There are a lot of great dramas out there. There are a lot of great comedies out there too. But hit that sweet spot in between and you could have the makings of a TV megahit on your hands.
This month we are all about those shows that expertly tread the line between pain and humour, all in the name of dark comedy.
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We’ve seen some spectacular dark comedies in this era of Peak Television. Here are the best ones to stream on Stan right now:
Imposters
TV isn’t short of con artists, but Imposters takes a well-played premise – glamorous woman makes people fall in love with her then steals their money – and scratches beneath the surface to provide sharp writing and genuinely unexpected twists.
Add a storming guest star in the form of Uma Thurman and this show gets about as bingeable as they come.
Stan: Maddie is a seductive con artist who gets men and women to fall in love with her, marries them, and then disappears with their money. Her scheme works until her victims team up to find her.
Ash vs Evil Dead
Bruce Campbell reprises his Evil Dead role as Ash Williams in this New Zealand-shot comedy horror. Expect wit and plenty of blood as Ash finds himself 30 years later, fighting the Evil Dead after living a responsibility-free life as a stock boy. Think of it as a kind-of sequel.
Stan: When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is forced to face his demons.
Happy 140
This high-concept Spanish dramedy centres around 40-something Elia, who wins the lottery and gathers her friends at a luxury island holiday resort to announce the big news.
What happens next is a series of ‘we’ve all been there’ moments (minus the €140 million), but hey, who said money could buy happiness? Her beloved ex has a much younger fiancée and not everyone is happy when they discover Elia’s new riches.
Dexter
You may not think a drama about a vigilante serial killer would have much room for comedy, but Dexter developed a knowing sense of humour during its eight-season run.
Michael C. Hall puts in a now-iconic performance as Dexter Morgan, a forensics expert who leads a secret life killing murderers who got away with their crimes.
Pay particular attention to the flawless fourth season, which features a masterclass in acting from guest star John Lithgow. In fact, he won an Emmy and Golden Globe for his stint on the show.
Stan: Meet Dexter Morgan, a man who leads a double life as a forensics expert for the Miami Police Department and as an emotionless vigilante serial killer. Dexter lives by his own moral code – he only kills murderers who can’t be brought to justice.
Daria
Arguably one of the most memorable animated characters of all time, Daria is a hero for those of us who use searing sarcasm to guide us through the trials and tribulations of daily life.
It’s five seasons of on-point social satire and sharp scripts.
Stan: The people of Lawndale just don’t get Daria Morgendorffer. See, Daria was born alienated, and now she’s just trying to make it through high school with as little human contact as possible. Daria lacks enthusiasm, but she makes up for it with sarcasm.
Californication
Califonication developed quite the cult following during its seven-year run. Starring David Duchovny and Natascha McElhone as former lovers in the golden haze of Los Angeles, its soundtrack of classic rock is unparalleled.
Shock scenes aside, it’s a show that explores themes like addiction and loneliness.
Stan: When novelist Hank Moody leaves New York for the splendours of LA, he thought he’d have fame, fortune and love. Now his personal life is in shambles, his career is on the brink of self-destruction and he just can’t stop yielding to every temptation.
UnREAL
Both soapy and satirical, UnREAL savages reality TV and stays true to its dark comedy roots with a series of outrageous plots designed to mock the absurdity of dating shows – with more than a knowing smile.
Stars of the series Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby portray one of TV’s most duplicitous duo’s as producers manipulating their contestants.
Stan: This dramedy follows producer Rachel and the crew of a not-so-realistic dating reality show, where convictions are ignored and moral lines blurred.
The Bling Ring
A perhaps underrated satire of modern Hollywood from director Sofia Coppola, Emma Watson stars as deliciously self-obsessed, celebrity worshiper Nicki Moore.
It’s actually based on the real-life Hollywood Hills Burglars, a group of teens who targeted the rich and famous when they were out of town.
The movie is shallow and narcissistic – and that’s exactly the point.