Let’s get straight into it.
The world seems bleak right now, with political turmoil, economic struggle, shifting workplace priorities, and individual desperation about our collective future. And yet, we find ways to survive, thrive, and continue because life goes on, even after the credits roll.
So, what do we do? We can’t shut our eyes entirely, but can balance the tension with laughter. Well-intentioned, intelligent humor leaves us thinking about the issue long after the TV is switched off. The shows listed here may not be political in the traditional sense, but each uses comedy to highlight systemic issues, challenge norms, and deliver sharp social commentary. Some lean into politics head-on, while others gently thread it into the storyline.
Here are five sitcoms that tackled sociopolitical issues:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
Oh, this show! C…c…cool….cool…Yup! We heard you!
This police precinct-based sitcom earned acclaim for being much more than a cop comedy. With its diverse cast and inclusive storytelling, Brooklyn Nine-Nine addresses issues like LGBTQIA+ rights, workplace gender dynamics, and police reform. Captain Holt’s (Andre Braugher) stoic leadership as a gay Black man in the NYPD, Rosa’s (Stephanie Beatriz) coming out as bisexual, and Terry’s (Terry Crews) experience with racial profiling are all presented with a perfect mix of heart and humor.
Premiering in 2013, during a time of intensifying media scrutiny of police forces, the show took a progressive stance without sacrificing its comedic edge. It stood out as a feel-good show that didn’t shy away from complex themes. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the winner of a Golden Globe, with actor Andy Samberg winning Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
Fans famously rescued the show after its brief cancellation in 2018—a testament to its loyal viewership and social impact. And, of course, who could forget Jake’s (Andy Samberg) and Charles’s (Joe Lo Truglio) bromance or Rosa’s deadpan sass?
The Good Place (2016-2020)
When Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself mistakenly placed in a utopian afterlife, what follows is a wildly funny and philosophical journey through morality, ethics, and what it means to be good. The Good Place breaks the mold of traditional sitcoms by blending metaphysical quandaries with slapstick and sharp dialogue.
Created by Michael Schur (also behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine), the show premiered in 2016—a period of global political turbulence. It resonated deeply by asking timely questions about justice, accountability, and redemption.
The Good Place was widely praised for making philosophy accessible and funny. Its unique format, plot twists, and lovable characters like Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Janet (D’Arcy Carden), and Jason (Manny Jacinto) made it both a brainy and emotional watch.
Fun fact: The show used fake swear words (like “fork” and “shirt”) to maintain a PG rating—while still letting the characters vent their existential crises.
New Girl (2011-2018)
New Girl may seem like a quirky roommate sitcom, but underneath its romantic plotlines and antics lies a quiet current of social and political commentary. The show subtly engages with race, gender roles, and political ideologies.
Set in an LA loft, it follows Jess (Zooey Deschanel), a schoolteacher, who moves in with three men after a breakup. Each character represents different views and identities: Schmidt (Max Greenfield) is a Jewish Republican, Winston (Lamorne Morris) is a Black man navigating masculinity and identity, and Cece (Hannah Simone), Jess’s best friend, is Indian-American. The show touches on the 2012 and 2016 elections, immigration, and feminism, often through light-hearted debates and character development.
When it premiered in 2011, New Girl was refreshing for its effortless inclusion of social issues in everyday banter. It built a loyal fanbase for its offbeat humor and relatable characters. The cast reunited for a video during the 2020 elections to encourage voting. This video featured the cast recreating the show’s opening sequence with a twist by the actor Zoe Lister-Jones, who played Fawn (Schmidt’s boss) in the show.
Also, the show featured legendary musician Prince in what would become one of his last appearances.
Community (2009-2015)
Community college is rarely portrayed as glamorous, but in Community, it becomes the chaotic heart of one of TV’s most meta and socially conscious sitcoms. The show follows a group of misfit adults trying to rebuild their lives and identities while navigating an underfunded college and each other.
The series explores racism, homophobia, ageism, and the fragility of human connection through surreal plots and fast-paced humor. Its diverse characters— from Jeff (Joel McHale), the disgraced lawyer, to Abed (Danny Pudi), the pop culture-savvy outsider—offer layered perspectives on society’s failures and absurdities.
Premiering in 2009, Community gained cult status for its clever writing and self-awareness. The “story circle” format by creator Dan Harmon allowed emotional depth without losing comedic timing.
Fun trivia: The show’s recurring gag, “six seasons and a movie,” is finally becoming a reality. A Community movie is on the way—time to binge the series if you haven’t already!
One Day At A Time (2017-2020)
Unlike the other shows on this list, One Day At A Time doesn’t sugarcoat its politics. That’s the point. This heartfelt reboot of the 1975 classic centers around a Cuban-American family and unflinchingly tackles themes like immigration, racism, sexism, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
It premiered in 2017—amid a charged political climate in the U.S., particularly regarding immigration policies. The show was a bold liberal voice during the Trump era, delivering emotional storytelling wrapped in humor and cultural nuance.
The show is praised for its intergenerational dynamics, with Rita Moreno’s Lydia bringing Catholic traditions into daily debates with her daughter Penelope (Justina Machado), a single mother and war veteran. It’s powerful, emotional, and still manages to be laugh-out-loud funny.
Trivia gem: The final season’s election-themed episode had to be animated due to pandemic restrictions. And yes, it still managed to pack a punch.
Why include it in this list? Because sometimes, political storytelling should be on-the-nose. Not every show needs subtlety to be effective—and One Day At A Time proves that directness, when done with empathy, works.
Bonus Classic Recommendation
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Okay, the recent dance video of Tatyana Ali and Will Smith has nothing to do with this recommendation…Fine, maybe it does!!
Before Will Smith was a global icon, he was a street-smart teen from Philly navigating life in upscale Bel-Air. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was groundbreaking in the 1990s for tackling racism, class, and the impact of an absent father on a child with humor and heart.
It resonated during a decade marked by racial tensions in America, and its messages are still relevant today. Despite its catchy theme song and playful premise, the show addressed serious issues without losing charm.
An unforgettable moment: Will’s emotional breakdown when his absentee father leaves him again, and Uncle Phil (the Late James Avery) takes a stand for him. This scene still brings viewers to tears decades later.
And, of course, Aunt Viv’s (Janet Huber) dance-off to “Everybody Dance Now” deserves its own award.
Also, during one of the fourth-wall-breaking scenes, you can see the entire set and studio audience. I told you it’s hilarious and brilliant.
List Courtesy of Neha Jha
Feature Image Credit from ‘New Girl’ via IndiaWire and 20th Century Fox/Netflix