The Best Sitcoms on Netflix Right Now (August 2023)

Creators: Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher

Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet

There was a time when shows centering on teens focused on mostly white teenagers — Never Have I Ever is here to shake up the status quo. Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) tries to get her life back on track after the traumatic loss of her father. She decides to go all-in on the high school experience, including finding a boyfriend. That’s easier said than done. This show is a delight because it brings a whole new perspective to high school; one we’ve rarely (never?) seen before on television. The main cast is extremely diverse, but the creators don’t underplay the importance of bringing to life the dynamics and variety of South Asian families. The comedy is the best part, but it’s well-balanced with some of the more dramatic and emotional moments in the show. The show has gone a long way to break stereotypes of Indian families, and Netflix has thankfully given the creators more than one season to develop the characters. – Monita Mohan

Creator: Silvio Horta, Fernando Gaitán

Cast: America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Tony Plana, Ana Ortiz, Becki Newton

Ugly Betty is the American adaptation of the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea created by Fernando Gaitán. This cult classic comedy is six seasons of family fun and fashion starring the amazingly talented America Ferrera (Superstore) as the titular Betty, who gets a heavily sought-after position at a fashion magazine despite her awful style and awkward social skills. However, even though the show’s title and many characters throughout call her ugly, Betty is filled with a beautifully unbreakable spirit. Throughout the run of the series, Ferrera is joined by a top-tier supporting cast, including Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives), Tony Plana (Mayans M.C.), and Ana Ortiz (Devious Maids). – Tauri Miller

Creator: Mitchell Hurwitz

Cast: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat

Arrested Development is an Emmy-winning comedy with such a big cult following that not even cancellation could kill it. This show walked so series like Succession and The Righteous Gemstones could run, yet it still manages to be just as funny as these recent comedies despite premiering 20 years ago. For those unfamiliar, this handheld reality-style sitcom follows the dysfunctionally wealthy Bluth family as the adult children struggle to keep their accounts in order after their father is arrested for “light treason.” The main force that keeps this comedy yacht afloat is the cast of quirky characters led by ​​Jason Bateman (Ozark), Portia de Rossi (Scandal), Will Arnett (BoJack Horseman), and the late, great Jessica Walter (Archer). – Tauri Miller

Creators: Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, Victor Fresco

Cast: Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, Sian Clifford, Aaron Branch

Unstable is a hilarious sitcom created by Victor Fresco, along with stars Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe. Unstable centers on a fractured relationship between a charming and eccentric biotech genius and his overshadowed son, who attempts to salvage his father’s sanity — as well as save his company. Focusing on the genuine connection and familiarity of the Lowes, which absolutely bursts from the screen, Unstable sets a foundation of heart beneath humorous dialogue and quick, witty quips. Featuring talent like Sian Clifford, Aaron Branch, and Saturday Night Live alum Fred Armisen, Unstable walks the line between funny and cute. – Yael Tygiel

Creator: Bonnie Turner, Lindsey Turner, Gregg Mettler

Cast: Callie Haverda, Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel

Bonnie Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler welcome audiences back to Point Place, WI, in That ‘90s Show, a sequel series and continuation of the hit broadcast comedy That ’70s Show. Reprising their roles as Kitty and Red Forman from the original series are actors Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, this time ushering a new generation of teens, including their granddaughter Leia Forman (Callie Haverda). Although featuring cameo appearances from That ‘70s Show cast members Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher, That ‘90s Show isn’t just a showcase for alumni — the new comedy provides the same humor and heart as the original sitcom. – Yael Tygiel

Creators: Regina Y. Hicks, Wanda Sykes

Cast: Wanda Sykes, Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Diamond Lyons

The Upshaws was co-created by Regina Y. Hicks with Wanda Sykes (Monster in Law), who also stars in the family comedy along with Mike Epps (The Hangover) and Kim Fields. The Upshaws centers on a Black blue-collar family living in Indiana and their handling of real issues, like raising children and ending generational trauma. With a deeply clever approach to sitcoms, The Upshaws explores the nuances of navigating modern society, adapting and overcoming conventional tropes and expectations. With a solid cast and authentic storytelling, The Upshaws successfully provides good vibes through genuine heart. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, Madeleine Arthur, J.B. Smoove

A workplace comedy starring the hilarious Randall Park (WandaVision), Blockbuster comes from the mind of Vanessa Ramos (Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Set in the fictional last-standing Blockbuster video store, Blockbuster explores the gumption of these employees, desperate to keep the doors open for the failing business. Supporting Park, who plays the store manager, is a staff made of equally talented actors and comedians, including Melissa Fumero and Olga Merediz, who were both on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and J.B. Smoove (Harley Quinn) as the strip mall landlord. Disappointedly panned by critics, Blockbuster is an underrated sitcom about an underrated video store. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Kevin James, Jillian Mueller, Freddie Stroma

The Crew is a short-lived comedy series starring Kevin James (Grown Ups) as a NASCAR crew chief who attempts to keep things together when the racing team’s owner retires, allowing his Ivy League daughter to take over. Created by experienced sitcom writer and producer Jeff Lowell (Two and a Half Men), The Crew focuses on found family and workplace humor to liven up its 10 episodes, with a charming variety of personalities allowing audiences from all walks of life to find at least one character they can relate to. With James’ experience leading sitcoms, including The King of Queens, it’s surprising The Crew did not last more than one season. – Yael Tygiel

Created by: Heather Wordham

Cast: Paris Berelc, Isabel May, Jolie Jenkins, Emery Kelly

Alexa & Katie is one of those rare finds that the whole family can truly enjoy. Though it won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2018, the show has surprisingly sophisticated humor and gives its adult characters (including Saved By the Bell’s Tiffani Thiessen) some great, relatable storylines of their own. Even its teen characters deal with serious, relevant topics in a way that’s palatable for a younger audience. At its core, the show is about Alexa (Paris Berelc), who discovers she has cancer right before her freshman year. She, along with her best friend Katie (Isabel May), navigates her illness, as well as a slew of relatable coming-of-age problems like part-time jobs and extracurriculars. As heartwarming as it is humorous, Alexa & Katie is an underrated gem worth watching – Taylor Gates

Created by: Jack Dolgen, Doug Mand

Cast: Emily Osment, Gregg Sulkin, Olivia Macklin

Pretty Smart is an underrated gem about a Harvard-educated aspiring novelist who’s forced to move in with her bubbly, carefree sister and her eccentric roommates. Though the group of them couldn’t be more different, over time, they form an unexpected friendship, supporting each other through the ups and downs of being a young adult trying to figure things out. Equally silly and sweet, Pretty Smart is a fun, breezy watch. – Taylor Gates

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa

Educational without being preachy, funny without being too goofy, and serious when the story demands it without being overly melodramatic, Sex Education stands out from other contemporary teen shows. Asa Butterfield stars as the nerdy Otis, who is terrified of sex, but nonetheless uses the knowledge obtained from his mother, sex therapist Jean Milburn (Anderson), to open an impromptu clinic at his school with the local outcast, Maeve (Mackey). With a cast of charming characters, from strict headmaster Groff (Alistair Petrie) to cooky aspiring erotica writer Lily (Tanya Reynolds), the show captivates viewers, using its stories to debunk numerous myths and misconceptions regarding sex, gender, and sexuality one by one. It’s a must-watch both for its great storytelling and for the effort it puts into forwarding important conversations that might help make the world a more understanding place. – Elisa Guimarães

Creator: Elizabeth Meriwether

Cast: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield

A fan-favorite from the 2010s, New Girl is a fun, quirky show about a young woman who moves in with three guys after a bad breakup. Set in Los Angeles, the seven-season series features an ensemble cast headlined by Zooey Deschanel as the titular “New Girl”, Jessica “Jess” Day. The series aired on Fox from 2011 to 2018 and became a beloved and critically acclaimed show within that time.

When the show begins, Jess is a bubbly, adorkable teacher who catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman and leaves to find somewhere new to live. One Craigslist ad later, she meets Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.) and moves into their loft. Winston (Lamorne Morris) replaces Coach as one of the roommates immediately after the pilot and many more characters come and go, including Jess’s best friend and fashion model Cece (Hannah Simone). There’s plenty of adventure and a lot of laughs as this crazy band of people explore life in their thirties, growing as individuals and a group in the process.

Creator: Ins Choi and Kevin White

Cast: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu

This Canadian sitcom is a feel-good family story revolving around the lives of the Korean-Canadian Kim family. The Kims own and run a convenience store in Toronto’s Moss Park neighborhood. Granted, Kim’s Convenience has its problems, but it has had mostly positive reactions from critics and fans throughout its five-season run.

Mr. Sang-il Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Mrs. Yong-mi Kim (Jean Yoon) are strict traditional parents who were teachers in their homeland. Mr. Kim has a strained relationship with his rebellious son Jung (Simu Liu) while Mrs. Kim keeps interfering in the lives of Jung and his sister Janet (Andrea Bang). It’s an entertaining show with interesting characters and relationships.

Cast: Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, Sarah Baker

Chuck Lorre is one of the biggest names in the world of sitcoms, producing massive hits like Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory. However, The Kominsky Method is a very different kind of show that might just be his best work yet. With a star-studded ensemble cast and three critically acclaimed seasons, this dark dramedy perfectly balances humor and serious slice-of-life situations.

Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas) is an aging acting coach who has trained many great stars but has never managed to achieve stardom himself. The show follows his adventures, coping with old age, mortality, and the existential dread that comes with knowing your best days may be behind you. Together with his snarky agent and best friend Norman Newlander (Alan Arkin), Sandy tries to make sense of his life, even as he feels it coming ever closer to the end. The series as a whole is a beautiful, poignant, and utterly hilarious portrait of a deeply flawed man.

Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Brigette Lundy-Paine

Following the life of Sam Gardner, a teen on the autistic spectrum, Atypical is an acclaimed Netflix Original comedy. Starring Keir Gilchrist as Sam, the series revolves around the Gardner family and the way they navigate their lives.

Over the course of four seasons, Sam explores the world of dating, love, and relationships. There’s pain there, of course, but also some really great moments, and he does manage to grow along the journey. Meanwhile his overprotective mom Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and his father Doug (Michael Rapaport) deal with their own relationship issues. And Sam’s sister Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) has her own story as she learns to balance her protectiveness for Sam with living her own life.

The show faced some criticism early on for not having actors or writers who are themselves on the autistic spectrum but this was rectified starting in the second season. Since then, the series has had a great run on the streaming service, and it premiered its fourth and final season on July 9, 2021.

Creator: Greg Daniels and Steve Carell

Cast: Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers

Space Force is not everyone’s cup of tea. The show has had rather mixed reviews but it is a hilarious watch if you’re into satire and workplace comedy. Halfway between The Office and M*A*S*H, the series pokes fun at generals, politicians, and, of course, former President Donald Trump. Driven by its characters, Space Force has just as much heart as it has humor.

The show follows the life of newly-minted General Mark R. Naird (Steve Carell), who has the unenviable responsibility of heading up the United States Space Force. With a mission to put “boots on the Moon” by 2024, Mark tried to make the best of a bad situation with varying degrees of success. Aided and constantly criticized by his chief scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich), Mark sets about his job while also trying to manage a teenage daughter, an incarcerated wife, and the frustrating orders that he gets from the man in the White House.

Creator: Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris

Cast: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen

This acclaimed comedy series follows retired cosmetics mogul Grace Hanson (Jane Fonda) and her quirky friend Frankie Bergstein (Lily Tomlin). When their husbands announce that they are gay, in love with each other, and leaving their wives, Grace and Frankie are forced to live together. Together these two women experience wacky adventures, family drama, medical scares, business ventures, and romantic turmoil, becoming best friends along the way. The show has received Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.

Creator: Catherine Reitman

Cast: Catherine Reitman, Jessalyn Wanlim, Dani Kind, Juno Rinaldi

Workin’ Moms is a Canadian sitcom that follows the misadventures of a group of working mothers. Created, executive produced, written by, and starring Catherine Reitman, the show has received a lot of praise and been nominated for a lot of awards.

PR executive Kate Foster (Reitman), psychiatrist Anne Carlson (Dani Kind), real estate agent Frankie Coyne (Juno Rinaldi), and IT specialist Jenny Matthews (Jessalyn Wanlim) are all part of the same mommy-and-me group. Over the course of the show, they try to raise their children, maintain their sometimes-turbulent relationships, and further their careers. It’s raunchy at times and very real in some of the issues it presents.

Cast: Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber

A sequel to the classic sitcom Full House that ran from 1987 to 1995, Fuller House is a Netflix Original with a massive cast of talent. Most of the actors from the original show have reprised their roles on this five-season revival, except for Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Fuller House focuses on D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) who moves back into her childhood home with her father Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) after her husband unexpectedly dies. But when Danny has to move for work, D.J. is forced to enlist her sister Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and her best friend Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) to help raise D.J.’s three sons. The show’s first season was rather poorly received but the quality did pick up in later seasons. Fuller House ended its run on June 2, 2020.

Creator: Tina Fey and Robert Carlock

Cast: Ellie Kemper, Carol Kane, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski

Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) spent fifteen years as a captive of a doomsday cult but after she’s rescued and liberated, Kimmy embarks on her greatest adventure yet: starting a new life in New York City. She befriends a number of people including her landlady Lillian Kaushtupper (Carol Kane), her roommate Titus (Tituss Burgess), and Manhattan socialite Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski).

With multiple award nominations and very positive reactions from both critics and fans, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is one of the most popular comedy shows on Netflix. The show has some brilliant humor and a lot of heart. The series had a four-season run that ended on January 25, 2019. An interactive special titled Kimmy vs. the Reverend was released on Netflix on May 12, 2020.