale of all time (or right up there).
- CreatorMarta KauffmanHoward J. MorrisStarsJane FondaLily TomlinSam WaterstonFinding out that their husbands are not just work partners, but have also been romantically involved for the last twenty years, two women with an already strained relationship try to cope with the circumstances together.Less lol funny at 1st but it gets funnier in later seasons and the main relationship is absolutely amazing.
- CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisMartin FreemanMackenzie CrookThe story of an office that faces closure when the company decides to downsize its branches. A documentary film crew follow staff and the manager David Brent as they continue their daily lives.The british humor didn't work quite as well for me esp with finding the characters less lovable BUT for what it is, its brilliant. Not for people eith embarrassment squick though.
- CreatorJenji KohanStarsMary-Louise ParkerHunter ParrishAlexander GouldWhen a suburban mother turns to dealing marijuana in order to maintain her privileged lifestyle after her husband dies, she finds out just how addicted her entire neighborhood already is.
- CreatorJohn AltschulerMike JudgeDave KrinskyStarsThomas MiddleditchT.J. MillerJosh BrenerFollows the struggle of Richard Hendricks, a Silicon Valley engineer trying to build his own company called Pied Piper.Problematic/sexist at times but if you can get past that, it has its moments of hilarity and good writing.
- CreatorLiz FlahiveCarly MenschStarsAlison BrieMarc MaronBetty GilpinA look at the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles during the 1980s.
- CreatorPamela AdlonLouis C.K.StarsPamela AdlonMikey MadisonHannah RileyAn actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent.
- CreatorMeredith ScardinoStarsSara BareillesBusy PhilippsPaula PellA one-hit-wonder band from the '90s gets a second shot at fame when a young rapper samples their song.
- CreatorGloria Calderón KellettMike RoyceStarsJustina MachadoTodd GrinnellIsabella GomezFollows three generations of the same Cuban-American family living in the same house: a newly divorced former military mother, her teenage daughter and tween son, and her old-school mother.
- CreatorStephen FalkStarsChris GeereAya CashDesmin BorgesCenters on two toxic, self-destructive people who fall in love and attempt a relationship.
- CreatorDiablo CodyStarsToni ColletteJohn CorbettRosemarie DeWittA woman struggles to find a balance between her dissociative identity disorder and raising a dysfunctional family.
- CreatorNatasha LeggeroRiki LindhomeStarsNatasha LeggeroRiki LindhomeArmen WeitzmanA mockumentary-style period piece comedy that follows members of the wealthy Bellacourt family and their servants in early 20th-century Newport, Rhode Island.
- CreatorKevin BiegelBill LawrenceStarsCourteney CoxChrista MillerBusy PhilippsFollows the escapades and relationships of a group of neighbors living in Gulfhaven, Florida.Not as lol funny but get past the weird milf obsession in the first half of s1 and it turns into a lovable found family comedy with great reoccuring jokes. Great for Scrubs lovers!
- CreatorNahnatchka KhanStarsKrysten RitterDreama WalkerMichael BlaiklockChloe is a New York party girl with the morals of a pirate. She causes trouble for her best friend James Van Der Beek and her naive small-town roommate June.
- CreatorEmma MoranStarsMáiréad TyersSofia OxenhamBilal HasnaJen is a self-aware young woman who lives in a world where everybody except her has a superpower.
- CreatorBen York JonesMichael MohanStarsJahi Di'Allo WinstonPeyton KennedyPatch DarraghIn 1990s Oregon, members of a high school A/V club clash with the drama club.
- CreatorCarter CovingtonDana GoodmanJulia Lea WolovStarsRita VolkKatie StevensGregg SulkinAfter numerous attempts of trying to be popular two best friends decide to come out as lesbians, which launches them to instant celebrity status. Seduced by their newfound fame, Karma and Amy decide to keep up their romantic ruse.
- CreatorSarah-Violet BlissCharles RogersMichael ShowalterStarsAlia ShawkatJohn ReynoldsJohn EarlySearch Party is a dark comedy about four self-absorbed twenty-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears.A little slow at 1st but if you can make it to the end of season 1, it gets really great. Not as lol funny but enjoyable to watch. Great for true crime fans. Last season is ridiculous but incredible - give it some time.
- CreatorGary JanettiMark RavenhillStarsDerek JacobiIan McKellenFrances de la TourFreddie Thornhill (Sir Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixby (Sir Derek Jacobi) are an old gay couple who have been together for nearly fifty years. Their lives now revolve around entertaining their frequent guests and hurling insults at each other at every opportunity.The laugh track is offputting and its not as lol funny but the main couple is lovable (with Sir Ian McKellan!) and it has its moments of humor.
- CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisAshley JensenStephen MerchantAndy Millman is an actor with ambition and a script. Reduced to working as an extra with a useless agent, Andy's attempts to boost his career invariably end in failure and embarrassment.
- CreatorNahnatchka KhanStarsRandall ParkConstance WuHudson YangA Taiwanese family makes their way in America during the 1990s.
- CreatorDan FogelmanStarsJoshua SasseTimothy OmundsonVinnie JonesA musical comedy adventure featuring a knight on a quest for love who helps a childish king to see the error of his ways.
- CreatorElizabeth MeriwetherStarsZooey DeschanelJake JohnsonMax GreenfieldAfter a bad break-up, Jess, an offbeat young woman, moves into an apartment loft with three single men. Although they find her behavior very unusual, the men support her - most of the time.
- CreatorIlana GlazerAbbi JacobsonStarsIlana GlazerAbbi JacobsonHannibal BuressBroad City follows two women throughout their daily lives in New York City, making the smallest and mundane events hysterical and disturbing to watch all at the same time.
- CreatorJohn EnbomDan EtheridgePaul RuddStarsAdam ScottKen MarinoRyan HansenA group of actors move to Los Angeles to make it big, but end up working as caterers.
- StarsMiranda HartPatricia HodgeTom EllisSocially inept Miranda always gets into awkward situations; working in her joke shop with best friend Stevie, being hounded by her pushy mother, and around her crush Gary.
- CreatorSteven LevitanChristopher LloydStarsEd O'NeillSofía VergaraJulie BowenThree different, but related, families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.
- CreatorJohn HoffmanSteve MartinStarsSteve MartinMartin ShortSelena GomezThree strangers - who live in the same New York City apartment building and share an obsession with true crime - suddenly find themselves embroiled in a murder.
- CreatorTracey WigfieldStarsBriga HeelanAndrea MartinAdam CampbellA New Jersey mom puts her relationship with her daughter to the test when she lands an internship at her new job, which comes with many challenges.
- CreatorAziz AnsariAlan YangStarsAziz AnsariEric WareheimLena WaitheThe personal and professional life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor in New York.
- CreatorFred ArmisenCarrie BrownsteinJonathan KriselStarsFred ArmisenCarrie BrownsteinKyle MacLachlanA sketch-comedy series that parodies life in Portland, Oregon.
- CreatorJames BobinJemaine ClementBret McKenzieStarsJemaine ClementBret McKenzieRhys DarbyBret and Jemaine are Flight of the Conchords, a folk-rock band from New Zealand living in New York City in search of stardom.
- CreatorBilly EichnerStarsBilly EichnerOlivia WildeElenaBilly Eichner quizzes people in the face for "amazing" gifts and money.Not a narrative comedy but lol hilarious throughout. Best if you're familiar with pop culture.
- CreatorMark LevesonDan PattersonStarsDrew CareyColin MochrieRyan StilesImprovisational comedy competition show in which four members of the regular cast as comedians and often with guest appearances with other comedians and celebrities and members of the audience perform various comic games and sketches.
- CreatorLeslye HeadlandNatasha LyonneAmy PoehlerStarsNatasha LyonneCharlie BarnettGreta LeeA cynical young woman in New York City keeps dying and returning to the party that's being thrown in her honor on that same evening. She tries to find a way out of this strange time loop.
- CreatorJavier Grillo-MarxuachStarsMatt KeeslarNatalie MoralesBrit MorganA struggling artist is recruited by a secret agency to fight against evil forces. Based on the graphic novels by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Les McClaine.