The Best English TV Shows in India Right Now
When it comes to watching English TV shows in India, there has never been more to choose from than today. With Netflix, Prime, Hotstar and more, when you are looking for popular English sitcoms, you are often spoilt for choice. That is why I have decided to create a list of some of the best English TV shows in India that are streaming now and make for a great bedfellow to enjoy with some popcorn while it drizzles outside. The only conditions- these shows are still airing (i.e. they are not yet cancelled, or have aired finales) and they are of the comedic variety. Short and sweet, these are great to watch for a quick pick me up or when you want sitcoms to watch with your significant other or when killing time. So, without further ado, here’s the list:
Maggie
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Rebecca Rittenhouse, Nichole Sakura, David Del Rio, Chloe Bridges
Rebecca Rittenhouse stars as the titular Maggie, a 30-something psychic who sees her future with Ben (David Del Rio), only to find out he’s taken- and moving into her duplex! While the magic premise adds some fun and some when will they tensions to the mix, this lighthearted take makes it one of the best sitcoms to watch if you are looking for a cute fairytale romance with some fun comedic notes. While the obstacle to their inevitable end game, Jessie, lacks more of a strong character build up ( I assume because the writers don’t want us to feel too sorry for her), this airy TV show is light, fluffy and fun.
If you are familiar with popular English sitcoms, you will recognize Rittenhouse from her stints on The Mindy Project, Sakura from Superstore and Bridges from all over the TV landscape. Rittenhouse steals the show with her loveable take on Maggie, making us root for her at every step and her friendship with Sakura is my true endgame.
Must See Episode: You Will Help Someone Take a Chance (Season 1, Episode 9): Maggie has to own up to who she is and sees a life altering decision in Ben’s future
We give it: 2.5/ 5
For Fans of: Sabrina the Teenage Witch (the old one), How I Met Your Mother
If it was a snack it would be: Cotton Candy
IMDB rating: 7.1/10
Seasons Out: 1
Not Dead Yet
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Hannah Simone, Lauren Ash
Similar to Maggie, Not Dead Yet is one of those sitcoms to watch where almost every actor’s face will make you think “Hey, I know you from somewhere.” Rodriguez is cast in the lead role as Nell, who similar to her Jane the Virgin character is a writer. But no- not a novel writer, an obituary writer whose world turns upside down when she can see the dead people she is writing about- and they give her often unsolicited advice while she tries to give them closure. This is one of my top choices for TV shows to binge-watch since the premise, while ludicrous, offers many heartwarming moments juxtaposed with laugh-out-loud moments.
Simone of New Girl fame plays Nell’s BFF while Lauren Ash is a far cry from her Superstore character, playing Nell’s super glam boss who happens to be moving in on her friend territory. This is one of those comedy TV shows that has a lot of heart under its surface and will make you laugh and cry from scene to scene.
Must-See Episode: Not Moving on Yet (Season 1, Episode 5): Nell develops feelings for the one guy she shouldn’t which leads her to a heartbreaking realization
We give it: 3.5/ 5
For Fans of: Ghosts (UK and US), Younger
If it was a snack it would be: An ice cream sundae
IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Seasons Out: 1
Abbott Elementary
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter
Probably the most well-known of these popular English sitcoms, Abbott Elementary focuses on the lives of the teachers at this underfunded public school. Created and starring Quinta Brunson, this hilarious show highlights topical issues in a humorous fashion and each character is so well defined you cannot imagine anyone else playing their role.
For me personally, Sheryl Lee Ralph as the no-nonsense HBIC Barbara and Janelle James as the principal Ava (who has some of the funniest lines ever) steal the show. The contrast of the optimism Brunson’s character embodies and the realism of the situation is also fascinating to observe. Consistently well written and heartwarming, this is a must-see English sitcom to watch.
Must See Episode: Work Family (Season 1, Episode 8): Janine tries her best to get to know her work family with comedic results
We give it: 4.5/ 5
For Fans of: The Office, Parks & Recreation, Superstore
If it was a snack it would be: A PB and J sandwich
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Seasons Out: 2
Loot
Streaming on: Apple TV
Starring: Maya Rudolph, MJ Rodriguez, Nat Faxon, Adam Scott
First off, you know when Rudolph and Scott are in anything it is bound to be funny- and this show is hilarious! One of the best English comedy series out there, Loot follows Molly Novak, wife of a billionaire, who needs to figure out what to do after divorcing her husband of 20 years. Left with an 87 billion dollar settlement, too much time on her hands, and no clue how to start over, this show makes you envy Molly but also feel sorry for her while she struggles to come out triumphant (considering she’s obscenely wealthy, that is just great writing!).
The cast is hysterical and MJ as Sofia adds a nice balance as the stern head of Molly’s charitable foundation, while the rest of the supporting cast adds variety to Molly’s life. Her unexpected attraction to Faxon is also a pleasure to watch. The best part of the show is how it draws from real life with the outlandish demands of the truly wealthy and the excessive lives they lead (keep an eye out for Chef David Chang as Molly’s home chef!)
Must See Episode: The Philanthropic Humanitarian Awards (Season 1, Episode 6): Molly and her team attend a ceremony where Molly is receiving an award. Molly has an awful run in with her ex, but ends the night on a high.
We give it: 3.5/ 5
For Fans of: Entourage, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
If it was a snack it would be: Tacos
IMDB rating: 6.7/10
Seasons Out: 1
Reboot
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Judy Greer, Rachel Bloom, Paul Reiser
The last in the list of sitcoms to watch is Reboot, a Meta take on the TV industry. Following the reboot of a popular early 2000s sitcom, Reboot documents the changes in the lives of the cast as well as the evolving dynamic between the original showrunner and his estranged daughter.
The dynamic between Greer and Key is interesting to watch and keeps developing as the episodes progress and the tussle between old and new guard that Reiser and Bloom embody is hilarious as well. The old writers group mixing with the new age ones are some of the funniest scenes in this show and will have you giggling. There is a grain of truth in each joke, with Greer worrying about being older and with a younger girl being cast who she feels may upstage her, and with the political correctness of today’s era. Key shines in his role both on and off the Step Right Up Stage and Reiser and Bloom have a believable and tumultuous dynamic. Reboot is legitimately one of the best English TV shows in India at the moment and worth checking out.
Must See Episode: Who’s the boss (Season 1, Episode 8): A regime change doesn’t bode well for Step Right Up, while Bree gets surprised in an interview with some news
We give it: 4/ 5
For Fans of: Episodes, 30 Rock
If it was a snack it would be: A vegan burrito
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Seasons Out: 1
Be sure to check some of these popular English sitcoms out and let me know your thoughts!
To check out some of my favourite movies, read about other shows I watch and more pop culture stuff click the links.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile
Thanks for recommending me all these series. Apert from Friends and Big Bang theory I reaaly havenot seen any fun series, thanks for the recommendation.
I Love when someone gives recommendations, whether for books or movies. It is so much easier to follow. Thanks for this curated list.
Your post has come my way at the perfect time. I was just thinking I should get out of heavy series such as thrillers and watch something lighter. Going to check out Abbott Elementary first and then the others.
Most of these are on Hotstar and I would love to watch them. Will definitely check it out. I normally watch shows on Netflix and hav yet to explore Hotstar. Your list is perfect to start it.
Some interesting watch out here!
Gonna check them out after all who doesn’t want to laugh out loud
I have seen K drama some funny some romantic. Apart from that my favourite are Good Wife, GILMORE Girls. Hotstar – i watch mostly Hindi series. Thank you for recommendation. Will bookmarking your post.
I love watching comedies but have not watched a single one of these. I have Hotstar and I am surely going to check out your recommendations. Thank you for sharing them.
Laughter is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mood, and there’s nothing quite like a good comedy to brighten up your day. Your post recommending the top 5 TV shows for a good laugh is an excellent resource for me or anyone looking to explore some new comedy content. Thank you for sharing your recommendations and spreading the joy of laughter!
For me sitcoms started and ended with Friends and TBBT. About time I explored new ones. Maggie is first on my list. Thanks for these recommendations.
Honestly we forget how to laugh and enjoy life and in such situations these movies come as a saviour for us which makes us laugh. Thank you dear friend for recommending this list of shows. I have hotstar and so now I am going to watch them and will share you my opinion about it.
Thank you so much for the recommendations and reviews. I watch only romcoms and comedy makes me feel good. Not dead yet seems to implore me to watch it, so that’s the first I am going to.
I love to watch sitcoms n my husband n I repeatedly watch Sheldon and 2 n a half men… just random episodes here n there. I have only watched Abbott Elementary from yout list of recommendations but I will try to watch the others too.
They sure look interesting and something I’ve never watched before. Maybe coz of my K Drama madness haven’t checked out other content recently.
The best part if blogging you get suggestions of movies, shows and books and it is always helpful to find something worthy to watch.
Thank you so much for curating this, Meetali. I have had my fill of psychological thrillers for the time being and had been looking for sitcom recommendations.
Hulu has some great stuff. My Hotstar needs renewal as I have just not logged on in a bit. All your recommendations sound lovely…I especially think I will like Not Dead Yet.
Thanks for this list. Haven’t watched any of these so they are next. Right now I am hooked to This is us. I know I am late. I just finished YOU and started with this is us.
Great list you’ve shared with all of us. It’s always great to have a good laugh every once in a while. Life may be rough at times but if we know how to balance it all, we’ll be re-assured that everything will pass.
Gosh I haven’t heard of any of these! However, Abbott Elementary and Loot have caught my attention from your list.