Young Sheldon is currently in its 7th season, and from the looks of it, we’ll be getting a few more. If you’re an avid fan of the show and love seeing the young Sheldon Cooper clashing with his family and the world around him, there’s a possibility that you might be looking for some similar shows to enjoy. If yes, then why not give these ten shows a run for their money?
United States of Al (2021)
Similarities: Long-term relationship, both shows are created by Chuck Lorre
In this film, a war hero and his translator during the time of the war become roomies in Ohio, leading to all sorts of dunny encounters, heartbreaking moments, and clashes of traditions and cultures.
At the center of the show is Riley, an erstwhile marine whose troubles doubled when he was diagnosed with PTSD and is divorced by his wife as well. Fortunately, Riley finds a friend in Al who wants to find success in America. They join forces and help each other see the beauty in the world despite its many shortcomings.
The Wonder Years (1988)
Similarities: family dynamics, coming-of-age themes
Let’s take the ferry back to the early years of Kevin Arnold so we can relive the ups and downs of growing up in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In those harsh years, Kevin has to deal with school, family, and first love.
Fortunately, Kevin is not alone, and his best friends, Paul and Winnie, are always there to support him through thick and thin. This isn’t just a sitcom but also a show that will teach you many important life lessons about love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Everybody Hates Chris (2005)
Similarities: young protagonist, family interactions, school life
Everyone knows how entertaining and brilliant Everybody Hates Chris really is. The series is built around the protagonist of the same name, who is living in the 80s, and that too in a tough neighborhood. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the school that Chris goes to is flooding with racist people.
For family, Chris has a strict mom and a frugal dad. The entire show is based around Chris just wanting to fit in and have fun, but he has to deal with bullies, teachers, siblings, and even his own insecurities.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000)
Similarities: young protagonist, family drama
Just the name of this show is enough to make you feel nostalgic. Malcolm of Malcolm in the middle is a brainiac in a family that has gone bonkers. No matter what day it is of the week, Malcolm himself, his parents, Louis and Hal, and his four brothers always find themselves in the middle of some crazy chaos. This series has everything you love about a family sitcom, be it sibling squabbles or kids making excuses to ditch schools. It is one of those rare shows where you’ll laugh and cry at the same time.
Fresh Off the Boat (2015)
Similarities: cultural exploration, family dynamics
As the name gives it away, the series tracks a family that is literally fresh off the boat. In this series, we meet a Taiwanese family who has just moved from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida.
With new places, they face new challenges as well. Louis, the dad, opens a cowboy-themed steakhouse, whereas his wife, Jessica, the mom, takes care of their three sons, who are named Eddie, Emery, and Evan. All of this takes place in an entirely white neighborhood. The best thing about Fresh Off the Boat is that it is totally rooted in the experiences of Eddie Huang.
Modern Family (2009)
Similarities: family dynamics, sit-com
In Modern Family, we get our hearts stolen by the Prichetts, a family full of different personalities. Jay is the head of the family, and he is married to Gloria and together, they live with their wise-beyond-his-years son, Manny. Jay also has a daughter, Claire, who is a perfectionist mom dealing with her goofy husband, Phil, and their three kids.
As for Jay’s son, Mitchell, he lives with his partner, Cameron, and their adopted daughter, Lily. If you like a series with everyday adventures and mishaps, Modern Family is the one you need.
The Big Bang Theory (2007)
Similarities: shared universe, stories
What do you get when you put together two Star Trek nerds who are also physicists, a gorgeous blonde waitress, an aerospace engineer who is always looking for girls to hook up with, and an Indian astrophysicist? You’ll get The Big Bang Theory.
The heart of the show beats around Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, and Raj as they deal with their life’s problems in Pasadena, California. The best thing about this show is that not only do you see them cracking on string theory, playing paintball, or seeking love, but also driving each other nuts.
The IT Crowd (2006)
Similarities: workplace comedy, eccentric characters,
For a while, think and answer what exactly goes on in the basement of a big corporation. Is it the ground zero for gambling, employees smoking cigarettes, and taking shots, or the complete opposite? It is the office of the IT workers.
In this successful show, Roy, Moss, and Jen are three hilarious and clueless IT workers who have no choice but to come to their boring jobs and put up with their clueless bosses and annoying customers.
Friends (1994)
Similarities: workplace comedy, humor derived from everyday life
This is one show that has ruled our hearts since its pilot episode. It is the story of six friends who live in one city and enjoy life to the fullest. At the center of this series are Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross, and we see them hanging out in their favorite coffee shop.
Not only that, they also share their apartments and go through the ups and downs of love, work, and family together. Friends is by far the best sitcom ever created and ran for a total of ten seasons before saying its final goodbye.
Community (2009)
Similarities: coming-of-age themes, community college setting
After he is exposed for forging his degree, a charismatic lawyer who goes by the name of Jeff Winger has no option but to take admission at a community college that is already teeming with eccentrics and outcasts. Therein, Jeff befriends an entourage of six oddball students there, and all of them have their own idiosyncrasies and ambitions.
To say more will be ruining an otherwise great series. In layman’s terms, Community is a show that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate being human.
So there we have it, our 10 TV Show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Young Sheldon.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!