Really funny comedy recommendations?
October 22, 2016 12:11 PM Subscribe
Looking for recommendations for movies or TV shows that will make me laugh out loud, with a couple specifications.
I'm going through a bit of a tough time and am looking to escape into some good comedy. I've searched through some of the old questions on here and have found a couple of gems, but also have some specifications not previously covered in other questions.
I don't like British comedy, animated films, or cult classics. It seems these make up the bulk of what a lot of people recommend.
TV shows I really have enjoyed include The Office, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Better off Ted, Trailer Park Boys, and Broad City.
Movies include Little Miss Sunshine, Bridesmaids, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Any great shows or movies that would fit in with this list? Thank you!
I'm going through a bit of a tough time and am looking to escape into some good comedy. I've searched through some of the old questions on here and have found a couple of gems, but also have some specifications not previously covered in other questions.
I don't like British comedy, animated films, or cult classics. It seems these make up the bulk of what a lot of people recommend.
TV shows I really have enjoyed include The Office, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Better off Ted, Trailer Park Boys, and Broad City.
Movies include Little Miss Sunshine, Bridesmaids, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Any great shows or movies that would fit in with this list? Thank you!
Brooklyn 99 all the way.
posted by praemunire at 12:15 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by praemunire at 12:15 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
Broad City leads me straight to recommending Workaholics for you. I think you'll love it.
posted by a good beginning at 12:16 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by a good beginning at 12:16 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
The Grinder!
posted by rozee at 12:19 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by rozee at 12:19 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
I think Brooklyn 99 is the funniest show on TV, but it's pretty different from The Office, Arrested Dev. and Curb.
What I love about it is that none of the comedy comes from people being jerks to each other. They have problems, and love hijinks, but generally the conflict arises from misguided attempts to help each other. It's a charming, silly breath of fresh air in an era where comedy seems to be celebrating meanness and ignorance.
posted by Sleddog_Afterburn at 12:20 PM on October 22, 2016 [8 favorites]
What I love about it is that none of the comedy comes from people being jerks to each other. They have problems, and love hijinks, but generally the conflict arises from misguided attempts to help each other. It's a charming, silly breath of fresh air in an era where comedy seems to be celebrating meanness and ignorance.
posted by Sleddog_Afterburn at 12:20 PM on October 22, 2016 [8 favorites]
Best answer: We have similar taste and I absolutely love The Good Place. It's still new so I don't know how it will develop, but currently it consistently makes me laugh out loud, which is rare.
posted by diamondsky at 12:27 PM on October 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by diamondsky at 12:27 PM on October 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
Best answer: Mindy Project may fit the bill for you.
posted by Mikey51 at 12:29 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Mikey51 at 12:29 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Check out Community!
posted by ejs at 12:30 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by ejs at 12:30 PM on October 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
Brooklyn 99 and The Mindy Project come to mind. B99 is more friendly humor, some of the people in Mindy can be jerkish but they're all sort of friends in the end. Also maybe Community. You might like Spaced even if you don't like British Comedy if you do like Simon Pegg.
Party Downis good and off the ebaten path. The Wet Hot American Summer movie was turned into a series after the fact and it's pretty great. Reno 911 is also good. A lot of these have the same cast of characters who were originally on The State (also the Gaffigan Show) so if you like their schtick you will most likely enjoy the rest of them.
posted by jessamyn at 12:33 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Party Downis good and off the ebaten path. The Wet Hot American Summer movie was turned into a series after the fact and it's pretty great. Reno 911 is also good. A lot of these have the same cast of characters who were originally on The State (also the Gaffigan Show) so if you like their schtick you will most likely enjoy the rest of them.
posted by jessamyn at 12:33 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
nthing The Grinder and Brooklyn 99
posted by shesbookish at 12:35 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by shesbookish at 12:35 PM on October 22, 2016
The Grinder pairs nicely with Brooklyn 99. A zany meta-comedy that skewers legal dramas and family sitcoms but doesn't punch down. Fred Savage is brilliant as the perpetually bewildered straight man. The whole cast though is great as are the many cameos.
posted by Lorin at 12:36 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by Lorin at 12:36 PM on October 22, 2016
Veep is soooo funny.
posted by radioamy at 12:42 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 12:42 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
Silicon Valley
posted by Crystalinne at 12:51 PM on October 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by Crystalinne at 12:51 PM on October 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
For the "absurdity of the everyday" I'll throw out Party Down, Napoleon Dynamite, Ghost World, Tootsie
posted by rhizome at 12:51 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by rhizome at 12:51 PM on October 22, 2016
The new Christopher Guest movie Mascots is sooo funny and straming Netflix. Also check out Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman.
When you say you don't like British comedy, do you mean older style stuff ? You might also like the British Office - I haaaate Monty Python type humor but the British Office is hilarious. Also Outnumbered and the detectorists.
posted by pintapicasso at 12:56 PM on October 22, 2016
When you say you don't like British comedy, do you mean older style stuff ? You might also like the British Office - I haaaate Monty Python type humor but the British Office is hilarious. Also Outnumbered and the detectorists.
posted by pintapicasso at 12:56 PM on October 22, 2016
Happy Endings
posted by poffin boffin at 1:01 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 1:01 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
30 Rock is pretty great as is The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
posted by mmascolino at 1:13 PM on October 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by mmascolino at 1:13 PM on October 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
Grace and Frankie!!
posted by fourpotatoes at 1:27 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by fourpotatoes at 1:27 PM on October 22, 2016
I'll second the suggestions of Community, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and 30 Rock, particularly if you like the joke density & detached-from-reality aspects of Arrested Development and Better Off Ted.
If you liked Better Off Ted, then Victor Fresco's previous show Andy Richter Controls The Universe is also worth checking out. (He was the creator of both.)
posted by Johnny Assay at 1:35 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
If you liked Better Off Ted, then Victor Fresco's previous show Andy Richter Controls The Universe is also worth checking out. (He was the creator of both.)
posted by Johnny Assay at 1:35 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
Sirens is even better than Brooklyn 99 to me. I like it because it is ridiculous while being true-to-life, the characters tease each other but are not mean, and the actors are having a blast. A short two seasons, on Netflix.
posted by thebrokedown at 1:37 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by thebrokedown at 1:37 PM on October 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
My ex-wife once "prescribed" me two episodes of Flight of the Conchords when I was feeling very depressed. She lent me season one.
At the close of this miserable day, I was still bursting out in delighted guffaws a few hours later, remembering show moments as I was lying in bed.
(I think we might have similar tastes judging from the ones you said you liked)
posted by spbmp at 1:49 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
At the close of this miserable day, I was still bursting out in delighted guffaws a few hours later, remembering show moments as I was lying in bed.
(I think we might have similar tastes judging from the ones you said you liked)
posted by spbmp at 1:49 PM on October 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
I absolutely Fresh Off the Boat on ABC.
posted by smorgasbord at 2:00 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by smorgasbord at 2:00 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you want to sample a bit of Flight of the Conchords to see if you'll like it, try Hiphopopotomus vs. Rhymenocerus. Makes me laugh every time.
posted by cecic at 2:06 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by cecic at 2:06 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Angie Tribeca!
posted by SisterHavana at 2:11 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by SisterHavana at 2:11 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
Safety Not Guaranteed
Waking Ned Divine
Brain Donors
Black Sheep
Galaxy Quest
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix Series)
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:05 PM on October 22, 2016
Safety Not Guaranteed
Waking Ned Divine
Brain Donors
Black Sheep
Galaxy Quest
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix Series)
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:05 PM on October 22, 2016
I was all set to suggest the Grinder and Party Down as well. If Grinder's Olyphant storyline scratches the right itch, go to Don't trust the B in Apt 23. Also really enjoyed The Neighbors recently, and Raising Hope got me through a really rough time.
And if you enjoyed Veronica Mars, Play it Again, Dick is ridiculously funny web series. Kristen Bell and Ryan Hansen need to do all the comedies.
posted by politikitty at 3:08 PM on October 22, 2016
And if you enjoyed Veronica Mars, Play it Again, Dick is ridiculously funny web series. Kristen Bell and Ryan Hansen need to do all the comedies.
posted by politikitty at 3:08 PM on October 22, 2016
Brooklyn 99 is great, though it took a few episodes to get it's stride so don't be put off by the first few it gets funnier
I've just discovered the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which I love.
posted by wwax at 3:14 PM on October 22, 2016
I've just discovered the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which I love.
posted by wwax at 3:14 PM on October 22, 2016
Trophy Wife is great and a smarter comedy like the ones you mention you liked.
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a great movie if you can find it. It is laugh till you cry funny.
posted by fshgrl at 3:21 PM on October 22, 2016
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a great movie if you can find it. It is laugh till you cry funny.
posted by fshgrl at 3:21 PM on October 22, 2016
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is kind of a spiritual successor to Seinfeld, in that the main characters are all terrible people and don't learn lessons. You'll know from one episode if it's for you or not, and it's on netflix in the States!
posted by Drosera at 3:27 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Drosera at 3:27 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
I just started watching Vice Principals, but so far so good on that one.
posted by J. Wilson at 3:38 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by J. Wilson at 3:38 PM on October 22, 2016
The Grinder
Just a heads up that Grinder was canceled, so it's a one season show. Not sure if that matters to the OP.
posted by bluecore at 4:00 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Just a heads up that Grinder was canceled, so it's a one season show. Not sure if that matters to the OP.
posted by bluecore at 4:00 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you liked Better Off Ted, then Victor Fresco's previous show Andy Richter Controls The Universe is also worth checking out. (He was the creator of both.)
ARCTU is my favorite comedy after Arrested Development and I'm convinced that Better Off Ted is season 3+ of ARCTU after Fox cancelled it. (The opening shot of the Chicago office building is even the same, and it also stars Johnathan Slavin.)
One caveat: The early episodes feature a character who is the ghost of the company founder who is an awful racist, homophobic, sexist jerk. I think they dropped him, but it's been a while so I might be wrong about that.
I also looove Angie Tribeca. It's a genuinely worthy successor to Airplane! and Police Squad, with so many gags that its re-watchabilty matches Arrested Development. (Season two recently ended and it's been renewed.)
posted by Room 641-A at 4:06 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
ARCTU is my favorite comedy after Arrested Development and I'm convinced that Better Off Ted is season 3+ of ARCTU after Fox cancelled it. (The opening shot of the Chicago office building is even the same, and it also stars Johnathan Slavin.)
One caveat: The early episodes feature a character who is the ghost of the company founder who is an awful racist, homophobic, sexist jerk. I think they dropped him, but it's been a while so I might be wrong about that.
I also looove Angie Tribeca. It's a genuinely worthy successor to Airplane! and Police Squad, with so many gags that its re-watchabilty matches Arrested Development. (Season two recently ended and it's been renewed.)
posted by Room 641-A at 4:06 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think I have similar taste to yours, and I recommend Stella, the one-season Comedy Central show starring Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain.
Those three actors all started on The State, an SNL-like show that was on MTV in the mid-'90s, which I also recommend — particularly seasons 1 and 3.
Old movies:
Bringing up Baby
Duck Soup (Marx Brothers)
It's a Gift (W.C. Fields)
posted by John Cohen at 4:17 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Those three actors all started on The State, an SNL-like show that was on MTV in the mid-'90s, which I also recommend — particularly seasons 1 and 3.
Old movies:
Bringing up Baby
Duck Soup (Marx Brothers)
It's a Gift (W.C. Fields)
posted by John Cohen at 4:17 PM on October 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Aziz Anzari's "Master of None" on Netflix.
You said no animated *films.* That probably extends to animated shows as well, but based on liking Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, and Parks and Rec, you might want to give "Bojack Horseman" a try. It is also on Netflix. It's an animated comedy/drama for an adult audience, but it's not like "Family Guy" or "South Park" at all. It gets much better after the first few episodes, and season 2 and 3 are brilliant.
How do you feel about Will Farrel movies? "Blades of Glory" and "The Other Guys" might fit your tastes.
"Best in Show" is a good funny movie.
nthing "Community."
posted by ethical_caligula at 4:46 PM on October 22, 2016
You said no animated *films.* That probably extends to animated shows as well, but based on liking Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, and Parks and Rec, you might want to give "Bojack Horseman" a try. It is also on Netflix. It's an animated comedy/drama for an adult audience, but it's not like "Family Guy" or "South Park" at all. It gets much better after the first few episodes, and season 2 and 3 are brilliant.
How do you feel about Will Farrel movies? "Blades of Glory" and "The Other Guys" might fit your tastes.
"Best in Show" is a good funny movie.
nthing "Community."
posted by ethical_caligula at 4:46 PM on October 22, 2016
I just checked and on my cable system the first five episodes of Angie Tribeca S2 are available in demand. Also, now binge-watching Angie Tribeca.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:27 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by Room 641-A at 5:27 PM on October 22, 2016
Comedy Central has a daily game show called @Midnight. It's on at 11:30 Eastern time (used to be on at...midnight). 3 comedians compete in various categories; hosted by Chris Hardwick.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 5:51 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 5:51 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
New Girl is pretty non-stop laughing for me.
posted by humboldt32 at 6:40 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by humboldt32 at 6:40 PM on October 22, 2016
Silicon Valley, The Good Place (created by the same guy who created Parks)
posted by Wildflowers at 8:44 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by Wildflowers at 8:44 PM on October 22, 2016
Modern Family
posted by Clustercuss at 9:18 PM on October 22, 2016
posted by Clustercuss at 9:18 PM on October 22, 2016
Children's Hospital
Reno 911!
F is for Family
Blackish
posted by cda at 10:18 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Reno 911!
F is for Family
Blackish
posted by cda at 10:18 PM on October 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
We have the same taste! The parks and rec creator has an alien abduction show called people of earth coming out. Inside Amy Schumer, pushing daisies, 30 rock, Kimmy Schmidt, key and peele, the new Muppet Show mocumentary..
posted by faustian slip at 3:48 AM on October 23, 2016
posted by faustian slip at 3:48 AM on October 23, 2016
Last Man On Earth. The first 2-3 episodes are more of a very funny Will Forte showcase, but if you stick with it, it's become a really tight ensemble comedy.
Seasons 1 & 2 of Comedy Bang! Bang!
This Is The End
Kroll Show
posted by Room 641-A at 4:08 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seasons 1 & 2 of Comedy Bang! Bang!
This Is The End
Kroll Show
posted by Room 641-A at 4:08 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Playing House on USA. Two seasons so far and a third on the way. Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair are perfection together.
posted by cecic at 4:51 AM on October 23, 2016
posted by cecic at 4:51 AM on October 23, 2016
Response by poster: Thanks a lot, everyone! I've got a great list to start making my way through, now :) Bring it, winter.
posted by EarnestDeer at 8:42 AM on October 23, 2016
posted by EarnestDeer at 8:42 AM on October 23, 2016
I don't know if you're into stand-up, but if you are I'd highly recommend Bo Burnham's Make Happy, (this one in particular can be a little hit or miss but really hit home with me when I was watching it during a tough time) anything by John Mulaney, Gary Gulman, Louis C.K., Ali Wong, Chelsea Peretti, Aziz Ansari, and Donald Glover.
posted by LonelyOnes at 9:13 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by LonelyOnes at 9:13 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think you might really like Dead Like Me. The first few episodes are some of the weakest in the series but it really helps to watch them to understand what's happening. (Once a character named Daisy Adair shows up, the show really hits its stride.) Season 2 is fantastic. Sadly, there are only 2 seasons. But it's so worth it!
posted by corey flood at 9:29 AM on October 23, 2016
posted by corey flood at 9:29 AM on October 23, 2016
Since you said you liked Bridesmaids, I'm going to recommend Spy. I like Melissa McCarthy and find her very funny, and I think this is my favourite of her comedies. It was one of the few things that made me laugh really hard in the immediate aftermath of some devastating news--it took my mind off things almost completely while I watched it. To me that's the gold standard of comedy.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:58 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 9:58 AM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seconding The Other Guys! And I think I'm the only one who watched it, but I really liked The Good Guys. Bradley Whitfield chews up the scenery in the best possible way, and there's an interesting time-shifting narrative during each episode.
posted by Room 641-A at 1:22 PM on October 23, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Room 641-A at 1:22 PM on October 23, 2016 [3 favorites]
Better things is a tv show that is just insanely good.
Movies that are in the vein of little Miss sunshine i'd go with the Intouchables, The Royal Tenenbaums, The band's visit? Stranger than fiction (!!) and and Here comes the boom brought me to tears laughing, the same way bridesmaids did.
posted by speakeasy at 3:18 PM on October 23, 2016
Movies that are in the vein of little Miss sunshine i'd go with the Intouchables, The Royal Tenenbaums, The band's visit? Stranger than fiction (!!) and and Here comes the boom brought me to tears laughing, the same way bridesmaids did.
posted by speakeasy at 3:18 PM on October 23, 2016
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is also laugh out loud funny.
The Ref
posted by fshgrl at 10:02 PM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Ref
posted by fshgrl at 10:02 PM on October 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Childrens Hospital - Ensemble cast of comedy stars; a buncha doofuses who take themselves way too seriously, running a Children's Hospital in Brazil, where the show takes place.
The Birthday Boys - Sketch Comedy that ran for two seasons on IFC. The first season is available on DVD.
posted by not_on_display at 6:43 PM on October 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Birthday Boys - Sketch Comedy that ran for two seasons on IFC. The first season is available on DVD.
posted by not_on_display at 6:43 PM on October 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by General Malaise at 12:14 PM on October 22, 2016 [12 favorites]