The 7 Reigning Queens Of TV Comedy: Actresses Dominating Musical And Comedy Series In 2025
The landscape of television comedy is experiencing a golden age, driven by a new wave of brilliant, multifaceted actresses who are not just delivering punchlines but redefining the entire genre. As of December 2025, the conversation around the "actress in a musical or comedy TV series" is dominated by a select group of performers whose recent awards, viral moments, and critically acclaimed shows have cemented their status as industry titans. The shift towards 'dramedy' has blurred the lines, giving rise to performances that are as emotionally resonant as they are hilarious, with names like Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson leading the charge into the new awards season.
The current energy in TV comedy is electric, fueled by groundbreaking performances that blend sharp wit with profound character depth. From established legends continuing their reign to breakout stars capturing the zeitgeist, this list dives deep into the profiles, recent wins, and upcoming projects of the most influential actresses shaping the musical and comedy TV series space today. This is the definitive guide to the women setting the standard for comedy excellence right now.
Spotlight Profiles: The New Comedy TV Royalty
The actresses currently defining the "musical or comedy TV series" category are a mix of established veterans and meteoric newcomers. Their biographies reveal careers built on versatility, sharp comedic timing, and an ability to connect with a modern audience.
Ayo Edebiri: The Meteoric Rise
- Full Name: Ayo Edebiri
- Born: October 3, 1995 (Age 30)
- Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Sydney Adamu in The Bear (2022–present)
- Recent Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2024), Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2024), Screen Actors Guild Award (2024).
- Current Status: One of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood, successfully transitioning from a writer and stand-up comedian to a leading dramatic and comedic actress.
Quinta Brunson: The Creative Force
- Full Name: Quinta Brunson
- Born: December 21, 1989 (Age 36)
- Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Janine Teagues in Abbott Elementary (2021–present)
- Recent Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2024), Golden Globe nominee (2024). She is also an Emmy winner for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
- Current Status: Creator, writer, and star of one of the most critically acclaimed network sitcoms of the decade, making her a powerhouse in both performance and production.
Selena Gomez: The Crossover Star
- Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
- Born: July 22, 1992 (Age 33)
- Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
- Recent Awards: Multiple Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2023, 2024, 2025) and a recent nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Emilia Pérez (2025).
- Current Status: A global icon who successfully shed her Disney image to become a respected actress and producer, currently juggling a hit TV series, a major film career, and her music and beauty empire.
Jean Smart: The Undisputed Legend
- Full Name: Jean Elizabeth Smart
- Born: September 13, 1951 (Age 74)
- Hometown: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Deborah Vance in Hacks (2021–present)
- Recent Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2022), multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Lead Actress (2021, 2022).
- Current Status: A multi-award-winning actress whose performance in Hacks is widely considered one of the greatest comedic performances in television history, continuing her decades-long career dominance.
The Blurring Lines: Comedy, Dramedy, and The New Standard of Performance
The "musical or comedy TV series" category is no longer strictly defined by traditional sitcoms. The most celebrated shows, like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building, are hybrid genres that demand a new level of emotional complexity from their lead actresses. This shift is a key reason why the performances of Ayo Edebiri and Selena Gomez have resonated so deeply with both critics and audiences.
Edebiri's Golden Globe win in 2024 for The Bear, a show often labeled a dramedy, highlights this evolution. Her portrayal of Sydney Adamu is a masterclass in controlled intensity, ambition, and vulnerability, proving that the most compelling comedy often comes from characters grappling with real-world pressure. Her victory signaled a clear recognition of the depth required in modern comedic roles.
Similarly, Selena Gomez's work as Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building showcases a deadpan wit layered over a deeply guarded character. Her ability to hold her own against comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, while also carrying the show's emotional weight, has secured her consistent Golden Globe nominations. Her recent dual nomination—for the TV comedy and a film musical—underscores her versatility as a true crossover artist in the musical/comedy space.
The success of these actresses demonstrates that the current expectation for comedy leads is not just to be funny, but to be authentic, flawed, and profoundly human. This emphasis on dramatic nuance within a comedic framework is the new gold standard.
The Power of the Writer-Performer: Quinta Brunson and Kristen Bell
Another dominant trend in the current comedy television landscape is the rise of the writer-performer, a tradition perfected by legends like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Today, Quinta Brunson is the most prominent torchbearer of this movement, and her impact is undeniable.
Brunson's creation, Abbott Elementary, is a cultural phenomenon that has brought the classic workplace sitcom back to network television with fresh, relevant humor. Her simultaneous roles as the show’s creator, head writer, and lead actress, Janine Teagues, give her complete creative control, resulting in a performance that is perfectly calibrated to her own vision. Her 2024 Emmy win for Lead Actress solidified her status as a true industry auteur. The show's continued success is a testament to the power of a singular, clear comedic voice.
Meanwhile, the return of a beloved comedy veteran, Kristen Bell, in the new series Nobody Wants This, is another major talking point for the 2025 awards season. Bell, who has a proven track record in the comedy space with hits like The Good Place, is exploring a new, modern comedic dynamic. Her nomination for the 2025 Golden Globe for this role signals that her ability to anchor a sharp, character-driven comedy remains as strong as ever, keeping her firmly in the conversation of top-tier comedy actresses.
The Evergreen Legends and Rising Stars: Topical Authority Entities
No discussion of the best actress in a musical or comedy TV series is complete without acknowledging the broader field of talent that ensures the genre's continued vitality. These are the entities that provide the topical authority and depth to the current conversation:
- Jean Smart (Hacks): Her ability to portray Deborah Vance as both a ruthless comedy legend and a vulnerable woman provides a masterclass in dramedy. The show's continued success ensures her name remains synonymous with comedy excellence.
- Maya Rudolph (Loot): A perennial favorite from her SNL days, Rudolph’s performance as the billionaire Molly Wells in Loot continues to earn her nominations, showcasing her unique blend of absurdity and heart.
- Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel): Though the series concluded, her multiple wins for Midge Maisel set a recent benchmark for the category, defining the "musical or comedy" period piece.
- Elle Fanning (The Great): Her role as Catherine the Great, a darkly comedic historical satire, pushes the boundaries of the genre, proving that period pieces can be among the most innovative comedies.
- Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll): Her uniquely gritty and philosophical approach to comedy-drama has earned her consistent critical praise and nominations, representing the experimental edge of the genre.
- Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary): As Brunson's co-star, her Emmy-winning performance as Barbara Howard provides the veteran gravitas and warmth that grounds the show's humor.
- The Breakout Stars of 2025: Keep an eye on names like Jenna Ortega (for her work in *Wednesday*, often submitted in the comedy category) and Jessica Williams (for her standout role in *Shrinking*), who are poised to dominate future nominations.
The current era of the comedy TV series is defined by actresses who are unafraid to explore complex characters, blend genres, and take creative control of their narratives. From the sharp, award-winning performances of Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson to the enduring brilliance of Jean Smart and the global appeal of Selena Gomez, these women are not just acting; they are shaping the future of television comedy.
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