20 TV Comedies We Loved in 2019

In 2019, the world is in desperate need of laughter.

Luckily, there are lots of great comedies on television that make us laugh, cry, and keep us distracted from the harsh world outside.

To assist with that, we here at Tell-Tale TV have picked our Top 20 TV comedies of 2019. Here they are, in no particular order. (Note that new shows will have their own list, so anything that premiered in 2019 wasn’t eligible here!)

1. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Year after year, Brooklyn Nine-Nine continues to defy odds and to remain one of the greatest comedies on television. It has a diverse cast of characters, great antics, and perhaps some of the greatest cold-opens in television history.

But what really makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine stand out is that it’s filled to the brim with heart. From Rosa’s coming out to the Peralta-Santiago wedding, the show takes big swings and (more often than not) hits a home run. Few shows can even last 7 seasons, but Brooklyn Nine-Nine scored a Season 8 renewal before Season 7 even premiered!

Say it with me… “Nine Nine!”

2. Superstore

Superstore is one of those comedies that at one time seemed it would never work, but once it started everyone wondered why it took so long. A retail setting has given Superstore so much to work with, and the execution consistently brings the laughs. The characters are rich and easy to root for, making a compelling product.

But Superstore really shines in its ability to tackle real-world topics like immigration, low-wages, and unions. Perhaps the most poignant story they’ve told centers on Mateo and his arrest as fallout from an ICE raid.

Whether it’s about Amy’s ascent to management, Sandra’s impending wedding, or lingering union formation, Superstore shines in any circumstances.

3. The Good Place

No one ever expected that a show on complex moral philosophy would make for a great comedy, but nonetheless, The Good Place is still at the top of its game. 2019 saw Chidi fall on his sword in hopes of saving mankind, and Team Cockroach’s mission to save humanity soar to new heights.

The Good Place balances ethical and more dilemmas with hilarious gags and rich, complex characters. Ted Danson and Kristen Bell are revelations, but each of the rest of the cast is special. No matter what the rest of the series holds, we can be sure that it’ll be forking amazing.

4. Single Parents

This time last year, nobody was sure how Single Parents would turn out, but as Liz Meriwether’s follow-up to New Girl, expectations started pretty high. Luckily, though, Single Parents has more than proved itself as a worthy follow up.

Taran Killam, Brad Garrett, and Leighton Meester lead an all-star cast of parents, but the true MVP’s of Single Parents are the kids. Watching them bond with their parents and their parents’ friends is truly what carves out the show’s niche and makes it unique and fun to watch.

Is this just a hang-out comedy where half of the main characters are children? Yes. But honestly, we’re here for it.

5. The Goldbergs

Family comedies aren’t always “hip” anymore, but luckily our favorite family from 1980-something stands the test of time. The ambiguous timelines work well to keep the family together and the laughs rolling through various scenarios from the 1980’s.

Even though Barry and Erica are now in college, The Goldbergs remain as close a family unit as ever. Murray still yells, Beverly still smothers, the JTP still goofs off, and Adam still nerds out about every new movie.

The Goldbergs has also birthed a spin-off now, which is a true measure of success.

6. On My Block

The second season of On My Block proved to be one of the more devastating comedies on television in 2019. Though it’s still a comedy, it doesn’t shy away from the hardship that young teens face in a gang-run neighborhood.

The kids are reeling from Olivia’s untimely demise in Season 2, which makes for some real conversations about love, loss, and grief. But of course, you also have the fallout from Jamal’s side-quest to find the RollerWorld money, and the weird obsession with gnomes.

On My Block’s ability to balance the dark and devastating with the off-beat and hilarious are unmatched, and they boast an extremely diverse cast to boot.

7. Bob’s Burgers

All the best long-running comedies have consistency going for them, and Bob’s Burgers is no exception. The FOX acquisition by Disney proved to have little consequence for the Belcher family, as their antics remain as funny as ever.

No matter if it’s Gene trying to get out of running the mile, or Tina inserting herself into a While You Were Sleeping scenario, or Bob stumbling into the cutthroat world of berry-picking, Bob’s Burgers is always good for a laugh or an impromptu Linda song.

Thank you for loving us, Bob’s Burgers.

8. Big Mouth

It’s rude, it’s crude, and it’s here to stay. Big Mouth scored a three-season renewal after 2019 proved just as wild as ever. The way that Big Mouth hilariously explores adolescence through the eyes of people who were awkward through it continues to inspire.

Though ridiculous, Big Mouth continues to find ways to be honest about teens and their changing bodies. By doing so, it accomplishes more than a health class video ever could.

Besides, do health class videos have the Ghost of Duke Ellington? I didn’t think so.

9. Barry

Until it happened, no one was sure that you could combine the harsh world of assassins with the world of acting (You know, other than actors playing assassins). But then, Barry came along.

Award winning performances by both Henry Winkler and Bill Hader, combined with a breakout performance by Anthony Carrigan, anchor a poignant and stellar HBO comedy series that should win many more awards. The description might leave you skeptical, but the performances will keep you coming back for more.

Barry killed at the Emmys this year…and it’s likely to kill again.

10. Brockmire

Brockmire has evolved considerably since Season 1, but what folks like most about the show is still there, and it’s as strong as ever after its third season. Brockmire’s soothing voice and brash personality are the same, but nearly everything else has changed.

Now partnered with a former softball champion, Brockmire must navigate having a minority, female, LGBT partner in an increasingly difficult environment. What isn’t difficult is Hank Azaria’s smooth portrayal, which is magnified by his uncanny ability to monologue in soothing tones about literally any topic.

We weren’t expecting this former Funny or Die character to get this far developed. But, we’ll gladly listen to him monologue about literally anything for as many more seasons as they’ll let us.

11. Fleabag 

Fleabag Season 2 is a perfect season of television. Thematically, it tackles grief, love, loneliness, and sisterhood. It does that with a tight and acerbic wit that lashes out with the absurd agony of optimism. 

The characters are borne out of such ridiculous specificity that each moment becomes iconic and unforgettable. Claire’s (one of the few characters to actually be named) pencil haircut is painfully funny. One episode features a fantastic monologue about menopause that can completely change your outlook on womanhood. 

It’s a story so acutely about life that it can be hard to watch. Even when this is true, it gives us great hope that we have someone in our life who would run through an airport for us. It’s the love story of a lonely, guilty, honest woman discovering that she can love and be loved.

12. GLOW

Now set in a cushy Las Vegas residency, the ladies (and basically two men) of GLOW have spent more time than ever figuring out who they are and what they want from their lives. GLOW manages to keep relatively upbeat and positive, even when tackling issues like the AIDS epidemic.

More than anything, GLOW has become about the characters that inhabit the show, and not the wrestling show itself. Instead, learning about Ruth, Debbie, Cherry, Carmen, and the lives they lead is the far more compelling story.

But for those looking for the more wild side – it doesn’t get wilder than A Christmas Carol told through wrestling. We’re looking forward to more antics from the announced final season of GLOW.

13. The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory will grace Best Comedy lists for the final time in 2019, as it has now moved on to that giant television set in the sky. The final season turned out to be a cornucopia of returning characters and satisfying stories.

Among these, Sheldon and Amy finally win a Nobel Prize. But surprisingly, Sheldon doesn’t take all the credit or praise his own genius, but he thanks his friends for putting up with him on this long journey. There may not have been stronger character growth displayed by anyone in 2019 than the growth displayed by Sheldon Cooper.

Though we will miss the nerdy antics, there’s still plenty of Bazinga in our hearts.

14. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Do shows have any business being as funny as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia after 14 seasons? The answer is “of course not,” but it is funny anyway.

No matter the modern topic, whether it’s group texting or global warming, the gang from Paddy’s pub always has unique approach to the subject. Like Charlie texting only emojis because he’s illiterate, or Dennis protesting women’s haircuts in a pro-choice allegory.

As much as things have changed in 14 years, the raucous humor and terrible schemes of the gang at Paddy’s Pub remains constant. Here’s to 14 more!

15. Schitt’s Creek

In a world that seems to be overrun by negativity and hate, Schitt’s Creek sets out to give a simple reprieve from all that. Set in a small town where everyone knows everybody else, the addition of the Rose family sets everyone’s world on its side.

After 5 seasons this show has proven time and time again just how therapeutic a little love and humor can be. From Moira’s crazy wigs, vocabulary, and just general theatrics to Stevie’s sarcastic wit and David’s cynical yet sophisticated view of the world this show gives us all something to believe in. 

If that isn’t enough to convince you of the comedic timing then let their 4 Emmy nominations this year speak for themselves. Between Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy’s performances and the general writing, this little show that could is starting to change the world — one “Eww, David” at a time. 

16. One Day at a Time

Since its debut, critics and audiences alike have lauded the modern-day reboot of One Day at a Time. The diverse family dynamic and real-world issues have been a winning combination.

Few other single-camera sitcoms are willing to address PTSD, anxiety, immigration, and other political issues, but these are just a few topics tackled, well, one episode at a time. Justina Machado and Rita Moreno lead an outstanding and ever-improving cast of characters that make the show feel balanced.

Though Season 3 was its last on Netflix, fans everywhere are rejoicing as PopTV picked it up for a fourth season. Sometimes the universe does let us have nice things.

17. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend 

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend pulls off being a Musical Dramedy that subverts ridiculous romantic comedy tropes while telling authentic sotries about identity, recovery, sex, and mental health disorders via an authentiacally representative cast. 

We don’t deserve her. 

There will never be another show like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Like life, the show doesn’t have one main point that it wants to relay; it is a whole lot more nuanced than that. Rachel Bloom, the star, a songwriter, and an executive producer on the show has led a team of people to unearth visceral moments of life for the small screen. Presented in satirical songs, such as the bop “Don’t Be a Lawyer,” truth streams out from the show in delicious melodies. 

Over four seasons and 157 original songs, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has given us an unforgettable story that has changed us. This comedy is the perfect example of how TV is so much more than entertainment. Like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s accomplishments, it may be impossible to enumerate how it matters, but we know that this show will always SO be a big deal.

18. VEEP

Veep really is in a class all its own. Critically acclaimed, award-winning, and led by comedic powerhouse Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep shows us the cutthroat behind-the-scenes world of politics in all its ugly, chaotic glory.

A stellar cast portrays a crazy mix of characters that sling wickedly funny insults at each other, rapid-fire, and get into the most ridiculous situations. The seventh and final season brings Selina Meyer to the homestretch of her political career and follows those that she stepped on and fought with along the way.

Satisfying series finales can be hard to come by, but Veep delivers a masterful ending after a strong season.

19. Younger

TV Land’s veteran comedy Younger continues to be one of the sweetest delights cable has to offer in its sixth season. While there is no denying this show is fun, it continues to explore female-focused issues in an authentic way.

On Season 6, Charles has left Empirical to be with Liza but when he starts his own publishing company, viewers have to watch the couple battle each other professionally for the first time.

On a more serious note, Kelsey stepped down as head of Millenial because of a social media scandal and Liza struggled to say goodbye to Josh. Joy permeated the season too, thanks to Josh navigating parenthood and of course, Diana and Enzo’s wedding (which included Charles proposing to Liza).

We can’t wait to continue on this journey with Younger as they continue to put women and other diverse communities center stage.

20. Silicon Valley

After a dud, the final season of Silicon Valley really puts things back to its roots. Richard and Gavin Belson are at odds once more as Hooli starts to fall and Pied Piper starts to rise. Though Richard and company are starting to find success, it doesn’t change them.

In fact, their success leads to even more monumental screw-ups than before, which are embedded in the DNA of Silicon Valley. The final season reminds us of the greatness Silicon Valley once was, and shows us all again before its final departure.

Thanks for the laughs, guys. I’ll see you at next year’s RussFest.

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Well, that concludes our list of the Top 20 Comedies from 2019. What are we missing? Let us know in the comments!

*Additional contributions by: Esme Mazzeo, Mary Misasi, Erin Allen, and Janelle McCammack

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