Comedies have frequently dominated the small screen – and for good reason. Comedy series provide a lighthearted and entertaining escape for viewers. They also come in various formats for fans to enjoy, from sitcoms to comedy dramas to musicals. Comedy series can also offer years of entertainment, with shows like Friends and Modern Family running for years.
However, not all comedies receive the same treatment. Many TV shows get canceled or concluded long before they should be, leaving their fans disappointed. Not every show can run for ages, but some great TV comedies are way too shorter than they deserve to be.
10 The Mick (2017 – 2018)
37 Episodes
Kaitlin Olson takes the spotlight in The Mick. Her wayward character, Mickey, obtains control of her sister's large estate. However, she also gains guardianship over her sister's kids, getting much more than she bargained for.
The Mick is a lighthearted sitcom that dives into deeper themes of found family. The show uses its characters well, giving them developed and varying personalities. Sadly, The Mick failed due to impossible competition despite having many great elements, causing the comedy series to end far too soon.
9 Strangers With Candy (1999 – 2000)
30 Episodes
Strangers with Candy is a raunchy comedy that gained cult status among its fans. The show features Amy Sedaris playing a middle-aged woman, Jerri, who decides to clean up her act and tackle the biggest challenge of all: high school.
The cast of Strangers with Candy shines with their comedic talents, an ensemble that even includes a young Stephen Colbert. The series' satiric approach also fills it with Comedy Central's signature ridiculous charm. While Strangers with Candy was cut too short, a 2005 film adaptation proved the show's ongoing fan appeal.
8 Happy Endings (2011 – 2013)
57 Episodes
ABC's Happy Endings follows the adventures of six best friends. After Alex leaves Dave at the altar, the tight-knit group struggles to navigate their new dynamic. The show balances its comedy by keeping emotional themes of love, heartbreak, and friendship at its core.
Happy Endings' familiar premise makes it yet another modern rival of Friends. However, the series blends its buddy narrative with heartwarming explorations into each character. In doing so, the show levels with sitcom hits like New Girl and Modern Family, but receives only a third of their length and ends far too quickly.
7 Cupid (1998 – 1999)
15 Episodes
1998's Cupid depicts the adventures of Trevor Hale, who believes himself to be the God of Love. His psychologist, Claire, joins Trevor as he plays matchmaker around town.
Trevor's outspoken and confident personality gets him and Claire into all kinds of hilarious situations. Yet, they also have surprisingly deep conversations about attraction, romance, and intimacy. The series has even greater appeal today, especially as it mixes situational and physical comedy with its late 90s setting. But Cupid only gets 15 episodes to make an impression, wasting its potential.
6 The Grinder (2015 – 2016)
22 Episodes
Rob Lowe's Dean Sanderson embodies the "fake it 'till you make it" motto in The Grinder. After he plays a lawyer in a hit show, the actor thinks he is ready to practice at his family's law firm. His brother, Stewart, has a very different opinion on the matter, though. Cue the sibling rivalry at the heart of the hilarious series.
Through the Sandersons, The Grinder portrays yet another dysfunctional sitcom family, placing itself in the ranks of similar comedies like Arrested Development. While the series gave a promising introduction, the show ends far too early to leave the same impact as the longer-running shows it's inspired by.
5 Disjointed (2017 – 2018)
20 Episodes
Kathy Bates plays the spirited weed advocate Ruth Feldman in Disjointed. Ruth opens a cannabis dispensary and employs a ragtag crew of young fellow stoners to help it succeed.
Disjointed uses its experimental plot to succeed as a comedy. The series enhances its entertaining factors by using marijuana, heightening its comedic value. The show also dives into important debates regarding its central focus, using humor to incite important conversations. Disjointed created a fun and safe on-screen space for weed users to relate to, albeit for only a short amount of time.
4 Single Parents (2018 – 2020)
45 Episodes
Solo parenting gets its due time in the spotlight in Single Parents. After Will meets other single parents, they take him under their wings. Together, the mix of parents helps each other balance parenthood with a healthy social life outside of their kids.
Single Parents succeeds through its hilarious ensemble cast and their ensuing chemistry. The series' diversity is another great strength that furthers its comedic impact. However, Single Parents ends far too soon with only two seasons for fans to enjoy.
3 Pushing Daisies (2007 – 2009)
22 Episodes
Pie-maker Ned harbors the ability to bring back the dead in Pushing Daisies. The comedy series expertly merges with the supernatural and mystery genres as Ned uses his unique ability to help solve crimes. While Ned's powers have their privileges, they also carry many limitations. The death of Ned's crush, Chuck, proves this.
Pushing Daisies sticks out among other comedies through its unique storyline and fairytale charm. Sadly, the show still saw an early demise. While Pushing Daisies deserves a revival, it remains limited to only two seasons.
2 Scream Queens (2015 – 2016)
23 Episodes
Slasher horror meets dark comedy in Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens. The serial killer mystery carries Murphy's signature satire throughout, producing a product as absurd and hilarious as his former Glee. The show's ensemble cast contains everyone from Emma Roberts to Ariana Grande to John Stamos.
Scream Queens leans into its ridiculous nature, and the self-aware tone makes it much more enjoyable for viewers. The TV show presents a unique blend of dark horror and even blacker comedy. Yet, Scream Queens' concludes its journey too soon, despite the show having the perfect cliffhanger setup for more seasons.
1 Clone High (2002 – 2003)
13 Episodes
Historical figures manifest as teenage clones in Clone High. The series brings some of history's most notable names (from Gandhi to Cleopatra) back to animated life, this time as relatable high schoolers.
Clone High has an interesting storyline that sets it apart from other animated comedies. The show's satirical approach furthers its individuality, making it one of the best comedies of its time. While the original series concludes after just one season, the upcoming HBO revival hopefully gives the series the run time it deserves.