Comedy Shows Are So Back: Overcompensating, Adults & Hacks

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Back in the day, sitcoms seemed to be the heart of popular culture. Shows such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “New Girl,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Modern Family,” “Community” and “The Big Bang Theory” pretty much set the standard for what we called comfort TV.

However, comedy took a back seat over the past few years, giving way to intense dramas or true crime series. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how much I missed a good laugh from something more substantial. These new shows have been a breath of fresh air and reminded me just how delightful it is to chuckle while still enjoying quality content.

A New Generation Of Writers

A notable instance of this transformation is the creation and starring role of “Overcompensating” by Benito Skinner. Although not belonging to Generation Z himself, Skinner seems to be writing from his own experiences. The show resonates so vividly because it’s authentic. In essence, Benito Skinner is portraying a character that resembles his younger self, dealing with issues like identity, college life, and more.

The honesty and self awareness is part of what makes the show so good. It’s not trying to guess what younger people relate to, it just is relatable, because it comes from someone who’s lived it.

Overcompensating

Overcompensating, which premiered on Prime Video in May, swiftly became a hit among online viewers. The series focuses on a former high school football player who starts to ponder his identity and sexuality during his college years. Despite being over-the-top at times, that’s what makes it entertaining. It’s clear that the show is fully aware of its own nature and doesn’t try to be something it’s not.

This series was absolutely hilarious! The acting talent is top-notch, with the addition of comedians in key roles adding to its charm. The comedic delivery was spot-on, particularly Holmes’ performance that had me rolling with laughter. The humor felt organic rather than forced, which I appreciated. It gained popularity online quickly, and fans are already eager for season two. Personally, I found it immensely entertaining, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a refreshing lack of pretentiousness.

Adults

Initially, I wasn’t sure about the new series “Adults”, but it grew on me with each episode to become something I truly appreciate. At first, it didn’t quite hook me, but as the story unfolded, I found myself drawn in and even loving it. It offers a clever and hilarious perspective on navigating your mid-twenties – full of uncertainty, financial struggles, and learning from mistakes.

There are moments that resonate deeply, and others that will make you laugh out loud. The humor has a distinct feel, reminiscent of early Ryan Murphy shows like “Glee” and “Scream Queens”. In fact, at one point they even reference “Glee”, which seemed perfectly fitting.

Many have been comparing “Adults” to “New Girl” or “How I Met Your Mother”, and I can understand why – it’s a comedy about a group of friends navigating life together post-college.

Hacks

The series “Hacks” has been around for some time now, beginning in 2021, but I’ve just recently started watching it and I can’t get enough. It centers on Deborah Vance, a renowned stand-up comedian, who finds herself working with Ava, a young, outspoken writer who faced backlash on Twitter and is running out of alternatives.

The series “Hacks” stands apart from shows like “Overcompensating” and “Adults”. While it maintains the same level of comedy, it’s more nuanced and grounded. The humor is witty, the characters seem authentic, and I find the writing remarkably similar to Lena Dunham’s “Girls”, a show renowned for its exceptional writing. If you’re in your twenties and haven’t seen “Girls”, I highly recommend it.

What I admire about “Hacks” is that it doesn’t resort to loudness or drama to convey its message. Instead, it delves into themes of generational conflict, ambition, failure, reinvention, all presented with sharp wit and profound emotional resonance. It’s funny, but it also catches you off guard in unexpected moments.

Final Thoughts

Indeed, comedies have remained vibrant and entertaining, boasting some outstanding examples in recent times such as “Good Girls” on Netflix, “Young Sheldon”, and my personal pick, “Abbott Elementary”. Even the much-missed “How I Met Your Father” offered a hilarious take on a classic concept. Nevertheless, it seemed that more somber and dramatic content was prevalent. Shows like “Stranger Things”, “You”, or any trending True Crime documentary dominated the scene.

However, the emergence of fresh comedy shows that are not only amusing but also offer a unique point of view and voice is incredibly refreshing.

What do you think?

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2025-06-06 00:10