12 December 2019
Craig Wilson’s top comedy picks of the year
Here are 13 of the most bleakly funny and/or straight-up laugh-out-loud hysterical series that debuted or launched new seasons in 2019, all available on Netflix, Showmax and Prime Video in South Africa.
On Showmax
Ramy
Growing up young and Muslim in the 21 Century is one thing, doing it in New Jersey is something else entirely, replete with its own terrors… and triumphs.
Los Espookys
What do you do when you and your friends love horror movies but also need to pay the bills? You start a spooky-things-for-hire business, of course.
Succession
What is it about rich people behaving badly that makes for such compelling and amusing television? Schadenfreude and smugness, probably. And enjoying their wanton treatment of luxury goods.
Barry
For most people, it’s important to take some pleasure in their work for the sake of their mental health. For Barry the hitman, it’s as essential as it is elusive.
Rick and Morty
After a two-year hiatus, this animated interdimensional mind-bender about a gentle boy and his sociopathic grandfather is back, and as whip-smart and side-splitting as ever.
On Netflix
The Politician
Payton wants to be president of the United States of America, but to get there he’ll first have to win the election in his prestigious Californian high school.
Schitt’s Creek
Another show based on the well-heeled misbehaving, but one that’s managed to grow its premise into a hugely successful – and satisfying – multi-season tale.
Big Mouth
If quick-witted, clever humour about puberty, impromptu erections, accidental genital expulsions, masturbation, menstruation, and the other terrors of teenagehood are not for you, steer clear.
Russian Doll
One of the early, off-beat comedic hits of 2019, Russian Doll is still one of the year’s best, and is worth a look for the wonder of Natasha Lyonne’s hair alone.
The Kominsky Method
A star-studded and chuckle-laden look at the perils of ageing in a city that prizes beauty and youth possibly more than anywhere else on earth: Los Angeles.
On Prime Video
Good Omens
Armageddon is mere days away and it’s up to an unlike pair of besties – an angel and a demon – to do what they can to keep it, and the motorcycle-riding Four Horsemen, at bay.
The Marvellous Mrs Maisel
Midge is taking her brand of upper-middle-class, Jewish stand-up comedy on the road for the third outing of this Emmy-grabbing delight of a show.
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s dark comedy is absolutely essential viewing, and as poignant as it is funny. If you haven’t seen it you’re in for a treat, but make sure the kids are asleep, yeah?
