There are a lot of comedies on Netflix. Some are stellar and some are flops. The stellar ones often involve the brilliance of comedy writers and stand-up professionals who transform their work from oral and literary communication to the big (and laptop-sized) screen. Here are some of the best of the knee-slapping, side-splitting comedians who can show their hilarity as capably as they can tell it. 

Louie: 5 stars

In a show unlike any other, Louis C.K. illustrates the life and times of a divorced, struggling comedian and father in New York City. This dark comedy stars Louis C.K. as himself and is filled from minute one to minute twenty-two with C.K.’s signature sarcastic and self-deprecating humor. In each episode, Louie finds himself in one bizarre situation after the next, often featuring eccentric women who introduce him to new ways of looking at life. C.K.’s humor does not, however, come without meaning. In each episode, there is a deeper meaning that makes the viewer reconsider his or her own view of life, however subconsciously. In one episode, Louie goes out with an especially eccentric woman who owns a bookstore, who convinces him to climb upwards of forty flights of stairs to the top of a skyscraper in the city. Initially, the stories in each episode seem unconnected, but as the seasons progress, they become significantly more fluid. In addition to the plot, each episode features clips of C.K.’s stand up performances, which are quite consistently lewd and very entertaining. Although an acquired taste, Louie is a darkly refreshing show. 

Master of None: 4 stars

Many may know actor Aziz Ansari from his role as Tom Haverford on the show “Parks and Recreation,” or even from his multiple stand up specials available on Netflix. If you have been waiting and wishing for more Aziz, it’s your lucky day; as of November 6th, “Master of None” has been available on Netflix. Ansari and co-creator Alan Yang have produced a lighthearted and simultaneously satirical program that focuses on the life of Ansari as Dev Shah, a rising actor in New York City. The show contains similar topics that were featured in Ansari’s recent publication, Modern Romance, meaning it discusses a great deal of dating etiquette; which is an appropriate topic for a single 20-something in the big city. The acting is a little unnatural, but the situations are comical and get funnier as the season progresses. “Master of None” is an especially unique show because Ansari’s actual parents play Dev’s parents. Ansari’s parents discuss the true trials and tribulations they encountered during and since emigrating from India to New York after knowing each other for only a week. For any “Parks and Recreation” fans, Tom’s eccentricities are still very present, for “Master of None” has no shortage of funny phrases or Taye Diggs references.

30 Rock: 4.5 stars

Yet another eccentric show set in New York City is “30 Rock,” which features multiple actors and actresses who play themselves in a more accentuated way. Tina Fey takes on the pseudonym of Liz Lemon, and Alec Baldwin takes on a pseudonym of Jack Donaghy, but it is very clear that each actress or actor plays to her or his character strengths. Lemon is a creative and slightly offbeat writer for the show “TGS with Tracey Jordan” who has to manage the daily stress of balancing the inflated egos of many actors and actresses, including that of Tracy Morgan, who plays Tracy Jordan. The show is silly and full of wild events that take place almost entirely on the set of the sketch comedy show, a set within a set. The show features all sorts of big names in a wacky seven-season compilation that doesn’t fail to keep the viewer on their toes.