If the 2000s gave us awkward silences, the 2010s gave us existential ones.

Comedy had a glow-up — or maybe a breakdown. Either way, it started wearing better jumpers.

Streaming changed everything. Suddenly, sitcoms didn’t have to chase ratings — they could chase feelings. We met messy heroines, moral philosophers, morally bankrupt politicians, and the nicest man ever to coach football. The laugh track was gone for good; in its place came long pauses, animal metaphors, and at least three scenes involving crying in public toilets.

So — how well do you remember the decade when comedy got deep, dark, and weirdly comforting? Let’s find out.

1.

In Fleabag, what animal is used to represent the struggles between Fleabag and the Hot Priest?

A) A rabbit

B) A headless female figure

C) A fox

D) A cat

2.

Which American sitcom about detectives in New York’s 99th precinct starred Andy Samberg and Terry Crews?

A) Parks and Recreation

B) Brooklyn Nine-Nine

C) The Good Cop

D) Reno 911!

3.

In Derry Girls, what’s the name of the English boy forced to attend the Catholic girls’ school?

A) James

B) Damon

C) Liam

D) Declan

4.

Which HBO political satire starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the ambitious and foul-mouthed Vice President Selina Meyer?

A) The Thick of It

B) House of Cards

C) Scandal

D) Veep

5.

In The Good Place, what’s the name of the “neighbourhood architect” who secretly works for the Bad Place?

A) Michael

B) Chidi

C) Shawn

D) Trevor

6.

Which mockumentary-style comedy followed the Dunphy and Pritchett families across Los Angeles?

A) Modern Family

B) Arrested Development

C) Black-ish

D) The Middle

7.

In Ted Lasso, which fictional Premier League club does Ted manage?

A) Manchester United

B) Brentford B

C) Crystal Palace

D) AFC Richmond

8.

What phrase does Alexis Rose frequently (in canon but not in fact) exclaim in Schitt’s Creek?

A) “Bless!”

B) “Ew, David!”

C) “Yikes!”

D) “Oh, Moira!”

9.

Which 2010s sitcom followed two mismatched flatmates, Jess and Nick, along with Schmidt and Winston?

A) Coupling

B) Happy Endings

C) New Girl

D) Apartment 23

10.

Which Scottish actor — also known as the foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It — later appeared in Doctor Who?

A) Peter Capaldi

B) Alan Cumming

C) Richard E. Grant

D) Chris Addison

🏆 Bonus Round

In Fleabag, who plays the Priest (aka “Hot Priest”) in Season 2?

A) Richard Madden

B) Benedict Cumberbatch

C) Andrew Scott

D) Matt Smith

Answers:

1. c) A fox

2. b) Brooklyn Nine-Nine

3. a) James

4. d) Veep

5. a) Michael

6. a) Modern Family

7. d) AFC Richmond

8. b) Ew, David

9. c) New Girl

10.a) Peter Capaldi

11.c) Andrew Scott

🎉 How Did You Do?

• 9–11 correct: You’ve clearly reached sitcom enlightenment.

• 6–8 correct: Solid. You’re halfway to The Good Place.

• 3–5 correct: Respectable — possibly distracted by Hot Priest flashbacks.

• 0–2 correct: Oh dear. You might still be in The Bad Place.

Why 2010s Comedy Hit Differently

If the 80s made us laugh, and the 90s made us smirk, the 2010s made us feel.

We got shows that asked the big questions:

What happens when you die? (The Good Place)

What happens when you say the wrong thing in government? (Veep)

What happens when your inner monologue is louder than your social skills? (Fleabag, New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Derry Girls, Schitt’s Creek — basically everyone).

Comedy became therapy. But it was still sharp, character-driven, and full of heart. We got women writing their own stories, awkward men trying to be better, and entire fandoms shouting “Nine-Nine!” into the void.

It was funny, emotional, and deeply human — even when it involved a demon learning ethics or a football coach from Kansas teaching empathy to Britain.

Your Turn

So how did you do?

Are you more Leslie Knope or Selina Meyer? Do you believe in redemption — or just better lighting?

Drop your score by clicking here and your favourite 2010s comedy quote. And remember, whether you’re stuck in The Bad Place, bingeing The Good Place, or dramatically breaking the fourth wall — at least you’re in good company.

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