Every HBO Comedy Ranked From Worst To Best
14. Bored To Death
A terribly underrated but loveable shaggy dog of a show, this comedy-noir starring Jason Schwartzman ran for three glorious seasons between 2009 and 2011. Created by novelist Jonathan Ames, Bored To Death sees Schwartzman play a fictionalised version of the creator, a frustrated writer who becomes an unlicensed private detective, primarily in order to amuse himself.
Schwartzman’s version of Ames is a good natured, romantically minded slacker, keen on the idea of working a dramatic case but too easily tempted by cold white wine and herbal remedies. He’s joined by best friend Ray, a comic book artist played by Zach Galifianakis, and George, a wealthy publisher. Ted Danson as George is the show’s ace in the hole, a charming and free spirited turn by one of the most likeable actors going.
Most episodes are based around noir-lite cases which are genuinely well plotted and intriguing, but the show is built around the loose chemistry of its leads. It’s a sitcom world you’d want to live in.