Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of three shows in its first season to make the list. Nine-Nine makes this list because every cog in the ensemble work together perfectly. In most shows there is a weak link, and in the beginning that seemed to be Terry Crews, but once his character some great material the show was off like a rocket. Singling out one person is tough because each character moves this show in the perfect way. As a young kid I remember watching re-runs of Barney Miller, and this show takes the funny of police and ups the ante mixing in the heart and cynicism. Whether it be fighting or battling with other precincts, the fire department, hackers, other criminals, or even a classic doughnut joke. This show and its creative team did a great job hooking me from episode one.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Best Episodes: "The Party" and "Sal's Pizza"
Broad City (Comedy Central)
I watched the entire season of Broad City in one day, and have not laughed this hard in a long time, literal belly laughs in each episode. People will compare this show to Girls on HBO, and while this is a fair comparison, namely because of the type of character, but Broad City is just plain funny, never taking itself too seriously. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer wrote most of the episodes, and star in all of them, their chemistry is perfect they fit together and make of the most dynamic duos in television today. Jacobson is more the "straight woman" getting and showing most people humor through what happens to her and what she says. Glazer's talent with physical humor is a force to be reckoned, and while she is more in your face, the balance between the two leading ladies is perfect. This is the first series from Comedy Central to make it into my personal Comedy Series nominees ever.
Best Broad City episodes "Pussy Weed" and "Stolen Phone"
Enlisted (FOX)
Shows that are cancelled rarely make this list, unless they are shows cancelled before their time, which would include Sports Night, Freaks and Geeks, and The Comeback. Imagine joining the list of these shows, well Enlisted deserves to be still on the air, but in a sense its in good company. Enlisted did a great job taking a serious subject matter, and turning into something hilarious, and sometimes heartfelt. 3 brothers enlisted in the Army who are stationed in the Rear D, a place filled with rejects. Geoff Stults, Chris Lowell, and Parker Young are the three brothers and their chemistry is great, they made it feel as though they were real brothers. The secondary cast of soldiers in their platoon rounded out one of the most talented ensembles of the year. Through in Keith David as the Sergeant Major and Angelique Cabral as another Sergeant, and you have a winner, too bad this show was cancelled before its time.
Best Enlisted Episodes: "Alive Day" and "Randy Get Your Gun"
Louie (F/X)
Probably the least funny show on the list, but that is no knock to this season of Louie. Louie evolved into something deeper, something more meaningful. The show addressed a lot of things addressing relationships. Through the Elevator series you watched Louis C.K. attempt to carry on his most adult relationship on camera, and it worked, part of the humor in this situation is that it worked because they did not talk. Louie tends to have verbal diarrhea, and without his words he was able to meet a stable woman. Louie's relationship with Pamela also into play along with the connection with his first wife, and the impact it has on his daughters. Louie confronted the prejudice of dating, and not dating the ideal through Sarah Baker's character, and her speech on men with fat women. Louie also punched a model in the face on a one night stand. Louie always gives you a complete arc, and this season while deeper than usual was still genius.
Best Louie episodes "Model" and and "Elevator Part 3"
Modern Family (ABC)
For the first time in two years Modern Family deserves to be back on this list. After season three and four dipped in quality, season five which was centered around Cam and Mitchell's wedding showed a ton of growth in most of their characters. The final three episodes including "Message Received" push the show into area it rarely goes. Modern Family usually ties things up with a polished ribbon, but in "Message Received" things final reached a tipping point with Mitch and Jay. The wedding was also both touching, and hilarious. Modern Family always does a travel episode, and this year they went to two places, while Australia was alright, Las Vegas was one of the best directed episodes, and funniest in the shows history. There as also some tremendous growth with Haley, and the addition of recurring guest star Adam DeVine as Andy. The show hit it out of the park this season.
Best Episodes of the Season: "Las Vegas" and "Message Received"
Veep (HBO)
Like a good wine this show only gets better as it ages. Selina started out the season with a book tour a la Hillary Clinton, and within moments of that ending her bid for the Presidency began. Watching a botched Presidential campaign unfold in real life is frightening, (Herman Cain, Rick Perry etc), but watching Selina and her team navigate politics is hilarious. Should Selina be pro-life or pro-choice, watching her skirt religious officials in and out was brilliant. Having her navigate foreign affairs, with awkwardness was also great. Armano Ianucci and his team of writers are the funniest working people in television. I loved watching candidates fall apart in that awkward debate as well. This is the most talented ensemble on television, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Anna Chlumsky, Matt Walsh, Timothy Simmons, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, and last but not least Sufe Bradshaw. I dare you to watch the smartest comedy on television, and not laugh.
Best Episodes of Veep: "Alicia" and Debate"
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