19 Must-Watch Comedies for Fans of Friends and The Big Bang Theory
For enthusiasts of classic sitcoms like Friends, Seinfeld, and The Big Bang Theory, the world of television comedy offers a plethora of gems waiting to be discovered. Here’s a curated list of 19 comedy series that provide a delightful mix of humor, engaging characters, and relatable situations, ensuring laughter and entertainment for viewers.
- Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
- Rating: 8.6/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott.
This mockumentary-style series follows Leslie Knope, an enthusiastic parks department employee in Pawnee, Indiana, as she navigates bureaucratic hurdles with warmth and humor. The clever writing and diverse character backgrounds contribute to its charm. -
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
- Rating: 8.4/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Stephanie Beatriz, Andre Braugher.
Set in a Brooklyn precinct, this series combines action and comedy, showcasing Detective Jake Peralta and his colleagues as they solve crimes with humor. Its unique blend of comedic and police elements has made it a fan favorite. -
Scrubs (2001-2010)
- Rating: 8.4/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley.
This medical comedy-drama follows interns at Sacred Heart Hospital, highlighting the humorous and poignant moments in their lives. Its unique narrative style and relatable themes of friendship and growth resonate with many viewers. -
New Girl (2011-2018)
- Rating: 7.7/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone.
Following the quirky Jess as she moves in with three men, this series explores romantic and platonic relationships with a comedic twist, making it perfect for fans of lighthearted humor. -
Community (2009-2015)
- Rating: 8.5/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Donald Glover, Danny Pudi.
Set in a community college, this series features a diverse study group navigating absurd situations, with each episode cleverly parodying various film and TV genres. -
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
- Rating: 7.9/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, James Avery, Tatyana Ali.
This iconic series explores cultural differences and social issues through the lens of a young man adjusting to life with his wealthy relatives in Bel-Air, blending humor with important themes. -
My Wife and Kids (2001-2005)
- Rating: 6.9/10 on IMDb, 73% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell, George O'Malley, Jane Seymour.
This family sitcom captures the trials and tribulations of a modern father balancing work and family life, offering relatable comedic moments. -
The Nanny (1993-1999)
- Rating: 7.1/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Fran Drescher, Charles Shaughnessy, Daniel Davis, Lauren Lane.
Fran Fine’s quirky charm as a nanny for a wealthy family provides a humorous look at social contrasts and family dynamics. -
Spin City (1996-2002)
- Rating: 7.2/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Main Cast: Michael J. Fox, Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Barry Boswick.
This political comedy showcases the humorous chaos surrounding New York City’s deputy mayor and his team, blending personal and political crises. -
Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
- Rating: 8.1/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Ben Savage, Rider Strong, William Daniels, Daniel Fishel.
This coming-of-age series follows Cory Matthews as he navigates adolescence, offering heartfelt and comedic insights into friendship and family.
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Cheers (1982-1993)
- Rating: 8.0/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer.
Set in a Boston bar, this classic sitcom explores the relationships among bar patrons and staff, characterized by sharp wit and memorable characters.
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Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006)
- Rating: 8.0/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Bryan Cranston, Frankie Muniz, Justin Berfield, Jane Kaczmarek.
This family comedy follows the life of a gifted boy in a chaotic household, blending humor with relatable family struggles.
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The Goldbergs (2013 – present)
- Rating: 8.0/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Wendy McLevendon-Covey, Jeff Garlin, Troy Gentile, Hayley Ora.
Set in the 1980s, this nostalgic series captures the humorous dynamics of a family through the eyes of their youngest son.
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Living Single (1993-1998)
- Rating: 7.6/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Queen Latifah, Kim Coles, Eric Alexander, John Hogman.
This sitcom celebrates friendship and life challenges faced by a group of friends living in Brooklyn, showcasing diverse characters and relatable humor.
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Last Man Standing (2011-2021)
- Rating: 7.5/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Tim Allen, Nancy Travis, Amanda Fuller, Hector Elizondo.
This family comedy focuses on a conservative father navigating life in a household of women, blending traditional humor with modern family dynamics.
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Frasier (1993-2004)
- Rating: 8.2/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, John Mahoney.
Following psychiatrist Frasier Crane, this series is known for its sophisticated humor and complex character relationships, making it a staple of 90s comedy.
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That '70s Show (1998-2006)
- Rating: 8.1/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace.
This series captures the lives of teenagers in the 1970s, reflecting the culture and challenges of that era with humor and nostalgia.
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How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
- Rating: 8.3/10 on IMDb, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Jason Segel, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan, Josh Radnor.
This series tells the story of Ted Mosby’s quest for love through flashbacks, featuring humor and poignant moments about friendship and relationships.
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The Office (2005-2013)
- Rating: 9.0/10 on IMDb, 81% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Main Cast: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Ed Helms, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak.
This mockumentary series depicts the daily lives of employees at a paper company, blending humor with relatable workplace scenarios. Its unique style and character dynamics have made it a beloved classic.