Shows Like Modern Family

The term ‘Modern Family’ has become synonymous with television comedy. But did you know that Modern Family was created as a web series?

In 2009, ABC picked up the show and aired its pilot episode. Since then, the show has gone on to win multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

The show revolves around three families living together in Los Angeles. Each family consists of two married couples and their children.

The show follows the everyday lives of these characters and explores issues such as divorce, parenting, and blended families. It is one of the most popular shows on TV today.

But what shows are similar to this show? We take a look:

Shows Like Modern Family

Cougar Town (2009-2015)

Similar to Modern Family, Cougar Town is a sitcom about a divorced couple who move back home after their kids leave for college.

This show is also about an ensemble cast of characters, but it focuses more on the characters’ relationships than on their daily life.

Parks And Recreation (2009- 2015)

This show is very different in theme from Modern Family, because it does not revolve around the issue of marriage or family life at all.

Instead, it focuses on the day-to-day problems of running a city park department. That said, despite this show actually starting life as an Office-style sitcom, in terms of humor, it’s a pretty close fit to Modern Family.

New Girl (2011-2018) 

Yet another show revolving around a group of friends living together. The main difference between this show and Modern Family is that none of the core characters are related, but the hijinks and humor have a significant overlap.

Friends (1994-2004)

A classic sitcom about six best friends living together in Manhattan. While the main focus of the show is friendship, it deals with many other social issues such as dating, breakups, and moving out of your parent’s house.

Happy Endings (2011-2020) 

This American sitcom centers around five single women living together in New York City.

The show is very similar to Modern Family, except that it doesn’t have a central theme relating to marriage or family life.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013- 2021) 

This cop sitcom features a group of police officers working in the same precinct. It’s very similar to Parks And Rec, but instead of dealing with a city park department, it revolves around a police station.

Raising Hope (2010-2014)

An American sitcom about a divorced man raising his teenage daughter alone. It’s very similar conceptually to Cougar Town, but it puts a much heavier emphasis on the father/daughter relationship than on the mother/son relationship.

2 Broke Girls (2011-2017)

A sitcom about two girls who run a cupcake shop together. It’s very similar in premise to New Girl, but it focuses heavily on the romantic aspects of friendship rather than just being a group of friends.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

A sitcom about four friends who try to find love by following clues left behind by future Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor.

It’s very similar plot-wise to Friends, but with the added incentive of discovering who the mother winds up being.

Superstore (2015- 2021)

A comedy about a fast-food worker who works at a grocery store. It’s very similar both in terms of its basic concept and tone to New Girl.

Community (2009-2015)

Another ensemble sitcom about a group of students attending Greendale Community College, it’s very similar story-wise to Parks And Rec, though it has a much darker tone overall, and the humor is even more absurd at times.

The Office (2005-2013)

A US rendition of the famous British sitcom, this show is about a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

It’s very similar narratively to Friends, but it’s set in, you’ve guessed it… an office. The humor is rooted more in realistic awkwardness than typical sitcom tomfoolery.

Two And A Half Men (2003-2015)

A sitcom about Charlie Harper, a freelance jingle composer who ends up living with his brother Alan and Alan’s son, Jake.

It’s very similar script-wise to Friends, but the setting is moved to California rather than New York City.

The Simpsons (1989- Present)

A cartoon series about a dysfunctional family living in Springfield. It’s very similar thematically to Modern Family, although it’s more satirical and less sentimental.

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2021)

A sitcom about a group of male scientists living in Pasadena, California.

It has a more off-the-wall aesthetic than Modern Family, and it is objectively more “sitcom-esque” in its approach to humor, but a lot of Modern Family fans also love The Big Bang Theory.

Frasier (1993-2004)

A sitcom about a psychiatrist named Dr. Frasier Crane and his brother Niles.

It’s very similar character-wise to Friends, although it’s set in Seattle rather than New York City, and it deals with issues like alcoholism, sexual orientation, class, wealth, and mental illness rather than just focusing on relationships.

Malcolm In The Middle (2000-2006)

A sitcom about a boy genius named Malcolm, his brothers, and their hilariously mismatched parents.

It’s very similar stylistically to Parks And Rec and Modern Family, although it has a wider audience in terms of age range, being suitable for both younger children and adults alike.

30 Rock (2006- 2013)

A sitcom about Liz Lemon, a fictionalized version of Tina Fey, who runs a television show called “TGS With Tracy Jordan”.

It’s very similar story-wise to Friends, but its setting is moved from New York City to L.A., and it’s much more cynical and sarcastic.

Friday Night Dinner (2011-2020)

A sitcom about a family who has dinner every week. It’s very similar to Modern Family in that it’s centered around a family unit, but the quintessential Englishness of the characters and humor set it apart from anything else out there.

Seinfeld (1988-1998)

A sitcom about Jerry Seinfeld and his friends George Costanza and Elaine Benes. It’s very similar in style to Friends, but it focuses on social interactions instead of romantic ones.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped you understand how Modern Family was able to be so successful when other shows were failing.

We also hope that we’ve convinced you that Modern Family isn’t the only example of a show that’s been able to succeed by being different and trying alternative comedy.

If you like Modern Family, check out some of these shows above, and hopefully you’ll be laughing away all night!

If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘Shows Like The Office‘.