The 10 Obscure Comedy Shows That Are Actually Good

1. Toast of London

Let's kick off with this English gem starring The IT Crowds' one and only, Matt Berry. Steven Toast, a quirky actor, navigates London's eccentric theater scene. Do you like funny accents? British humor? Of course, you do! With disastrous voice-over jobs, insane directors, and bizarre love affairs, this show is as absurd as a black-pudding-flavored ice cream. A unique comedy, just like that fish and chips place down the corner, you either love it or you don't. But hey, who can resist a crispy battered cod?

2. Review

Imagine a TV host reviewing real-life experiences, like what it's like to be a racist or getting divorced. No, it's not reality TV gone wrong; it's a mockumentary-style comedy. Andrew Daly plays Forrest MacNeil, a critic who gives ratings to life experiences. He's like a modern Don Quixote chasing after windmills, oblivious to the havoc he wreaks. Forrest is lovably clueless, and the show delivers laughs with cringe-worthy scenarios. Is it a critique of our ratings-obsessed culture? Maybe. But sometimes, a laugh is just a laugh.

3. Nathan for You

Looking for something to tickle your funny bone? Nathan Fielder has got your back. This deadpan Canadian comedian helps small businesses in the most absurd ways possible. He's like a mad scientist of marketing, cooking up schemes so insane, they just might work. It's part prank show, part social experiment, and wholly bizarre. Is Nathan the hero we need? He's certainly the hero we deserve.

4. Detroiters

Two best buddies trying to save a local ad agency. Sounds simple, right? Well, it's anything but. Tim Cramblin and Sam Duvet, played by real-life best friends Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson, bring Detroit to life with their slapstick antics and contagious enthusiasm. The show oozes charm and camaraderie like cheese on a pizza slice. It's not deep or thought-provoking, but that's okay because sometimes you just need a good ol' laugh with no strings attached.

5. The Last Man on Earth

A post-apocalyptic comedy? I kid you not! The world ends, not with a bang, but with a lot of awkward chuckles. Will Forte's Phil Miller is supposedly the last man alive after a deadly virus wipes out humanity. Hilarity ensues when he finds other survivors who are as dysfunctional as him. It's an oddball comedy, and if you enjoy quirky humor and scenes that make you question your sanity, then this one's a catch.

6. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

Okay, let's play a game. Take a fictional horror writer, add a fictional show he supposedly wrote, and make it look like it's from the 80s. You get Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, a parody of bad horror and sci-fi TV. It's a show within a show within a parody. You follow? The awkward acting, shoddy effects, and nonsensical plots are pure comedic gold. It's a niche pick, sure, but if you're in on the joke, you'll be rolling on the floor.

7. Superstore

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a big-box store? Welcome to Cloud 9, a fictional superstore where oddball employees deal with customers, corporate shenanigans, and each other. It's The Office meets Parks and Recreation in a store setting. Sure, it's a workplace comedy, but it's also a commentary on consumerism and the retail world.

8. Party Down

Listen, there's nothing worse than a job you hate. Unless it's a job you hate alongside people who make it fun. Party Down, a catering company in LA, is made up of wannabe actors, writers, and comedians. The catch? Their gigs are absolutely bonkers. From mobster poker nights to sweet sixteen parties, this show brings laughs, awkwardness, and some surprisingly touching moments.

9. Baskets

Clowning around takes on a whole new meaning in this show. Zach Galifianakis plays Chip Baskets, a down-and-out clown trying to make it big. But life has other plans. He's forced to be a rodeo clown, and his twin brother is stealing the spotlight. Don't be fooled by the clown makeup; this show is more than just laughs. Think of it as a sorta circus act that makes you laugh, then hits you right in the feels.

10. Documentary Now!

Ever seen a documentary and thought, "This could be funnier?" Well, here's a mockumentary series that parodies famous docs. Think Grey Gardens and Wild Wild Country with a twist. Each episode is a unique spoof with different styles and tones. You never know what you're going to get, there's only one thing to be sure: Bill Hader and Fred Armisen's duo is pure comedy gold. Seriously, these two are on fire.