18 Terrific TV Comedies from 2017
There is joy in laughter. And especially in a year like 2017, we turn to TV to escape and of course, to laugh.
The following are an eclectic bunch of old-fashioned sitcoms, family-based shows, and comedies with an edge. They may make us think, make us cry, make us want to be part of their workplace, and they all have one thing in common: they make us laugh.
Here are 18 terrific TV comedies from 2017:
1. Black-ish
Black-ish continues to be one of the best family comedies on TV as it incorporates the regular sitcom fare with topics that not only educate but are very rarely talked about on TV, let alone a network comedy.
Black-ish in 2017 gave viewers two incredibly powerful episodes, “Lemons,” which takes place two months after the election, and “Juneteenth,” a musical episode about the little-known holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery.
No matter whether Black-ish is tackling postpartum depression or a flawed justice system, it is always executed in a way that makes us think about these topics but also still laugh with the Johnson family.
2. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is poised to become one of the longest-running live action comedies on TV and with its fantastic, twelfth season, it’s no wonder why it’s been renewed for another two.
The Paddy’s Pub gang are as terrible as always, whether they are promoting Boko Haram- approved Wolf Cola, secretly filming Mac and Charlie’s mothers at home, or trying to get a stripper to hit rock bottom as retaliation.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia had some huge moments in 2017 though—Mac officially came out of the closet, Charlie and the Waitress slept together, and Dennis apparently has left Philly (and possibly the show) to raise his love-child.
No matter what happens next on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, it’ll be great, but oh so wrong.
3. The Mick
The Mick is one of the funniest, darkest comedies on network TV. It’s as if It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Dee Reynolds moved to Connecticut to help raise a family. Kaitlin Olsen is brilliant as always, but so is the rest of the cast.
The Pembertons like to act like their better than they’re aunt, but they’re cut from the same twisted cloth. The Mick is unafraid to offend viewers with the awfulness of the characters, but, we still root for them. The Mick is laugh-out-loud funny week after week which is no easy feat.
4. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
When Rebecca Bunch was ditched at her wedding at the end of Season 2, it was expected that Rebecca would be out to seek revenge on Josh—which she does—but Crazy Ex-Girlfriend does so much more with that storyline.
It manages to tackle mental health but still have a song about poop in an episode where Rebecca learns she has a Borderline personality.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is also a show that can have you laughing one moment and then bawling out your eyes the next. And the songs are still catchy as hell.
5. One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time may be a reboot, but it is one of the most important comedies of the year. It tackles some major social issues with inspiration rather than cynicism, and it feels like a brand-new show rather than an update for today’s audiences.
The show is led by iZombie‘s Gloria Calderon Kellett and comedy pro Mike Royce from Everybody Loves Raymond, which is why this comedy is even better than some of the dramas out there.
The heartfelt moments and relevant storylines are some of the best represented across television today. The entire cast is charismatic, and they do an amazing job at educating and entertaining the audience. One Day at a Time also makes our list of noteworthy new TV shows from 2017.
6. Modern Family
Modern Family is still a huge hit with viewers with nine seasons and counting. The popular, family sitcom continues to explore a typical “modern family” with all of its ups and downs.
It’s still popular after so many seasons because of these very relatable and well-written characters that have been developed and continue to grow. This giant, relatable family has storylines that still resonate with viewers. Modern Family has the power to make you laugh and cry all in one episode.
Nora Williamson
Nora is pop-culture obsessed and has been since she was six years old-- writing stories about going to Hollywood premieres and dating Christian Slater. Her current favorite shows include House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The Walking Dead and black-ish. She is a sucker for TV shows with forbidden love, bad boys and of course, a Big Bad. Nora may also be the only person on the planet who loves Fear the Walking Dead.