The 60+ Best Comedy Skit TV Shows
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Vote up the best sketch comedy shows that have ever aired on television.
Latest additions: Comedy Island Japan
Most divisive: The Tracey Ullman Show
Over 1.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Sketch Comedy Shows
From the historically acclaimed innovation of Monty Python’s Flying Circus to the cultural institution of Saturday Night Live, TV sketch comedy has a long and glorious history. And everyone has their personal favorites, from under-the-radar late-night discoveries to the shows they caught on after-school cable re-runs.
Sketch comedy has been the launchpad for countless Hollywood icons, springing the likes of Jim Carrey (In Living Color), Jordan Peele (Key & Peele), and Adam Sandler (SNL) to A-list fame.
But what are the best sketch comedy TV shows of all-time? Does HBO’s Mr. Show have a case, or is Netflix’s revival, W/Bob and David, even better? Is Monty Python still the gold standard or did the short-lived Chappelle’s Show change the game enough to take over the top spot?
- 1Dave Chappelle, Donnell Rawlings, Neal BrennanChappelle's Show takes a magnifying glass to society with comedic brilliance, steering clear of the mundane. Dave Chappelle crafts sketches that peel back layers of culture and politics, holding a mirror to our shared humanity. The sketches, delivered by Chappelle himself, traverse a wide array of themes, etching an indelible mark on sketch comedy's hall of fame. Its trophy cabinet houses a BAFTA nomination and Peabody award, a testament to its quality and resonance.More Chappelle's Show
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- 2John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham ChapmanMonty Python's Flying Circus, a groundbreaking British comedy series, showcases an unparalleled blend of wit and absurdity that has stood the test of time. The ensemble cast, including John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam, delivers unforgettable sketches that have left audiences in stitches for decades. This innovative show, which garnered multiple BAFTA awards, expertly parodies various aspects of British culture and society, pushing the boundaries of television comedy. With its clever wordplay, surreal animation, and memorable catchphrases, Monty Python's Flying Circus remains an influential classic that revolutionized the world of sketch comedy.
- 3Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, Kelly Coffield ParkComedy show parodies all facets of life.More In Living Color
- Dig Deeper...Here's What The Cast Of 'In Living Color' Looks Like Now
- #175 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #47 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 4Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Lyle WaggonerA timeless classic in the world of television comedy, The Carol Burnett Show offered a refreshing mix of sketch comedy, musical performances, and guest stars that kept audiences entertained for over a decade. With an ensemble cast featuring the legendary Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Lyle Waggoner, the show's humor was derived from a variety of sources, such as parodies of popular films and television shows, as well as original characters like Eunice (Carol Burnett) and Mama (Vicki Lawrence). Garnering 25 Primetime Emmy Awards, this iconic series remains a beloved gem, showcasing the comedic prowess and versatility of its talented performers.
- #55 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #30 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #27 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 5Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan PeeleKeegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele examine life through filmed sketches and live stage segments.More Key & Peele
- Dig Deeper...The Most On Point Key and Peele Sketches Ever
- #186 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #87 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 6Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Dave GoelzA timeless gem of television history, The Muppet Show combines the whimsical charm of puppetry with the wit of sketch comedy. This classic variety series, which ran from 1976 to 1981, garnered numerous accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Awards. With its delightful ensemble of characters such as Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) and Miss Piggy (Frank Oz), the show seamlessly catered to viewers of all ages. Each episode featured a guest star, showcasing their talents alongside the Muppets in a series of skits and musical performances. The Muppet Show's mix of humor, heart, and creativity has left an indelible mark on popular culture.More The Muppet Show
- Dig Deeper...The Most Interesting Muppet Show Characters
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- #32 of 193 on190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
- 7Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonaldSketch comedy from five off-the-wall Canadian comics.More The Kids in the Hall
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- #214 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 8Crista Flanagan, Keegan-Michael Key, Bobby LeeMADtv is a sketch comedy series known for its raucous and often irreverent satire, lampooning everything from pop culture to politics. The show's format includes a mix of live sketches, animated shorts, and pre-recorded segments. It platforms the up-and-coming comedians of the time and showcases an array of characters and impressions. Some notable alumni who gained fame through the series include Alex Borstein, Keegan-Michael Key, and Jordan Peele. The show is often compared to Saturday Night Live for its style and structure, and it carved out its loyal fanbase with its bold humor and edgy social commentary.More MADtv
- #156 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #130 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #78 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 9Michael Che, Mikey Day, Chloe FinemanAn ensemble performs sketch comedy.More Saturday Night Live
- Dig Deeper...The Best Saturday Night Live Characters Of All Time
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- #91 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 10Benny Hill, Nicholas Parsons, Patricia HayesThe Benny Hill Show is a British comedy television show that starred Benny Hill and aired in various incarnations between 15 January 1955 and 30 May 1991 in over 140 countries. The show focused on sketches that were full of slapstick, mime, parody, and double-entendre. Thames Television cancelled production of the show in 1989 due to declining ratings and large production costs at £450,000 per show.More The Benny Hill Show
- #89 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- #9 of 48 onThe Best Sketch Comedy Groups
- 11Trevor Moore, Sam Brown, Zach CreggerNew York City sketch comedy troupe.
- 12John Candy, Robin Duke, Joe FlahertySCTV is a Canadian television sketch comedy show offshoot from Toronto's Second City troupe that ran between 1976 and 1984.
- 13John Ennis, Jill Talley, Tom KennyDive into the sketch comedy genius of Mr. Show with Bob and David, where co-creators Bob Odenkirk and David Cross stitch together a tapestry of satirical and surreal humor. Premiering in 1995, this HBO series became a cult classic, pushing the boundaries of comedy with its sharp social commentary and innovative narrative structure that links sketches together to create a seamless flow. The show's influence on the comedy landscape is undeniable, and served as a career launchpad for both Odenkirk and Cross. While it didn't rack up awards, "Mr. Show" left an indelible mark on the genre, revered for its originality and biting wit.
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- #446 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 14Seth Green, Dan Milano, Breckin MeyerIn a world where stop-motion animation meets pop culture parody, Robot Chicken stands out as a unique and hilarious television experience. This Emmy-winning series, created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, brings together a talented voice cast, including Green himself, to breathe life into action figures and toys. Each episode presents a rapid-fire collection of sketches, often poking fun at iconic characters from movies, TV shows, and comics. With its sharp wit and unapologetic humor, Robot Chicken has evolved from a cult favorite to a mainstream success, garnering a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim over its many seasons.More Robot Chicken
- Dig Deeper...The Best Robot Chicken Episodes of All Time
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- 15Richard Pryor, Jimmy Martinez, Edie McClurgThe Richard Pryor Show was an American comedy variety series starring Richard Pryor. It premiered on NBC on Tuesday, September 13, 1977 at 8 p.m. opposite ABC's popular television shows Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days. The show was produced by Rocco Urbisci for Burt Sugarman Productions. It was conceived out of a special that Pryor did for NBC in May 1977. Because the special was a major hit, both critically and commercially, Pryor was given a chance to host and star in his own television show. TV Guide included the series in their 2013 list of 60 shows that were "Cancelled Too Soon".
- 16Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Ruth BuzziA variety show with one-liners, comedy sketches and musical numbers.
- #127 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- #97 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 17Ed Sullivan, Bern Bennett, Ralph PaulThe Ed Sullivan Show was an American TV variety show that ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. In 2013, the series finished #31 in TV Guide Magazine's 60 Best Series of All Time.More The Ed Sullivan Show
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- #140 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 18Tracey Ullman, Dan Castellaneta, Sam McMurrayA variety show containing sketches, song-and-dance routines and shorts featuring "The Simpsons."
- 19
The Electric Company
Morgan Freeman, Joan Rivers, Bill CosbyThe Electric Company is an educational American children's television series that was directed by Bob Schwartz, Henry Behar and John Tracy, written by Christopher Cerf, Jeremy Steven and John Boni/Amy Ephron and produced by the Children's Television Workshop for PBS in the United States. PBS broadcast 780 episodes over the course of its six seasons from October 25, 1971, to April 15, 1977. After it ceased production in 1977, the program continued in reruns until 1985, as the result of a decision made in 1975 to produce two final seasons for perpetual use. The Workshop produced the show at Second Stage, located within the Reeves Teletape Studios, in Manhattan, the first home of Sesame Street. The Electric Company employed sketch comedy and other devices to provide an entertaining program to help elementary school children develop their grammar and reading skills. It was intended for children who had graduated from CTW's flagship program, Sesame Street. The humor was more mature than what was seen there. - 20Ben Stiller, Andy Dick, Janeane GarofaloStand-up comic Ben Stiller moves to Hollywood to star in his own television series.More The Ben Stiller Show
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- 21Ginger Rogers, Red SkeltonThe Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. The host of the show, Richard Bernard "Red" Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961. In 1959 Skelton also received a Golden Globe for Best TV Show.More The Red Skelton Show
- #205 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- 22Graham Greene, Paul Gross, Gavin CrawfordThe Red Green Show is a Canadian television comedy that aired on various channels in Canada, with its ultimate home at CBC Television, and on Public Broadcasting Service stations in the United States, from 1991 until the series finale April 7, 2006, on CBC. The Red Green Show is essentially a cross between a sitcom and a sketch comedy series, and is a parody of home improvement, do-it-yourself, fishing, and other outdoors shows. Reruns currently air on CBC Television, The Comedy Network, and various PBS stations. It was produced by S&S Productions, which is owned by Steve and Morag Smith. Directors on the series include Steve Smith, Rick Green and William G. Elliott.
- 23Stephen Fry, Hugh LaurieSketch show with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.
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- 24Chelsea Brummet, Jack De Sena, Lisa FoilesAll That stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of sketch comedy, particularly when it comes to engaging younger audiences. With an ever-evolving cast of talented performers, the show has been a launching pad for numerous careers in Hollywood, including those of Kenan Thompson and Amanda Bynes. The series' clever sketches and memorable characters, such as Ed (Kel Mitchell) from Good Burger, have left lasting impressions on viewers for generations. Garnering critical acclaim and multiple awards nominations during its airing, All That still continues to demonstrate its ability to remain relevant and fresh, while delivering laughs that resonate with fans across various age groups.More All That
- Dig Deeper...Whatever Happened To Lori Beth From 'All That'?
- And Deeper...The Cast of All That: What Ever Happened to Them?
- #254 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 25
That Mitchell and Webb Look
David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Olivia ColmanWith David Mitchell and Robert Webb.- #249 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #98 of 118 onThe 115+ Best Indie TV Shows, Ranked By Fans
- #167 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- 26Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonaldThe Kids In The Hall, a Canadian sketch comedy series, is a delightful mix of the absurd and the poignant. It's known for its brand of humor that pushes boundaries while still being relatable. The ensemble cast creates an array of memorable characters and sketches that have become cult favorites. It has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to comedy. The themes include societal norms, gender roles, and the human condition - all delivered with a comedic twist.More The Kids In The Hall
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- 27Roy Clark, Gunilla Hutton, Buck OwensHee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being that Hee Haw was far less topical, and was centered on country music and rural Southern culture. Hosted by country artists Buck Owens and Roy Clark for most of the series' run, the show was equally well known for its voluptuous, scantily-clad women in stereotypical farmer's daughter outfits and country-style minidresses, and its cornpone humor. Hee Haw's appeal, however, was not limited to a rural audience. It was successful in all of the major markets, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Other niche programs such as The Lawrence Welk Show and Soul Train also rose to prominence in syndication during the era. Like Laugh-In, the show minimized production costs by taping all of the recurring sketches for a season in batches, setting up for the Cornfield one day, the Joke Fence another, etc.
- 28Tim Heidecker, Eric WareheimShort films, parodies, animations, pranks and musical numbers.
- #352 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- #29 of 48 onThe Best Sketch Comedy Groups
- 29Kevin Allison, Michael Ian Black, Robert Ben GarantThe State is a half-hour sketch-comedy television show, originally broadcast in the USA on MTV between December 17, 1993, and July 1, 1995. The show combined bizarre characters and scenarios to present sketches that won the favor of its target teenaged audience. The cast consisted of 11 twenty-something comedians who created, acted, wrote, directed and edited the show. Several memorable characters were created for the show, and for a short time their catchphrases entered into the vernacular. Often, the cast would appear as themselves and address the audience to promote fake contests or to deliver mock public service announcements. Much like Monty Python, The State's sketches were sometimes linked to each other in some way: a punchline or image that ended one sketch often provided a lead-in to the next. After years of legal issues related to the soundtrack to many of the episodes, the series was released on DVD on July 14, 2009. A State film featuring all of the original troupe members is in the works, but was delayed by the 2007–2008 screenwriters strike, and no release date for the project has been announced.
- 30Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian RobertsAn underground organization tries to undermine society by spreading chaos.
