By Photo courtesy of Prime Video and Philippe Antonello
WELCOME TO OUR ULTIMATE LISTS! In each issue, you will find a curated selection of things to listen to or watch, put together by either an on-air talent from Zimmer Communications or a member of the Inside Columbia staff. For this issue, Editor Madeleine Leroux has shared her ultimate watchlist for shows to make you laugh. Click this link to see more about each show. Enjoy!
I love comedy. To me, there’s nothing better than coming home from a long day, settling in on the couch with a snack and something I know is going to make me smile. After all, life is stressful enough on its own, so when it’s time to disconnect, I don’t want anything that’s going to raise my anxiety levels. (Trust me, they don’t need the help.) So the next time you need a laugh, check out one of these delightful comedies.
“Bob’s Burgers” — Hulu
This is a standard go-to for me whenever I need a little joy. Created by Loren Bouchard (one of the brilliant minds behind another adult animated comedy I love, “Home Movies”) and powered by some fantastic voice actors like H. Jon Benjamin, “Bob’s Burgers” features endless great storylines surrounding the Belcher family and their perennially underperforming restaurant. Now in its 13th season, it’s already been renewed for a 14th and 15th season. While new episodes air on Fox, you can find every episode streaming on Hulu.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” — Prime Video
I’ve been hooked on this period comedy-drama since the very first episode. Now that the final season has been released, those unfamiliar with the endearing and talented Midge Maisel can watch her journey from typical ‘50s housewife to aspiring comedienne from start to finish. The incredibly well-done series sparkles from dialogue to costumes with that fast-talking trademark of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, who also created “Gilmore Girls.”
“Quick Draw” — Hulu
This short-lived improvisational comedy was nothing short of pure gold, in my opinion. Created by Nancy Hower and John Lehr for Hulu, it was set in 1870s Kansas, where a new sheriff, played by Lehr, rides into town and repeatedly assures everyone that he’s got this because he went to Harvard. Unfortunately, it only lasted two short seasons before being unceremoniously canceled, but it still has a cult following and for good reason. Try to make it through the opening scene of the pilot episode without laughing — I dare you.
“Cunk on Earth” — Netflix
This hilarious mockumentary follows Philomena Cunk, played by Diane Morgan, as she explores the history of the world through interviews with experts. Fans of comedic news styles are sure to enjoy Cunk’s deadpan delivery as she takes us through the best and worst of humanity. Here’s a tip for those who have already enjoyed the five episodes offered on Netflix: There’s an older series from 2018 called “Cunk on Britain” that aired on the BBC and is just as great.
“Better Off Ted” — Hulu
Time for a great workplace comedy, and one of my personal favorites. Another unfortunately short-lived series that was canceled after two seasons on ABC, this hilarious series follows Ted Crisp, played by Jay Harrington, the head of research and development at a fictional corporation that embodies everything you think of when you think of a soulless, greedy company. Some of my favorite parts are the ridiculous fake ads for the company itself. It’s a different take on the workplace comedy that I think really works.
