Netflix definitely has some amazing series for people to watch, from serious dramas to hilarious comedies - but what if you’re craving something that’s in-between? Something that is both a comedy and a drama? Good for you, because there is a word for that: dramedy.
There are plenty of awesome choices for series like that, including Orange is the New Black, Atypical, and many more. These are just some of the awesome choices that you can pick from, both Netflix originals and shows from current TV networks. If you’re looking for your next TV show to binge, check out some of these TV dramedies on Netflix.
Sex Education
The teen comedy, Sex Education, follows the lives of students, staff, and parents at a fictitious secondary school, telling the tales of personal dramas, issues, and stories usually related to sexual intimacy.
Sex Education is one of those Netflix originals that stand out amongst the rest. The Sex Education cast is full of talent, with stars that have really broken out into the acting world from their brilliant roles on the dramedy. Not only that, but the stories are full of heart, and a lot of teachable moments that will not only make you laugh, but also make you smile. It’s accepting and wholesome in all the right ways. And with Season 4 on the way, now is the time to check out the first three seasons. Genuinely one of the best shows on Netflix to binge.
Stream Sex Education on Netflix.
Derry Girls
Derry Girls may be set across the ocean, but it’s just as amazing to watch in the United States. This hilarious dramedy follows a group of girls who live in Derry, Ireland during a time called the Troubles in the 1990s, who all attend Our Lady Immaculate College, a secondary school (high school) where they are learning to grow up in a politically divided time.
While Derry Girls is obviously a fictionalized show, it often references real-life events that did take place in Ireland and uses them skillfully to create a masterpiece of a television show, blending comedy and drama all in one. It’s such a great series and one that is totally underrated and everyone should check out if they’ve never seen it before.
Stream Derry Girls on Netflix.
Orange Is The New Black
Do you got time? Cause they do.
Orange is the New Black is based on Piper Kerman’s novel of the same name, telling the story of Piper Chapman, a young woman whose life is changed drastically when she is sent to a minimum security prison for carrying a bag of drug money for her former girlfriend. While there, she meets interesting characters, both nice and not so nice.
Let me say, for a long time, this was my favorite Netflix original series. The Orange is the New Black cast is so freaking talented it hurts – my personal favorites out of all of them was either Samira Wiley or Kate Mulgrew. The story has freaking hilarious moments – like that whole prison chicken bit -- but there are some dark tales that are told, speaking bold political and personal messages that will get to anyone. It’s the perfect combination of drama and comedy.
Stream Orange is the New Black on Netflix.
On My Block
Next up on the list, we have On My Block, a teenage dramedy that follows a group of four friends that have known each other for years while growing up in South Central LA. But as they start their journey into high school and the world begins to open up a little more to them than their home street, friendships are tested and new relationships are formed.
Something about On My Block that I need to say is that it’s seriously one of the best dramedy’s that Netflix has offered. Not only is there some fun, edgy comedy that will make anyone chuckle but it’s not afraid to tackle darker themes such as inequalities or racism, which is something I can always respect the heck out of a show for doing since those are hard topics to handle. It’s so good, and Season 4 wrapped everything up well. Be sure to check it out.
Stream On My Block on Netflix.
Shameless
Shameless tells the story of the Gallagher family, a poor, ridiculous crew who live on the South Side of Chicago, showing their constant tribulations while trying to get by, and also attempting to deal with their alcoholic father, Frank.
After eleven seasons on Showtime, Shameless proved to be a big hit for the network, and for good reason. The entire Shameless cast is hysterical, especially William H. Macy as Frank - because he’s so unhinged, he’s certainly the funniest. Dramatic moments of the show will tug at your heartstrings, however, and probably make you cry. God knows I did several times.
Russian Doll
Think Groundhog Day but a heck of a lot messier. In Russian Doll, starring Natasha Lyonne plays a young woman who is stuck in a time loop that always ends in her death. With the help of some surprising allies, she must figure out what is causing her to die over and over and come to terms with her life before it’s too late.
Russian Doll is a wacky series but in the best way, and features some hilarious acting from Natasha Lyonne. It’ll make you grin, cry, laugh and more as you watch her character, Nadia, try to get herself out of the craziest situations. With two seasons to watch, this is a show that will make your weekend that much better.
Stream Russian Doll on Netflix.
Good Girls
Good Girls tells the story of three Michigan moms who are struggling in life, having a hard time making ends meet. So, they decide to pull off a heist in a supermarket, but it turns out they are way over their heads and get in more trouble than they wanted.
Good Girls sounds like it would be a big drama, especially from the premise, but it’s honestly so funny. The three main stars have great chemistry, and the hijinks they get up to make you snicker often. Even if they’re committing crimes, you root for them, because at the end of the day, they’re just regular women who were down on their luck. With only four seasons, it’s certainly a good, quick binge compared to many other shows.
Dead To Me
Have you ever wondered how sometimes, friendships can bloom in the darkest of places? That’s the story between Jen and Judy, two women who are currently mourning losses in their lives that meet at a support group. But as these two begin to grow closer dark secrets about their past are exposed – and how one of them might be connected to someone’s death.
Dead to Me is one of those shows that I feel you need to go into blind because there are so many twists and turns your neck is going to end up hurting by the end of it – but in the best way. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are literally amazing in their roles and truly are a power pair that have some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a dramedy. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
The Kominsky Method
Starring Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method tells the story of an actor who made it big a long time ago, and is now an acting coach who named his technique after himself: The Kominsky Method.
Michael Douglas is amazing in this show. I feel that he really deserves all the awards. He portrays Kominsky with such grace and a certain charm that only he could bring, and really draws you in to watch. There are plenty of laughs, plenty of moments to reflect, and a lot in-between, so it’s the perfect dramedy.
Stream The Kominsky Method on Netflix.
GLOW
In this Netflix original, GLOW follows a fictionalized version of the characters and gimmicks of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit, called Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and the struggles they faced to be taken seriously.
GLOW is one of those shows on Netflix that is so underrated and I think was cancelled too soon. The cast is full of brilliant, talented stars, led by Alison Brie, and creates a story that’s not only funny, colorful, and entertaining, but heartfelt and heavy at times as well. While we won’t get another season of GLOW, we can at least enjoy the dramedy now.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
In this dramedy, we follow Rebecca Bunch, a normal woman who seems to have it all, but is doing something that most of us would probably find a little crazy – traveling literally across the country from New York City to California in order to pursue her ex-boyfriend from high school. And not even just from her classes – no, he’s from summer camp.
The show received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, as well as many other awards, including a Critics Choice Award for Rachel Bloom in her starring role. It’s certainly worth a shot if you haven’t seen it.
Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix.
Master Of None
Master of None, during the first two seasons, tells the story of Dev, an actor living in New York, and his evolution of becoming a more engaged person with his parents, relationships, friends, and others. Season 3 stars Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie, following their relationship through a series of five episodes.
While I’m not the hugest fan of the change for the show in Season 3, I can still appreciate Master of None for taking a risk and telling a new story that fans weren’t used to. I feel like Master of None is more of a slice of life dramedy, focusing on real-life issues that regular people can face every day, rather than the craziness some of these other dramedies go through. It’s definitely a gem, especially the first two seasons.
Stream Master of None on Netflix.
Dear White People
In this TV series based on the movie of the same name, Dear White People follows several Black college students at a fictitious Ivy League university, touching on issues surrounding modern American race relations.
While shows like Sex Education and some of the others on this list lean a little heavier towards comedy, I feel like Dear White People leans a bit more towards drama, but it still has its light moments that will make you laugh, as well. I think what I love about Dear White People the most is that it’s not afraid to talk about serious situations that will make you think and reflect, and then make you laugh in the next scene.
Stream Dear White People on Netflix.
Atypical
Last, but not least, Atypical follows the story of 18-year-old Sam Gardner, who is on the autism spectrum, and what happens in his daily life, from his time at school, to his family, and the relationships he builds.
I think what I love about Atypical is that it really listens to its fans about stories they want to hear. I personally think that each season just gets better. There are plenty of moments that will make you smile and laugh, and other moments that will make your lip tremble, and everything is done through the wonderful Atypical cast. With four seasons, it’s a great show to binge.
With all these awesome Netflix TV shows, it might be hard to pick just one. But, I can assure you that whatever you go with, you’ll have a great time watching, whether you’re laughing or crying. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to watch Russian Doll again.
