Here is a list of 10 shows like Modern Family that will make you laugh and cry:
- Young Sheldon
- Abbott Elementary
- Schitt’s Creek
- The Middle
- Fresh Off the Boat
- The Simpsons
- Black-ish
- The Goldbergs
- Good Times
- Family Ties
Modern Family burst onto the scene in 2009, capturing hearts and laughter almost instantly!
This is one of those beloved series that rejoiced in its sharp, often side-splitting humor, making the Pritchett and Dunphy families so much like a part of our lives. What really separated Modern Family from the rest was its groundbreaking representation of diversity, showing family dynamics not really seen much in primetime television up until then.
Living up to its name, Modern Family painted quite the picture of modern family life: embracing blended families, interracial couples, and LGBTQ+ relationships. Wrapped in a comedic package, these characters were never seen as preachy; instead, they became cherished members of the show's vibrant tapestry.
The 11-season-and-250-episode long run finally came to a close in 2020, and speculations regarding either a reboot or spin-off had started doing rounds from May 2024 after Jesse Tyler Ferguson posted a picture from the Modern Family sets. Captioning it, he wrote: "Haven't seen this view in a while."
Meanwhile, the show's future may still be up in the air, but fans have plenty of other great comedies that perfectly capture the spirit and humor of Modern Family, from the quick-witted one-liners to the hilarity that is family. There's much to binge-watch!
Young Sheldon
Iain Armitage and Zoe Perry shine in Young Sheldon, the prequel to The Big Bang Theory. This series shifts from traditional sitcom vibes to a more heartfelt family comedy filled with powerful moments. Fans of Modern Family will find joy in the quirky and hilarious Cooper family, whose eccentricities are balanced by their genuine relatability. Exciting news awaits as a spinoff focusing on Georgie and Mandy is officially on the way!
Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson leads Abbott Elementary, a mockumentary-style sitcom that captures the chaos and camaraderie among teachers at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. The smart humor and fantastic dialogue that made Modern Family so popular carry over beautifully into this series. The faculty’s bond creates a familial atmosphere that resonates deeply, echoing Modern Family’s spirit. In just three seasons, Abbott Elementary has racked up 15 Emmy nominations, winning four—including an outstanding lead actress award for Brunson.
Schitt’s Creek
What do you get when comedy legends Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara portray wealthy yet clueless parents who suddenly find themselves broke in a small town? The award-winning Schitt’s Creek! Fans of Modern Family will appreciate the humor here; characters like Johnny Rose mirror Phil Dunphy's lovable charm, while David (played by Dan Levy) channels Nathan Lane’s hilarious Pepper Saltzman. The show radiates the same feel-good energy that made Modern Family such a joy to watch.
The Middle
Set in the Midwest, The Middle follows the Heck family—a relatable middle-class clan navigating everyday life with humor and heart. The standout performances from their hilariously talented kids—quirky Brick, overly optimistic Sue, and aloof Axl—will remind viewers of the delightful child actors from Modern Family like Rico Rodriguez and Sarah Hyland.
Fresh Off the Boat
Despite its '90s setting, Fresh Off the Boat feels incredibly modern! This series tells the story of a Taiwanese family adjusting to life in Florida while exploring generational differences. Much like Modern Family, it delivers smart humor that appeals to a broad audience. Praised for enhancing Asian American representation on screen, Fresh Off the Boat launched careers like Constance Wu’s before concluding after six seasons in 2020.
The Simpsons
America’s quintessential modern family from the '90s continues to be an integral part of pop culture—The Simpsons! Despite some controversies over the years, it has been lauded for its relatability and humor. Fans of Modern Family will enjoy the dynamic between progressive Lisa, mischievous Bart, everyman Homer, and dedicated mom Marge as they tackle everything from politics to LGBTQ+ issues with comedic flair.
Black-ish
Breaking ground for primetime representation while playing with stereotypes, Black-ish centers on the Johnson family navigating life’s ups and downs with humor and heart. With an incredible ensemble cast including Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, this series tackles important issues while keeping viewers entertained. After eight successful seasons ending in 2022, it has given rise to spinoffs like Grown-ish and Mixed-ish.
The Goldbergs
Set against an '80s backdrop, The Goldbergs chronicles everyday life through the eyes of its titular family. With no major overarching plots but plenty of episodic hilarity reflecting relatable family antics—especially for those who grew up in that era—this show ran for an entire decade! Anyone who loves the charm of Modern Family will find much to adore in The Goldbergs.
Good Times
Just as Modern Family showcased diverse family structures today, Good Times depicted life for many struggling families in the '70s. The Evans family navigates life in a Chicago housing project while maintaining their strength despite economic hardships. This show is both funny and real, reshaping perceptions of poverty through its emotional storytelling.
Family Ties
While Modern Family illustrated America’s evolution in the 2010s, Family Ties reflected familial dynamics during the '80s. Centered around liberal ex-hippie parents and their conservative son (Michael J. Fox), this series explores how differing viewpoints can coexist within families—a timeless theme that resonates even today.
With so many delightful options available for fans of Modern Family to explore next, there’s no shortage of laughter waiting just around the corner!