If you're in the mood for something that tickles your funny bone while also making you think, then our selection of the best dark comedy shows with black humour is just the ticket. These shows aren't just about making you laugh; they delve into the darker side of life, often with a sharp wit and a satirical edge. From the bleakly hilarious to the morbidly amusing, these series offer a unique blend of comedy that's not for the faint-hearted. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a rollercoaster of laughs and grimaces.
The Young Ones (1982)
Description: This anarchic sitcom about four students sharing a squalid house in London uses slapstick, surrealism, and dark humour to lampoon youth culture and the punk era.
Fact: The show was a launchpad for several British comedy careers, including Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson.
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The Mighty Boosh (2004)
Description: This surreal comedy series features two zookeepers with a penchant for the absurd, blending dark humour with fantasy and music, creating a unique and often bizarre viewing experience.
Fact: The show has a cult following and has inspired a stage show and a book.
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The Thick of It (2005)
Description: This political satire takes a no-holds-barred approach to the inner workings of British government, showcasing the absurdity and chaos behind the scenes. Its dark humour lies in the incompetence and backstabbing of politicians and their aides.
Fact: The show's creator, Armando Iannucci, also created the equally dark and funny "Veep" in the US.
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The IT Crowd (2006)
Description: This sitcom about a dysfunctional IT department in a London office building uses dark humour to highlight the absurdity of office life and the social ineptitude of its characters.
Fact: The show's catchphrase "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" has become a common IT troubleshooting meme.
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Psychoville (2009)
Description: A dark comedy horror series that follows various characters with dark secrets, all linked by a mysterious figure sending them ominous messages, leading to a series of bizarre and darkly funny events.
Fact: The show was created by the same team behind "The League of Gentlemen."
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Black Mirror (2011)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this anthology series often uses dark humour to explore the dystopian side of technology and society, making you laugh uncomfortably at the bleak future it portrays.
Fact: The show's creator, Charlie Brooker, was inspired by episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and "Tales of the Unexpected."
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Inside No. 9 (2014)
Description: Each episode of this anthology series is a standalone story, often with a twist, blending dark comedy with elements of horror and thriller, making for a deliciously unsettling watch.
Fact: The creators, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, are known for their work in "The League of Gentlemen," another dark comedy gem.
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Fleabag (2016)
Description: Phoebe Waller-Bridge's creation is a masterclass in dark comedy, where the protagonist's life is a mess of sex, family issues, and existential crises, all narrated with a wry, self-deprecating humour.
Fact: Fleabag was originally a one-woman play before being adapted for television.
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Peep Show (2003)
Description: Using a unique point-of-view camera technique, this show delves into the lives of two very different flatmates, showcasing their often pathetic and darkly humorous attempts at navigating life.
Fact: The show's creators, Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, also created the equally dark "Fresh Meat."
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Toast of London (2012)
Description: Following the misadventures of a pompous, washed-up actor, this show uses surreal and dark humour to satirize the world of show business and the eccentricities of its characters.
Fact: The character of Steven Toast was originally created for a radio show before being adapted for TV.
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