Objectively, the world is a hot mess right now. With the upcoming election and the continuing pandemic, it’s easy to feel down or helpless in our current political climate. But, thankfully, dark comedies exist. Netflix has a few dark comedy original series that are sure to make you laugh, gasp, and forget about the real world for a little while.
Living With Yourself
2019, One season with eight episodes (so far)
If you’ve ever felt down and not like the best version of yourself, this is the dark comedy for you. Starring Paul Rudd and Aisling Bea, Living With Yourself is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt less than perfect or unhappy with their current place in life. Miles (Paul Rudd) is in a rut––he hasn’t been focused on much of anything recently, especially his job or his marriage. So, when a coworker gives him a recommendation for a spa that’s sure to cure his woes, he jumps at the chance for some rejuvenation. But, what he doesn’t expect is that the spa (located in a strip mall) isn’t really a spa at all: it’s a cloning center. Every other patient has gotten through the procedure just fine, but not Miles. So, when he wakes up buried underground and wearing only a diaper, he has to wonder what the hell happened at that spa. The absolute last thing he expects, though, is to come home and find another Miles is already there.
Funny, dark, and genius, Living With Yourself is the perfect show to help laugh the pain of the world away for a little while. It provides lots of relatable moments for viewers and, of course, stars Paul Rudd. What’s not to love? So, while the world might be tough right now, at least you don’t have a clone running around somewhere out there.
Insatiable
2018-2019, Two seasons with twenty-two episodes total
For anyone that’s been fascinated with the world of Toddlers and Tiaras, this is the show for you. It follows Patty Bladell (Debby Ryan) as she navigates high school and, more specifically, her transition from punchline to beauty queen. In this dark comedy, Patty gets in a fistfight and ends up with her jaw wired shut, unable to eat solid foods for months. This makes her lose a lot of weight and helps her catch the eye of Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts), a former beauty queen coach who lost his career and dignity when he was wrongfully accused of assault. Both eager to stick it to the world that has wronged them, the two become an unlikely pair as they try to get Patty to win the title of Miss Iron Lady, the biggest beauty pageant in the country. The road ahead isn’t easy by any means, especially when Patty finds something that fills the void inside of her: murder.
The show takes place in a world with all of our society’s worst problems and, of course, adds a murderous beauty queen to the mix. The combination pays off in an insatiable dark comedy that will have you gasp, cringe, and laugh in the same episode. Unfortunately, Insatiable was canceled after only two seasons, having caused quite a bit of controversy. The show has a pretty concrete ending, though, that answers some questions and leaves viewers with a thousand more.
End of the F***ing World
2017-2019, Two seasons with 16 episodes total
This show is for…well, hopefully, no one can really relate to it. The main character, James (Alex Lawther) is seventeen and fairly certain that he’s a psychopath. He’s killed a bunch of animals at this point, and has enjoyed it, but hasn’t found it nearly satisfying enough. His next target? Alyssa (Jessica Barden). Alyssa is completely unaware of his plan to murder her and, instead, thinks that the two of them are dating. When things go astray at home, Alyssa decides to run away and asks James to come with her. Together, the two of them embark on a Bonnie and Clyde-like journey across England in an effort to escape the troubles of their pasts. As it turns out, there are a lot more troubles waiting for them on the road than there ever were back home.
This show is dark but amazing, providing excellent comedy to counteract some of the heavy themes they deal with. The characters are relatable and intriguing and their shifting dynamic keeps viewers on their toes. The show will not be returning for a third season but, rest assured, it has a satisfying ending.
I Am Not Okay With This
2020, One season with 7 episodes
This show is for everyone who struggled in high school. Sydney (Sophia Lillis) is struggling in high school, too. A lot of it is pretty normal high school stuff, like crushes and body changes, but some of it is fairly abnormal. Still grieving over the loss of her father, Sydney finds herself angry most of the time. The problem with her anger is that it doesn’t just stay inside of her; it causes chaos and destruction to the world around her. Hellbent on keeping her budding powers a secret and learning to control them, Sydney confides in her neighbor, Stanley (Wyatt Oleff). Together, the two of them try to figure out her powers and how to better control them but, first, Sydney must look to her past and her father’s death to find the answers she’s looking for.
The show was canceled after one season, so the ending isn’t super satisfying, but it’s still a great show and totally binge-worthy. It has seventies vibes, though appears to be set in a modern-day world. It’s a great show and will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat!
Cover Photo: Crescent Graphic Design Team
