best political comedy shows

Published January 21, 2023 | By TVBob

Are you looking for a way to stay informed about politics without getting bogged down by the news? If so, then you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the best political comedy shows that will keep you laughing while staying informed. From late night talk shows to satirical series, these are the best ways to get a good dose of political humor.

1. The Daily Show

The Daily Show is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning program that looks at the day’s top headlines through a sharp, reality-based lens. On his first appearance on “The Daily Show,” in late 2014, the program’s host at the time, Jon Stewart, emphasized the South African comedian’s ability to provide a unique and humorous perspective on news and politics. With Trevor Noah announcing his departure from “The Daily Show,” the question on everyone’s mind is: Which unfunny liberal “comedian” that will take over the show? As host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, Trevor Noah, whose last episode is Thursday, has reflected America back to itself the way only a comedian of his caliber can. Whereas Stewart’s humor ran hot and righteous, Noah always maintained a cool composure. Now with his departure, viewers can look forward to another entertaining political satire show that will make them laugh along with some of the best political comedy shows out there.

2. Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall, the 2016 Peabody Award and Golden Globe winner for Best Television Limited Series, is a historical drama for a modern audience. Adapted from the novel by Hilary Mantel, this BBC series chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) as Henry VIII’s (Damian Lewis) chief advisor. The six-part series is an adaptation of two of Hilary Mantel’s novels, Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, a fictionalised biography documenting the rapid rise of Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. There’s the fragile closeness of Cromwell and Henry, who is played by Damian Lewis as a strutting, lusty paranoiac, a mercurial jock. Along with stellar Royal Shakespeare Company cast headed by Ben Miles and Mike Poulton’s six-hour adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s two epic novels, Wolf Hall has been receiving critical acclaim since its 2015 release.

3. Veep

Veep, created by Armando Iannucci and starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale and Reid Scott, is one of the best political comedy shows out there. The show has won 12 Emmy awards and its devastating portrayal of the lobbying, schmoozing and psychological terrorism of the political elite is a testament to its success. With an impressive mix of smart comedy, bright performances and a refreshing approach to D.C. politics, Veep is a must-watch show for any fan of political satire.

4. In the Loop

In the Loop, directed by Armando Iannucci, is a 2009 British satirical black comedy film that is a spin-off from his BBC Television series The Thick of It. This Dr. Strangelove-inspired film stars James Gandolfini, Peter Capaldi, Anna Chlumsky and Tom Hollander and follows the story of a group of skeptical American and British operatives. Being somewhat of a sequel but also an adaptation of the BBC series The Thick Of It, In the Loop keeps some of the same characters and provides an Academy Award nominated original screenplay. One of the greatest political shows out there, and, for a while, the best comedy on TV, Armando Iannucci’s acerbic, vicious writing provides viewers with an itch only it can scratch. For British viewers, one of the great pleasures of Veep is that it retains some of the same brand of humor from The Thick of It and In the Loop, making it one political comedy show that you won’t want to miss.

5. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

5. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee: Hosted by comedian Samantha Bee, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee is an American late-night talk and news satire television program that aired on TBS from 2016 to 2022. With her unique perspective and sharp wit, Bee offers viewers a nuanced, satirical view of political and cultural issues, making it one of the most incisive political comedy shows on the air.

6. Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat

6. Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat – Join Ben Kissel, Travis Irvine, and Fernando Perez Leon each week as they bring you the best in political comedy on Abe Lincoln’s Top Hat. They discuss current events and provide a unique perspective on the world of politics, all with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure.

7. Veep

7. Veep: Created by Armando Iannucci, Veep follows the VP as she puts out political fires, juggles her public schedule and private life, and does everything within her limited powers to. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Veep is definitely Iannucci’s second-best political satire series after The Thick Of It. Veep ran for 7 brilliantly funny seasons and if you are looking for a great political comedy show, Veep is the perfect choice.

8. The Crown

The Crown, a Netflix series created by Peter Morgan, is one of the most popular political comedy shows available. Starring Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, and Matt Smith, the show follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Season 5 received a fair amount of backlash before it aired due to reports it contained a scene in which Charles met with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Despite the controversy, The Crown remains one of the most acclaimed shows about politics and has become a must-watch for those interested in current events.

9. The Colbert Report

9. The Colbert Report – Stephen Colbert takes on cable news pundits (and everyone else) in this political satire show, which centers around his essential rightness about the issues of the day. From ‘truthiness’ to the Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear, Stephen Colbert created some of the sharpest comedy seen on television and has earned his place among the best political comedy shows.

10. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

9. The Colbert Report proved to be a great political comedy show, and it’s only fitting that we mention John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which has been a successful satire show since its debut in 2014. Hosted by the English comedian, writer and journalist, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver covers politics, current events and culture with its sharp wit and biting comebacks. It is consistently praised for its in-depth analysis of serious political topics, making it one of the best political comedy shows out there. Catch the tenth season starting February 19th at 11pm ET on HBO.

Real Time With Bill Maher

Real Time With Bill Maher is an iconic political comedy show, hosted by Bill Maher and featuring an array of guests such as Andrew Sullivan, Michael Moore, and Arianna Huffington. He has been leading the way in political satire and comedy for decades, offering provocative and hilarious insights into the state of politics today. With Real Time with Bill Maher, he has become a must-watch for those looking to get their weekly dose of political humor and commentary. Start your free trial to watch Real Time With Bill Maher and other popular TV shows and movies including new releases, classics, Hulu Originals, and more.