Hulu is airing 2 series (one British and one Canadian) that offer unique takes on comedy.
Inside #9
English actors Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton have created this distinctive series of very dark comic stories (originally started on BBC in 2015). One and often both of them are in each episode along with appearances from others, including some well-known faces. The stories range from adroit slapstick (“A Quiet Night In” rivals Mr. Bean in its riotous comic anarchy) to a more horror slant, but ALWAYS with a surprising twist. The setups and situations are often unexpected, but they’re always clever, usually funny and uniquely compelling. (2 seasons of 6 30-minute episodes) (4.5 / 5)
Lettterkenny
Hunky actor/writer Jared Keeso created this as a YouTube series, before it aired on Canadian TV in 2016. The title refers to a small rural community in Canada that populated by a wacky cast of hicks, losers and misfits. In addition to the pivotal quartet, there’s a duo of ice hockey idiots with wordplay that borders on jabberwocky, a closeted minister and a lusty bartender. Considering this eccentric group, the rapid fire dialogue is surprisingly smart and often verging in Beckett territory. It’s made even more enjoyable by the deadpan delivery. The series is not 100% brilliant, but there’s plenty of off-the-wall humor and downright goofy moments that make it silly fun. (9 seasons of 30-minute episodes). (4 / 5)