February 2026: A Comedy Renaissance on TV and Streaming

After a period dominated by thrillers and dramas, February 2026 marks a resurgence of comedy on television and streaming platforms. From the return of familiar comedic voices to fresh takes on established genres, the month offers a diverse range of humorous content. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Exploring Interwoven Histories: “Black and Jewish America”

PBS presents “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History,” a four-part documentary series by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The series explores the complex relationship between the Black and Jewish communities, tracing their shared experiences from historical events like the Spanish Inquisition and American slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. PBS

Gates incorporates conversations with prominent figures like Anna Deavere Smith and Tony Kushner, as well as a joint Black and Jewish Passover Seder featuring Jamaica Kincaid and Michael W. Twitty, to provide insightful perspectives on identity and solidarity.

Suburban Secrets and Social Commentary: “The ‘Burbs”

Peacock’s reboot of “The ‘Burbs” offers a contemporary spin on the 1989 horror-comedy classic. The series follows Samira, a tenacious lawyer and novel mother, as she navigates the peculiarities of her husband’s suburban hometown. Starring Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall, the show blends elements of social thrillers like “Get Out” with a gentler, more nuanced humor. Peacock

Darkly Comedic Schemes: “Can You Keep a Secret?”

“Can You Keep a Secret?” a BBC One import now available on Paramount+, features Dawn French as Debbie Fendon, a retired grandmother who fakes her husband’s death to collect life insurance. The six-episode sitcom unfolds a mischievously absurd plot as Debbie and her husband conceal the truth from their son. Paramount+

The Return of Tracy Morgan: “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”

NBC’s “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” stars Tracy Morgan as a disgraced NFL superstar attempting to rehabilitate his image through a documentary. Co-created by Robert Carlock, a longtime collaborator of Tina Fey, the sitcom draws inspiration from both “30 Rock” and “The Office.” Morgan’s character, Reggie Dinkins, was removed from pro football after revealing he gambled on games during a live interview. NBC

According to NPR, the show premiered on February 23, 2026. Slate notes that the show features Daniel Radcliffe as the documentary filmmaker hired by Dinkins.

Irish Mystery and Meta-Humor: “How to Get to Heaven From Belfast”

Netflix’s “How to Get to Heaven From Belfast,” created by Lisa McGee, blends crime drama with comedic elements. The series follows a group of women as they navigate a murder mystery in Northern Ireland, offering a meta-commentary on the genre itself. Netflix

February 2026 offers a diverse and promising lineup for comedy fans, signaling a potential renaissance for the genre on television and streaming services.