While more known for their gritty dramas, HBO has launched some hilarious comedy series. Here are some of the best.
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More often than not, viewers tend to think of HBO’s renowned drama series when they hear the network’s name, instantly calling to mind such classic shows as The Sopranos, The Wire, or the dark comedy satire, Succession. While there’s no discounting any one of HBO’s revered television drama series, it’s also worth remembering the numerous comedy shows the network has released over the years as well. From self-referential sketch shows to cringe-inducing sitcoms, here are some of the best comedy series ever released to HBO.
After co-creating one of the most iconic TV shows of all time with the decade-defining Seinfeld, Larry David captured lightning in a bottle for the second time in a row with his stylistic follow-up, Curb Your Enthusiasm. As with his earlier series, Curb Your Enthusiasm focuses on the mundane interactions that make up everyday life, from awkward encounters with old coworkers to misunderstandings at your local Italian restaurant. Examining the little-known minutiae that characterizes everyday society, David’s expansive work on Curb read like a more adult-oriented version of Seinfeld, complete with appearances from countless notable Hollywood talents (like Ted Danson, Richard Lewis, Kaley Cuoco, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Bryan Cranston).
Even as it grew darker and more upsetting with each new season, Barry somehow managed to retain the same off-beat sense of humor as it’s awe-inspiring initial season. A Tarantino-esque dark comedy centered around a hitman (Hader) trying to make it as a professional actor, Barry’s palpable blend of drama and comedy made it an instant hit among contemporary viewers. Between its constant twists and turns and more grounded thematic discussions (trauma and PTSD), the series’ hard-hitting, often hilarious narrative made audiences laugh even as it left them emotionally devastated–a rare feat few shows are able to achieve.
A more humorous version of The West Wing, Veep satirizes U.S. politics in an intelligent and meaningful way, specifically deconstructing the all-powerful nature of the American presidency. Taking a behind-the-scenes look at the various workers employed at the White House, Veep also illustrates the disconnect between larger-than-life political ideas and the tedious reality of the political field. With an ensemble cast made up of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, and Gary Cole, Veep ranks as one of the best and most approachable HBO series yet, satisfying a universal audience of prospective viewers.
Before Curb Your Enthusiasm or 30 Rock, there was The Larry Sanders Show. One of the most influential sitcoms of the 1990s, The Larry Sanders Show focused on the day-to-day life of a talk show host (Garry Shandling) in front of and away from the cameras. With its grounded portrayal of the entertainment industry and endless lineup of guest stars, The Larry Sanders Show laid the groundwork for countless TV series in the years ahead, as well as establishing HBO as a network to watch out for in the future.
The first of several collaborations between HBO and comedian Danny McBride, Eastbound & Down set the standard for each of McBride’s TV shows that followed (Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones). As with his later series, this 2009 sports comedy drew on a wide array of contrasting comedic styles, weaving together classic slapstick with laugh-out-loud low-brow humor. While some jokes might prove a little too vulgar for a small contingent of viewers, Eastbound & Down makes for an ideal viewing experience for fans of McBride’s work on Pineapple Express or This Is the End.
Earning a massive cult following since their formation in the late 1990s, the New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords have released nothing but memorable content, whether their hilarious soft rock albums or their very own HBO TV series. Taking a page from Larry David’s playbook, Flight of the Conchords follows the titular band as they attempt to establish themselves in New York City, only to encounter perpetual financial or career setbacks around every corner. Even if you somehow don’t find yourself laughing at the show’s drier comedic tone (which is almost impossible not to do), at the very least, you’ll find yourself tapping your feet along to the random songs present in every episode.
A radical alternative to Saturday Night Live, Mr. Show with Bob and David starred the idiosyncratic comedy team of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross–two stars who would become known to mainstream audiences in the 2000s. Before their breakthrough roles on Breaking Bad and Arrested Development, however, Bob and David revitalized the sketch comedy series with their unique collaboration here. Opting for a more niche comedic style that blended absurdism with pitch-black dark humor, Mr. Show’s unconventional take on the sketch vehicle made it the perfect segue from earlier shows like Monty Python’s Flying Circus and later series like Chappelle’s Show.
