The 10 Most Binge-worthy TV Comedies of 2025 So Far

In the vast, ever-churning ocean of content that is modern television, comedy has become our most essential lifeboat. In a world that often feels overwhelmingly serious, a great comedy series is more than just a half-hour of escapism; it's a vital source of connection, catharsis, and pure, unadulterated joy. As we navigate 2025, the landscape of television comedy is more diverse, innovative, and emotionally resonant than ever before. The traditional, laugh-track-laden sitcom of yesteryear has given way to a thrillingly eclectic mix of styles and tones, a shift that is clearly reflected in the shows that capture the cultural zeitgeist on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest.

The trends of the moment tell a fascinating story about what we want from our comedies. The "Sad-Com" continues its evolution, with audiences craving shows that brilliantly blend laugh-out-loud humor with a profound, often melancholic, exploration of the human condition. At the same time, there's a powerful nostalgic pull towards the comfort of the "Hangout" Sitcom, a desire to simply spend time with a charming, funny ensemble cast. High-Concept & Genre-Bending Comedies are thriving, mashing up humor with sci-fi, horror, and mystery to create truly unique viewing experiences. And the demand for comedies led by Brutally Honest & Relatable Female Voices remains a powerful force, continuing the incredible legacy of the game-changing shows of the last decade.

This list is your definitive guide to the comedies that are defining 2025. It's a curated collection of the ten most acclaimed, talked-about, and utterly binge-worthy comedy series of the year so far. These are the shows that are not only making us laugh but are also moving us, challenging us, and perfectly capturing the strange, funny, and beautiful chaos of modern life.

10. Animal Control (Season 3) - Fox

In an era dominated by high-concept streaming shows, a truly great network sitcom that can deliver consistent, broad laughs is a rare and precious thing. Animal Control, starring the perpetually hilarious Joel McHale, has solidified its place as one of the best workplace comedies on television. The series follows a group of beleaguered animal control officers in Seattle, led by the cynical but secretly soft-hearted Frank (McHale). The 2025 season continues to mine comedic gold from the absurd, chaotic, and often disgusting situations that arise when humans and wildlife collide in an urban environment.

The show's genius lies in its perfect execution of a classic formula: a lovable, quirky ensemble cast in a workplace that guarantees a new, ridiculous problem every week. From rogue emus on the loose to delicate raccoon-in-a-vending-machine extractions, the animal-of-the-week premise provides an endless well of hilarious scenarios. But the heart of the show is the chemistry of its cast. Frank's jaded commentary, Shred's wide-eyed optimism, and Patel's bizarre non-sequiturs create a fantastic "hangout" vibe that taps directly into the current trend for comforting, character-driven sitcoms. It’s a consistently funny, easy-to-watch, and surprisingly heartwarming show that proves the traditional sitcom is far from dead. The ensemble dynamic is a joy to watch, a quality shared by many great comedies, including some of the best Eddie Murphy movies.

Stream Animal Control now on Hulu.

External Link: You can see reviews and episode guides for Animal Control on Rotten Tomatoes.

9. Harley Quinn (Season 5) - Max

Five seasons in, Harley Quinn remains the most brilliantly unhinged, hilariously profane, and surprisingly heartfelt superhero show on television. This adult animated series continues to follow the chaotic adventures of Harley (voiced by Kaley Cuoco) and her girlfriend, Poison Ivy (Lake Bell), as they navigate the criminal underworld of Gotham City and their own evolving relationship. The 2025 season sees the duo attempting to balance their new roles as members of the Bat-Family with their inherently chaotic and villainous impulses, a conflict that provides endless comedic and dramatic possibilities.

The show is a masterclass in satire, gleefully skewering the darkest corners of the DC universe while also crafting a genuinely moving and supportive central romance. The voice cast is phenomenal, with a roster of comedic talent bringing to life a bizarre and wonderful collection of D-list villains. The show's binge-worthiness comes from its breakneck pacing, its shocking (and often gory) sight gags, and its incredibly witty, pop-culture-savvy writing. It’s a show that manages to be both a loving tribute and a complete deconstruction of the superhero genre. The show's smart, self-aware take on a massive franchise is a quality shared by some of the greatest MCU masterpieces.

Stream Harley Quinn now on Max.

8. Shrinking (Season 2) - Apple TV+

From the creative minds behind Ted Lasso, Shrinking continues to be one of the most heartwarming and emotionally intelligent comedies on television. The series stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a therapist who, after the death of his wife, decides to throw out his training and ethical code and start telling his patients exactly what he thinks. This radical, chaotic approach to therapy creates a ripple effect that changes the lives of his patients, his colleagues, and himself. The 2025 season delves deeper into the consequences of Jimmy’s actions, all while he continues to navigate his own profound grief and his relationship with his teenage daughter.

The show perfectly embodies the evolution of the "sad-com." It is a genuinely hilarious series, filled with witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments, thanks in large part to a scene-stealing, career-best performance from Harrison Ford as Jimmy's grumpy but caring mentor. But beneath the laughs is a deeply moving and honest exploration of grief, friendship, and the messy, complicated process of healing. It’s a show that wears its heart on its sleeve, a beautiful and life-affirming series that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. It's a show that will stay with you, much like a great HBO drama.

Stream Shrinking now on Apple TV+.

7. Platonic (Season 2) - Apple TV+

Another gem from Apple TV+, Platonic was a breakout hit that brilliantly explored a simple but rarely seen premise: can men and women be just friends in adulthood? The series reunites Neighbors co-stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as Will and Sylvia, two former best friends who reconnect in their forties after Will gets a divorce. Their chaotic, co-dependent, and strictly platonic friendship hilariously upends their respective lives. The 2025 season continues to explore this delightful friendship, proving that a relationship doesn't need romantic tension to be compelling.

The show is a masterclass in chemistry. Rogen and Byrne are absolutely electric together, their easy, lived-in banter feeling completely authentic. The series is a hilarious and often painfully relatable look at the challenges of mid-life, from parenting and career anxieties to the simple, joyous act of cutting loose with the one person who truly gets you. It taps into a powerful, nostalgic trend for the classic "hangout" comedy, a show where the main pleasure is simply spending time with its incredibly charming and funny characters. It's a joyful, easy-to-watch series that feels like a night out with old friends.

Stream Platonic now on Apple TV+.

6. Only Murders in the Building (Season 4) - Hulu / Disney+

The charming, cozy, and brilliantly clever murder mystery comedy returns, and it's more star-studded than ever. Only Murders in the Building follows the unlikely trio of Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), three lonely residents of a luxury New York apartment building who bond over their shared love of true crime podcasts and end up starting their own to solve the murders that keep happening around them. The 2025 season sees the trio relocating to Los Angeles to adapt their podcast into a Hollywood movie, only to find themselves embroiled in a new mystery on a bustling film set.

The show is a perfect blend of a genuinely compelling whodunnit and a hilarious, character-driven comedy. The chemistry between the legendary Martin and Short and the wonderfully deadpan Gomez is the heart and soul of the series. The new season's Hollywood setting is a brilliant move, allowing for a whole new world of satire and a host of incredible guest stars, including Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, and Kumail Nanjiani. It's a smart, stylish, and incredibly binge-worthy show that appeals to audiences of all ages. The show’s clever plotting is as satisfying as any of the great detective dramas of the 2010s.

Stream Only Murders in the Building now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.

External Link: The official trailers on YouTube for each season showcase the show's incredible cast and unique charm.

5. Hacks (Season 4) - Max

The critically adored, multi-Emmy-winning Hacks continues its reign as one of the smartest and sharpest comedies on television. The series chronicles the complex, co-dependent, and often tumultuous mentorship and friendship between the legendary Las Vegas comedy diva Deborah Vance (a magnificent Jean Smart) and the entitled, young, and recently "cancelled" comedy writer, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). The 2025 season follows Deborah as she navigates her massive late-career resurgence, while Ava struggles to find her own voice and success outside of her mentor's formidable shadow.

Hacks is a masterpiece of writing and performance. Jean Smart's portrayal of Deborah Vance is an all-time great television performance, a perfect blend of titanic ego, fierce vulnerability, and killer comedic timing. The show is a brilliant, behind-the-scenes look at the world of comedy, but its true focus is the beautifully complex, intergenerational relationship between its two female leads. It’s a show that taps directly into the trend of brutally honest and relatable female-led stories, exploring themes of ambition, artistry, and the sacrifices required of women in the entertainment industry. It is, without a doubt, one of the best shows currently on television.

Stream Hacks now on Max.

External Link: The Hollywood Reporter offers extensive interviews and "For Your Consideration" pieces with the cast and creators.

4. The Paper - Peacock

In what is sure to be one of the most talked-about television events of the year, the world of The Office is returning to our screens. This new series, from original creator Greg Daniels, is not a reboot with the original cast, but a new mockumentary set in the same universe. The show will follow a new group of office workers at a struggling newspaper in the Midwest, with Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore leading the ensemble cast. The premise revolves around the documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch now searching for a new, equally compelling subject.

The pressure on this series is immense, but the talent involved is undeniable. The "hangout" sitcom trend is in full swing, and there is a massive, built-in audience desperate for a return to the comforting, character-driven, and cringe-inducing world that Greg Daniels perfected. While it will be impossible to recreate the magic of the original cast, the new series promises to capture the same spirit of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, the humour in the mundane, and the humanity in a group of people just trying to get through their workday. This is must-watch television, destined to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

Stream the new series from The Office universe now on Peacock.

3. What We Do in the Shadows (The Final Season) - FX on Hulu

All good things must come to an end. The final season of the critically beloved, Emmy-nominated What We Do in the Shadows is here, and it’s a bittersweet moment for fans of the brilliant vampire mockumentary. The series, which follows the nightly lives of four ancient, bumbling vampires and their long-suffering familiar, Guillermo, on Staten Island, has been one of the most consistently funny and inventive comedies of the last decade. The final season promises to provide a fitting, chaotic, and hilarious conclusion to the story of Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, Colin Robinson, and their vampire-slaying familiar.

The show is a masterclass in world-building and character comedy. The deadpan, documentary-style format perfectly contrasts with the absurd, supernatural shenanigans of its characters. The cast is a comedic dream team, and their chemistry is simply magical. The final season will have to wrap up several long-running plotlines, most notably the fate of Guillermo and his complicated relationship with his master, Nandor. It’s a show that blends high-concept genre comedy with a surprising amount of heart, a perfect example of a modern cult classic. It’s a show with a unique, spooky vibe, making it a great watch for the Halloween season.

Stream What We Do in the Shadows now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.

2. Abbott Elementary (Season 4) - ABC / Hulu / Disney+

In a world of streaming giants, Quinta Brunson's Abbott Elementary has proven that the network sitcom is not only alive but can be the best comedy on television. This heartwarming, hilarious, and brilliantly written mockumentary series about a group of dedicated teachers at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia is a genuine phenomenon. The 2025 season continues to follow the optimistic Janine Teagues and her beloved colleagues as they fight for their students, navigate the absurdities of the public school system, and deal with their own complicated personal lives.

Abbott Elementary is the ultimate comfort watch, the perfect embodiment of the "hangout" sitcom trend. The ensemble cast is one of the best on television, a perfect blend of comedic archetypes who have a genuine, palpable affection for one another. The writing is sharp, funny, and full of heart, managing to be both a hilarious workplace comedy and a powerful, timely commentary on the importance of public education. It’s a show that believes in the power of good people trying to do their best in a difficult world. It is, without a doubt, the most universally beloved comedy on the air right now.

Stream Abbott Elementary now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.

1. The Bear (Season 3) - FX on Hulu

Yes, chef! The show that has dominated the cultural conversation and redefined the television "comedy" is back. While calling The Bear a comedy can feel like a category error, it qualifies for the Emmys as one, and it is, amidst its breathtakingly intense and often heartbreaking drama, one of the funniest and most human shows on television. The series follows the brilliant but tormented chef, Carmy Berzatto, as he attempts to transform his family's gritty sandwich shop into a fine-dining restaurant. The 2025 season will likely deal with the immediate, chaotic aftermath of the restaurant's opening night, as the team struggles to maintain their newfound success and their own fragile sanity.

The Bear is a masterpiece. It is a cinematic, visceral, and deeply empathetic exploration of grief, ambition, and the high-pressure world of the professional kitchen. The performances are raw and revelatory across the board. The show is famous for its anxiety-inducing, single-take episodes, but it is also capable of incredible moments of quiet beauty and laugh-out-loud humour. It is the definitive "sad-com" of the modern era, a show that understands that the deepest pain and the biggest laughs often come from the same place. It is not just the best comedy of 2025; it is one of the best shows on television, period. The show's complex characters are fascinating, a quality shared by the best HBO dramas of all time.

Stream The Bear now on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.

Conclusion

The first half of 2025 has been an incredible time for television comedy. The ten shows on this list are a testament to the incredible diversity and creativity of the genre. We have seen the triumphant return of beloved classics, the continuation of critically adored masterpieces, and the rise of new, comforting sitcoms. Modern comedy is no longer a monolith; it is a rich and varied landscape that can be as thrilling as a superhero epic, as heartwarming as a family drama, and as thought-provoking as a prestige thriller. These are the shows that are making us laugh, making us feel, and providing a much-needed dose of joy and connection in a complicated world. The binge-watching possibilities are endless, and the state of comedy is stronger than ever.

External Links

1. Rotten Tomatoes - Best TV of 2025: See the critical consensus on the best television of the year so far.

2. IMDb - Most Popular TV Shows: A list of currently trending TV shows based on user data.

3. Vulture's TV Section: Read in-depth reviews, recaps, and think pieces on modern television comedy.

4. The A.V. Club - TV Reviews: Find insightful contemporary and retrospective reviews of all the shows on this list.

5. The official YouTube Channel for FX: Find trailers and clips for shows like The Bear and What We Do in the Shadows.

6. The official YouTube Channel for Max: Find trailers and clips for shows like Hacks and Harley Quinn.

7. Wikipedia's "2025 in Television": A comprehensive overview of television debuts, returns, and events for the year.

8. TV Guide - What to Watch: A trusted source for recommendations and news on the latest shows.

FAQs

1. Where can I watch these shows if I'm not in the US? Most of these shows are available globally. FX on Hulu shows like The Bear and What We Do in the Shadows are typically released internationally on Disney+ under the Star banner. Apple TV+ is a global service. ABC shows like Abbott Elementary are also often found on Disney+.

   
   

2. Which of these shows are "dramedies" or "sad-coms"? The Bear and Shrinking are the two primary examples of this trend on the list. They are comedies that deal with serious, often tragic themes like grief and trauma, blending intense drama with genuine humor.

3. Are there any family-friendly comedies on this list? Abbott Elementary is largely family-friendly and suitable for older children and teens. Most other shows, particularly Harley Quinn and What We Do in the Shadows, are intended for mature audiences only.

4. Do I need to have seen the original The Office to watch the new spin-off? While it will certainly enhance your viewing experience and help you understand the mockumentary format, the new series is designed to be a standalone story with a new cast of characters, so it should be accessible to newcomers.

5. Is the final season of What We Do in the Shadows the end of the story? Yes, the creators have confirmed that the upcoming season will be the final season of the show, providing a conclusion to the story of the Staten Island vampires.

6. What is a "mockumentary"? A mockumentary is a style of comedy that presents a fictional story in the style of a documentary, often with characters speaking directly to the camera in "talking head" interviews. The Office, Abbott Elementary, and What We Do in the Shadows are all examples of this format.

7. Which of these shows have won major awards? Many of them are critically acclaimed. Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and Hacks have all won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

8. I love character-driven comedies. Which show should I start with? Platonic and Abbott Elementary are fantastic choices if you love a good "hangout" show where the main joy is the chemistry of the ensemble cast. Shrinking is also deeply character-focused.

9. Are there any animated comedies for adults on this list? Yes, Harley Quinn is a brilliant and critically acclaimed animated series for adults.

10. How can I keep up with all these new shows? Following reputable entertainment news sites like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Vulture, as well as using apps like TV Time or Reelgood to track your watchlist, can help you stay on top of all the new releases.