How do you define drama or comedy? When it comes to TV, it’s often decided based on the length of an episode — 30 minutes for comedy, 60 for drama.
But as TV shows have gotten more complex, those genre conventions have gotten a lot more fluid. Some of our favorite series of all time are heartbreakingly sad in one minute, uproariously funny in the next — and the episode length has nothing to do with it.
If you love a show that covers the whole emotional spectrum, check out Watch With Us’ must-watch dramedy shows for September 2025.
‘The Bear’ (2022–Present)
There’s perhaps no more controversial show when it comes to genre definition than The Bear. The Chicago-based story of Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his fellow chefs has 30-minute episodes, but it deals with intense issues like substance abuse, mental health, family trauma and grief.
The dialogue is quippy, and the chaotic dynamic in the kitchen is often hilarious, but a feel-good comedy it is not. No matter how you categorize it, The Bear will always earn a “Yes, Chef” from the Watch With Us team.
Watch The Bear on Hulu.
‘Dying for Sex’ (2025)
A miniseries with 30-minute episodes about sex and cancer? It works better than you’d think. Based on the podcast by Molly Kochan and Nikki Boyer, it follows best friends Molly (Michelle Williams) and Nikki (Jenny Slate) after Molly is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unsatisfied with her sex life, Molly decides to leave her husband (Jay Duplass) and spend the end of her life experiencing every kind of sexual satisfaction imaginable — all while undergoing cancer treatment.
Between one-night stands and true emotional connections, Molly faces the stark, but sometimes beautiful, reality of dying — with her best friend by her side. The amount of laughing and crying you’ll do while watching really can’t be overstated.
Watch Dying for Sex on Hulu.
‘Barry’ (2018–2023)
SNL alum Bill Hader gives one of the most heartbreaking performances we’ve ever seen in this tragicomic series about a Marine-turned-hitman who wants to be an actor. As Barry Berkman, Hader embodies self-loathing, rage, terror and narcissism. He wants to be good, but can’t face up to the things he’s done.
Supporting characters like affable Chechen mobster NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan) and self-absorbed acting teacher Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler) are genuinely hilarious, leaving you gut-punched by the deeply upsetting moments that are always around the bend.
Watch Barry on HBO Max.
‘Beef’ (2023–Present)
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun star in this dark series about two strangers who become obsessed with their hatred for each other after a road rage incident. Their revenge plots range from petty to downright dangerous, and they’re completely absurd — but it’s always obvious that their rage comes from a deep well of pain and dissatisfaction.
The performances from Yeun and Wong are thrillingly layered, and their evolving dynamic will keep you completely hooked on the show. Beef was such a success that the limited series is being brought back, following a feud between a different set of characters.
Watch Beef on Netflix.
‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)
Based on the one-woman show that launched her to stardom, Fleabag is Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s funny, emotional masterpiece. It follows a woman, who is never given any name other than Fleabag, as she grieves the recent deaths of her mother and her best friend. Speaking directly to the camera whenever suits her, Fleabag takes the audience on a journey through her anger and confusion as she deals with sex, love, fear and loss.
Suffice it to say, we love Fleabag, and contrary to what the Hot Priest (Andrew Scott) says in season 2, we don’t believe that “It’ll pass.” Waller-Bridge’s performance as Fleabag is wry, vulnerable and unbelievably charming — she’s a character so memorable, she doesn’t really even need a name.
Watch Fleabag on Amazon Prime Video.
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