Sure, 2009 is only halfway over, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t already been some great TV comedy. From returning favorites to new arrivals, plenty of shows have done a great job of making us laugh. For the first half of the year, here’s the first half of a list, presenting the best TV comedies of 2009 (so far).
1. ‘30 Rock’ (NBC)
Photo courtesy of NBC
Three seasons in, Tina Fey’s genius, multilayered workplace comedy has lost none of its sharpness, and its growing popularity hasn’t pushed Fey and her cohorts to tone things down. Fey continues to bring new depth to main character Liz Lemon, and Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan only get funnier. Even the minor supporting characters get their moments to shine. It’s easy to name this the best comedy on TV in 2009.
2. ‘Better Off Ted’ (ABC)
Photo courtesy of ABC
This little sitcom that could debuted midseason on ABC to positive reviews but small ratings, seemingly destined to be a cult show killed before its time. But ABC made a surprising choice to give it a second season, so we’ll get to see more of the twisted company that is Veridian Dynamics, with its bizarre products and ridiculous corporate culture, plus more of Portia de Rossi’s great performance as the world’s most unfeeling boss.
3. ‘Party Down’ (Starz)
Photo courtesy of Starz
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas made a spectacular if somewhat unheralded return to TV with this layered, often subtle gem about the employees of a Los Angeles catering company. Mixing showbiz satire with strong character development, goofy humor with surprising emotional depth, Party Down improved steadily over the course of its first season, buoyed by a stellar ensemble cast and some wonderful guest stars (many drawn from Thomas’ old show).
4. ‘Important Things With Demetri Martin’ (Comedy Central)
Photo courtesy of Comedy Central
Sketch comedy is inherently hit-or-miss, but this vehicle for deadpan comedian Demetri Martin hits more often than any other sketch show on the air right now. Combining Martin’s creative, cerebral stand-up with traditional sketches, animation and offbeat non sequiturs, Important Things delivers a kind of oddball comedy that you won’t find anywhere else on TV.
5. ‘Flight of the Conchords’ (HBO)
Photo courtesy of HBO
Sadly, we may have seen the end of folk duo Bret and Jemaine’s adventures in New York City, but the second season of the funniest show on HBO made the most of its 10 episodes, with inspired musical numbers, surreal storylines and a complete dedication to absurdity. Sometimes the best talent for a performer (musician, actor, comedian) to have is knowing when to leave audiences wanting more.
