7 under-the-radar comedies to stream on Netflix this week

In such a cruel world, one needs to laugh often. It makes us feel better, right? Thankfully, Netflix has a lot to offer in terms of series or movies that make us chuckle.

Some of these shows are well-known. Who hasn't seen Seinfeld, for instance? It is excellent and worth watching, but not the only thing worth watching.

The series (and one movie) below might fly a little under the radar, but they are truly hidden gems. They are worth your time. Most importantly, they will make you laugh.

Seven hidden gems streaming on Netflix that will make you laugh

Derry Girls

The amount of warmth on this show is amazing, especially considering there is an ever-present shadow of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The series takes place in the 1990s and revolves around a group of teen girls. Only, we get to see their other relationships fleshed out as well.

The show has rightfully earned a nearly perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes because this isn't a regular comedy-drama. There is a truth to it all, and when it ends, the politics come with it too. There is nothing else quite like it.

A.P. Bio

Glenn Howerton (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Blackberry) stars as a former Harvard professor who feels as if he has his dream job stolen from him, so he moves back to his native Ohio and takes a job as an AP Biology teacher. He tells them that he will not be teaching them any biology, as he is too full of rage from losing the other job. Then he uses the students to try to get back at his nemesis.

That might sound somewhat like a plotline from Sunny, and Howerton's character, Jack Griffin, is not too far removed from the devious Dennis, but the series also has a surprising amount of heart. Both from Howerton, the students, and Principal Durbin, played by Patton Oswalt.

Disenchantment

This animated series meant for adults is set in Dreamland and follows a trio of misfits, Princess Beah, her personal demon Luci, and her elf companion Elfo. You definitely need to watch the show from the beginning because it will make a lot more sense, and have better payoff on jokes. Many of them tongue-in-cheek.

This series was also created by Matt Groening, who you likely know from The Simpsons and Futurama. This show is not as consistently funny as Bart and friends, but what is? It's still brilliant. Plus, Matt Berry voices one of the minor characters, so why not watch?

Loudermilk

This series is about a recovering alcoholic who turns into a substance abuse counselor and has no real business being as good as it is. Plus, the title character, Sam Loudermilk played by the always understated Ron Livingston, is a complete jerk much of the time. And yet, we still root for the guy.

There is a large cast of terrific characters on the show, though. Anja Savcic's Claire is one of the best. She also has had substance abuse issues and has a terrible snoring problem, but she often brings logic to help soothe Sam's rage. Sometimes she is just the reason for it.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Jerry Seinfeld driving around in different expensive cars, talking to other celebrities, and getting...you guessed it, coffee, sounds like the worst kind of passion project. The only thing is that it all works. Seinfeld lets his guests talk much about themselves, and Jerry tells us a lot about the cars and coffee.

Plus, sometimes the comedians will talk shop or about their experiences, and that makes for pure gold. It isn't meant to be laugh after laugh, but simply watching two people have a good time. A simple premise done perfectly.

Kim's Convenience

I hesitated to mention this series because of the politics involved in why the show ended (the cast did not feel there were enough true stories about being Korean in Canada, among other issues). Still, there is so much heart to the early seasons that one cannot come away from watching and feeling bad. This is ultimately a feel-good show.

We also get introduced to Simu Liu, who would later play Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and play one of the Kens in Barbie. He is terrific, but not one of the leads. Those are played brilliantly by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Appa) and Jean Yoon (Umma).

The Dead Don't Die

If you don't have time for an entire series, you should catch this flick. It is a zombie movie, sure, but one directed by Jim Jarmusch, who always creates unique films. The cast is also stellar and includes Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, and many others of your favorites.

Oh, and this is also a comedy. It's not quite Shaun of the Dead, but it's in the neighborhood. Plus, Tom Waits has a small role that will be exceedingly memorable for you.