Family-centric shows have become a rarity these days, as the TV landscape has gone in the opposite direction, and adult-oriented material has become the norm. However, there are those who prefer the “good old days,” with Full House remaining a favorite in this regard.
That doesn’t mean that the show is the only option you have for this genre, as there are several others that will appeal to fans just the same. These series have a similar theme and presentation as Full House, although a few are different enough that viewers will appreciate the variety in entertainment. So, read on to see which family sitcom will be your next binge-watch.
Family Ties (1982-1989)
A constant culture-clash between parents and their children in the 1980s happens to be the backdrop for this sitcom, where the mother and father’s hippie background from the 1960s baffles their conservative children. Despite this, the family holds together because of their love for one another.
With some of the actors going on to do high-profile work, Family Ties isn’t overtly well-known to the modern audience, which guarantees it to be a pleasant surprise as the politically involved current generation will find it both relatable and hilarious.
Family Matters (1989-1997)
Detailing the daily lifestyle of the Winslows, Family Matters features the growing pains of the younger members of the family while simultaneously portraying the adults’ attempts to keep up with their children.
Now known as the show that propelled the character of Steve Urkel to popularity, he became so famous that he also appeared on Full House. You won’t find much difficulty adjusting in this show either, as it has all kinds of fun for the family.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
After picking one fight too many, young Will Smith heads to Bel-Air, where he moves in with his aunt and uncle. However, Will’s street-smart background takes a lot of getting used to where his upper-class family is concerned.
Even after thirty years since its debut, The Fresh of Bel-Air continues to be associated with Will Smith, who shines as the loudmouth and lovable fictional version of himself. While he does show off a rebellious streak, the sitcom ensures we know how much he appreciates his family’s efforts in tolerating him.
The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
The newlywed couple of Mike and Carol Brady have a lot of adjustments to make as both of them each bring in three children to make a blended family. While Mike’s three sons initially clash with Carol’s three daughters, the characters grow to genuinely love each other as a true family.
Perhaps now more so than before, the premise of The Brady Bunch is relevant to audiences, what with blended families becoming commonplace. The main difference between this show and others is how much The Brady Bunch focuses on the happiness aspect of things; you’ll find very few sad moments here.
Man With A Plan (2016-Present)
After his wife decides to go back to her career, a father of three juggles between work and taking care of his children. With a group consisting of his wimpy best friend and his equally inept brother, he comes up with ways to remain one step ahead of his kids while keeping his wife happy.
The fact that Matt LeBlanc stars here would be enough for Friends fans to get hooked, but those who love family-centric shows will get a kick out of Man with a Plan as it features hijinks involving spouses, father-children bonding, and all around good-natured humor.
According To Jim (2001-2009)
No matter how much the world might scream for him to change his ways, Jim remains set in how he is, being loud and obnoxious but also a loving father and husband. With his in-laws constantly around and many arguments with his doting wife, Jim doesn’t stay too far from trouble.
The show features an exaggerated version of an everyday family, and no matter the number of fights there might be, Jim always wins back his family’s heart, making this a feel-good show.
Married…With Children (1987-1997)
A highly dysfunctional family filled with personalities to their worst extremes, Married…with Children has Al Bundy, a former high school athlete who leads an unenviable life now, at its center. However, it appears as if Al would have it no other way than with his equally loony family.
The sitcom doesn’t contain the emotional moments that Full House boasts, but you’ll get a big laugh out of this show for it being such a stark contrast. At its heart, though, the Bundy family is very likable, which makes all their crazy antics a treat to watch.
My Wife And Kids (2001-2005)
Michael Kyle might have a beautiful house and a successful business, but family always comes first for him. He sure has his hands full, with a dopey son, a rebellious teenage daughter, and a mischievous young girl. With his loud but loving wife, Michael tackles the many challenges of family life.
Here’s another feel-good show that will always leave you feeling wa, as My Wife and Kids has an all-round cast where every character has a genuinely hilarious role to play. You’ll find yourself binge-watching all seasons in quick succession to see the latest Kyle family exploits.
Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
Detailing the life of Cory Matthews all the way from middle school to the end of college, Boy Meets World is the best show to remind yourself of the fun of the 1990s. As Cory experiences everything from growing pains to romance, we watch him develop into a responsible young man.
Mixing family with friendship always makes for an interesting viewing, and this show carries all the life lessons you want in maintaining relationships. It also features humor that will appeal to younger audiences, while reminding older viewers how life was in their youth.
Fuller House (2016-2020)
More than two decades after we left her, D.J. Tanner has married, had three young boys, and become widowed. Seeing her sister’s predicament, Stephanie Tanner moves in with her, as does Kimmy Gibbler.
You just can’t pass up on Fuller House after watching the original series, and this follow-up retains all the well-meaning humor that fans loved. Think of it as an updated version of Full House, just with the roles reversed. Plus, with most of the previous characters returning, it’s wonderful to see our favorite family continuing to navigate life’s challenges while strengthening their love for one another.
