7 off-beat comedic shows to binge for a laugh (and where to stream them!)

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of quirky TV shows and someone who has seen more than their fair share of rom-coms, I must say that the description of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” piqued my interest immediately! The idea of a musical comedy about an impulsive woman chasing after her childhood crush is right up my alley. Plus, who doesn’t love a good red flag?

I’ve noticed dramedies gradually dominating the scene, offering a mix of emotional depth and humor that keeps me coming back. While they might tug at your heartstrings or suddenly dive into more serious waters, they never fail to provide that much-needed laugh. And there’s one series on this list that may not be a traditional comedy, but it’s so hilarious, it’s hard to resist watching! Tune in for an enjoyable time!

Comedic shows to stream

The Great

“The Great” is an unconventional portrayal of Catherine’s life as Empress of Russia, starting from her arrival at Peter’s palace. In the initial season, Catherine finds herself in a challenging situation as she struggles to adapt to the alien court and reconcile with Peter and the nobility, who appear determined to thwart her aspirations for a harmonious marriage and her ambitions for Russia’s advancement.

19-year-old Elle Fanning delivers a remarkable performance as a wise and captivating monarch whose insights are often disregarded by her husband and court. Meanwhile, Nicholas Hoult leaves an indelible impression playing Peter, a complex character who is both narcissistic and charismatic, yet insecure about not matching up to his father’s legacy, which leads him into a senseless conflict with the Swedes – a man torn between his hedonistic pleasures and deep-seated insecurities.

Season 1 follows Catherine’s wide-eyed exploration of the new world she finds herself in, and her increasing realization that if she wishes to reform Russia, she may have to eliminate Peter and claim the throne. Although it might seem grim, initially, Catherine only has her bitter yet astute servant, Marial (played by Phoebe Fox), to guide her. However, Marial has her own motives; she aims to regain her position as a lady of the court, and in doing so, she is ready to exact revenge on those who once were her adversaries.

Stream all three seasons on Hulu.

The Diplomat

In a more contemporary political context, “The Diplomat” shares a similar irreverent tone as “The Great,” but without the satirical elements. Led by Keri Russell, this series delves into political intrigue as she portrays Kate Wyler, who has been elevated to the position of Ambassador to Britain, a role she’s reluctant to assume. Despite appearing unrelated to the other entries on this list, give it a chance!

Initially planned to travel to Kabul, Kate found herself assigned with the responsibility of preventing a potential World War III following a terrorist attack on British military forces. Despite her straightforward nature, she’s being asked to assume various roles, act at the President’s discretion, and essentially manage a Prime Minister who is determined for revenge.

How is she managing everything? She’s not doing great, particularly with the emotional side of things. Interestingly, Kate’s husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), another diplomat accustomed to the limelight, has accompanied her. However, it appears that he struggles with taking a backseat role. An argument between them escalates to a point where Kate, in a fit of anger, lashes out at him like a wild creature on a verdant field.

A subtle, yet amusing dryness pervades “The Diplomat,”, making it an unexpectedly enjoyable watch that keeps you guessing. In my opinion, this is the most humorously engaging political drama I’ve ever seen, and its clever wit will captivate viewers just as effectively as its gripping plotline.

Stream on Netflix.

The Good Place

8 years have passed since “The Good Place” graced our screens, and I’m still blown away by this comedy’s incredible accomplishments. This show spins an engaging tale around the intriguing concept: what if you ended up in paradise after living a less-than-perfect life, only to realize there must have been some kind of mistake somewhere?

Eleanor Shellstrop, portrayed by Kristen Bell, is an individual who seemingly doesn’t belong in the Good Place, yet she refuses to acknowledge this truth. Instead, she decides to blend in rather than stand out, and enlists her ethical soulmate Chidi Anagonye (William Jackson Harper), a scholar of moral philosophy, to instruct her on how to improve herself. However, things never run smoothly for Eleanor.

Fundamentally, “The Good Place” delves into and dissects the essence of being ‘good’, determining who we assign this term to, and the motivations behind it. Amidst a rule against swearing (which sparks creative attempts at profanity), and exploring the perks of this Heavenly abode, Eleanor discovers more about herself, her growing circle of friends, and the distinction between performing good acts for appearances and genuinely wanting to aid others.

This comedy is as heartfelt as it is funny and weird as well.

Stream on Netflix.

Jane the Virgin

As a longtime fan of telenovelas, having grown up watching them every day after school, I must say that Jane the Virgin is a hidden gem among CW shows. It captures the essence and emotion of these Spanish soap operas, but with a modern twist. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, think of it as a soap opera on steroids. The storylines are outrageous, filled with comedic and impossible situations that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief. And let me tell you, the premise for Jane the Virgin is absolutely bonkers! But don’t let that deter you – it’s a must-watch for any fan of telenovelas or anyone looking for a fun and entertaining series to binge on.

20-something aspiring writer Jane Villanueva, played by Gina Rodriguez, is joyful and in love with her boyfriend Michael (Brett Dier), a police officer they met on her birthday. She is also saving herself for marriage. However, during a routine checkup, she gets pregnant unintentionally when the doctor mistakenly inseminated her instead of another patient. The baby’s father turns out to be Rafael Solano (Justin Baldoni), the owner of Marbello hotel where Jane works and with whom she had a brief romantic past at 18 years old. This situation is quite intricate, isn’t it? Indeed, it is!

As a gamer putting on my telenovela-loving hat, I’d say this series, Jane the Virgin, delves deep into the heart of family, focusing on the unbreakable bond shared by Jane, her mom Xo (Andrea Navedo), and her grandma Alba (Ivonne Coll). It’s a delightful mix of romance, heartwarming moments, and gut-busting humor that keeps me coming back for more. Each episode leaves you yearning for the next one!

Stream on Netflix (leaving the streamer on Sept. 5)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Have you ever found yourself taking an action that was overly dramatic in the name of love, similar to Rebecca Bunch’s situation? This character, played by show creator Rachel Bloom, is a successful lawyer who gives up her city life to chase after her summer camp sweetheart, Josh Chan (Vincent Rodriguez III), all the way to West Covina, California. It’s important to note that their relationship had only just begun in adolescence, but her vivid recollections of their brief time together lead her to make an impulsive choice – moving across the country.

Absolutely, you’re right on the money! Rebecca in this satirical musical comedy, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” is more like a warning sign personified, as she navigates her attempts to rekindle a relationship with Josh. This show not only humorously explores Rebecca’s imperfections but also delves into their roots. It’s important to note that Rebecca’s character development unfolds gradually, and at times, her actions might seem startling, but stick with it and enjoy the catchy tunes along the way. In other words, this unique TV series demonstrates the potential for brilliant television when unusual concepts are given a chance to flourish.

Stream on Netflix (leaving the streamer on Sept. 5)

Jury Duty

It turned out to be a delightful surprise for me to discover Jury Duty. I wasn’t expecting much from a reality hoax sitcom, but Ronald Gladden, the only cast member who didn’t know it was all staged, truly makes the show. He’s genuinely kind and takes the effort to connect with people. His perspective on others’ actions is also forgiving, as he watches the antics unfold.

In this drama, similar to the other jurors, they have been isolated during the trial, bringing them even closer together and strengthening their relationships. The stakes are raised occasionally to observe how Ronald behaves in various situations, but his kindness shines through as he genuinely wants to assist. This series is filled with humor, absurd situations, and James Marsden portraying the most self-absorbed man in Hollywood who craves recognition for his acting talents. It’s a fantastic, captivating watch.

Stream on Freevee.

The Bear

As someone who’s been a fan of comedies and dramas alike for quite some time now, I must admit that my interest was initially piqued by the hype surrounding this show, The Bear. However, having watched both seasons, I can confidently say that it’s not just another hyped-up series. The first two seasons masterfully blend comedy and drama in a way that resonates deeply with me.

In this rendition, we encounter Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, who’s managing their family-owned eatery, The Beef. The culinary experience here falls short of what he’s accustomed to, given his expertise in haute cuisine and past experiences at some of the industry’s most prestigious and upscale restaurants. The situation at The Beef is nothing less than pandemonium. People are resistant to any changes since Carmy’s brother Mikey’s demise, preferring to maintain the old ways.

Managing the restaurant on a daily basis is incredibly stressful, capital ‘S’, especially for Carmy who’s grappling with personal issues from the trauma he endured under an abusive chef. Despite the seriousness, the show finds humor in the characters’ interactions. They engage in petty squabbles, heated confrontations filled with profanity, power struggles over seemingly trivial matters like plating, and of course, the food.

The Bear showcases an unique blend of humor and heart, all while delving into themes of family and the journey towards healing from past traumas. It’s no wonder why it’s frequently suggested as a must-see.

Stream on Hulu.

2024-08-22 18:24