8 Underrated Comedies on Amazon Prime
These underrated comedies on Amazon Prime may not have the recognition they deserve, but they certainly have the laughs, the heart, and the charm to make them worth a watch.
1. Patriot (2015-2018)
Patriot is a show that brilliantly straddles the line between a dark comedy and a spy thriller – no easy task. It's the story of John Tavner, a depressed intelligence officer who just wants to play folk music but is stuck doing dangerous covert operations for his dad.
The show is delightfully bizarre and deadpan, painting a portrait of espionage that is less James Bond and more The Office. It's been largely overlooked, but those who've found it have been treated to a captivating blend of quirky humor and nail-biting suspense.
2. Red Oaks (2014-2017)
Set in the '80s, Red Oaks is a coming-of-age comedy about a college student working as a tennis pro at a posh country club. With its well-drawn characters and nostalgic setting, the show deftly balances humor with heartfelt moments. It's like The Wonder Years with a side of tennis and a good dollop of '80s charm.
The show slipped under the radar for many, but for those who've discovered it, it's a love-40 game (which, for non-tennis buffs, means it's a winner).
3. Catastrophe (2015-2020)
Catastrophe is a British comedy about an Irish woman and an American man who end up in a whirlwind romance after a one-week stand results in an unplanned pregnancy. What makes the show a breath of fresh air is its unflinchingly honest take on relationships, marriage, and parenthood.
The humor is sharp, the chemistry between the leads is fantastic, and the situations are as hilarious as they are painfully relatable. It's a show that seems to have slipped through the cracks, but it's a hidden gem well worth your time.
4. Fleabag (2016-2019)
Alright, alright, Fleabag might not be that underrated given it won six Emmys, but the show's first season didn't quite hit the zeitgeist. It's a darkly comedic look at the life of a troubled, yet hilarious woman navigating her personal disasters in London. It's laugh-out-loud funny and crushingly sad, often within the same scene.
If you're one of those who skipped it because of its odd title, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. It's as unforgettable as the jumpsuit Fleabag wears in season 2.
5. One Mississippi (2015-2017)
One Mississippi is a semi-autobiographical show created by and starring comedian Tig Notaro, who plays a version of herself returning to her hometown after her mother's sudden death. It's a painfully honest portrayal of grief, but it's also uproariously funny – a fine tightrope walk that's hard to achieve.
This dark comedy has its roots in reality which makes it all the more relatable, and Notaro's dry wit and deadpan delivery provide plenty of laughs. The show only lasted two seasons, but it left a lasting impact on those who discovered it.
6. The Tick (2016-2019)
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The Tick is a superhero comedy like no other. It's an offbeat, satirical take on superhero tropes, featuring a well-meaning but dimwitted superhero (the eponymous Tick) and his unwilling sidekick, Arthur. The dialogue is witty, the situations are absurd, and the humor is delightfully left-field. It's a far cry from your typical superhero series – think less Avengers and more Monty Python in spandex.
The show didn't find a massive audience during its run, but for those looking for a superhero show that zigs when others zag, The Tick is just the ticket.
7. Comrade Detective (2017-present)
Imagine a Romanian buddy cop show from the 1980s, overdubbed in English by actors like Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. That's Comrade Detective for you. It's weird, it's quirky, and it's absolutely hilarious.
The show is presented as a lost Romanian television show commissioned by the Communist Party to promote a communist worldview during the Cold War. It's a smart satire of the conventions of '80s television and the propaganda of the era. The concept might sound crazy (because it is), but that's exactly what makes it a riot.
8. Mozart in the Jungle (2014-2018)
Mozart in the Jungle is a comedy-drama that provides a peek behind the curtain of the New York Symphony. It's inspired by the memoir Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music by oboist Blair Tindall.
The show masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of humor, music, and character study. Its playful and charming look at the eccentric personalities and politics behind the classical music scene is both hilarious and enlightening. It's a symphony of wit, drama, and music that's worth tuning into.