We know that not much seems funny at the moment, and the world outside is a pretty scary place right now. So what we all really need is a reason to be cheerful - and what could be better than a brilliant comedy box set, packed full of characters and moments to make you laugh until you ache and raise your spirits during this tricky period?

We’ve put together the best box sets of all genres to dive into during these next few weeks, to help you while away the hours, belly laugh or hang off the edge of your seat in suspense - whatever helps you through the day. So keep checking back as we bring you the best box sets across every genre - and today, it’s all about the comedy that keeps us chuckling during even the gloomiest days.

And of course, if you’ve got your own box set recommendations, we would love to hear them! Drop us a line over on our Instagram and let us know any that you think are must-sees, and we’ll add them to this ever-expanding list.

the best COMEDY box sets

Derry Girls

Being a teenager is hard enough - but how about being a teenager in 90s Derry? Erin and her friends grow up in a world of armed police and Army checkpoints, whilst trying to navigate school, studying, families and friendships. Belly-achingly funny and bittersweet.

Watch on All4 and Netflix

New Girl

This feelgood sitcom sees everyone’s favourite girl-next-door, Zooey Deschanel, take on the role of Jess, a primary-school teacher who, after a bad breakup, is forced to move into a flatshare with three guys - moody Nick, frustrated Winston and quirky Schmidt. Hilarity ensues, obviously.

Watch on Amazon Prime

The Marvellous Mrs Maisel

Set in 1950s NYC, we follow idyllic housewife Midge Maisel as she discovers a talent for stand-up comedy, and sets off in pursuit of an exciting new life she didn’t know was possible.

Watch on Amazon Prime

The IT Crowd

An early 2000s classic, why not revisit this quirky sitcom, from the creator of Father Ted? Maurice and Roy lead an undisturbed life in the IT department of a busy London firm, but things soon change when they get a new department head: Jen, who knows nothing about IT.

Watch on All4

Catastrophe

Team Hood are huge fans of this wickedly funny, yet often-heartbreaking, sitcom, written by and starring Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan, as an unlikely couple who are thrown together after Sharon becomes pregnant from their drunken one-night stand. The series also features Mark Bonnar and Ashley Jensen, who play Rob and Sharon’s frustrated married friends and are the low-key stars of the series.

Watch on All4

Him & Her

This irreverent, forensically honest and hugely funny BBC3 sitcom was largely under the radar, but it’s well worth a watch if you enjoy toe-curlingly awkward humour. Steve and Becky are lazy twenty-somethings sharing a bedsit in East London, and all they want to do is eat, sleep and watch TV - if only they weren’t constantly interrupted by Dan, the oddball upstairs, and Becky’s demanding, selfish sister Laura and her fiance, Paul.

Watch on BBC iPlayer

Friends

This iconic sitcom needs no introduction, but in case you’ve been under a rock for the past twenty years, you’ll adore ten series of the life and times of a group of six friends in NYC. If you’re feeling low, they’ll always be there for you.

Watch on Netflix

BoJack Horseman

This grown-up cartoon recently released its final episode, so we say it’s ripe for bingeing. Once the star of a 90s sitcom, washed-up actor (and humanoid horse) BoJack Horseman, decides it’s time for a comeback.