Best clean comedy TV shows for laughs
Looking for humor without the crudeness? These television series prove you can get big laughs through smart writing and relatable characters.



Finding comedy that genuinely makes you laugh without relying on excessive vulgarity or shock value can be a treasure hunt. The good news is, the landscape of television comedy offers a wealth of brilliant shows that master this art form.
Often, these series build their humor on sharp writing, witty banter, and deeply developed characters whose quirks and relationships drive the comedy. Think of the ensemble dynamics in a classic like Friends, the cringe-worthy observational humor of The Office, or the rapid-fire jokes packed into a show like 30 Rock. Each relies on clever scenarios and character reactions rather than leaning on explicit language.
This style of comedy also tends to have a broad appeal, making these shows perfect for watching with family or friends of varying sensibilities. They demonstrate that sophisticated humor, situational irony, and genuine heart can be far funnier and more memorable than simply pushing boundaries with crude jokes. Whether it's the mockumentary style, workplace antics, or quirky community settings, these series deliver consistent laughs by focusing on the human (and sometimes hilariously absurd) elements of everyday life.
14. Veep (2012)
Enter the cynical, cutthroat world of American politics through the eyes of Vice President Selina Meyer and her incompetent staff. 'Veep' is a masterclass in political satire and insult comedy, known for its incredibly sharp writing and fearless use of profanity. While undeniably brilliant and hilarious, its humor is heavily reliant on vulgar and often creative insults, making it less suitable for a query specifically asking for laughs without vulgarity. It's a show for those who enjoy biting wit and aren't bothered by copious amounts of swearing. Something notable: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Selina Meyer, a record for a single role.

13. Arrested Development (2003)
Meet the Bluths, a wealthy, dysfunctional family who lose everything when their patriarch is arrested for white-collar crime. Narrated by Ron Howard, 'Arrested Development' is a unique comedy known for its dry wit, intricate running gags, callbacks, and meta-commentary. The humor is layered and rewards attention, often referencing past episodes or foreshadowing future events. While the family's antics can involve mature themes and innuendo, the comedy is sophisticated and relies on structure and character absurdity rather than explicit language. Did you know? The show was filmed in a single-camera documentary style, which was less common for sitcoms when it first aired.

12. 30 Rock (2006)
Go behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy show in New York City. Created by Tina Fey, who also stars as head writer Liz Lemon, '30 Rock' is a chaotic, fast-paced, and incredibly clever satire of television production, corporate culture, and celebrity. The humor is dense with jokes per minute, featuring absurd situations, surreal cutaways, and sharp wordplay. While it can be edgy and make adult references, the comedy is primarily driven by its rapid-fire wit and bizarre characters. An interesting fact: The show is loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live.

11. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Travel back to 1950s New York and follow Midge Maisel, a housewife who discovers she has a hidden talent for stand-up comedy. This show is a feast for the eyes and ears, with stunning period detail, rapid-fire dialogue, and witty observations about society, gender roles, and the burgeoning comedy scene. While Midge's stand-up touches on mature themes reflecting her life, the show's overall tone is sophisticated and clever, relying on sharp writing and Amy Sherman-Palladino's signature dialogue style rather than modern vulgarity. Something unique: The show is known for its long, unbroken takes featuring complex choreography and extensive dialogue.

10. The Office (2005)
Step into the mundane yet hilarious world of Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 'The Office' (US version) is a mockumentary-style sitcom known for its cringe humor, awkward silences, and incredibly well-defined characters. The comedy often comes from the incredibly inappropriate antics of regional manager Michael Scott and the reactions of his long-suffering employees, as well as the relatable absurdity of office life. While it has moments of adult humor, it's often delivered through reactions and situations rather than explicit language. Behind the scenes: Many of the talking head interviews were improvised, allowing the actors to add their own comedic spin to their characters' thoughts.

9. The Big Bang Theory (2007)
Enter the world of brilliant but socially awkward scientists and their street-smart neighbor. 'The Big Bang Theory' found massive success by focusing on the comedic clash between different social groups and highlighting the humor in nerd culture, scientific jargon, and the characters' relationship struggles. While it sometimes touches on adult themes through innuendo, its core humor relies on character-based jokes, misunderstandings, and the evolution of their friendships and romantic relationships. An interesting detail: The apartments in the show were designed so that the characters could look into each other's windows, facilitating spontaneous interactions written into the scripts.

8. Community (2009)
Enroll at Greendale Community College, where a study group of misfits navigates bizarre classes and even crazier campus events. 'Community' is celebrated for its meta-humor, pop culture parodies (often dedicating entire episodes to genre spoofs like Westerns or sci-fi), and its willingness to break traditional sitcom molds. The comedy is smart, fast-paced, and often surreal, driven by the dysfunctional but ultimately loyal relationships within the group. It's a show that rewards rewatching with layers of jokes and references. Something unique: The show frequently utilizes different animation styles and filmmaking techniques for special episodes.

7. How I Met Your Mother (2005)
Join Ted Mosby as he tells his children the long, winding story of how he met their mother. This sitcom blends traditional multi-camera comedy with unique structural elements like flashbacks, flashforwards, and unreliable narration. The humor comes from the characters' distinct personalities, their romantic misadventures, and the numerous running gags and catchphrases that became iconic. It's a story about friendship, love, and growing up, delivered with a mix of witty jokes and heartfelt moments. Did you know? The children listening to Ted's story were filmed during the show's first season to keep them the same age throughout the nine years.

6. New Girl (2011)
Move into the loft with Jess Day and her quirky roommates! 'New Girl' centers around Jess, a bubbly and eccentric teacher who moves in with three single men after a bad breakup. The comedy stems from her unique personality clashing and blending with theirs, leading to hilarious misunderstandings, group antics, and surprisingly sweet moments. The show is known for its fast-paced dialogue, silly running gags (like 'True American'), and the evolving relationships within the group. It's a fun, lighthearted watch with a big heart. A fun fact: Zooey Deschanel, who plays Jess, co-wrote and performs the show's catchy theme song.

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
Report for duty at the Nine-Nine! This workplace comedy set in a Brooklyn police precinct is pure joy. It excels at combining hilarious character dynamics with genuinely engaging (though often silly) plotlines. Andy Samberg leads a fantastic ensemble cast, creating a diverse and inclusive group of detectives whose interactions, inside jokes, and unwavering loyalty to each other are the heart of the show. The humor is fast-paced, witty, and often physical, delivering consistent laughs without relying on crude jokes. Something cool: The show is known for its annual Halloween Heist episodes, which become increasingly elaborate and competitive each season.

4. Friends (1994)
Join the gang at Central Perk! 'Friends' is a cultural phenomenon for a reason. This classic sitcom follows the lives, loves, and careers of six friends living in New York City. Its humor is timeless, relying on relatable situations, witty banter, physical comedy, and the undeniable chemistry of its core cast. It's the ultimate feel-good show, providing consistent laughs and comfort through its exploration of friendship and navigating young adulthood. An interesting tidbit: The iconic opening credits sequence, featuring the cast dancing in a fountain, was filmed at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California, not actually in New York City.

3. Schitt's Creek (2015)
Witness the transformation of the ultra-rich Rose family after they lose everything and are forced to move to the only asset they have left: a small, run-down town called Schitt's Creek. This show is a masterclass in character development, starting with seemingly spoiled and out-of-touch individuals and slowly revealing their hilarious quirks and surprising depths. The humor comes from their fish-out-of-water struggles, their unique way of speaking, and the genuinely touching relationships they form with the town's quirky residents. It's incredibly funny, heartwarming, and features some truly iconic comedic performances. Did you know? The show was co-created by father-son duo Eugene and Daniel Levy, who also star as Johnny and David Rose.

2. Parks and Recreation (2009)
Step into the wonderfully optimistic world of Pawnee, Indiana! 'Parks and Recreation' starts as a mockumentary about local government but quickly evolves into a show celebrated for its incredibly lovable characters and their infectious positivity. Led by Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope, the ensemble cast builds a found family whose interactions provide endless laughs, driven by wit, quirky personalities, and genuinely kind relationships. It's the perfect comfort show, consistently funny and uplifting, proving that kindness and earnestness can be the source of the best comedy. Behind the scenes: The show's iconic theme song was composed by Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones and perfectly captures the hopeful, slightly quirky spirit of the series.

1. The Good Place (2016)
Prepare for a truly unique comedy experience! 'The Good Place' takes an incredibly clever premise – what happens after you die? – and spins it into a hilarious, thought-provoking, and surprisingly heartwarming journey. Starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, this show constantly reinvents itself, keeping you guessing with its twists and turns while delivering genuinely funny moments rooted in character growth and philosophical quandaries. It's a show that proves you can explore complex ideas and find profound humor without ever resorting to cheap gags or excessive vulgarity. Fun fact: Ted Danson's character, Michael, wears over 300 different bow ties throughout the series!
