10 Best Sitcoms You Can Binge In a Single Weekend
In the age of constantly expanding streaming catalogs, sometimes all you need is a quick and entertaining sitcom. Sitcoms offer a perfect escape from the vicissitudes of the workweek: they typically feature sharp writing, clever jokes, lovable characters, and a wholesome, comforting story and tone. Whether you enjoy surreal humor, satire, or ensemble casts, there’s always a sitcom gem for every kind of viewer.
While there’s an abundance of long-form sitcoms, there are many that enjoyed a shorter, albeit impressive, run. The following list includes a variety of sitcoms that can be binged over a weekend, from the coming-of-age period teen sitcom Derry Girls to the supernatural fantasy-comedy The Good Place. This list includes a series for every kind of viewer.
10
‘Man Seeking Woman’ (2015–2017)
Created by Simon Rich
Man Seeking Woman is a romantic comedy series created by Simon Rich, based on his short story compilation, The Last Girlfriend on Earth. The series, set in Chicago, follows the life of Josh Greenberg (Jay Baruchel), an anxious and awkward man in his 20s who finds himself in a series of surreal and bizarre situations as he searches for love. The series also features Eric André as Mike Scaggs, Josh’s charismatic friend, and Britt Lower as Liz, Josh’s protective older sister.
Man Seeking Woman is a hilariously bizarre television series that’s ideal for a weekend binge due to its concise formatting and inventive storytelling approach. This unique series creatively transforms every-day dating experiences into surrealist adventures that include dates with trolls and exes dating Hitler. With its witty writing and ensemble cast, this highly stylized, dynamic series is perfect for a weekend binge.
9
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
Created by Michael Schur
The Good Place is a fantasy-comedy sitcom that stars Kristen Bell as the self-centered Eleanor Shellstrop, who unexpectedly lands in heaven after suddenly dying. While exploring “paradise”, Eleanor grows increasingly suspicious of her inclusion and soon discovers that The Good Place is actually The Bad Place. This wholesome philosophical series is one of the most brilliant sitcom series of the 2010s, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson and Jameela Jamil.
The Good Place is an addictive series that blends philosophy, morality, love, and friendship in a seamless fashion that’s engrossing and highly entertaining. Through its entertaining and accessible exploration of philosophers like Kant and Kierkegaard, The Good Place presents and demonstrates ethical and philosophical concepts onscreen without watering them down. Warm and amusing performances from actors like Bell and Danson keep the series constantly engaging even as it delves into some of the most cerebral topics ever presented on television. With a short run of only 4 seasons, The Good Place is an excellent sitcom to binge over the weekend for audiences that are looking for something that’s both wholesome and a little on the headier side.
8
‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)
Created by Dan Levy and Eugene Levy
When the opulent Rose family suddenly loses all their wealth after being defrauded by their business partner, they’re forced to start anew with the only remaining asset they have: a small town called Schitt’s Creek their father, Johnny (Eugene Levy), bought for son David (Dan Levy) as a joke for his birthday back in 1991. This hilarious series also features the incredible Catherine O’Hara as Johnny’s former soap opera star wife Moira, and Annie Murphy as Dan’s self-absorbed younger sister, Alexis.
Schitt’s Creek is a hilarious and heartwarming sitcom that features an ensemble cast and sharp writing. While the Rose family starts out as a group of spoiled, out-of-touch individuals, they come together over the course of the series and come to appreciate the importance of family. Schitt’s Creek has also been praised for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters like David and Patrick (Noah Reid). With only 6 seasons of 22-minute-long episodes, Schitt’s Creek is a wholesome series that’s perfect for binging on a lazy Saturday afternoon, or on a Friday after a long day at work.
7
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
Created by Jemaine Clement
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-style horror-comedy sitcom series based on the New Zealand film of the same name, written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The series follows vampires Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Nadja of Antipaxos (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo Cravenworth (Matt Berry) and energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), who live together as roommates in their Staten Island home where they’re maintained by Nandor’s familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) a descendant of Van Helsing, and an aspiring vampire himself.
What We Do in the Shadows is a brilliantly written, infectious series with a unique premise and a killer cast. All the characters on this show are fleshed out and bring their own unique style of comedy to the series. From Berry’s incredible performance as the sex-obsessed former porn-star Laszlo Cravenworth to the unassuming and banal-looking Colin Robinson, What We Do in the Shadows features some of the funniest and strangest characters in one of the best modern sitcom series. The series’ bizarre premise and mockumentary style makes it an excellent binge pick for audiences that are into series like Documentary Now or Parks and Recreation.
6
‘Toast of London’ (2012–2020)
Created by Matt Berry and Arthur Mathews
Toast of London stars Berry as highly successful stage and TV actor, Steven Toast. Steven’s illustrious career takes a sudden downturn when he accepts a role in an outrageous play in the West End which arouses the violent ire of audiences. Recently divorced, and living at his friend Steven Howzer-Black’s (Robert Bathurst) house, Steven’s personal life is also in shambles in one of the BBC’s funniest sitcoms in recent memory.
Toast of London is a riveting sitcom series that satirizes London’s eccentric entertainment industry and offers viewers a unique comedic experience. Berry’s performance as Steven Toast is arguably his greatest performance yet. Berry plays the character with thundering pomposity, over-the-top absurdity that’s outrageously funny. With a plethora of great episodes that find Steven in numerous ridiculous sitiuations and a slew of memorable guest stars that include Jon Hamm, Paul Rudd, Jude Law and Larry David, Toast of London is one of the most underrated modern sitcoms, and a perfect series to binge-watch over the weekend.
5
‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–)
Created by Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, and Bill Lawrence
Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is an American college football coach whose life completely changes after he’s recruited to coach an English Premier League soccer team despite knowing absolutely nothing about the sport. The new owner of the team, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), acquires the soccer team from her unfaithful husband following their divorce and hires Ted in hopes that he’ll lead the team to utter failure, but Ted’s good-heart and positivity prove to be a powerful guiding force for the team in one of the most heartfelt comedy series of the 2020s.
For audiences that are interested in a more contemporary, drama-driven sitcom, Ted Lasso is the perfect pick for you. Sudeikis is at his best as the lead in this wholesome series that finds him guiding the team to victory while also demonstrating the importance of community in this expertly crafted comedy series. Ted Lasso’s uplifting tone and lovable characters offer audiences a perfect getaway from the hardships of the workweek. With recent confirmation of the series’ fourth season renewal, now’s a better time than ever to spend the weekend binging it with friends and family.
4
‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)
Created by Lisa McGee
Derry Girls is a British period teen sitcom set in Northern Ireland, written and directed by Lisa McGee, and based on her own experiences growing up in the town of Derry. The series follows the lives of five teenage girls in the mid 1990s attending Our Lady Immaculate College, a fictional Catholic secondary school based on Thornhill College, a school McGee attended. The series features Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland and Tara Lynne O’Neill.
Upon its release, Derry Girls became the most watched series in Northern Ireland since modern records began in 2002. The series is acclaimed for including subtle political understones while still maintaining a light-hearted, comedic tone. The series, which takes place during the final years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, has been positively received by audiences who grew up during the time and can recall what it was like being a teenager during one of the most tumultuous periods in Northern Ireland’s recent history. This heartwarming series is backed by memorable performances from a stellar cast, and beautifully crafted writing that’s sure to captivate audiences of all kinds.
3
‘Detroiters’ (2017–2018)
Created by Zach Kanin, Joe Kelly, and Sam Richardson
Detroiters is a sitcom buddy series that stars next-door neighbors Sam Duvet (Sam Richardson) and Tim Cramblin (Tim Robinson), who work together at the advertising agency Tim’s family owns after Tim’s father steps down as the head of the company. The two neighbors work together to produce low-budget television commercials for local Detroit businesses in Detroit.
Detroiters is a stupendously funny and silly sitcom series with plenty of heart. Richardson and Robinson’s chemistry is undeniable as the two goofy best friends navigating the world of advertising, and it’s easily one of the best and most overlooked sitcom series that’s ever been set in Motor City. With Robinson’s recent rise in popularity due to I Think You Should Leave, it’s an excellent time for audiences of the series to give Detroiters a watch. Watchers will also recognize Richardson from his memorable roles in Veep and Ted Lasso. With two of the funniest actors on television, and a short run of only two strong seasons, Detroiters is perfect for a weekend binge.
2
‘Abbot Elementary’ (2021–)
Created by Quinta Brunson
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary sitcom series that follows the lives of a group of dedicated teachers at William R. Abbott Elementary School as they tirelessly work to help their students succeed, despite the school’s lack of financing and the district’s lack of enthusiasm. Abbott Elementary features Quinta Brunson as optimistic second grade teacher Janine Teagues, and Janelle James as the school’s unqualified principal, Ava Coleman.
Abbott Elementary delivers a hysterical critique of the education system that’s buttressed by incredible performances from a strong cast. Though the series isn’t afraid to present an unvarnished depiction of the hardships educators and students face in public education, Abbott Elementary maintains a humorous and endearing approach that’s as entertaining as it is empathetic. People who’ve been students in public education, and especially teachers, will find that this show is not only authentic and relatable, but also engrossing. With three highly acclaimed seasons, and no shortage of unforgettable episodes, Abbott Elementary is a perfect series to kick back and binge on a lazy weekend.
1
‘A Man on the Inside’ (2024–)
Created by Michael Schur
A Man on the Inside is a series created by Michael Schur and based on the Maite Alberdi’s 2020 documentary, The Mole Agent. The series follows Ted Danson as a widowed former professor, Charles Nieuwendyk, who’s recruited by a private investigator to infiltrate a retirement home in hopes of catching an alleged thief. A Man on the Inside also features Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Charles’ daughter Emily, and Lilah Richcreek Estrada as Charles’ handler.
If you’re looking for a wholesome, heartwrenching series with a profoundly humanistic touch, look no further, A Man on the Inside is just the right pick for you. In typical Danson fashion, he stuns audiences with a warm and charismatic performance that hits all the right notes. Danson is supported by a stellar cast that includes Stephen McKinley Henderson and Sally Struthers, who play charming residents at the Pacific View retirement community. What makes this series so great is the delicate way it handles the challenges of aging by depicting fleshed-out characters managing grief and the passage of time. Although it can get pretty sad, the beauty of this show is that it’s ultimately a profoundly hopeful series that shines a light on the importance of family and community. A Man on the Inside is a touching series that’s guaranteed to inspire audiences to reach out to their loved ones.
