18 Awesome TV Comedies from 2016

13. The Mindy Project

In 2015, Fox’s cancellation of The Mindy Project left fans fearing their favorite serial-dating OB/GYN had left the small screen forever. But thanks for a pick-up from Hulu, The Mindy Project returned and continued to shine as one of 2016’s best TV comedies.

This year brought us a version of Mindy we hadn’t seen before when a split from Danny left her a newly-single mother. But this new challenge for Mindy brought with it a world of new and exciting storytelling opportunities. From the romance and drama in its leading lady’s life to an ensemble of characters that never fail to draw big laughs, every episode of The Mindy Project is thirty minutes of pure entertainment.

14. Silicon Valley

Pied Piper, the Silicon Valley compression company, changes CEOs and owners in Season 3, but thankfully, the comedy stays constant. There are plenty of cringe-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud bits that we have come to expect from the show; this is Silicon Valley‘s forte. However, it’s always nice when there are serious scenes like there were between Erlich and Richard.

Silicon Valley straddles the line between clever and sophomoric but continues to evolve. Season 4 will probably bring even more hilarious challenges to Pied Piper and we can’t wait to see the characters fumble through them.

15. Veep

The 2016 election may have been more outrageous that Season 5 of Veep, but that didn’t make the show any less entertaining. Selina, and the people around her, are all pretty horrible, but that is what makes Veep so much fun to watch. From plots surrounding Selina’s personal life to some that are seemingly plucked from the real headlines, Veep continues to be scathing — just like the insults on the show.

“Kissing your Sister” is the funniest and most innovative episode of the season and should not be missed, even if you don’t watch Veep. There is a lot of uncertainty as to where Veep will go next, but we know that we’ll be watching.

16. Speechless

The DiMeo family moves into a new school district where the school is inclusive enough for JJ, a teenager who has cerebral palsy. The family, led by a fiery Minnie Driver, is excellent. Speechless can be sweet but not saccharine; biting but not mean-spirited. There have only been ten episodes of Speechless so far, but already, we feel like we know this family and relate to them.

Speechless fits in perfectly on its Wednesday night lineup between The Goldbergs and Modern Family, giving us the DiMeos to love and laugh with.

17. Younger

TV Land’s Younger follows Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) as she pretends to be much younger than really is in order to have a successful career. The lie, however, continues to become more complicated as time goes on and she develops new relationships and important friendships.

Younger is smart, honest, and consistently entertaining. If you haven’t been watching, it’s time to catch up!

18. The Big Bang Theory

Even in its tenth season, The Big Bang Theory remains one of our favorite comedies. Sure, it’s had some rough patches in recent seasons, but the show continues to balance comedy, heartfelt moments, and character growth in a perfect way. Besides, how can we ever get tired of Sheldon Cooper?

Which comedies managed to make you laugh in 2016? Are there shows you would add to our list? Let us know in the comments below, and be on the lookout for more of our favorites from 2016!

*Additional contributions by Nora Williamson, Marisa DiPaolo, and Ashley Bissette Sumerel

20 Favorite TV Couples from 2016