10 Best Comedy TV Shows Of The 2000s
August 25th, 2010 by BarakThe Emmy awards are coming up. I don’t always agree with the Emmy decision makers and favorites such as Sex and the City (overrated 1), Will and Grace (overrated 2), Everybody Loves Raymond (overrated 3) and Friends (overrated 4). Bad-mouthing Jesus, Muhammad and Moses might be safer than saying that Friends is overrated, but I’m going to take my chances.
So here is my pick of the 10 funniest shows of the 2000s. These 10 actually make people laugh (maybe that’s why most of them don’t use laugh tracks…).
10. The Sarah Silverman Program
In 3 genes: Immature, silly, irreverent humor
No topic is out of range for Sarah Silverman, who made a name for herself with shocking stand-up routines and continued that line of ungodly humor in her show (especially the episode which did include god, who had sex with Sarah and then got dumped by her…). It’s a shame that after the show’s 3rd season, Comedy Central canceled this cutting-edge comedy gem that would’ve been offensive if it weren’t so darn funny.
9. Louie
In 3 genes: Performer’s life, gloomy, politically (in)correct
Filtered through the observational humor of Louis C.K. and his daily life as a stand-up comedian in New York, this new TV series is clever and absolutely hilarious. Some might find C.K’s humor too direct or his political incorrectness offensive, but you can’t please ‘em all… Just like Seinfeld, the show begins and ends with C.K doing stand up, and just like Seinfeld, this is one of the best comedy shows ever made. The reason for putting it at number 9 is that it’s only in its first season. FX already ordered a second.
8. The Flight of the Conchords
In 3 genes: Surreal, culture clash, musician’s life
Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, better known as the music band Flight of the Conchords, have moved from New Zealand to Brooklyn, New York, in an attempt to make it big in the United States. Unfortunately their unique talent doesn’t sit well with an American audience, and their hilariously incompetent band manager, Murray, doesn’t help. This series retired while ahead and unfortunately lasted only 2 seasons. Australia’s talents pale in comparison to these talents from New Zealand.
7. Arrested Development
In 3 genes: Offbeat, eccentric family, voice over
Shot with a shaky camera and a mockumentary style, Arrested Development is reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tennenbaums. Truly unusual in the world of TV sitcoms, it employed a kind of humor that often exhibited a dark side. Good news for fans of the series: A movie based on the series is rumored to come out in 2012.
6. Da Ali G show
In 3 genes: Satire, interview, biting
This is the show that brought the world the Kazakh journalist Borat and the flamboyantly gay Austrian fashion reporter Bruno. The main character, though, was Ali G. who interviewed a variety of guests from the world of crime prevention, drug enforcement, the legal system and beyond to discuss issues of crime and drugs in England and America. The absolute naivete with which he interviewed his guests frequently caught them completely off guard.
5. Family Guy
In 3 genes: Pop culture reference, cynical, irreverent humor
With parents like Peter and Lewis Griffin, a mad baby (who has an English accent and is keen on ruling the world), and two teenage kids, it’s absolutely clear that Brian the family dog is the smartest member of the Griffin clan. This series managed to insult every man, woman, ethnic group, religion and animal in existence. Those who weren’t offended by the show are the ones who really should be.
4. 30 Rock
In 3 genes: Showbiz, witty, boss and employee
A critical hit, 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey have more trophies at home than Michael Phelps and Michael Jordan put together. Alongside Fey and Baldwin, the show has a strong supporting cast that includes a crazy Tracy Jordan/ Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Judah Friedlander. Famous guest stars also add to the appeal of the show (Jerry Seinfeld, Opera Winfrey, Al Gore, Steve Martin and Julianne Moore, just to name a few).
3. Extras
In 3 genes: Unfulfillment, showbiz, clever
One great show might be a fluke, but two great shows (The Office and Extras) must mean Ricky Gervais is a genius. Gervais stars as Andy Millman, a lowly extra who spends most of his life on film and TV sets as he awaits a mercifully brief appearance. Millman’s friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen) is also an extra and finds herself in a similar predicament. Millman usually tries to bond with the biggest celebrity on the set in a desperate attempt to get himself out of the extras business, but his lack of tact and bad luck usually leave him right back where he started.
2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
In 3 genes: Comedy of errors, showbiz, misfit.
Here is another genius who made two great shows: Larry David. In Curb Your Enthusiasm he plays himself: an incomprehensibly successful writer and co-creator of Seinfeld with $400 million in his bank account. But all this is no match for the constant disturbances that wreak havoc on his daily life. Curb Your Enthusiasm is, quite simply, television at its finest, a brilliant and hysterical work of comic genius that absurdly and perfectly blends reality with fiction.
1. The Office
In 3 genes: Obnoxious boss, workplace situations, mockumentary
My number one is shared by two series: the British and the American version of The Office. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are the masterminds behind this brilliant satire of 9-5 office life. In both versions, camera crews follow the boss and his employees around in mockumentary style. The series succeeded in capturing the quiet desperation of the employees working in a socially suffocating environment under the direction of a delusional boss. It’s as hilarious as it is uncomfortable to watch Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and David Brent (Ricky Gervais).
By the way, our favorites for the Emmy awards are: Best Comic Actor: Steve Carell (deserves it before his departure from the series), Best Comic Actress: Amy Poehler (in this I’m more optimistic than Cultural Learnings), Best Dramatic Actor: Hugh Laurie (will you give it to him already??!!), Best Dramatic Actress: Glenn Close (no competition), Best Comedy Series: Curb Your Enthusiasm (fantastic 7th season with the friends from Seinfeld), Best Drama Series: Lost (you just have to honor this series; it was one of the best ever, even if some or all of the questions were left unanswered).
Disagree and think that I should be exiled for dissing Friends? Agree with every word and want to back me up? Please add your comment below
Technorati Tags: comedy, Emmy Awards, TV, television, TV show
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August 26th, 2010 at 1:18 am
You should add a 0 (above 1): That Mitchell and Webb Look.
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August 26th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
This list is null and void since it doesn’t include It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
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August 27th, 2010 at 11:36 am
This is not a good list. There are a TON of shows you should have put in, including:
It’s Always Sunny In Philiadelphia
Community
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
Stella
Malcolm in the Middle
Modern Family
Shows that should have NOT been on this list:
The Sarah Silverman Program
Family Guy
30 Rock
Extras
Just my opinion. But I really was not impressed with this list.
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August 27th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
On Family Guy, it’s “Lois”, not “Lewis”. She’s not a guy.
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December 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 am
Loui is one of the great tv show that i ever seen in my life. Its very funny and i cant help but laugh a lot.
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January 25th, 2011 at 10:20 am
I think Arrested Development should be a bit higher. If Fox hadn’t moved the show’s time and night every 6 months it would have done much better in ratings!
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January 31st, 2011 at 5:59 pm
What about The Chasers’ War On Everything. That show is awesome.
If you don’t know it watch these clips.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06XTO3jPuUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3grHjibNdA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdnAaQ0n5-8&feature=related
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February 4th, 2011 at 6:00 am
You are absolutely right these are really very funny shows.
tv through internet
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February 15th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
I agree with many of the comments in that I find other shows from the 2000s to be funnier and better-written than a few of what you have included here.
I made my own list of ten great comedy television characters, hailing from some of the best series out there today (and so from the “2000s”). You can view it here:
http://shootthecritic.com/features/great_tv_comedy_characters
The list doesn’t include characters from great past shows, included in your list, like Arrested Development or Extras– just current ones. The programs I would suggest you consider for the future are:
Parks and Recreation
Community
The Big Bang Theory
Bored to Death
I think these are great and you’d enjoy them (who wouldn’t?)
- Shoot the Critic
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February 24th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Great list, really like these shows. You can check out my list of most popular tv shows in 2011. Thanks
J Adams
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March 7th, 2011 at 10:48 am
NO mention of Trailer Park Boys? What about Bored to Death? What about Always Sunny in Philadelphia? This list is fair, but is missing some vital shows!
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March 29th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
The 10 Most Terrifying Bosses from TV and Film
http://www.bschool.com/blog/2011/the-10-most-terrifying-bosses-from-tv-and-film/
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April 20th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I think the first one in the top is interesting.. Sarah “s” program,, hmm thinking about immature and silly is quite a habit thing! i wanna know how she act being a silly girl.
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April 21st, 2011 at 1:45 am
These top ten movies stretch my mouth out
I also have my greatest humorous favorite cartoon
Beavis and butthead and south park
I prefer to have more production in comedy rather than horror films.
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April 25th, 2011 at 5:31 am
Tom and jerry always makes me laugh when I was a kid
Till I grow up this movies will be always ridiculous
That top ten movies throw out my pop corns
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May 20th, 2011 at 3:18 am
Really still i am fond of TOM & JERRY … What is I grown up but Tom & Jerry still make us Laugh.
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May 30th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Those films are great. I like it. It really lifts my pain every time I see it. I recommend those films for you to see it.
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July 29th, 2011 at 12:14 am
I really love comedies. By watching comedy movies we can refresh our minds. Usually a movie that I liked when I was little is Tom and Jerry. I also want to know what movie these years are included in the 10 films nominated for best comedy award.
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August 25th, 2011 at 6:20 am
You are si cool!…
I don’t suppose I’ve read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. u…
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November 13th, 2011 at 8:57 am
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November 14th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
What about “HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER” it’s a great show and i find it so amusing and touching
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November 29th, 2011 at 7:57 am
Much Thanks!…
Thanks for taking the time to provide us all with the info!…
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December 4th, 2011 at 1:56 am
Great Post…
[...]that post is certainly worth the read[...]…
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January 9th, 2012 at 6:50 am
what about big bang theory ????
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January 9th, 2012 at 6:51 am
what about big bang theory ???
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