Darkly Funny Shows & Movies Like Misfortune

Description: A tragicomic exploration of failure and resilience, centered around a struggling clown and his dysfunctional family, balancing absurdity with deep emotional beats.

Fact: The show was co-created by Zach Galifianakis and Louis C.K., and features a standout performance by Louie Anderson in a female role.

Description: A surreal, genre-blending series that explores race, identity, and ambition through a mix of humor, drama, and magical realism.

Fact: Donald Glover wrote, directed, and starred in the show, which won multiple Emmys for its innovative storytelling.

Description: A heartfelt yet brutally honest portrayal of single motherhood and personal growth, filled with dry humor and poignant moments.

Fact: Pamela Adlon drew heavily from her own life experiences to create and star in the series.

Description: A philosophical comedy that tackles morality, ethics, and self-improvement in a surreal afterlife setting, balancing humor with deep existential questions.

Fact: The show's unique premise was inspired by creator Michael Schur's interest in moral philosophy and ethics.

Description: A dark comedy that juxtaposes violence with mundane life, exploring themes of identity and redemption through a morally ambiguous protagonist.

Fact: Bill Hader, who stars as Barry, also directed several episodes and won multiple Emmys for his performance.

Description: A dark comedy-thriller that follows self-absorbed millennials as they stumble into a mystery, blending satire with genuine suspense.

Fact: The show's tone shifts dramatically from season to season, evolving from a comedy into a psychological thriller.

Description: A sharp, witty exploration of grief, guilt, and self-destruction, delivered through a protagonist who breaks the fourth wall to share her raw, unfiltered thoughts.

Fact: The show originated as a one-woman play written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Description: An anthology-style series that delves into the interconnected lives of diverse New Yorkers, offering a mix of humor, pathos, and unexpected connections.

Fact: The show began as a web series before being picked up by HBO for a full television run.

Description: A darkly comedic coming-of-age story with a focus on dysfunctional relationships and existential angst, blending humor with deep emotional undercurrents.

Fact: The show is based on a graphic novel by Charles Forsman and was initially planned as a film before being adapted into a series.

Description: A nuanced exploration of faith, identity, and cultural expectations, blending humor with deeply personal and often uncomfortable truths.

Fact: Ramy Youssef based the show on his own experiences as a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim.