11 Shows Like Young Sheldon You Should Watch

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the unique and captivating spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” – “Young Sheldon“. It masterfully weaves nostalgia, emotion, and humor into a fresh narrative that stands independently from its predecessor.

Iain Armitage’s portrayal of young Sheldon Cooper may have had his roots in the original series, but this prequel delves deep into Sheldon’s personal history, transporting us back to the 1980s and shedding light on a more vulnerable side of him. It uncovers tales of his strained relationship with his cheating father, cold mother, and tough siblings – stories he had kept hidden from his friends.

While it retains the humor that made “The Big Bang Theory” a classic, “Young Sheldon” transcends that format, becoming more of a comedic drama than a traditional comedy. The result is still laugh-out-loud funny, but with a depth and emotional resonance that adds nuance to the character we thought we knew so well.

Of course, the series isn’t unique in its use of flashbacks or its exploration of life below the poverty line, as these elements have been seen in other sitcoms before it. However, “Young Sheldon” mirrors many classic sitcoms due to its rich character development. Here’s a list of shows that will make you laugh and perhaps bring a tear to your eye, each with their unique comedic twist.

It’s not just the series that delves into the past or tackles life below the poverty line; other sitcoms have done this before. Yet, “Young Sheldon” resonates with many classic sitcoms thanks to its intricate character sketches. Check out these shows that will make you chuckle and maybe even shed a tear, each one offering a unique brand of humor.

The Wonder Years

Similar to how Sheldon Cooper in “Young Sheldon” reflects on his past from a present-day perspective, Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) does the same in “The Wonder Years.” Just as Jim Parsons voices Sheldon’s thoughts, Daniel Stern provides the voice for older Kevin’s reflections on his youth. The main difference between the shows lies in the fact that Kevin experiences the turbulent 1960s, during the Vietnam War, an era that significantly influences his worldview throughout his life. Like Sheldon, Kevin’s childhood isn’t all bright and beautiful, a detail that becomes evident upon rewatching the series as an adult.

Kevin finds himself surrounded by his family members: gruff father Jack Arnold (Dan Lauria), cheerful mother Norma (Alley Mills), free-spirited sister Karen (Olivia d’Abo), and older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) who often bullies him. As they all grow and change throughout the series, set in a constantly shifting time frame, Kevin is guided by his neighbor and longtime crush, Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar). His close friend Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) also provides support for him. Although it has a more serious tone than “Young Sheldon,” the show shares similar storytelling characteristics.

The Middle

As a dedicated viewer, I can’t help but sing praises for “The Middle,” a compelling single-camera sitcom that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Heck family in ‘flyover country.’ This series masterfully portrays the extraordinary ordinary world we all know so well. Through their ups and downs, they navigate common life milestones while juggling to keep their world from unraveling.

The Heck family consists of Patricia Heaton’s character Frankie, the storyteller, head of the household, and a car saleswoman; Mike, the quarry manager dad, portrayed by Neil Flynn; Axl, the rebellious eldest son who has been absent from screens as he pursues his music career; Sue, the energetic and optimistic family member, played by Eden Sher; and Brick, the youngster with a propensity to softly repeat sentences he’s just said, played by Atticus Shaffer.

America adored the quirky yet identifiable escapades of this family, and it became incredibly popular. In many aspects, it served as an early forerunner to “Young Sheldon”, from its single-camera approach to the central character being a young genius prodigy. Fans of the spinoff series “The Big Bang Theory” will undoubtedly appreciate every eccentricity displayed by the Heck family.

The Goldbergs

The Goldbergs” is another TV series that shares many striking resemblances to “Young Sheldon.” Set in the 1980s but produced in the 2010s, this sitcom offers a comedic glimpse into the life of the expanding Goldberg family residing in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. In a manner reminiscent of the prequel to “The Big Bang Theory,” the show blends witty humor with heartfelt nostalgia for the ’80s era.

The central character is Adam Goldberg, portrayed by Sean Giambrone, who aspires to become a prominent filmmaker in Hollywood. He is influenced by his affection for pop culture and the spirit of the 1980s. Accompanying him on this journey are his “overprotective” mother Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey); his nonchalant father, Murray (Jeff Garlin), who works in furniture sales; Erica (Hayley Orrantia), their middle sister who dreams of becoming a musician; Barry (Troy Gentile), the older brother who strives to excel as an athlete; and Albert Soloman (George Segal), the wise figure known as Pops, who is beloved by Beverly.

The show’s tales veer widely apart, exploring topics ranging from Adam’s unsuccessful party attempt to an homage to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” which includes appearances by the film’s renowned actors. Blending realism with a touch of the fantastical, this series offers a delightful, satisfying journey through its charming episodes.

Raising Hope

Both “Raising Hope” and its precursor, “My Name is Earl,” offer an endearingly skewed perspective on family life in economically challenging circumstances. They aren’t shy about emotional sincerity, yet they also pack a darkly humorous punch with their sharp wit and storylines so unexpected that even the conservative Mary Cooper (Zoe Perry) might be left speechless.

The story revolves around Jimmy Chance, a pool attendant, who unknowingly has a one-night stand with a serial killer, leading to the birth of their daughter, Hope. Determined to raise his child alone, yet not without assistance, Jimmy relies on Virginia, a domestic worker, as a mother figure, Burt, a landscaper, as a father figure, and Maw Maw, a feisty grandmother, all played by Martha Plimpton, Garret Dillahunt, and Cloris Leachman respectively.

As he works tirelessly for Hope, our protagonist encounters grocery store cashier Sabrina Collins (played by Shannon Woodward), whom he finds himself falling for. Sabrina, however, hides a significant secret. “Raising Hope” beautifully intertwines sweetness and bitterness in a seamless manner that endeared it to viewers. Despite its apparent lack of sentimentality, the show carries a huge, concealed heart within it.

Reba

For enthusiasts of sitcoms who have their origins in the not-so-distant past, “Reba” is more than just an internet joke. This series revolves around an extended family with both dysfunctional and functional aspects, navigating fresh beginnings. It’s heartwarming, vibrant, and has a unique brand of humor that fans of “Young Sheldon’s Meemaw (Annie Potts) will find as comfortable as a duck in water.

As the series begins, Reba Hart (Reba McEntire) is experiencing the most challenging day of her life. Her ex-fiancé dentist, Brock (Christopher Rich), has just revealed that his dental hygienist, Barbara Jean (Melissa Peterman), is pregnant with his child. Shortly after, their teenage daughter, Cheyenne (JoAnna García Swisher), who’s a cheerleader, announces she’s pregnant out of wedlock, courtesy of star quarterback Van Montgomery (Steve Howey). With wedding and baby announcements aside, Reba finds herself in the position of raising her three kids — including Kyra (Scarlett Pomers), a sarcastic musician, and Jake (Mitch Holleman), who’s cheerfully naive — on her own. To make matters worse, she must deal with co-parenting with Brock and Barbara Jean, individuals she doesn’t see eye to eye with. At the same time, Cheyenne and Van are forced to mature and take up parenthood within Cheyenne’s pink teenage bedroom.

If the intriguing plot doesn’t captivate you, here’s an extra enticement: Two actors known for their roles in “Young Sheldon” are part of this series. Reba McEntire (portraying Reba Hart) and Melissa Peterman (as Barbara Jean) are the regular cast members. Although they didn’t appear together on “Young Sheldon”, they have teamed up on NBC’s “Happy’s Place” since then.

Roseanne

In a similar vein to other sitcoms, “Roseanne” delves into the lives of the Conner family, a lower-middle-class group residing in Lanford, Illinois. This show, with its semi-dramatic and sometimes insightful narrative, wasn’t shy about challenging societal norms and never hesitated to provoke the upper class.

“Roseanne”, like other sitcoms, explores the lives of the Conner family, a lower-middle-class group dwelling in Lanford, Illinois. The show’s semi-dramatic, sometimes thoughtful, and always personal stories didn’t shy away from questioning the status quo and never hesitated to stir up the bourgeoisie.

Rosanne Conner (Roseanne Barr), a factory worker from the working class, strives to improve her children’s lives. Her husband Dan (John Goodman) aspires to open his own motorcycle shop in addition to his duties. The kids – Becky, who is fixated on popularity, Darlene, both athletic and artistic, and DJ, an ordinary child – frequently find themselves absorbed in their own world. However, the Conner family remains resilient and determined to improve their lives and chase their dreams, regardless of rain or shine.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to admit, “Roseanne” has kept its charm and energy, making it a go-to for many syndicated shows. Interestingly enough, the star of “Young Sheldon,” Zoe Perry, is none other than the daughter of the beloved character actress Laurie Metcalf, who played Jackie Harris on “Roseanne.

Everybody Hates Chris

This comedy series, “Everybody Hates Chris,” is a one-camera sitcom inspired by the genuine life events of a famous personality, Chris Rock. The narrative revolves around his adolescent years, and interestingly, Chris himself offers commentary on past incidents through voiceovers as they play out on the screen. Fans of “Young Sheldon” might find appeal in its non-sappy approach to storytelling.

In the 1980s, set in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, a young character named Rock (played by Tyler James Williams) experiences growing up amidst his family. His dad, Julius (Terry Crews), is hardworking and loving but frugal, while Rochelle (Tichina Arnold) is a tough-loving hairdresser mom. The family also includes Drew (Tequan Richmond), the popular brother, and Tonya (Imani Hakim), the bratty sister. Greg Wuliger (Vincent Martella) is Rock’s best friend, often targeted along with him by bully Caruso. As the story progresses, Rock works his way towards stardom, all while the family grows and evolves around him. “Everybody Hates Chris” is clever, humorously heartwarming, and tender, showcasing the family’s quirks affectionately to the audience.

Modern Family

The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family undeniably touched many hearts during the time that “Modern Family” was being produced. Filmed in a similar style to “The Office,” this sitcom showcased the highs and lows of its main family using mock interviews and realistic footage.

Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill) and his wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara), who joined the family later, are right in the thick of things. From his first marriage, Jay had children Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Claire (Julie Bowen). Mitchell and Claire each have their own families; Claire is married to Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) and they share children Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould). Meanwhile, Mitchell’s partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) has adopted Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emons). Gloria also brings her son Manny (Rico Rodriguez) from a previous marriage into the family, and welcomes a new child, Joe, during the series. This blended group navigates their unique dynamics, forms a family, and shares life experiences together.

The influence of this sitcom on television is hard to overstate. For instance, “Modern Family” demonstrated that single-camera sitcoms could be a successful art form, leading to shows like “Young Sheldon” and the unique family dynamics portrayed by the Coopers. It’s certainly worth watching for its own merits alone.

Young Rock

It’s intriguing that a lot of sitcoms that came after “The Wonder Years” are based on the lives of famous people, like NBC’s “Young Rock,” where Dwayne Johnson plays his younger self. Interestingly, he isn’t the only one portraying the enigmatic and silent wrestler-turned-Hollywood star; in fact, the storyline is divided across three different time periods.

The narrative unfolds around Johnson, starting at about age 10 (portrayed by Adrian Groulx), growing up as the child of wrestler Rocky Johnson (Joseph Lee Anderson) and grandson of Lia Maivia (Ana Tuisila), who manages Hawaii’s professional wrestling scene. During his adolescence, around his mid-teens (Bradley Constant), we witness him struggling with poverty and family issues. Later, at 20 years old (Uli Latukefu), the story follows him as he juggles college sports and his budding career in professional wrestling. Lastly, Johnson portrays himself in a near future scenario where he’s campaigning for the presidency.

The series, which has an aspiring and sometimes humorous tone, also includes dramatic moments. Fans of “Young Sheldon,” who appreciated the journey of Sheldon’s narrative up until its end, will likely find the interwoven timelines appealing.

Grace Under Fire

Grace Under Fire” is another television show set in a working-class environment, known for its blend of serious and comedic moments, sometimes tinged with sadness. The main character, Grace Kelly (Brett Butler), faces challenges like increasing rent costs and workplace sexism, while the series also explores the mischief of her children. Similar to “Roseanne,” this show shares a similar tone that many fans of “Young Sheldon” will recognize, often evoking a mix of laughter and emotional resonance, much like the latter sitcom.

The show primarily revolves around Grace, a resident of Victory, Missouri who works in an oil refinery. Post her divorce from her violent husband, she struggles to maintain stability while dealing with her past as a recovering alcoholic and fearing that her children might follow in her footsteps. Her family includes the mischievous Quentin (portrayed by Jon Paul Steuer/Sam Horrigan), the independent and cheerful Libby (Kaitlin Cullum), and the twins Patrick (Dylan and Cole Sprouse). Grace finds solace in her neighbors, Nadine (Julie White) and Wade Swoboda (Casey Sander), and befriends Russell Norton (Dave Thomas), another recent divorcee who owns a pharmacy. If you’ve enjoyed the Cooper family dynamics, then connecting with the Kelly family could be an enjoyable follow-up.

Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage

If you exhaust all other options and are searching for a series similar to “Young Sheldon,” then give a try to the sequel sitcom “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” which focuses on the ongoing journey of Georgie Cooper Jr., portrayed by Montana Jordan, and his wife, Mandy McAllister (Emily Osment). This series offers the charm you loved in “Young Sheldon” while adding a stronger emphasis on their developing relationship.

Following George Cooper Sr.’s demise (played by Lance Barber), Mandy and Georgie, their young daughter Cece in tow, have shifted residence to live with Mandy’s parents. Familiar faces from “Young Sheldon”, Sweet Jim (Will Sasso) and Audrey (Rachel Bay Jones), lend a helping hand as the newlyweds adapt to married life. Georgie is employed at Jim’s tire store, while Mandy resumes her waitressing job, yet their combined earnings barely suffice. Mandy struggles persistently in the presence of her profligate brother, Connor (Dougie Baldwin), a character that stirs significant dissatisfaction among fans of “Georgie and Mandy”. The anticipation mounts among viewers for the impending event that could lead to their seemingly predestined divorce. Eager spectators will have to continue watching “Young Sheldon” to uncover the details, a task they are unlikely to find arduous.

2025-01-17 22:31