By Dante Santella
Follow
Followed
Thread
Link copied to clipboard
Sign in to your CBR account
Lauded for its stylistic approach and imaginative storytelling, HBO’s docu-comedy series The Rehearsal has continually entertained audiences and across the current landscape of comedic television. The series stands as one of the premier examples of innovating the possibilities of what can be done on TV. Likewise, several other intriguing comedy programs from both the past and present also fall in line with The Rehearsal’s unique sensibilities.
Whether it's because of strong writing, acting, production design or more, there are many television shows in the same vein as The Rehearsal. They each have all the components to charm fans of the HBO hit. These TV shows could easily garner new fans eager to watch more comedy series that aim to entertain, as well as reach new ground in comedy or drama.
10 Arrested Development Features Layers of Comedic Storytelling
Smart Satire Reaches Immeasurable Heights Across the Series
Arrested Development delivers some of the most masterful comedic writing that has ever graced the silver screen. Fox’s satirical comedy series not only helped foster a new age of sitcoms for the 21st century in television but also continues to get laughs from audiences thanks to its timeless material. Hilariously dysfunctional as a unit, the titular Bluth family’s chemistry with one another constantly spurs memorable gags and quotes that make it even better on rewatch.
Related
Arrested Development was canceled twice, with 2 endings that left the fans confused. However, only one ended the show in a truly satisfactory way.
Arrested Development rewards viewers with its attention to detail and encourages fans to dissect it at every turn. Incorporating multiple styles of comedy, the show’s strong sense of wit never peters out. With modern TV looking to expand its identity at all costs, especially the weakening comedy genre, it's easy to see why the series shines among several mediocre comedy programs currently being made today.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Follow
Followed
Arrested Development
TV-MA
Comedy
6.0/10
- Release Date
- 2003 - 2019-00-00
- Network
- FOX, Netflix
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
BUY
Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.
- Cast
- Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, John Beard, Liza Minnelli, Mae Whitman, Alan Tudyk, Allan Wasserman, Andy Morrow, Andy Richter, Anne Bellamy, Ben Stiller, Blaine Pate, Bobby Lee, Carrie Preston, Chad Einbinder, Charlie Hartsock, Cheryl Howard, Chris Diamantopoulos, Cici Lau, Craig Robinson, Dave Thomas, Ed Begley Jr., Elise Robertson, Eric Zuckerman, Ethan Phillips, Frankie Muniz, Gloria Sandoval, Harry S. Murphy, Heather Graham, Jake Hoffman
- Showrunner
- Mitchell Hurwitz
- Seasons
- 5
Canadian Comedy Gets a Chance to Shine
Nirvana the Band the Show invests audiences thanks to its two rambunctious creators/stars who play fictionalized versions of themselves attempting to obtain and perform a musical gig by conjuring up publicity stunts. The Canadian mockumentary series blends real-life interactions with improvised comedy scenarios. The series finds a sweet spot of never feeling aimless and consistently keeps viewers entertained with its meta-humor and use of pop-cultural references.
Capitalizing on fan engagement, the show’s cult following has only grown since its debut. Successfully building off of an internet web series before transitioning into a televised format, Nirvana the Band the Show knows how to keep people intrigued throughout its episodes. The series has an instantly engaging formula while having the benefit of real-life interactions pushing the show into unknown territory.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Nirvana the Band the Show
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2007 - 2009
Cast
-
Jay McCarrol
Jay
-
Matt Johnson
Matt
-
Kaitlyn Regehr
Amelia
-
Born Ruffians
Born Ruffians
- Creator(s)
- Jay McCarrol
- Seasons
- 1
8 Curb Your Enthusiasm Brilliantly Tackles Social Norms
Larry David Delivers Another Highly Acclaimed Comedy Show
HBO’s comedy of manners, Curb Your Enthusiasm, follows Larry David playing a fictionalized version of himself as he analyzes and critiques social grievances with hilariously improvised dialogue and sharp performances. Known for his work on NBC’s sitcom Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm allows the writer/comedian to embrace a whole new avenue of his comedic material by making audiences laugh with his lovable schmuck persona.
Packed with iconic episodes and memorable gags, the series’ longevity stands thanks to a loyal fanbase. The series repeatedly picked apart the faux pas of life through the lens of an unfiltered protagonist. Curb Your Enthusiasm gained all sorts of viewers due to the show’s relatable structure, as well as its eclectic guest stars, who elevated the series’ specific tone no matter what unexpected scenario comes next.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Follow
Followed
Curb Your Enthusiasm
TV-MA
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2000 - 2024-00-00
- Network
- HBO Max
- Showrunner
- Jeff Schaffer
- Directors
- Robert B. Weide, Larry Charles, David Steinberg, Bryan Gordon, Alec Berg, Andy Ackerman, David Mandel, Barry Gordon, Cheryl Hines, Dean Parisot
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
BUY
The life and times of Larry David and the predicaments he gets himself into with his friends and complete strangers.
- Cast
- Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, J.B. Smoove, Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Bob Einstein, Ashly Holloway, Shelley Berman
- Seasons
- 12
7 Detroiters Exudes the Best Aspects of a Comedy Series
Hijinks Ensue for Two Lovable Friends Making Laughs
Comedy Central’s sitcom series Detroiters perfectly mixes aspects of silly comedy and heartfelt writing. The comedy series soars with its two stars in Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson, who act as a creative duo for an advertising agency trying to make money helping local businesses. Honing in on a sincere approach to its characters, the show’s ability to conduct goofy laughs with emotional moments allows for a naturalistic connection between the audience and the series’ enjoyable tone.
Related
15 Best Lorne Michaels Shows, Ranked
Lorne Michaels created Saturday Night Live, but some of his other shows are just as good, or better.
1
Delightful at every turn, Detroiters earns its reputable status as a canceled too-soon sitcom. With only two seasons, the show still produces ample amounts of jokes and features funny guest stars. It builds a seamless narrative about two friends growing successful together despite hardships that could’ve been fostered further had Detroiters been given the chance to thrive on television for longer rather than be cut short just as it was finding its roots.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Follow
Followed
Detroiters
TV-14
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2017 - 2017
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
BUY
Single-camera buddy comedy that centers on Sam (Richardson) and Tim (Robinson), two local ad men who make low-budget commercials in Detroit, Michigan. The two best friends, much like the city in which they live, aspire to achieve great things.
- Cast
- Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Shawntay Dalon, Andre Belue, Jason Sudeikis, Cara AnnMarie, Chris Powell, Gail Bean, Kristin Wollett, Tim Meadows, Joe Cipriano, Conner O'Malley, Daniel Zott
- Seasons
- 2
6 Documentary Now! Parodies a Cinematic Genre Wonderfully
Countless Jokes Arise Through Studying a Specific Form of Entertainment
IFC’s mockumentary series Documentary Now! is a flawless comedy series. It creatively balances between honoring its genre and subject matter while spoofing various acclaimed documentaries. Elevated by its all-star cast, especially from two of its co-creators, Fred Armisen and Bill Hader, the show works to capture the specific tone of each documentary segment. The series threads multiple genres and captivates both film and comedy fans looking to see the documentary genre be explored with hilarious results.
Produced with a dynamic technical flair, Documentary Now! delivers high production quality that equally immerses audiences across each season. Considering how most comedy shows operate without a large budget, Documentary Now! has the drive to truly highlight the scope of documentaries. It visually retains the same high standards found within multiple culturally relevant films, though it puts a clever spin on each of its episodes.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Follow
Followed
Documentary Now!
TV-14
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2015 - 2021
- Network
- IFC
- Writers
- John Mulaney, Duffy Boudreau
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
BUY
"Documentary Now!" parodies the current obsession with documentaries. Season one features six different stories and stylistic approaches paying tribute to the doc format.
- Cast
- Alexander Skarsgard, Anne Hathaway, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, Liliane Rovère, Nicholas Braun, Rob Benedict, Thelma Ruby, Gary Kraus, Pam Shaw, Trystan Gravelle, Heather Hopkins, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Verona Verbakel, Jamie Demetriou, Ty Dolla Sign, James Thomas Gilbert, Lizzy Connolly, Helen Mirren, Jack Black, Aidy Bryant, Kenny Loggins, Irving Azoff, Darryl Hall, Cedric Yarbrough
- Seasons
- 4
5 Review Establishes a Funny & Dark Character Study
A Critic’s Life Grows Increasingly Absurd and Bleak
Comedy Central’s mockumentary comedy series Review takes viewers on a tragic but funny journey of self-destruction. The series builds a parodied version of reality television by utilizing its central protagonist as a tool willing to do whatever it takes to make his “educational” show a success. Finding humor across different taboos of life, all while following an enthusiastic man jeopardizing his sense of self and trying to be a good critic, the series turns into a riveting black comedy.
Leaning on one straightforward narrative across episodic storytelling, Review’s primary character is harrowing to watch. Actor Andy Daly skillfully plays the earnestness and spiraling psyche of protagonist Forrest MacNeil. Alongside the rest of the cast, Daly believably reflects humanistic characters within a comedy program that emphasizes the depths to which human beings can fall because of poor behavior.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
- Cast
- Andy Daly, Fred Willard, Lance Bass, Lennon Parham, Max Gail, Mia Barron, Megan Stevenson, Jessica St. Clair, James Urbaniak, Tara Karsian, Michael Croner, Kaden Gibson, Mason Dye, Hayley Huntley, Allison Tolman, Joseph Salazar, Darcy Shean, Christopher Wolfe, Ashley Tisdale, Julie Brister, Andy Richter, Emo Philips, Mary Birdsong, Jason Mantzoukas
- Creator(s)
- Andy Daly
- Seasons
- 3
4 Jury Duty Details Hilarious Storytelling in Real-Time
An Unsuspecting Star Gets Thrown Into Exciting Madness
Amazon Prime’s reality hoax series frames well-executed film-making with a dose of improvised comedy. Jury Duty poses an intriguing case study by navigating a TV show revolving around a lead protagonist who doesn’t know about the premise. The series chronicles the experiences of Ronald Gladden as a jury member for a fake trial. The ensemble cast smartly maneuvers the story forward without revealing the plot and helps foster great comedic scenarios for Ronald to interact with.
Related
Amazon's Prank Comedy Show With 96% RT Audience Score Gets Season 2 Renewal
A new season is on the way and it's already been filmed.
Mapping out a fictional trial with hilarious results, Jury Duty pulls off a nearly impossible trick in entertainment. Largely held together by Ronald’s enthusiasm and good-hearted nature, the series’ wacky environment creates great laughs for viewers. It also maintains some genuine moments of humanity from its central “character”, who, in more ways than one, proves that despite the cynicism and mean-spirited humor permeating on television, there can still be a glimmer of kindness on TV.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Jury Duty
Comedy
Documentary
- Release Date
- 2023 - 2022
- Showrunner
- Cody Heller
- Directors
- Jake Szymanski
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Cast
- Ronald Gladden, James Marsden, Ishmel Sahid, Edy Modica, Mekki Leeper
- Seasons
- 1
3 The Curse Unravels a Multifaceted Story With Comedy
The Series’ Complex Themes Always Keep Audiences Hooked
Inventive at delivering drama with uncomfortable comedy, Showtime’s satirical black comedy thriller series The Curse sees the creative minds of Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie conjuring up a show that is ambitious as it is varied in its subject. Anchored by its trio of main actors, the plot delves into each character’s nuanced personality while commenting on several themes that define the audience’s relationship with each character.
Highly analytical of modern issues in society, the series takes a radical journey filled with laughs and serious moments. Thought-provoking regarding human behavior, The Curse gives viewers a whirlwind of emotions within each episode. Like many other examples of Nathan Fielder’s work, the series’ challenging story, combined with comedic intent, allows for further discussion from fans in all walks of life who never know what to expect next from the talented creator.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
The Curse
TV-MA
Comedy
- Release Date
- November 10, 2023
- Network
- Showtime
- Showrunner
- Nathan Fielder, Benny Safdie
- Directors
- Nathan Fielder
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
A newlywed couple struggle to make their vision for eco-living a reality in a small New Mexico town.
- Cast
- Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, Benny Safdie, Corbin Bernsen, Barkhad Abdi, Constance Shulman
- Seasons
- 1
2 How to With John Wilson Highlights the Absurdity & Heart of Humanity
One Man’s Curiosity Leads to Enlightening Humor
HBO’s comedy docuseries How to With John Wilson surveys human nature with a personal touch by its creator. Wilson builds different tutorials on various topics in each episode, and aims to explore everyday life with some input from his own experiences. Balancing the humor and darkness of reality into short TV segments, How to With John Wilson is a treat for fans looking to see an unfiltered look at the world with no televised glamor like other “reality” series.
Constructed with technical precision, the show’s editing and pacing perfectly deliver on the comedy and jokes. Gauging audience intrigue within each scene, the show’s loose narrative, runtime and filmmaking style allow for unexpected moments. The real interactions between John Wilson and everyday people, which, whether intentional or not, always manage to be entertaining and meaningful for the viewer.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
How to with John Wilson
TV-MA
Documentary
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2020 - 2022
Cast
-
John Wilson
Self
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Seasons
- 3
1 Nathan for You Analyzes Social Anxiety Spectacularly
Nathan Fielder’s Vision Produces Enthralling Comedic Television
Providing the groundwork for all of Nathan Fielder’s future achievements, Comedy Central’s satirical docu-reality comedy series Nathan for You showcases the talented artist’s unique sensibilities as a comedian. The series blurs the lines by being a window into the creator’s personal life when acting as a business marketing consultant for struggling companies. Nathan for You keeps fans on their toes with laughs and smartly written satire.
Related
Every Comedy Fan Needs to Watch These 10/10 Comedy Shows At Least Once
Every comedy fan should check out these hilarious TV series at least once.
Unconventional with each segmented episode, the show’s various clients provide distinct forms of humor. Leveraging a diverse set of premises for audiences while sticking to an accessible formula, the show handles its surprises with great detail. Simultaneously charting Nathan Fielder’s growth over the series’ four seasons, viewers witness a man struggle to understand the aspects of day-to-day life. By constantly looking for human connection within each episode, the show deeply resonates with fans humorously.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Nathan for You
TV-14
Documentary
Comedy
- Release Date
- 2013 - 2016
- Showrunner
- Nathan Fielder, Michael Koman
Cast
-
Nathan Fielder
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
BUY
- Seasons
- 4
- TV
- Comedy
Follow
Followed
