Comedy is one of television’s most beloved genres. But crafting a show that’s both hilarious and award-worthy is no small feat. The best comedy series award winners combine clever writing, stellar performances, and cultural relevance to earn top honors at ceremonies like the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards. These shows don’t just make us laugh—they leave a lasting impact.
Here’s a curated list of the most acclaimed and decorated comedy series of all time.
1. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2021, 2022)
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Golden Globes: Best Actor in a Comedy (Jason Sudeikis)
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Critics’ Choice Awards: Multiple wins
With its heartwarming optimism and deeply human characters, Ted Lasso became a surprise awards juggernaut. Jason Sudeikis’ portrayal of the endlessly kind coach helped the show dominate the comedy categories for two consecutive years.
2. Fleabag (Amazon Prime Video)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2019)
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Golden Globes: Best Comedy Series
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BAFTA Awards: Best Female Performance, Best Writer
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s darkly comedic masterpiece broke the fourth wall and redefined what a comedy series could be. Fleabag earned universal acclaim and swept the 2019 awards season, cementing itself as one of the best comedy series award winners in recent memory.
3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2018)
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Golden Globes: Best TV Comedy
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SAG Awards: Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy
Set in 1950s New York, this stylish and fast-talking series about a housewife turned stand-up comic took home multiple Emmys for acting, writing, and directing. Rachel Brosnahan’s lead performance received widespread praise.
4. Schitt’s Creek (Pop TV/Netflix)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2020 sweep)
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Golden Globes: Best Comedy Series
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SAG Awards: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series
In 2020, Schitt’s Creek made history by sweeping all major comedy categories at the Emmys. The Canadian sitcom charmed audiences with its quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and a perfect ensemble cast led by Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara.
5. Modern Family (ABC)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (5 consecutive wins: 2010–2014)
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Golden Globes: Nominated multiple times
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SAG Awards: Outstanding Ensemble
Modern Family blended traditional sitcom elements with mockumentary style, winning over viewers and critics alike. Its five-year Emmy reign places it among the most successful and best comedy series award winners in TV history.
6. Veep (HBO)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (3 wins)
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Golden Globes: Best Actress (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
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SAG Awards: Outstanding Ensemble
With razor-sharp political satire and brilliant performances, Veep ruled the comedy landscape for years. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer, a record in the acting category.
7. 30 Rock (NBC)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (3 wins)
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Golden Globes: Best Actress (Tina Fey), Best Actor (Alec Baldwin)
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Writers Guild Awards: Best Writing in a Comedy
Created by and starring Tina Fey, 30 Rock offered a satirical behind-the-scenes look at the world of sketch comedy. Its intelligent humor, fast-paced dialogue, and industry in-jokes earned it consistent critical acclaim.
8. Arrested Development (FOX/Netflix)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2004)
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Golden Globes: Best Actor (Jason Bateman)
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Writers Guild Awards: Best Writing
Although it struggled with viewership during its initial run, Arrested Development became a cult favorite and a critics’ darling. Its layered humor, running gags, and innovative format made it a standout winner early in its time.
9. Frasier (NBC)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (5 consecutive wins: 1994–1998)
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Golden Globes: Best Actor (Kelsey Grammer)
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TV Land & Peabody Awards
Frasier set an Emmy record in the 1990s with five straight wins in the comedy series category. Its smart, character-driven humor and exceptional writing kept it at the top of critics’ lists throughout its run.
10. The Office (U.S.) (NBC)
Major Awards:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Comedy Series (2006)
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Golden Globes: Best Actor (Steve Carell)
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Peabody Award
A mockumentary-style workplace comedy, The Office became a cultural phenomenon. Its dry humor, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth led to widespread fan loyalty and critical success.
What Makes a Comedy Series an Award Winner?
The best comedy series award winners usually share several key ingredients:
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Strong, unique voices behind the scenes
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Memorable, well-developed characters
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Original formats or storytelling styles
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Emotional depth that goes beyond just laughs
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Cultural relevance and wide appeal
Winning comedy series often evolve beyond traditional formats and reflect real-life issues with humor and heart.
Final Thoughts
Award-winning comedies aren’t just funny—they’re groundbreaking, influential, and emotionally resonant. From the charm of Ted Lasso to the raw brilliance of Fleabag, these best comedy series award winners have raised the bar for television. Whether you’re a die-hard sitcom fan or just discovering the genre, these shows are the gold standard of comedic storytelling.
