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Starring Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, and others, Bad Sisters, is an Irish black comedy based on a Belgian series. The show has received critical and commercial acclaim and is an unapologetically darkly humorous series.
Like other dark comedies, it has heavy topics but they are presented through unflinching humor. The show follows the five Garvey sisters, who get caught in an investigation by a resolute insurance agent after one of the sister’s abusive husbands dies.
The show is known for its non-linear narrative as the viewers see the sisters plotting their brother in law’s death before his death and their subsequent involvement in an insurance investigation. Viewers who like the blend of comedy and heavy themes can check the list out for some other similarly-themed shows.
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Note: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
This Way Up, Enlightened, and other dark comedies like Bad Sisters
1) Flowers - Amazon Video
Created by Will Sharpe and starring Olivia Colman, and others, Flowers, is a British black comedy. The show revolves around the Flowers family which consists of a suicidal father and author Maurice, his music teacher wife Deborah, their awkward children, Maurice’s senile mother, and his inept Japanese illustrator.
The show throws light on depression and mental health through the adventures of the Flowers family. The series is a niche in itself as even though the show is dark, it cleverly uses satire to take the edge off. Set in a dilapidated house with unstable characters, the show is fresh, dark, and hilarious—just like Bad Sisters.
2) This Way Up - Hulu
Viewers who enjoyed the sisterly bond in Bad Sisters and the inclusion of comedy and dark themes must check out This Way Up. Starring Aisling Bea as Aine and Sharon Horgan as Shona, the show is about two sisters and an honest look at mental health.
After surviving a nervous breakdown, English language teacher Aine decides to piece her life together. Luckily, she has her protective elder sister Shona by her side. As the two navigate a world marked by instability and loneliness, the show offers unflinching humor that viewers of dark comedy will appreciate. Like Bad Sisters, the series revolves around sisters and their incredible chemistry.
3) The End of the F***ing World - Netflix
Starring Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden, the British black comedy, The End of the F***ing World, is a uniquely quirky series. Based on the mini comics by Charles Forsman, the show is about James (Lawther), who believes he is a psychopath. When a new girl, Alyssa (Jessica), joins his school, he decides to befriend and then kill her.
But James is in for a journey, as Jessica has her eccentricities and wants to leave an abusive home. The show has received universal acclaim for its sharp wit, serious themes, and in-depth character study. Like Bad Sisters, the show blends humor and heavy topics for an unsettling yet fun ride.
4) Enlightened - Amazon Prime Video
Starring Laura Dern, Sarah Burns, Mike White, and others, Enlightened, is a dark comedy that follows an ambitious but jeopardizing executive Amy (Dern), whose professional life spirals out of control and she has to undergo a stint in rehab in Hawaii.
While staying there, she undergoes a philosophical awakening and comes back with abundant optimism to set her life straight. While she tries to spread her message in annoying ways to other people, her character is a true representation of a flawed but genuine person. Like Bad Sisters, the show blends comedy with dark subjects and provides relatable characters.
5) Such Brave Girls - Amazon Prime Video
Another show that tackles mature topics with surprisingly clever humor is Such Brave Girls. Created by Kat Sadler, who also stars in it, Sadler has stated that the show is about trauma and narcissism with the opinions of others. The story revolves around a dysfunctional family with a single parent.
Like Bad Sisters, the show has three sisters who depend on each other and pass away hilarious remarks even amid tragic circumstances. The sisters offer an honest look at dysfunction and even provide a commentary on mental health through ignorant people and inept social workers. One of the few shows that is unafraid to broaden its horizons—even if it is uncomfortable.
Viewers can go through the list and select a dark comedy of their liking.
