13 Feel-Good Sitcoms Perfect for When You Need a Laugh (Inspired by “Ted Lasso”)
“Ted Lasso” took the world by storm when it first premiered on Apple TV+ in the Fall of 2020. Since then, the show took home 11 Primetime Emmy Awards over the course of the three seasons. The series ended in the spring of 2023 and there has been a void in our television hearts ever since. If you are missing “Ted Lasso”, here is a list of 13 Feel-Good Sitcoms that will hopefully pull at your heartstrings just like “Ted Lasso”.
Table of Contents
1. “Shrinking” – 2023-Present
“Shrinking” is from the same creative team as “Ted Lasso” with Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) and Bill Lawerence (Creator of “Ted Lasso”) at the helm. “Shrinking” follows Jimmy, played by co-creator Jason Segel who is a therapist grieving the loss of his wife. He has a troubled relationship with his daughter ever since the death of his wife and he has to do his best to repair his work and home life. With an amazing comedic performance from the legendary Harrison Ford, “Shrinking” will make you laugh and cry at the same time. The second season is expected to premiere in the fall of 2024.
2. “Hacks” – 2021-Present
“Hacks” follows Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) who is a legendary stand up comedian. Her Las Vegas residency is on thin ice and her agent brings her Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) to revamp her show. The two have a complex relationship as they slowly bond over their love of comedy. The series has ran for three seasons and has been renewed for a fourth. The series is created by a married couple, Lucia Aneillo and Paul W. Downs (who is also a lead in the show) as well as writer Jen Statsky. With 6 Emmy Awards and likely more to come in the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, this is a perfect binge.
3. “Girls5Eva” – 2021-Present
Comedy legend, Tina Fey has a very underrated show “Girls5Eva”. It premiered on Peacock in the spring of 2021 before being cancelled and revived by Netflix. The third season premiered in the spring of 2024. “Girls5Eva” follows a girl group from the 90s that was a one-hit wonder. When their song is sampled by a famous rapper, they re-enter the spotlight. The show is best known for its strong writing and catchy musical numbers that will get stuck in your head. The cast is also a tremendous standout with Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, Busy Phillips, and Renée Elise Goldsberry making you laugh so hard that your stomach will hurt!
4. “Only Murders In The Building” 2021-Present
“Only Murders In The Building” was brought to life by comedy legend, Steve Martin and John Hoffman. The series stars Steve’s best friend, Martin Short as well as global star, Selena Gomez. When a murder happens in a New York building and no one seems to want to solve it, an unlikely trio forms. “Only Murders In The Building” is the show that every Hollywood star wants to be on. Meryl Streep, Tina Fey, Jesse Williams, Nathan Lane, and Jane Lynch have all joined the cast. The newest season premieres on August 27th with Molly Shannon, Melissa McCarthy, and Eugene Levy all joining the cast. Catch up on this amazing series before it returns!
5. “Abbott Elementary” – 2022-Present
“Abbott Elementary” is created by BuzzFeed writer, Quinta Brunson who has won two Emmys for her work on the series. “Abbott Elementary” follows an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school with all of the shenanigans that occur. The rockumentary is reminiscent of shows that we know and love such as: “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”. With sharp writing and a phenomenal ensemble, “Abbott Elementary”is must see television.
6. “Superstore” – 2015-2021
“Superstore” follows the workers at a Cloud 9, fictional chain store in St. Louis. Academy Award Nominee, America Ferrera stars as Amy the dysfunctional employee who just tries to stay out of the shop drama. With quick-witted writing and a strong setting, the series will be a lighthearted binge. The series ran for 6 seasons and has captivated the hearts of millions all around the world!
7. “Reboot” – 2022
“Reboot” may have only run for one season, but it is a great season of television. The series is created by Steven Levitan who was the show runner of “Modern Family”. “Reboot” follows a cast of the 2000s sitcom when a young writer successfully pitches a reboot of their show. The eight episode season is a very quick watch that deserved more viewership. Nonetheless, the series was positively received with a 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. “Loot” – 2022-Present
“Loot” follows billionaire Molly Wells (played by Maya Rudolph) who is recently divorced from her husband and realizes she has a foundation. Molly now enters the world as a recent divorcee trying to figure out what is next for her. The series has the same heartwarming vibes as “Ted Lasso” with a workplace full of lovable characters.
9. “The Afterparty” – 2022-2023
Imagine an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery infused with the ingenious comedic sensibilities of modern Hollywood. “The Afterparty” achieves just that, centering around a high school reunion afterparty where a dead body is discovered. Each episode offers a unique perspective, with characters portrayed by a stellar ensemble cast, including Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, and Jamie Demetriou.
10. “How I Met Your Mother” 2005-2014
The premise is simple. It tells the story of a father telling his kids how he met their mom. However, it is much more than that. With nine entertaining seasons, the series takes viewers on the ride of a lifetime with running gags, plot twists, and an ensemble that shines on the screen. The series is reminiscent of shows such as “Friends” with twenty-somethings living in New York.
11. “The Other Two” 2019-2023
“The Other Two” is executive produced by the head of “Saturday Night Live”, Lorne Michaels. The series follows two millennial siblings who have to deal with their teenage brother’s overnight fame with his music. The two siblings, Cary and Brooke try to find their place in the world while they deal with their brother, Chase’s internet fame. The series is laugh out loud funny and was nominated for an Emmy for the last season for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. With an amazing supporting performance from Molly Shannon, this show will leave you wanting more.
12. “Dead To Me” 2019-2022
This dark comedy series is executive produced by Will Ferrell and stars Christina Applegate. “Dead To Me” is about a friendship between two women that blossoms in a grief support group. The two face their struggles very differently and while it is a crime show, the unhinged series makes you laugh, cringe, and cry all at the same time.
13. “The Good Place” – 2016-2020
“The Good Place” is centered on the afterlife where humans are either sent to “The Good Place” or The Bad Place based off their actions on Earth. Everyone is assigned a score based on their morality and if sent to “The Good Place”, they can have every wish granted by Janet. If sent to The Bad Place, they are subject to a life of torture and harm. The fantasy comedy series tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think about your life, time on earth, and what happens when you die.
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