SEPTEMBER SILLINESS
If it’s a comedy you want, go with the classics
REVIEWED BYAshwini Vethakan
When you find yourself in a painful mundane cycle, you need something that will make your heart feel good and your cheeks hurt from smiling. To us, that means a good comedy TV show. Sure, movies are great but there’s something unique about a television series.
This is probably because there’s no time limit as such and you know your lovable characters will return in the next episode; or maybe it’s the fact that despite the earth shattering drama that is currently filling our everyday lives, you can at least escape reality with these light-hearted episodes.
And now thanks to the various gods of the internet, we can binge on our favourites for nights (or days) on end!
For a show that’s equivalent to your favourite comfort food or copious hours of good vibes, here’s a roundup of our favourite TV comedies.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
It is an absolute necessity that this series makes our list. The show has remained a favourite since its debut over 25 years ago – and it has shaped a generation of viewers while perfectly capturing that weird time in your 20s when your friends are your family.
Considered ahead of its time, it’s perfect for those millennials who are living on their own.
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR
With the Black Lives Matter movement marking a poignant time in history, it’s only fitting that we acknowledge the very first black sitcom that addressed black-on-black prejudice, class differences and racial profiling, as well as sexuality and identity issues.
The show introduces the audience to a young Will Smith, who at the time hadn’t acted but goes on to become an instant star with his natural charm and quick-witted chops.
THE OFFICE
No, we aren’t talking about the British TV show; rather, its funnier American spin-off.
If you’ve ever wanted to make fun of your ‘soul sucking job’ with a couple of hilarious one line zingers, the antics between characters Jim and Dwight will leave you in stitches… and who knows, you may find a couple of inventive pranks to use among your own workmates!
THE GOLDEN GIRLS
Simply put, these sassy ladies are who we want to grow up to be! Betty White does what she does best, making you laugh with her comedic and truly inspirational clap backs.
This show is perfect for a girl’s night in where you can share a good bottle of Prosecco, and enjoy a night filled with friendship and laughter.
THE SIMPSONS
If you haven’t heard of this sitcom, it’s time you get out from whatever rock you’ve been hiding under and get with the times! The Simpsons are the next popular American family (right after the country’s first!). With guest appearances from nearly every popular personality known to man – this includes former American presidents and even Elon Musk – the show revolves around a dysfunctional family and their weird lives.
Again, this show is perfect for escaping our own reality – though in recent times, there have been instances when the series has predicted America’s future, the best example being Donald Trump becoming the country’s president!
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
The name says it all – you stay home and get to watch a couple of hilariously curated skits come to life with our favourite celebrities playing host every week.
From Stranger Things’ David Harbour to Marriage Story’s Adam Driver, the scripts always highlight current issues and at times take a funny jab at some of the best blockbusters in cinema for the month. But one thing is for sure – you will laugh!