Comedy Central began in an era when channels with an exclusive focus had become popular. For example – MTV for music videos. Started by Time-Life, the parent company of HBO, the channel began airing in 1989 and focused exclusively on Comedy.
Initially, it aired only classic comedy movies, but soon, the channel took over its competitors and started producing high-quality content like The Daily Show and South Park, which contributed to the channel’s popularity in the '90s.
Here’s a list of six Comedy Central shows that have stood the test of time and remain the most popular comedy shows. They also have a high IMDb rating.
South Park, Key & Peele, and other popular comedy shows of Comedy Central
1) Tosh.0
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Created and hosted by comedian Daniel Tosh, Tosh.O, is a comedy show that aired on Comedy Central from 2009 to 2020. Characterized by Daniel’s offensive and black humor, the show provided satirical commentary on viral video clips, internet memes, trending topics, and celebrities.
Tosh’s views on viral moments from the internet and popular culture as a whole, gained massive popularity among the 18-34 age demographic. The show still holds a rating of 7.3 on IMDb
2) The Daily Show
A late-night comedy news and talk show, The Daily Show, has been airing since 1996 and has seen various hosts like Craig Kilborn and Trevor Noah, to mention a few. During an episode, the hosts introduce various political topics related to pop culture and provide a humorous monologue.
They also include an interview with a celebrity or other important figure. The show is Comedy Central’s longest running show and has 24 Emmy Awards, still staying popular to this day. It holds an IMDb rating of 8.3.
3) South Park
Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone and developed by Brian Graden, South Park, is an animated comedy series that has been airing since 1997. It revolves around four boys—Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny—and their misadventures in the titular Colorado town.
The show parodied a large range of topics and was characterized by offensive and outlandish humor. It put Comedy Central on the map and has continued to receive critical and popular acclaim for its plot and humor, holding an IMDb rating of 8.7
4) Mystery Science Theatre 3000
Created and starring Joel Hodgson, Mystery Science Theatre 3000, was a sci-fi comedy shows that aired from 1988 to 1996. First premiering on KTMA-TV, it was later transferred to Comedy Central.
The show is about a guy, Joel (Hodgson), who is trapped by mad scientists and is forced to watch B movies and react to them. Accompanied by his robot companions, Joel provides hilarious commentary on these movies. The show gained a cult following and has an IMDb rating of 8.6
5) Workaholics
Created by and starring Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck, Workaholics, is a sitcom on Comedy Central that aired form 2011 to 2017. It focusses on three college drop-outs who stay together and work together at a telemarketing firm.
Even into adulthood, the three retain their college partying behaviour and often clash with their boss and coworkers. The show is known for its goofball and stoner comedy. It has an IMDb rating of 8.1
6) Key & Peele
Starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, Key & Peele, is a sketch comedy show from Comedy Central that aired from 2012 to 2015. Each episode features skits involving the two actors who cover various pop culture topics.
The show is done in front of a live audience and got famous for its socially aware skits that mixed thought provoking matter with humor. It has won multiple Emmy awards and has an IMDb rating of 8.3
Viewers who love a good dose of humor can go through this list and choose a comedy of their liking.
