5 TV shows like Barry that keep the dark comedy spirit alive

A still from HBO
A still from HBO's Barry | Image Via: HBO

Bill Hader's Barry had a significant impact on the black comedy genre, as fans continue to cherish it. This is why there is a demand for dark comedies amongst viewers around the world, thanks to the HBO series headlined by Bill Hader.

Turns out, the dark comedy series about a hitman trying to distance himself from his dangerous lifestyle struck a chord with the viewers. For the uninitiated, HBO's show follows Hader's Barry Berkman, trying to leave the life of an assassin as he discovers his passion for acting. The official synopsis for the series reads:

"A killer's pursuit of his target leads to a surprising discovery: a love for acting. Can Barry trade his deadly life for the limelight?"

Five shows like Barry that you should try:

We found some popular dark comedy shows like Barry. Here are five of them:

  • Corporate
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Jake Weisman and Matt Ingebretson headline the Comedy Central dark comedy Corporate, which skewers corporate culture. Unlike The Office, Corporate offers a darker and more nihilistic look at life in a large corporation.

  • Atlanta

Atlanta is an acclaimed surrealist black comedy-drama series on FX, which was created by its star, Donald Glover. The four-season series was about cousins Earn (Donald Glover) helping Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) in his rap journey.

But Atlanta and Barry share a connection that will surprise some. Turns out, filmmaker Hiro Murai has directed multiple episodes of both Barry and Atlanta.

"FX’s innovative comedy Atlanta by Donald Glover centers on two cousins working in the city’s rap music scene in order to better their lives and the lives of their families."
  • The Bear

Carmy is a haute cuisine chef who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, but his life takes a turn after inheriting his older brother's sandwich shop after his passing. As we wait for the fifth season, four seasons of The Bear are streaming on Hulu.

"Carmy, a young fine-dining chef, fights to transform a sandwich shop alongside a rough-around-the-edges kitchen crew."
  • Fargo

Alien: Earth's Noah Hawley created Fargo back in 2014. An adaptation of the 1996 movie, Fargo is an anthology series, meaning every season is a self-contained one, but they all share the same continuity. The official logline for the first season reads:

"An original adaptation of the Academy Award®-winning feature film, Fargo features an all-new “true crime” story and follows a new case and new characters, all entrenched in the trademark humor, murder and “Minnesota nice” that made the film an enduring classic."
  • The White Lotus

The White Lotus Season 1 aired on HBO in 2021. Since then, two more seasons have followed suit, with the third one airing this year between February and April 2025. An anthology series like Fargo, the acclaimed HBO dark comedy, satirizes the lives of the elite as they enjoy a luxury vacation in the resort called "The White Lotus".

"The social satire is set at an exclusive Thai resort and follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week."

Other than the five above, there are numerous other dark comedies, which can replace the Barry-shaped hole in your heart.

Edited by Ravikumar N