10 Most Underrated Sitcoms on Netflix

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As a lover of great entertainment, I can confidently say that Netflix truly caters to all tastes. If you’re in the mood for some hearty laughter, there’s an abundance of comedy shows that will have you rolling with laughter for hours on end. From the Emmy-winning gem, Arrested Development, to the witty social satire of How I Met Your Mother, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re a fan of animated humor, BoJack Horseman and The Inside Job are sure to tickle your funny bone!

It’s often challenging to find less mainstream shows on Netflix due to their extensive library, with popular and trending content usually taking center stage. If you’re looking for hidden gems without spending too much time searching, try typing these titles into the search bar. They offer a mix of humor, physical comedy, and tackle pertinent themes while delving into some of society’s most pressing issues.

Here are 10 of the most underrated sitcoms on Netflix.

10
‘One Day at a Time’ (2017 – 2020)

The series “One Day at a Time” focuses on a Cuban-American family residing in the vibrant Los Angeles district of Echo Park. Primary attention is given to Penelope Alvarez (portrayed by Justina Machado), a veteran United States Army Nurse Corps member grappling with PTSD, as she navigates the responsibilities of rearing two children, manages her meddlesome mother, and confronts hurdles arising from her fresh employment.

Staying Optimistic

One Day at a Time” delves into profound examinations of significant social issues in America, such as mental illness, alcoholism, immigration, sexism, gender identity, among others. Despite tackling serious topics, the show manages to inject humor and poetic dialogue to keep things engaging. A particularly hilarious moment is when the landlord attempts to communicate in Spanish with the Alvarez family but ends up making a complete mess of it. This scene is pure television gold.

9
‘The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell’ (2018)

In an imaginative setting, Christine McConnell’s life unfolds in a mansion teeming with ghosts and monstrous creatures. Here, she indulges in crafting peculiar confections for them, such as peanut butter and caramel skeletons or candy spiders, while also dealing with the occasional nuisance from meddling neighbors and relatives.

The Morbid, the Raunchy, and the Bizarre

In her self-produced series, Christine McConnell establishes an intriguing and vibrantly retro ambiance that leaves the audience guessing. By intertwining homemade aspects with everyday activities, The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell flourishes, exhibiting a fusion reminiscent of both Beetlejuice and Martha Bakes.

8
‘Special’ (2019 – 2021)

The show, titled “Special,” is a semi-autobiographical sitcom featuring Ryan O’Connell in the lead role, portraying a fictionalized version of himself. In this series, Ryan – who happens to be gay and has mild cerebral palsy – decides he won’t allow self-pity or let others feel pity for him. He embarks on new experiences such as moving out, landing an internship, and delving into romantic relationships.

No Challenge Is Too Big

An exemplary portrayal of LGBTQ issues done well, “Special” is a heartfelt narrative of destiny and optimism, featuring some of the kindest actors on television, including Jessica Hecht, who was Gretchen on “Breaking Bad.” Narrated in the first person by Ryan, it leads us through a challenging yet clear journey of hidden desires. It’s hard not to empathize with him during his difficult times and cheer for him during his significant victories.

7
‘Prince of Peoria’ (2018)

The story revolves around Emil (Gavin Lewis), a 13-year-old prince disguised as a foreign exchange student, who hails from the imaginary island kingdom of Buronia. He finds shelter with a compassionate single mother and strikes up a friendship with Teddy (Theodore Barnes), a high achiever. Together, they face the hurdles and joys of adolescence in America.

Discovering a Different Side of Life

In this show, titled “Prince of Peoria,” creators Nick Stanton and Devin Bunje skillfully blend humor, sensuality, and visual richness, resulting in a captivating sitcom. At its heart are two exceptionally gifted actors, Emil as Gavin, the ever-optimistic young soul yearning to experience life, and Theodore as Teddy, the friend we all aspire to have. Crucially, “Prince of Peoria” underscores the significance of avoiding a sheltered existence. As Gavin navigates school and his neighborhood, he discovers the wonders and terrors of the world, experiences he would have missed as a prince.

6
‘The Manny’ (2023)

In the show titled “The Manny“, Jimena (played by Sandra Echeverría) is a thriving career woman and a single mother of three children who are quite unruly. Desperate to manage them effectively, she impulsively employs Gabriel (Iván Amozurrutia), a rancher, as a “manny”. To her surprise, he proves to be quite competent in managing the kids. However, as time passes, Jimena finds herself developing feelings for him.

Bringing the Farm to the City

Jimena and Gabriel are truly captivating personalities. Transitioning from shy to hopeful, their blossoming romance provides a refreshing escape from the challenges they both face. Additionally, male viewers can gain valuable insights into childcare from Gabriel. However, he could use some work when it comes to household chores. His attempts at performing basic tasks often result in comedic chaos, leaving the kids wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Instead of detracting from his appeal, this endearing quality only adds to his charm.

5
‘North of North’ (2025)

Anna Lambe, known as Siaja from the remote region of North of North, is a young Inuk woman living in a close-knit Arctic community. She bravely decides to separate from her well-respected husband, Ting (Kelly Williams), which earns her criticism but she remains determined to rebuild her life. Siaja subsequently moves in with her mother and secures employment at the community center. In time, a new romantic opportunity presents itself.

Love Is Cold

In the world of sitcoms, where familiar locations have been reused for decades, “North of North” feels like a breath of fresh air. Here, even small actions can lead to monumental chaos – take Siaja’s efforts to burn possessions linked to her husband that spiraled into a massive fire, causing a significant public relations disaster. The show also delves into some obscure yet pertinent themes, such as the emotional impact of Canadian-Indian residential schools.

4
‘Tires’ (2024)

Steve Gerben, hailing from the tire company, aspires to be an heir and aims to enhance both profitability and customer service at his family’s ailing auto-repair business, “Valley Forge Automotive Center.” Based in West Chester, he experiments with diverse business strategies, sometimes humorously backfiring. On the other hand, his mechanic cousin Shane (Shane Gillis) seems to exacerbate the situation by causing endless mischief.

Family Matters?

In recent times, TV shows featuring comedic workplaces have been scarce, but “Tires” does a commendable job of filling that noticeable void. Steve Gerben shines brightly in his portrayal of the lead character, yet Shane Gillis stands out even more due to his background in comedy. A significant portion of the humor can be quite immature, but you’ll find yourself amazed at its absurdity. There’s a sense that we haven’t yet seen the best this sitcom has to offer. Recently renewed for another season, it’s clear that it will continue to become even funnier in the future.

3
‘Lady Dynamite’ (2016 – 2017)

The series “Lady Dynamite” centers around Maria Bamford, a stand-up comedian and actor, who is portrayed in an over-the-top manner. After spending six months in recovery from bipolar disorder, she returns to Los Angeles. Her agent, Bruce Ben-Bacharach, played by Fred Melamed, is ready to help her get back on track, but finds Maria a bit too affectionate. The question remains: Will her situation improve or will her precarious mental health worsen?

Finding Her Feet

A multi-layered exploration of a character, occasionally using flashbacks, Lady Dynamite showcases Maria Bamford’s exceptional talent for portraying unconventional characters. Her performance deserved recognition, such as an Emmy or a Golden Globe. The supporting cast significantly enhances the comedic elements, with standout performances by Fred Melamed and Mary Kay Place, both highly skilled actors. As the show is based on Bamford’s own life, the scripts maintain a relatable and believable feel. Episodes are directed by collaborators from Arrested Development, including Max Winkler and Andrew Fleming, ensuring top-notch quality.

2
‘Human Resources’ (2022)

The department known as Personnel Management deals with a motley crew of hormone-driven beings, sorcerers, and fantastical entities, who are assigned to assist humans in navigating aspects such as love, friendships, and office politics. This sitcom takes place within the office setting of Personnel Management, where these beings grapple with complex human feelings such as ambition, desire, and sorrow as they try to help their human counterparts.

Humans Need Help, Too

Deriving from the witty and hilarious series Big Mouth, this undervalued animated program positions itself as one of the sharpest satires critiquing the sitcom terrain. Among its numerous commendable aspects, it skillfully maintains a keen understanding of office complexities while preserving humor. Furthermore, boasting a talented voice cast consisting of Aidy Bryant, Maya Rudolph, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, and David Thewlis, it seldom falters.

1
‘Kath & Kim’ (2002 – 2007)

The series Kath & Kim focuses on the lives of Kath Day-Knight (played by Jane Turner) and her daughter Kim Craig (portrayed by Gina Riley). Kath is a lively suburban mother, while Kim is self-absorbed. They navigate their way through life together. Kath often finds herself managing not just Kim but also Kim’s husband, who has a flamboyant personality that sometimes spirals into hysteria. Additionally, there’s Kath’s boyfriend, Kel (played by Glenn Robbins).

Mummy’s Got It

The Australian version of this production might have garnered even greater popularity (similar to the American adaptation of “The Office” from Britain) if its U.S. counterpart hadn’t failed so dramatically. There’s no denying that the on-screen pairing of Jane Turner and Gina Riley as a mother-daughter duo is particularly vexing, yet exceptionally entertaining. On that particular date, Jane Turner delivers her most brilliant comedic portrayal, with Gina Riley matching her performance step for step. The cast also includes notable cameos by Luke Lennox and Matt Lucas.

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2025-07-06 02:04