10 Best Shows Like Netflix’s Feel Good

Mae Martin’s Netflix comedy series, Feel Good, ended this year with its sophomore season. Positively received by critics, Feel Good is worth checking out for its tragicomic look at Martin’s own encounters with sexuality and drug addiction. To further the story’s drama, family dynamics and relationship troubles add to the Canadian comedian’s struggles in the series.

Even though Feel Good stands strong on its own, it draws comparisons with similar dramatic comedy series that increasingly rely on the writer’s personal stories to bring a more realistic and genuine experience on screen.

10 Master Of None (2015 – ) – Available On Netflix

Master Of None ushered in a new era of grounded comedies with comedian Aziz Ansari drawing on a wide variety of influences to explore the personal and professional aspects of his life in New York. The beauty of this Netflix original lies in the sheer randomness of its approach. If one episode would focus on the protagonist’s generation gap with his parents, the other would involve a culinary trip to Italy.

The show achieved a new level of romantic maturity with its latest season, titled Moments In Love, a spin-off focusing on the character of Denise (Lena Waithe) and the ups and downs of her love life.

9 Ramy (2019 – ) – Available On Hulu

Ramy follows a similar approach as shows like Feel Good in the sense that it uses a semi-autobiographical approach from a comedian’s perspective. In this case, the central subject is Ramy Hassan (Ramy Youssef), a Muslim millennial struggling with his identity in America. While he seeks to get closer to his cultural and religious roots, he ends up falling into situations that hurt his family and friends.

The titular hero’s self-destructive journey evokes bittersweet emotions as Ramy‘s observational take on socio-political issues in modern America are both eye-opening and heartwarming.

8 I May Destroy You (2020) – Available On HBO Max

Inspired by Michaela Coel’s real life, I May Destroy You is one of the best HBO miniseries today that took critics and audiences by storm last year, and rightfully so. The central premise revolves around Arabella (Coel), a writer who seeks to restart her life after recovering from a traumatic incident. The complex lives of her peers intertwine for a nuanced and satirical take on sexual abuse, racism, male privilege, and the new age of social media fame.

With just 12 episodes, I May Destroy You makes for a quick binge. However, viewers can try out the show at their own pace given the sensitive nature of its content.

7 Crashing (2017 – 2019) – Available On HBO Max

Crashing stars standup comic Pete Holmes as a fictionalized version of himself. He plays a comedian hoping to find his big break and to make ends meet after a divorce drives him to homelessness. Co-starring several real-life comedians and mostly directed by comedy veteran Judd Apatow, Crashing‘s first three seasons received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Unfortunately, the series was canceled after three seasons without a proper conclusion. Fans hold out hope that a film adaptation might be on the cards.

6 Special (2019 – 2021) – Available On Netflix

Written by and starring Ryan O’Connell, Special is a Netflix comedy that dwells on O’Connell’s life as a gay man with cerebral palsy. The show’s feel-good approach subverts the tropes of insensitive and stereotypical queer representation as it focuses on a genuine empathy and understanding of the central character, rather than just pity.

Special is bound to pull the viewer’s heartstrings with its exploration of O’Connell’s complicated romantic relationships and his bond with an overprotective mother. Added to the mix is Punam Patel’s standout performance as the lead character’s optimistic best friend, Kim. The uplifting writing, positive representation, and a limited episode count make Special a must-watch for anyone who’s looking for a Netflix binge.

5 Insecure (2016 – ) – Available On HBO Max

Adapted from Issa Rae’s web series Awkward Black Girl, Insecure revolves around the career and relationship struggles of best friends Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji). Together, they tend to face these personal crises while living in Los Angeles. Apart from situational and observational comedy, the series ends up exploring socio-political issues on race and identity with a straightforwardly sardonic writing style.

Since its debut, the show has made a star out of its leading lady while earning multiple nominations at the Golden Globes and the Emmys. With four seasons so far, the upcoming fifth season is expected to be the last.

4 Barry (2018 – ) – Available On HBO Max

Barry is a dark comedy on HBO, filled with great running gags dealing with the eponymous hero who aspires to be an actor. Battling PTSD after troubled experiences as a soldier and a hitman, Barry (Bill Hader) strives to find a new path. A cheery acting coach (Henry Winkler) seems to offer him some much-needed escapism in this regard. But as the story progresses, Barry’s past catches up on him leading to one violent misadventure after the other.

Barry might incorporate some formulaic tropes, but its execution is such that it makes for a unique television experience. Apart from Hader’s committed act as a war veteran, supporting performances from character actors like Stephen Root and Anthony Carrigan steal the spotlight.

3 Please Like Me (2013 – 2016) – Available On Hulu

Australian comedian Josh Thomas served as showrunner, writer, and lead actor in the comedy-drama Please Like Me. Based on his personal trysts with adulthood, the show deals with the various ways in which Josh attempts to make sense of his transition into the “20s.” If dealing with adult responsibilities wasn’t enough, Josh also comes to the conclusion that he might be gay, after his girlfriend dumps him.

The show received rave reviews for its brutally honest approach towards real-life issues with little to no reliance on any forced humor.

2 Fleabag (2016 – 2019) – Available On Amazon Prime Video

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s magnum opus is fresh and unconventional in its approach towards trauma, modern romance, and a highly dysfunctional family. Waller-Bridge often breaks the fourth wall while playing the titular character, giving viewers a glimpse into her chaotic life.

On the surface, Fleabag is a free-spirited woman. But with every new episode, her character’s layers are unraveled as she’s revealed to be a sensitive person who struggles with the grief of losing her best friend. When it comes to the pantheon of tragicomedies, Fleabag is definitely one of the top picks, providing its lead a much-needed opportunity to showcase her dry humor.

1 Kidding (2018 – 2020) – Available On Showtime

Kidding finds comedic legend Jim Carrey unleashing a bleaker side of his personality. The Showtime original finds Carrey in the role of Jeff Pickles, a Mister Rogers-like figure who hosts a children’s show. With his profession and general naivety, Pickles strives to adopt a positive approach towards everything in life, even in the face of a personal tragedy like his son’s death.

This overdose of positivity ends up having disastrous results in his relationships with his loved ones, as Pickles embarks on an introspective journey to find closure. With an emotionally sensitive storyline and Carrey’s gut-wrenching acting, Kidding is dark comedy at its finest.

About The Author

Shaurya Thapa
(727 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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