Everyone loves binging a good old sitcom from time to time. The usual favourites such as Friends, The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, and more can without a doubt be watched again and again. But the sitcoms of the 2010s are no less and at times even surpass popular choices. The 2010s saw the rise of creators like Mindy Kaling and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Michael Schur continued his legacy of The Office with brilliant shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place. Mockumentary rose as a popular genre. The cast became more inclusive. The plots became more immersive. All in all, it is safe to say that the sitcoms of the 2010s give a good competition to seasoned sitcoms.
1. Modern Family
Modern Family encapsulates everything complex yet simple about the modern-day American family system. It follows the lives of the members of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family filled with members belonging to various ethnicities and outlooks. Jay Pritchett is the eldest member of the family whose second wife and her son from a previous marriage are Columbian. Jay’s daughter Claire is married to Phil Dunphy and they have three children. Jay’s son Mitchell lives with his partner, Cam, and they have adopted a Vietnamese daughter named Lily. As confusing as it sounds, this show promises laughter. It is well written, well executed and is undoubtedly one of the best sitcoms of the 2010s.
2. Fresh Off The Boat
Inspired by Eddie Huang’s memoir, it chronicled the misadventures of the Huang family, who had recently relocated from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida, in pursuit of the American Dream. The show was notable for its portrayal of an Asian-American family and tackled issues of identity and assimilation in the best way possible. The detailed cultural insights, witty humour, and a lovely cast, all make this show binge worthy.
3. Schitt’s Creek
The once wealthy Rose family lose all their fortune and are forced to live in a town named Schitt’s Creek that they had bought as a joke. The town seems very odd to them and adjustment becomes a tough task. The quirky residents of the town pose another problem. The show is all about how the family evolves and learns to accept their fate and live as a close-knit family in this new environment. The show is hilarious and at the same time heart-warming. Created by the father-son duo (who also star in the show) Eugene and Dan Levy, this show is one of the best sitcoms of the 2010s.
4. The Mindy Project
Mindy Kaling, who took on the roles of both creator and star of this show, infused the show with her unique humor and charisma. The storyline follows the adventures of Dr. Mindy Lahiri, an OB/GYN with a fondness for romantic comedies and a tumultuous love life. Mindy’s endearing awkwardness and her trait of hopelessly falling in love with eccentric characters is what makes this show a fun watch. It is a fresh escape from the traditional romantic comedy format.
5. Kim’s Convenience
As the title clarifies, the show follows the Kim clan, a Korean family settled in Canada. The parents run a convenience store, the daughter is a student of photography, and their estranged son works at a car rental. Just like most other shows on this list, the major focus of this show is on the concept of family. But it also subtly and interestingly raises issues such as religion, culture, status of immigrants in a foreign land, and much more. The show is funny, endearing, and light-hearted. It is just 5 seasons long and can be binged with family.
6. The Good Place
Created by Michael Schur (this man is ruling this list), it follows the journey of Eleanor Shellstrop, played by Kristen Bell, who finds herself in the afterlife’s “Good Place” even though she was far from virtuous in her life on earth. Afraid that she might land up in the “Bad Place” once her identity is revealed, Eleanor decides to learn about ethics and implement them into her personality. Filled with plenty of twists, impeccable humour, and a well written plot to boast for, this show is really the creamy layer of the 2010s.
7. Parks and Recreation
This show is a treat for the lovers of The Office. This mockumentary-style comedy, led by the incomparable Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, took us on a hilarious journey through the quirky world of local government in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. It’s a show that can make you laugh at one moment and tug at your heartstrings the next. The characters feel real and relatable. The show stays with you long after you have watched it. And yes, again, the creator of this show is none other than Michael Schur.
8. Fleabag
This Phoebe Waller-Bridge show is a true masterpiece. The show follows an unnamed protagonist who runs a hamster-themed cafe for a living, is dealing with the death of her best friend/ business partner, and shares a complex relationship with the members of her family. Amidst all the chaos in her life, she takes her chance at love and sex, exploring all facets of both the terms. There are two seasons of this show and while the first season is a gem, it is the second one that really stands out. The best thing about this show is its rawness and the way it deals with human emotions.
9. Young Sheldon
This prequel to the hugely popular show, The Big Bang Theory, is one to look out for. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the show chronicles Sheldon’s experiences in high school, his interactions with his family, and his efforts to find his place in the world. The series humorously explores Sheldon’s unique personality quirks and his relationships with his family, particularly his religious mother and twin sister. It also shows us the relationship Sheldon shared with his grandmother, Meemaw. The show is a treat for the fans of The Big Bang Theory.
10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
It is tough to talk about the best sitcoms of the 2010s and not mention this gem of a show. Created by Michael Schur and Dan Goor, this incredible show is known for its diverse cast, progressive themes, and quirky humour. Schur is known for his mastery in workplace humour and this show is proof of that. Set in a police station, the show follows the lives and work of the officers of the 99th precinct of New York City. This sitcom was like a breath of fresh air with its hilarious jokes and awesome characters, but it also dealt with sensitive issue with wit and dexterity. This one is a must watch.
So, these were some of the best sitcoms of the 2010s that you need to check out soon. If you are looking for more such suggestions, click here.
