Best Comedy Series 2021

Scoring the top spot in this genre category and the Best New Series, Hulu’s comedy Only Murders in the Building stared down HBO Max’s Hacks and Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and laughed in the faces of its competition: “Ha!” it said. “Gaze upon my 100% Certified Fresh score and 96 reviews and despair.”

The order reflects Tomatometer scores (as of December 31, 2021) after adjustment from our ranking formula, which compensates for variation in the number of reviews when comparing movies or TV shows.

Only Murders in the Building: Season 1

#1

Adjusted Score: 113606%

Critics Consensus: Only Murders in the Building's silly approach to true crime obsessives is at once hilarious and insightful, thanks in large part to its extremely charming central trio.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Aaron Dominguez

Directed By: Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Jamie Babbitt, Dan Fogelman

Hacks: Season 1

#2

Adjusted Score: 109104%

Critics Consensus: A prickling debut that pulls few punches, Hacks deftly balances its sharp critiques of the comedy world with more intimate moments, all the while giving the incomparable Jean Smart a role worthy of her talents -- and an excellent partner in Hannah Einbinder.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Rose Abdoo

Directed By: Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, Mike Schur, David Miner

Ted Lasso: Season 2

#3

Adjusted Score: 114200%

Critics Consensus: As comforting as a buttery biscuit from a friend, Ted Lasso's sophomore season is a feel-good triumph that plays into the show's strengths while giving its supporting team more time on the pitch.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Jeremy Swift

Directed By: Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Jeff Ingold, Brendan Hunt

We Are Lady Parts: Season 1

#4

Adjusted Score: 105552%

Critics Consensus: Infectious energy, great songs, and a magnetic cast come together to make We Are Lady Parts a rocking comedy that is as subversive as it is hilarious.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Faith Omole, Juliette Motamed

Directed By: Nida Manzoor, Mark Freeland, Surian Fletcher-Jones, Tim Bevan

Reservation Dogs: Season 1

#5

Adjusted Score: 105602%

Critics Consensus: Aimless afternoons yield absurd delights in Reservation Dogs, a low-key comedy that deftly captures the malaise of youth and Rez life thanks in no small part to its impressive central crew.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor

Directed By: Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi, Garrett Basch, Sydney Freeland

Mythic Quest: Season 2

#6

Adjusted Score: 103371%

Critics Consensus: Smartly written, sharply performed, and sentimental without losing its sense of humor, Mythic Quest's stellar second season solidifies its place as one of TV's best workplace comedies.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim

Directed By: Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, David Hornsby

Starstruck: Season 1

#7

Adjusted Score: 103910%

Critics Consensus: Starstruck doesn't rewrite the rom-com datebook, but with a quick wit and a star-making turn from the dynamic Rose Matafeo it's easy to fall for anyway.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Emma Sidi, Minnie Driver

Directed By: Karen Maine

What We Do in the Shadows: Season 3

#8

Adjusted Score: 102819%

Critics Consensus: Carried on the wings of its cast's incredible chemistry and the strongest writing of the series so far, What We Do in the Shadows' third season is scary good.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén

Directed By: Jemaine Clement, Paul Simms, Taika Waititi, Scott Rudin

The Great: Season 2

#9

Adjusted Score: 103778%

Critics Consensus: The Great continues its revisionist reign stronger than before thanks to its addictive wit and marvelous cast -- huzzah!

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley

Directed By: Tony McNamara, Marian Macgowan, Josh Kesselman, Ron West

Insecure: Season 5

#10

Adjusted Score: 102551%

Critics Consensus: Issa's future remains uncertain, but Insecure enters its final season a fully confident comedy with plenty left to say about friendship, love, and self-esteem.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales

Directed By: Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg