12 Near-Perfect 2010s Sitcoms That Are Worth Rewatching Today

Comedy on television in the 2010s changed significantly. While traditional networks still played a big role, streaming services began to have a growing impact. Sitcoms evolved from the classic style of the early 2000s into something more focused on characters and better suited for streaming, which became the defining characteristic of comedy in the 2010s.

A major trend in television was the growing popularity of ‘hangout sitcoms.’ Shows such as The Big Bang Theory and New Girl focused more on the relationships between characters and creating a cozy viewing experience than on complicated storylines. These shows were designed to be re-watched, often included recurring jokes and references, and emphasized the idea of characters becoming like a family to each other.

I’ve noticed a real shift in comedy lately, especially from the 2010s. Shows started getting smarter, you know? It wasn’t just about jokes anymore. Things like The Good Place, Fleabag, and Atlanta really blew me away – they weren’t afraid to tell stories that unfolded over an entire season, play with how the show itself was made, and even mix in elements of drama or other genres. It all added up to characters I really cared about and stories that actually meant something.

Just because a sitcom was hugely popular doesn’t mean it’s the best. The shows we enjoy watching over and over again skillfully combine a cozy, familiar feeling with clever writing and acting. They make revisiting them a pleasure, like returning to a comfortable and well-developed world, rather than just repeating the same jokes.

Here’s a look at some of the best sitcoms from the 2010s, including both popular favorites and lesser-known shows that are worth checking out. The truly great sitcoms from this decade aren’t just products of their time – they’re still funny and enjoyable to watch years later.

Wilfred (2011-2014)

Wilfred was a uniquely oddball show from the early 2010s. It wasn’t designed to be popular with everyone, and that’s actually what made it so appealing. Actor Elijah Wood continued to choose interesting and unusual roles by starring in this American adaptation of an Australian series.

Viggo Mortensen stars as a man struggling with depression who finds an unlikely friend in his neighbor’s dog. However, he uniquely believes the dog is actually a man in disguise, capable of talking and causing trouble. Despite the bizarre setup, the series explores themes of loneliness, mental illness, and feeling disconnected from reality with surprising honesty.

The comedy series Wilfred surprisingly lasted four seasons, giving us 49 episodes to enjoy. If you like shows like BoJack Horseman or Barry, it’s worth checking out Wilfred for its unique blend of awkwardness and dark humor.

The Last Man On Earth (2015-2018)

The show The Last Man on Earth surprisingly foreshadowed real-life events. It began in 2015, but was set in late 2020, after a virus had wiped out most of the world – and even included a reference to Tom Hanks being one of the first famous people to get sick. However, the show quickly became less about the initial disaster and more about loneliness and the importance of connection with others.

I absolutely loved The Last Man on Earth! It’s this hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming show created by and starring Will Forte, who plays Phil, a really messed-up but ultimately good-hearted guy trying to turn his life around, even after everything’s gone wrong. January Jones is fantastic in it too – totally different from her role in Mad Men! It started as a midseason replacement on Fox and somehow lasted four seasons. Honestly, it’s a really easy show to get into, even if you’re not usually into post-apocalyptic stuff. It’s just a funny, clever comedy at its core.

Future Man (2017-2020)

Future Man is a hilarious and original comedy about time travel, brought to you by the team behind Superbad (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg). Josh Hutcherson plays a janitor who’s surprisingly good at video games, and that talent unexpectedly leads him on a mission to protect the future – a mission that’s full of twists and turns.

Each season of the show feels like a completely different type of comedy, changing locations but always staying funny. Future Man stands out as one of the few sitcoms that successfully incorporates time travel, leaning into the wildness of sci-fi while still focusing on its characters and their humor. Despite all the craziness, the show has genuine emotional depth, particularly in the journey of Josh Hutcherson’s character as he struggles with who he is and who he wants to be.

American Vandal (2017-2018)

American Vandal is a clever and often overlooked comedy on Netflix. It playfully imitates popular true crime documentaries like Making a Murderer and Serial. The show is presented as a realistic mockumentary, following high school students as they seriously investigate silly, yet surprisingly important, pranks – treating them as if they were major crimes.

The show cleverly mixes silly humor with genuinely touching character development. While it never achieved widespread popularity, it gained a dedicated fanbase over its two seasons and proves how strong satire can make even a basic idea really shine.

Community (2009-2015)

Community is a beloved and influential sitcom from the 2010s, and many consider it one of the best of recent years. Its clever humor and constant jokes—including visual gags, quick lines, and parodies of different TV genres—make it incredibly rewatchable, as you’ll notice something new each time.

The sitcom Community, created by Dan Harmon, is known for its innovative and unconventional style, but it always stays grounded in the relationships between the quirky students in a community college study group. The show launched the careers of now-famous actors like Donald Glover, Alison Brie, and Danny Pudi, and has had a significant impact on television and music.

Speechless (2016-2019)

Speechless is a surprisingly wonderful show that centers on a typical American family navigating life’s challenges. What makes it unique is that their oldest son has cerebral palsy and communicates using a special board, requiring him to use a wheelchair. However, the show doesn’t focus on his disability as a central ‘lesson’ – instead, it seamlessly blends it into the family’s quick-witted humor and realistic, sometimes chaotic, relationships.

The show really shines thanks to its excellent acting, particularly Minnie Driver, who powerfully portrays a mother fiercely dedicated to her son and holding everything together at home. While the comedy is witty and sometimes a bit wild, the show’s true strength is its genuine and relatable portrayal of family life. It’s actually funnier, more heartwarming, and more down-to-earth than you might expect.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2019)

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is designed to be watched quickly, with snappy dialogue and lots of jokes – it’s perfect for binge-watching on Netflix. The show centers around Kimmy Schmidt (played by Ellie Kemper), a 29-year-old woman who’s learning to live life again after being rescued from a doomsday cult where she was held captive for 15 years.

Ellie Kemper is bubbly and fully invested in her role as Kimmy, and she holds the show together even with such a talented comedic cast around her. Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the team behind 30 Rock, the show is cleverly written and rewards multiple viewings, as you’ll notice more jokes and running gags each time you watch.

The Good Place (2016-2020)

The Good Place is a truly special comedy – a rare example of a high-concept show done brilliantly. Created by Michael Schur, it cleverly mixes philosophy, ethics, and humor in a way that’s both easy to understand and surprisingly thought-provoking. What starts as a simple idea constantly evolves, eventually becoming a carefully planned and meaningful story.

The Good Place is a show that gets even better when you watch it again. Knowing how the story unfolds makes earlier moments and jokes feel completely different. Kristen Bell and Ted Danson were fantastic, bringing a perfect mix of humor and heart to their roles. It’s a rare comedy where rewatching isn’t just enjoyable – it actually enhances the experience.

Galavant (2015-2016)

Galavant is a hilarious and clever musical comedy that didn’t get enough attention. Created by the same person who made This Is Us, it’s a funny take on classic fairy tales, with catchy Broadway-style songs and a witty sense of humor. The show follows a knight trying to reclaim his true love in a medieval world.

What makes this series special is its dedication to fully embracing its musical nature. The songs aren’t just added in – they’re a key part of telling the story, with big, elaborate numbers. The music is by Alan Menken, a legendary Disney composer, which gives the show a surprisingly high level of quality. It’s fast-paced, witty, and consistently delightful, making Galavant a great choice for anyone who loves fantasy series.

Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Parks and Recreation is a consistently cheerful and optimistic comedy—without becoming overly sweet—which makes it incredibly enjoyable to watch again and again. The show begins by focusing on the Parks Department in Pawnee, but it expands into a hilarious ensemble comedy, thanks to its clever writing and the realistic way its characters develop over time.

The show’s popularity stems from its clever, well-written scripts and a talented cast who truly understand their characters – and are encouraged to add their own creative touches. At its best, it expertly mixes hilarious workplace situations with heartwarming moments. It was a hit when it first aired and continues to gain fans, and it’s easy to see why.

2026-04-25 18:22