The Best English TV Shows in India Right Now
When it comes to watching English TV shows in India, there has never been more to choose from than today. With Netflix, Prime, Hotstar and more, when you are looking for popular English sitcoms, you are often spoilt for choice. That is why I have decided to create a list of some of the best English TV shows in India that are streaming now and make for a great bedfellow to enjoy with some popcorn while it drizzles outside. The only conditions- these shows are still airing (i.e. they are not yet cancelled, or have aired finales) and they are of the comedic variety. Short and sweet, these are great to watch for a quick pick me up or when you want sitcoms to watch with your significant other or when killing time. So, without further ado, here’s the list:
Maggie
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Rebecca Rittenhouse, Nichole Sakura, David Del Rio, Chloe Bridges
Rebecca Rittenhouse stars as the titular Maggie, a 30-something psychic who sees her future with Ben (David Del Rio), only to find out he’s taken- and moving into her duplex! While the magic premise adds some fun and some when will they tensions to the mix, this lighthearted take makes it one of the best sitcoms to watch if you are looking for a cute fairytale romance with some fun comedic notes. While the obstacle to their inevitable end game, Jessie, lacks more of a strong character build up ( I assume because the writers don’t want us to feel too sorry for her), this airy TV show is light, fluffy and fun.
If you are familiar with popular English sitcoms, you will recognize Rittenhouse from her stints on The Mindy Project, Sakura from Superstore and Bridges from all over the TV landscape. Rittenhouse steals the show with her loveable take on Maggie, making us root for her at every step and her friendship with Sakura is my true endgame.
Must See Episode: You Will Help Someone Take a Chance (Season 1, Episode 9): Maggie has to own up to who she is and sees a life altering decision in Ben’s future
We give it: 2.5/ 5
For Fans of: Sabrina the Teenage Witch (the old one), How I Met Your Mother
If it was a snack it would be: Cotton Candy
IMDB rating: 7.1/10
Seasons Out: 1
Not Dead Yet
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Hannah Simone, Lauren Ash
Similar to Maggie, Not Dead Yet is one of those sitcoms to watch where almost every actor’s face will make you think “Hey, I know you from somewhere.” Rodriguez is cast in the lead role as Nell, who similar to her Jane the Virgin character is a writer. But no- not a novel writer, an obituary writer whose world turns upside down when she can see the dead people she is writing about- and they give her often unsolicited advice while she tries to give them closure. This is one of my top choices for TV shows to binge-watch since the premise, while ludicrous, offers many heartwarming moments juxtaposed with laugh-out-loud moments.
Simone of New Girl fame plays Nell’s BFF while Lauren Ash is a far cry from her Superstore character, playing Nell’s super glam boss who happens to be moving in on her friend territory. This is one of those comedy TV shows that has a lot of heart under its surface and will make you laugh and cry from scene to scene.
Must-See Episode: Not Moving on Yet (Season 1, Episode 5): Nell develops feelings for the one guy she shouldn’t which leads her to a heartbreaking realization
We give it: 3.5/ 5
For Fans of: Ghosts (UK and US), Younger
If it was a snack it would be: An ice cream sundae
IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Seasons Out: 1
Abbott Elementary
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter
Probably the most well-known of these popular English sitcoms, Abbott Elementary focuses on the lives of the teachers at this underfunded public school. Created and starring Quinta Brunson, this hilarious show highlights topical issues in a humorous fashion and each character is so well defined you cannot imagine anyone else playing their role.
For me personally, Sheryl Lee Ralph as the no-nonsense HBIC Barbara and Janelle James as the principal Ava (who has some of the funniest lines ever) steal the show. The contrast of the optimism Brunson’s character embodies and the realism of the situation is also fascinating to observe. Consistently well written and heartwarming, this is a must-see English sitcom to watch.
Must See Episode: Work Family (Season 1, Episode 8): Janine tries her best to get to know her work family with comedic results
We give it: 4.5/ 5
For Fans of: The Office, Parks & Recreation, Superstore
If it was a snack it would be: A PB and J sandwich
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Seasons Out: 2
Loot
Streaming on: Apple TV
Starring: Maya Rudolph, MJ Rodriguez, Nat Faxon, Adam Scott
First off, you know when Rudolph and Scott are in anything it is bound to be funny- and this show is hilarious! One of the best English comedy series out there, Loot follows Molly Novak, wife of a billionaire, who needs to figure out what to do after divorcing her husband of 20 years. Left with an 87 billion dollar settlement, too much time on her hands, and no clue how to start over, this show makes you envy Molly but also feel sorry for her while she struggles to come out triumphant (considering she’s obscenely wealthy, that is just great writing!).
The cast is hysterical and MJ as Sofia adds a nice balance as the stern head of Molly’s charitable foundation, while the rest of the supporting cast adds variety to Molly’s life. Her unexpected attraction to Faxon is also a pleasure to watch. The best part of the show is how it draws from real life with the outlandish demands of the truly wealthy and the excessive lives they lead (keep an eye out for Chef David Chang as Molly’s home chef!)
Must See Episode: The Philanthropic Humanitarian Awards (Season 1, Episode 6): Molly and her team attend a ceremony where Molly is receiving an award. Molly has an awful run in with her ex, but ends the night on a high.
We give it: 3.5/ 5
For Fans of: Entourage, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
If it was a snack it would be: Tacos
IMDB rating: 6.7/10
Seasons Out: 1
Reboot
Streaming on: Hotstar
Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Judy Greer, Rachel Bloom, Paul Reiser
The last in the list of sitcoms to watch is Reboot, a Meta take on the TV industry. Following the reboot of a popular early 2000s sitcom, Reboot documents the changes in the lives of the cast as well as the evolving dynamic between the original showrunner and his estranged daughter.
The dynamic between Greer and Key is interesting to watch and keeps developing as the episodes progress and the tussle between old and new guard that Reiser and Bloom embody is hilarious as well. The old writers group mixing with the new age ones are some of the funniest scenes in this show and will have you giggling. There is a grain of truth in each joke, with Greer worrying about being older and with a younger girl being cast who she feels may upstage her, and with the political correctness of today’s era. Key shines in his role both on and off the Step Right Up Stage and Reiser and Bloom have a believable and tumultuous dynamic. Reboot is legitimately one of the best English TV shows in India at the moment and worth checking out.
Must See Episode: Who’s the boss (Season 1, Episode 8): A regime change doesn’t bode well for Step Right Up, while Bree gets surprised in an interview with some news
We give it: 4/ 5
For Fans of: Episodes, 30 Rock
If it was a snack it would be: A vegan burrito
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Seasons Out: 1
Be sure to check some of these popular English sitcoms out and let me know your thoughts!
To check out some of my favourite movies, read about other shows I watch and more pop culture stuff click the links.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile
