There are more prestige dramas on TV than you can shake a stick at, but sometimes you just want to relax with a comedy show that doesn’t require too much investment.

I’ve chosen some superb half-hour comedies that will give you a quick laugh, perfect for watching on your lunch break or to unwind at the end of the day. Whether you prefer something modern or older, animated or live-action, you’re bound to find your next favorite watch here.

10

Superstore

Superstore is a workplace sitcom about the employees of a fictional big-box store called Cloud 9. As you can imagine, the retail industry is rife for comedy, and Superstore gets plenty of laughs from the weird situations the workers find themselves in and the customers they deal with.

The show is not only funny, but also heartwarming, with growing friendships and romance between the characters—and the ensemble cast is great, with everyone getting a chance to shine.

Hulu

Even if you’re not sold at first, stick with Superstore because it gets better, especially as you get to know the characters more.

9

What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is based on the movie of the same name, though don’t worry if you haven’t seen that. The show is about a group of vampires who live together in Staten Island, told in a mockumentary style.

The core cast are hilarious, especially the wonderful Matt Berry who elevates anything he appears in, and there are plenty of brilliant guest stars who take the silly material and run with it.

Hulu

What We Do in the Shadows is adapted by Jemaine Clement (who starred in the original movie), so if you’ve ever seen his work, that gives you an idea of what sort of comedy to expect.

8

Parks and Recreation

Starring the likes of Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, and Adam Scott, Parks and Recreation is a mockumentary about government workers. It’s light viewing, and it’s great to watch a sitcom with characters that you care about and who have genuine development between episodes.

The first season of Parks and Recreation doesn’t represent the entire show’s quality, so stick with it. It’s still enjoyable enough, but it’s after this that the writers really understand the tone of the show and the character’s personalities.

Peacock

There is no weak link in Parks and Recreation, a show that finds the humor in budget cuts, red tape, and city council campaigns.

In Community, Joel McHale plays a lawyer who is busted for having a fake degree, so he enrolls at a community college in order to legitimize himself. He forms a study group as a way to hang out with Gillian Jacobs’ Britta, and it’s here that the pair form an unexpected friendship with other students.

Community isn’t an ordinary sitcom; it often uses meta humor to poke jokes at the format. The show has a quirky energy, but it’s not a one-trick pony, and it doesn’t lose sight of telling a good story and making you laugh.

Peacock

The mantra of Community is “six seasons and a movie.” We’re still waiting for the movie, but you can enjoy the six seasons for now.

6

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has one of the best theme songs of all time, though that’s not the only reason it’s on this list. The show, set in a New York police department, is snappy and witty, with an ensemble cast that has no weak link. It’s difficult to pick a standout, but Andre Braugher as the deadpan Raymond Holt is certainly up there.

Despite Fox canceling the show after five seasons, NBC came to the rescue. We should be thankful they did, since any time spent with the Nine-Nine is a good time.

Peacock

Actors like Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews are just some of the talent on show in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

5

Seinfeld

Seinfeld is often dubbed the “show about nothing”, which makes it even more impressive than it ran for nine excellent seasons and cemented itself as an iconic sitcom that remains funny and influential all these years later.

The show stars Jerry Seinfeld, one of the show’s creators (alongside Larry David), and follows the fictional version of himself in New York City, along with friends George, Elaine, and Kramer.

Netflix

Seinfeld is one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, so you’re in for a treat if you’ve never seen it.

4

The Office

Told in a mockumentary style, complete with characters looking directly at the camera during nutty moments, The Office is about the employees at a paper supply company and their well-meaning yet incompetent boss (played brilliantly by Steve Carell).

It might be sacrilegious to say, but I think the American remake of The Office is better than the original (and great) British version, particularly when you push past the first season and the show forges its own path.

Peacock

With a stellar ensemble cast, the many absurd situations that occur in The Office will have you cringing and laughing in equal measure.

3

Bob’s Burgers

In the animated Bob’s Burgers, the delightfully chaotic Belcher family run a struggling burger restaurant—even the kids help out when not at school or on an escapade. Set in a fictional seaside town, the restaurant is visited by its quirky inhabitants, particularly the sweet yet naive handyman Teddy.

The stories in Bob’s Burgers are generally low-stakes, but this is partly what gives the show its charm, exploring the dynamics between parents Bob and Linda and kids Tina, Gene, and Louise. The entire voice cast is great, too—it’s especially funny to hear H. Jon Benjamin as Bob, using the same voice as he does in the titular and very different role of Archer.

Hulu

Bob’s Burgers is targeted at adults, but it’s not crude like many animated shows. While it’s quirky and not afraid of breaking into song, the show is fairly grounded.

2

Friends

For many, hearing the theme tune for Friends will transport them back to the 90s. The show is definitely a product of that era, right down to the haircuts, but it stands the test of time; it’s easy to see why Friends became a global success and continues to entertain new audiences.

With a deceptively simple premise—six pals from Manhattan hang out in each other’s homes and their local coffee shop—Friends works because of the sharp writing and relatable characters. It’s the ultimate comfort show.

Max

Whether your job’s a joke, you’re broke, or your love life’s D.O.A., Friends will be there for you.

1

The Simpsons

The Simpsons hardly needs an introduction. The crazy adventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and the rest of Springfield have made an undeniable mark on global culture and television. It has spawned iconic catchphrases, endless merchandise, and paved the way for other adult-orientated animations.

It’s fair to say the show isn’t as good as it once was, having been on the air for over three and a half decades, but The Simpsons deserves the top spot because when it hits, it’s unbeatable. If you’re not sure where to start, you can watch the endless Simpsons channel on Disney+.

Disney+

Matt Groening’s yellow creations are hilarious and heartfelt. Everyone has their favorite Simpsons character and episode—if you’ve never watched the show, it’s time to right that wrong.

Many of these comedies are well known and aren’t hidden gem TV shows, but there’s a reason they’re so popular—they’ll provide plenty of laughs, even with the bite-sized running time.