You must have seen the most famous sitcoms but you might have missed these underrated sitcoms. Starting off without our most favorite but understated sitcom.
The Office (US) (2005-2013)
The Office seems like a TV show no one would want to watch. It’s a bunch of people working in a small-town paper-sales office, and not much happens. But the tomfoolery of the manager, Michael Scott, along with the antics among the workers makes this show phenomenal. Shot in a mockumentary style based on a paper company, this show is funny, inspiring and sometimes even emotional. The best thing about The Office, however, is that it never loses its humour despite running for nine seasons.
Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
Written by the creators of The Office, Parks and Recreation faced criticism in its first season for not being as good. However, with the total seven seasons, this show proves it deserves its own standing in the spotlight. Hilariously told, Parks and Recreation is the story of a small government office dedicated to parks and public recreation in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana. With the protagonist as Leslie Knope, this show is a wonderful feministic icon with raw, real characters and a penchant for bureaucratic humour.
Scrubs (2001-2010)
Following John Dorian (commonly referred to as JD) and his journey through becoming a doctor at Sacred Heart Hospital, Scrubs provides eight seasons of emotion, friendship and humour all wrapped into one wonderful sitcom. With iconic characters, this TV show manages the perfect balance of sentiment and comedy without tipping the scales over. Brilliantly written and beautifully shot, Scrubs is really one of a kind.
Quintuplets (2004-2005)
Quintuplets was cancelled after only its first season, but is, till date, one of the funniest series about teenagers. Following a couple with quintuplets, this show explored the trials and tribulations of five teenagers in the same house with an enigmatic mother and an unenthusiastic father. Cheesy at times, with some pathetic humour, the seven characters in the show are given types which are relatable and wonderfully hilarious.
30 Rock (2006-2013)
30 Rock follows Liz Lemon for seven seasons as she tries to write a comedy sketch show with a horrible boss and an arrogant new star. Nearly losing her mind several times, she faces new challenges everyday, and makes for a great comedy TV show about comedy sketches. With excellent writing and feminism which flows through the entire script, 30 Rock is an excellent watch.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-present)
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is only three seasons in so far, but is one of the funniest TV shows to come up in recent times. This series indulges in quirky humour with millennial characters and fascinating themes, following Kimmy, a woman who has been rescued from an underground cult of those who believed the world had ended in a nuclear war. Having been trapped for fifteen years, Kimmy also starts to understand the world with childlike curiosity and inquisition, and takes us along with her. Sprinkled with wry, dark humour, this show is a great watch – and it has one of the catchiest title themes.
Also read – The Truly Inspirational and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Fleabag (2016-present)
Speaking of dark humour, Fleabag is a London-based TV show about a woman who is slowly overcoming tragedy and personal problems while trying to get through life with a pedantic sister and bad romantic relationships. Based on a play, Fleabag only spans six episodes. It is riddled with breaking the fourth wall and unique characterisation which makes you feel several emotions. With excellent acting and fluid commotion, this PG-17 show is a great binge-watch.
That ‘70s Show (1998-2006)
Another show about teenagers, this early 2000s show set in the 1970s explores a group of friends and their parents and problems as they navigate through the hardships of being teenagers In the ‘70s. With amazing friendships and hilariously dumb characters, That ‘70s Show is ironic, comedic and reflective of the culture of the 1970s. It also has a very catchy music score.
Louie (2010-2015)
Louie is a simple TV show with a simple idea: it follows the life of Louis C. K., a divorced comedian who lives in New York with two kids. With vivid, imaginative characters, laugh-out-loud laughter moments and themes such as the inevitability of death and aging, and the absurdity of age difference, Louie becomes a TV show enjoyed by the young and the old.
Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009)
Flight of the Conchords revolves around two New Zealander friends who experience life, love and friendship while trying to make it as a rock band – Flight of the Conchords. But it is a rock band that can only schedule a performance at the local aquarium which is run by a fellow New Zealander, and their only friend. A great blend of comedy and music with clever writing which tends to throw one off, Flight of the Conchords is a great watch with family and friends.
So, this is our list of top underrated sitcoms every comedy lover should watch. Did we miss yours?