Podsauce MVPs 2021: our favorite comedy podcasts of the year

As 2021 comes to a gentle close (or a screeching halt, we aren’t judging), it’s time for everybody to start making their “Best of the Year” lists. And we here at Podsauce are no exception. Here, we have gathered only the Most Valued Podcasts in the comedy category.

With comedians galore, and just a dash of true crime, we aren’t surprised by the podcasts that topped the comedy charts this year. Check them all out below:

SmartLess

No surprise here! “SmartLess” has provided us with plenty of amazing content from out favorite stars, and the hosting trio of Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes are topping the podcasting charts. Led by Arnett’s quippy sarcasm and Bateman and Hayes’ natural comedic instincts, “SmartLess” was an easy pick for our favorite comedy podcasts of the year list. You’ve heard us rave about them before, but with guests like Ryan Reynolds, Chelsea Handler, and Tiffany Haddish, how could they not make the cut?

And That’s Why We Drink

One of our favorite Podsauce guests, “And That’s Why We Drink” has been infusing true crime and paranormal with a healthy shot (or two) of humor. Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz have dedicated themselves to the weird, creepy, and unknown, but it’s their hilarious chemistry that keeps people coming back. If episode titles like “B-List Ghosts and French Diamond Thief Girlboss Energy” aren’t enough to get you to click, then we don’t know what will.

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

We hope Conan has made at least a few friends by now. Obviously one of the funniest men alive, the former SNL writer turned 25-year Late Night host created “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” so he could finally have a circle of celebrity friends. Hilarious just on his own, his guests only double the hilarity. Needless to say, you have to listen to this Team Coco podcast.

My Brother, My Brother And Me

The illustrious podcasting McElroys got their start in the podcasting world with “My Brother, My Brother And Me.” If you’ve listened to any other one of the McElroy Family podcasts, “Shmanners,” “Sawbones,” “Wonderful!” and many more, then you’ll know what we’re talking about. It doesn’t matter what you’re into or what you’re looking for, because these guys are absolutely priceless.

How Did This Get Made?

Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas know that the worst movies are also the funniest. This comedy trio wants to know what terrible movies their funniest friends find unintentionally hilarious. “How Did This Get Made?” was truly an easy pick for our collection of the best comedy podcasts of 2021.

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

As if Bowen Yang hasn’t already proved himself enough on Saturday Night Live, he and Matt Rogers are absolutely crushing it with their podcast “Las Culturistas.” Our friendly neighborhood culture consultants get into the hottest pop-culture news of the week and throw it back to the cultural moments that turned them into “Las Culturistas.” And shout-out to all of their episodes with Vanessa Bayer, because they are all just *chef’s kiss*.