The best sitcoms of 2019 offer their followers a unique blend of humor, wit, and relatable storytelling, and the world of television has been graced with many exceptional sitcoms.
From timeless classics to fresh and innovative creations, 2019 delivered a delightful array of humor and wit, each series bringing its unique charm to the forefront.
These sitcoms brought laughter and insight into our lives, offering an escape from the every day while shedding light on the intricacies of the human experience.
Whether through clever writing, unforgettable characters, or a blend of both, these sitcoms showcased the genre’s enduring appeal and solidified their place in viewers’ hearts.
Join us as we journey through the world of 2019’s best sitcoms, each deserving of recognition for its contribution to the world of comedy and television.
1. Fleabag (2016)
- Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman, Brett Gelman, Andrew Scott, Bill Paterson, and Jenny Rainsford
Fleabag is a British comedy-drama series created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
The show revolves around the life of a complex and witty young woman (played by Waller-Bridge) who remains unnamed throughout the series.
She lives in London and uses humor as a defense mechanism to cope with her often dysfunctional relationships and personal struggles.
The plot is an intimate look at her life, which includes running a failing café, navigating her strained family dynamics, and engaging in various romantic entanglements.
A significant aspect of the series is the character’s habit of breaking the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly, and inviting them into her world of vulnerability and dark humor.
Fleabag confronts her grief struggles, inner demons, and complicated relationships throughout the series.
Themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for genuine connection in a chaotic world are explored.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2021)
- Cast: Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle, Kevin Pollak, and Caroline Aaron
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a comedy-drama series on Amazon Prime created by Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the show’s plot centers on Miriam Midge Maisel, a housewife with a seemingly perfect life on New York City’s Upper West Side.
However, her life turns unexpectedly when her husband, Joel, leaves her.
Midge discovers her talent for stand-up comedy, and the plot follows her journey to become a professional comedian.
Despite the societal norms and gender expectations of the era, Midge bravely pursues a career in the male-dominated comedy industry.
The series explores themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and pursuing one’s dreams.
Midge’s comedic talent evolves as she faces the challenges of the entertainment world, including balancing her professional aspirations with her roles as a mother and daughter.
3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2020)
- Cast: Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Andre Braugher, Stephanie Beatriz, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, and Chelsea Peretti
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a popular police procedural comedy series created by Michael Schur and Dan Goor.
The show is set in the fictional 99th precinct of the New York City Police Department. This TV show is one of the best Sitcoms of 2019.
The plot primarily follows the escapades and shenanigans of Detective Jake Peralta, a brilliant but immature detective, and his by-the-book partner, Detective Amy Santiago.
They work under the deadpan yet capable Captain Raymond Holt Leadership alongside a cast of diverse and quirky colleagues, including the overly enthusiastic Terry Jeffords.
The series provides a lighthearted and humorous look at law enforcement, addressing both serious and funny aspects of policing, including solving cases, maintaining order, and navigating workplace dynamics.
The character-driven humor and ensemble cast add to the charm of the show.
The plot combines clever comedy, camaraderie, and the exploration of personal and professional relationships, making Brooklyn Nine-Nine a beloved and entertaining sitcom that blends humor with relevant social themes.
4. The Good Place (2016-2020)
- Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, D’Arcy Carden, and Marc Evan Jackson
The Good Place” is a unique philosophical sitcom created by Michael Schur.
The series begins with Eleanor Shellstrop waking up in the afterlife, specifically in The Good Place, which is supposed to be a paradise for the morally righteous.
The twist is that Eleanor quickly realizes she’s there by mistake, as she was not a good person during her time on Earth.
To avoid being discovered and sent to The Bad Place, she enlists the help of her assigned soulmate, Chidi Anagonye, a moral philosophy professor.
As the plot unfolds, Eleanor and Chidi, along with their quirky companions, including the hedonistic Tahani Al-Jamil and the silent Buddhist monk Jianyu, navigate ethical dilemmas, self-improvement, and personal growth.
The series explores themes of morality, redemption, and the nature of goodness through clever humor and moral problems.
5. PEN15 (2019-2020)
- Cast: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Melora Walters, Taylor Nichols, Mutsuko Erskine, Dallas Liu, and Taj Cross
PEN15 is a coming-of-age comedy series on Hulu created by Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle.
The show is set in the early 2000s and revolves around the two creators, Erskine and Konkle, who play versions of their teenage selves.
In a unique twist, they interact with actual middle schoolers while navigating the challenging and often cringe-worthy experiences of adolescence.
The plot follows Maya and Anna as they deal with puberty, friendship, first crushes, and the awkwardness of middle school life.
The series explores the challenges of growing up, especially the difficulties of being a teenager, with humor, authenticity, and a strong sense of nostalgia.
It’s a heartfelt and funny portrayal of the universal awkwardness of youth.
6. Barry (2028-2021)
- Cast: Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan, Henry Winkler, D’Arcy Carden, and Glenn Fleshler
Barry is a dark comedy series created by Bill Hader and Alec Berg. The show centers around Barry Berkman, a Marine turned hitman who, despite his profession, is dissatisfied with his life.
During a job in Los Angeles, Barry stumbles upon an acting class, which ignites a passion for acting.
He decides to pursue a career in acting, even as he continues to grapple with his violent and criminal past.
The plot follows Barry as he tries to balance his two lives, often with disastrous consequences.
As he becomes increasingly involved in acting, he discovers the challenges and complexities of both his professions, leading to moral dilemmas and dark humor.
Barry combines crime, drama, and comedy elements, exploring the absurdity of one man’s attempt to change his life and find meaning in a world of violence and pretense.
7. Russian Doll (2019)
- Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee, Elizabeth Ashley, Rebecca Henderson, Jeremy Bobb, and Ritesh Rajan
Russian Doll is a Netflix comedy-drama series created by Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland.
The show revolves around Nadia Vulvokov, a cynical and sharp-witted software engineer living in New York City.
The plot takes a surreal turn when Nadia finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving the night of her 36th birthday party over and over.
She returns to the exact moment each time she dies, starting the loop again; Russian Doll is one of the best sitcoms of 2019.
Nadia meets with Alan Zaveri, a fellow time loop traveler, to unravel the mystery behind their predicament.
The series explores existentialism, self-discovery, and personal transformation as Nadia confronts her past, relationships, and demons while attempting to break free from the loop.
8. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2019)
- Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, Chris Elliott, Emily Hampshire, and Jennifer Robertson
Schitt’s Creek is a Canadian sitcom created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy.
The series begins with the wealthy Rose family, including Johnny Rose, his wife Moira, and their adult children David and Alexis, losing their fortune and being forced to live in the small, quirky town of Schitt’s Creek, which they once bought as a joke.
The plot follows the Roses as they adapt to their new, less extravagant lifestyle and navigate the eccentric personalities of the town’s residents.
Throughout the series, they develop deep connections with the community, each experiencing personal growth and transformation.
Schitt’s Creek is a heartwarming and humorous tale of a family learning to appreciate the value of love and togetherness over material wealth.
9. Veep (2012-2018)
- Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh, and Sufe Bradshaw
Veep is a political satire created by Armando Iannucci and later shown by David Mandel.
The show follows Selina Meyer, a former vice president who becomes the President of the United States.
The plot is satirical on American politics, highlighting the chaos, egos, and power struggles behind the scenes.
Selina and her team, including her loyal but bumbling staff, navigate the intricacies of Washington, D.C., and the challenges of governing a divided nation while trying to secure her political legacy.
Veep provides a sharp and often scathing look at the absurdities and compromises of the political world, with humor derived from its characters’ defects and ambitions.
10. One Day at a Time (2017-2020)
- Cast: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rita Moreno, and Ariela Barer
One Day at a Time is a sitcom with multiple adaptations, the most recent being the Netflix version created by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce.
The series focuses on the Alvarez family, headed by Penelope, a divorced military veteran and nurse, and her mother, Lydia.
The plot centers around Penelope’s life as she raises her two children, Elena and Alex while navigating work challenges, dating, and her Cuban-American heritage.
The show tackles various social issues, including mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration, with humor and heartwarming family moments.
It explores themes of resilience, identity, and the importance of family support.
11. Better Things (2016-2020)
- Cast: Pamela Adlon, Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood, Olivia Edward, Celia Imrie, Alysia Reiner, and Matthew Glave
Better Things is a comedy-drama series created by and starring Pamela Adlon.
The show follows Sam Fox m, a working actress and single mother of three daughters, Max, Frankie, and Duke.
The plot revolves around Sam’s life as she juggles her acting career with the responsibilities of parenthood.
The series explores the challenges and joys of motherhood, personal relationships, and the pursuit of professional success.
Better Things offers a realistic and often humorous portrayal of the complexities of modern life.
It emphasizes the importance of strong female characters and their ability to support one another through life’s ups and downs.
12. The Goldbergs (2013-2023)
- Cast: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile, Hayley Orrantia, George Segal, Jeff Garlin, and AJ Michalka
The Goldbergs is a sitcom created by Adam F. Goldberg, inspired by his childhood and family.
Set in the 1980s, the show focuses on the Goldberg family, particularly young Adam, who documents his family’s quirks and experiences with his video camera.
The plot centers on Adam’s coming-of-age journey as he navigates the challenges of growing up with his overbearing but loving mother, Beverly, his gruff but caring father, Murray, and his two siblings, Erica and Barry.
The series combines nostalgia for the ’80s with humor and heartwarming family moments.
It portrays the ups and downs of family life, adolescence, and the universal experience of trying to fit in and find one’s identity.
13. GLOW (2017-2019)
- Cast: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, Britney Young, Sydelle Noel, Kate Nash, and Gayle Rankin
GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) is a comedy-drama series created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch.
The show is set in the 1980s and follows a group of struggling actresses who enter the world of women’s professional wrestling.
The plot revolves around Ruth Wilder, a struggling actress who joins the unconventional wrestling promotion and a diverse group of women, each with unique personalities and wrestling personas.
The series delves into themes of female empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery as the characters train, perform, and face various challenges.
The characters grow inside and outside the wrestling ring, and the show balances humor and drama in exploring their personal and professional journeys.
14. Kim’s Convenience (2016-2021)
- Cast: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu, Andrew Phung, Nicole Power, and Ben Beauchemin
Kim’s Convenience is one of the best sitcoms of 2019 that Ins Choi and Kevin White created.
The series is set in Toronto and revolves around the Kim family, which owns and operates a convenience store.
The plot focuses on Mr. Kim and his wife, Mrs. Kim, their daughter Janet, and their estranged son, Jung.
The show explores the dynamics of this Korean-Canadian family as they interact with their diverse customers and face the challenges of running a small business.
The plot highlights cultural identity, generational differences, and the pursuit of dreams.
Kim’s Convenience combines humor and heartwarming moments to depict the Kims’ everyday life and the various people who walk through their store’s doors.
15. Modern Family (2009-2020)
- Cast: Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, and Sarah Hyland
Modern Family is a mockumentary-style sitcom that offers a comedic and heartwarming portrayal of the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy family.
The series cleverly captures the dynamics between the various members of this extended family through the lens of a documentary crew.
Jay Pritchett is the patriarch, married to the vivacious Colombian Gloria with a son named Manny.
Jay’s daughter Claire Dunphy and her husband Phil are raising their children, Haley, Alex, and Luke.
Jay’s son Mitchell and his partner Cameron Tucker have adopted a daughter, Lily.
The plot unfolds through mockumentary interviews and observations, showcasing each family member’s unique personalities and quirks.
The show explores diverse family dynamics, parenting styles, and generational differences.
The characters face various situations, from humorous misunderstandings to heartfelt life lessons.
Through the years, they celebrate life events, endure challenges, and learn the importance of love and acceptance, ultimately showing that family is not defined by tradition but by the bonds of love and support that hold them together.
16. The Righteous Gemstones (2019)
- Cast: John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam Devine, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tony Cavalero, and Tim Baltz
The Righteous Gemstones is a dark comedy series created by Danny McBride.
The show takes a satirical look at the world of televangelism through the lens of the Gemstone family, a wealthy and corrupt group of televangelists running a megachurch empire.
Eli Gemstone is the family’s patriarch, a charismatic preacher who oversees the Gemstone congregation.
Eli’s children include Jesse, the eldest son and a charismatic but morally flawed preacher; Kelvin, a reckless and hedonistic youth minister; and Judy, the sole Gemstone daughter struggling with her role in the family business.
The plot highlights the hypocrisy and moral shortcomings of the Gemstone family as they indulge in various scandals and power struggles.
Alongside their religious duties, they are entangled in deceit, infidelity, and questionable business practices while projecting a righteous image to their congregation.
The characters’ flaws become increasingly apparent as the series unfolds, leading to humorous and sometimes shocking revelations.
The show combines dark humor with social commentary, satirizing the televangelism industry and exploring themes of greed, ego, and the corrupting influence of power within religious institutions.
17. Living with Yourself (2019)
- Cast: Paul Rudd, Aisling Bea, Desmin Borges, Karen Pittman, Zoe Chao, Rob Yang, and Ginger Gonzaga
As one of the best sitcoms of 2019, Living with Yourself is a dark comedy series created by Timothy Greenberg.
The plot centers around Miles Elliot, a middle-aged advertising executive stuck in a rut, dissatisfied with his life and marriage.
Seeking self-improvement, he undergoes a mysterious spa treatment, only to discover that he has been replaced by a better version of himself – a clone.
The series explores themes of identity, self-improvement, and the consequences of seeking a perfect life.
As the original Miles and his clone navigate their existence, they face the challenges of coexisting and accepting their differences.
The show humorously delves into their parallel lives, highlighting the absurdity of their predicament and the complexities of relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
The plot skillfully balances humor with introspection as Miles’ lives intersect, leading to profound questions about the nature of happiness and the pursuit of self-worth.
Living with Yourself offers a unique and thought-provoking take on self-discovery and personal growth in the modern age.
