First, Why Modern Comedy Feels So Different
Let’s get this out of the way: the laugh track is dead. For decades, multi-camera sitcoms filmed on a stage like a play were the norm. Think 'I Love Lucy,' 'Friends,' or 'The Big Bang Theory.' The laughter told you when to laugh. Today’s top comedies
are mostly single-camera shows, filmed more like movies. This format allows for more subtle humor, visual gags, and what critics call 'dramedy'—shows that blend deeply emotional storylines with comedic ones. Shows like 'The Bear,' a frequent nominee, are brilliant, but their intense, often dramatic tone can feel miles away from a traditional sitcom. This shift is the number one reason old-school fans feel alienated, but it also opens the door to richer, more complex stories.
If You Miss the 'Workplace Family'
Do you rewatch 'Cheers' or 'The Office' just to feel like you’re hanging out with old friends? The 'found family' at work is one of the most beloved sitcom tropes, and it’s alive and well in 'Abbott Elementary.' Nominated again this year, this show is the clearest modern heir to the classic workplace comedy. Set in an underfunded Philadelphia public school, it’s packed with lovable, quirky characters who you root for instantly. The mockumentary format adds a modern layer, but its heart is pure comfort food. The will-they-won't-they romantic tension, the lovable but inept boss, and the sincere belief in doing good work against all odds are all DNA strands pulled directly from the sitcom hall of fame. If you want a show that feels both fresh and familiar, start here.
For Fans of Sharp Jokes and Big Personalities
Maybe you miss the powerhouse performers and joke-a-minute writing of 'The Golden Girls' or the stand-up-driven genius of 'Seinfeld.' Your 2026 Emmy nominee is, without a doubt, 'Hacks.' The show, which set a nominations record in its final season, centers on the relationship between a legendary, fading Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, and her young, entitled writer, Ava. It’s a masterclass in joke-crafting, with scenes that are often just two brilliant, funny women trying to make each other laugh. Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance is an all-time great television character, a force of nature who is difficult, glamorous, and relentlessly funny. If your main complaint about modern comedies is that they forget to include actual jokes, 'Hacks' is the cure.
If You Want That Cozy 'Hangout' Vibe
Sometimes you don't need a laugh-out-loud moment as much as you want to spend a half-hour with charming people in an interesting place. For the viewer who loved the easy chemistry and inviting world of 'Friends,' this year's Emmy lineup offers 'Only Murders in the Building.' Yes, it’s about solving murders, but that’s almost beside the point. The show’s real draw is the delightfully weird and warm friendship between its three leads, played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Their witty banter as they wander the halls of their gorgeous New York apartment building, The Arconia, is the main attraction. It’s a high-concept plot wrapped around a simple, classic pleasure: watching people you like enjoy each other's company.
For a Sitcom With a Big, Beating Heart
Classic sitcoms were experts at delivering an emotional gut punch right after a big laugh. If you appreciate comedy that isn't afraid to be sincere, give 'Shrinking' a try. Starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, the show follows a grieving therapist who starts breaking all the rules by telling his patients exactly what he thinks. From the same creative team that gave us 'Ted Lasso,' 'Shrinking' perfects the balance of laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving. Ford, in particular, is a revelation, playing a grumpy but caring mentor with pitch-perfect comedic timing. It tackles serious themes of grief and mental health but never forgets its primary job is to be a funny, warm, and ultimately optimistic half-hour of television.
