Find Your Next Favorite Family Sitcom: 10 Shows Like 'Modern Family

If you've spent countless hours with the Dunphys, Pritchetts, and Tuckers, you know the unique charm of 'Modern Family'. Its blend of humor, heart, and relatable family dynamics made it a beloved staple for eleven seasons. But what do you watch once you've finished rewatching your favorite episodes? This guide will help you discover a new show that captures the essence of what you loved about 'Modern Family', offering a mix of mockumentaries, ensemble comedies, and heartfelt dramas.

What You'll Accomplish

By following this guide, you will:

• Identify shows that share thematic or stylistic similarities with 'Modern Family'.
• Learn about each show's unique premise and why it might appeal to you.
• Discover where each recommended show is available for streaming.

Prerequisites

To make the most of these recommendations, you'll need:

• Streaming Service Subscriptions: Access to platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, Tubi, or HBO Max (Max).
• An Open Mind: Be ready to explore diverse family structures and comedic styles.
• A Love for Family Stories: An appreciation for narratives centered around the ups and downs of family life.

Your Next Family Show: Top Recommendations

1. Life in Pieces (2015–2019)

Just like 'Modern Family', 'Life in Pieces' dives into the lives of a large extended family, situated in California. It navigates trials that are both incredibly relatable and wonderfully zany. The show features a clever format where each episode presents four distinct stories, often but not always connected, allowing viewers to follow a vast cast without constantly needing characters to interact in the same physical space. This structure provides a fresh take on the ensemble family comedy.

• Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Black-ish (2014–2022)

This recent hit family sitcom offers a slightly smaller, yet still intergenerational, ensemble. It mirrors 'Modern Family' with dad Dre (Anthony Anderson) narrating episodes in a style reminiscent of a mockumentary. The series explores the challenges faced by successful Black parents navigating life in affluent white suburbs, striving to maintain cultural identities while dealing with everyday family issues. With strong performances, including Jenifer Lewis as the outspoken grandmother, it's both funny and thought-provoking. Its success led to spin-offs like 'Mixed-ish'.

• Where to Stream: Hulu, Netflix

3. One Day at a Time (2017–2020)

Inspired by the classic 1975 sitcom, this critically acclaimed comedy centers on a Latinx family. It stars Justina Machado as Lupe Alvarez, an Army Nurse Corps veteran adapting to civilian life and single motherhood, alongside Rita Moreno as her wonderfully candid mother. The show is celebrated for its solid Latinx representation, its humor, and its big heart. It also commendably spotlights LGBTQ+ characters, including Justina's lesbian daughter, Elena, and her non-binary love interest, Syd, truly embodying a modern family in its representation.

• Where to Stream: Netflix

4. Abbott Elementary (2021–)

If you enjoyed 'Modern Family's' mockumentary style and ensemble cast, 'Abbott Elementary' is a must-watch. Though set in a workplace rather than a home, the staff of Abbott Elementary functions as a quirky, tight-knit family. This show quickly became a ratings successor to 'Modern Family' on ABC, portraying well-meaning characters struggling within an American educational system that doesn't always reward good intentions. It brilliantly captures the staff's dreams, frustrations, and sassy commentary directly to the camera, culminating in well-deserved accolades like Sheryl Lee Ralph's Emmy win.

• Where to Stream: Hulu, HBO Max

5. Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006)

A spiritual successor to classic working-class sitcoms, 'Malcolm in the Middle' reflects the economic realities where an office job no longer guarantees prosperity. It's a show about a chaotic and dysfunctional family whose love for each other matches their exuberant approach to everything else. This series offers a unique blend of sharp humor and family chaos that might resonate with fans of 'Modern Family's' more eccentric moments. A recent follow-up miniseries, 'Life's Still Unfair', continued the story successfully.

• Where to Stream: Hulu

6. Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021)

This Canadian gem features the Kim family, who own and operate a convenience store in Toronto. Led by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon as the traditionally minded parents, alongside Simu Liu (pre-Marvel fame) as their son Jung and Andrea Bang as daughter Janet, the show skillfully tackles issues facing immigrant families. It strikes a perfect balance, offering biting social commentary without sacrificing its comedic heart, largely through the generation gap humor between the parents and their children.

• Where to Stream: Peacock

7. The Middle (2009–2018)

'The Middle' ran for an impressive nine seasons without relying on any major gimmicks, focusing instead on the simple, relatable story of the Heck family in fictional Orson, Indiana. Patricia Heaton plays Frankie, a salesperson turned dental assistant, and Neil Flynn plays Mike, a quarry manager. The show masterfully blends the chaotic family portrait seen in shows like 'Malcolm in the Middle' with the more sentimental, heartwarming elements found in 'Modern Family', depicting a family balancing work, kids, and everyday life.

• Where to Stream: Peacock, Prime Video

8. Parenthood (2010–2015)

While not a pure comedy, 'Parenthood' offers a rich, extended family experience similar to 'Modern Family's' multi-generational appeal. Lauren Graham stars as single mother Sarah, leading a large ensemble cast as members of the Braverman family in Berkeley, California. The show navigates typical family trials across six seasons, leaning into drama but maintaining a light touch for the most part. With Craig T. Nelson as the patriarch and four adult children (played by Graham, Peter Krause, Dax Shepard, and Erika Christensen) each with their own families, it provides abundant story opportunities.

• Where to Stream: Paramount+

9. This Is Us (2016–2022)

Prepare for a heartfelt journey with 'This Is Us', a drama that, while heavier in tone than 'Modern Family', shares its core theme of a big-hearted, intergenerational family navigating life's complexities. This highly buzzed-about series follows the Pearson family across multiple decades, introducing siblings Randall, Kate, and Kevin in the present, while frequently flashing back to their formative years and the lives of their parents, Jack and Rebecca. Despite its reputation as a tear-jerker, it’s fundamentally about the enduring bonds of family through good times and bad.

• Where to Stream: Hulu, Tubi

10. Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)

Boasting an exceptional cast including Catherine O'Hara, Eugene and Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, and Emily Hampshire, 'Schitt's Creek' presents a unique family dynamic. After being defrauded, the once-wealthy Rose family is forced to relocate to the quirky town they once bought as a joke. Living in a run-down motel, they must rebuild their lives. The show expertly mines comedy from their efforts to adapt, as their old habits of snobbery clash with their new, humble circumstances. It’s a hilarious and ultimately heartwarming story of family growth and acceptance.

• Where to Stream: Hulu, HBO Max

Troubleshooting

• Show Not Available on Your Service? Streaming rights can change. Check other major streaming platforms or consult a service like JustWatch.com to see where a show is currently available.
• Don't Like the First Episode? Many shows, especially sitcoms, take a few episodes to hit their stride. Consider watching 2-3 episodes before deciding if it's not for you.
• Looking for a Specific Vibe? Reread the descriptions. If you loved 'Modern Family's' mockumentary style, prioritize 'Abbott Elementary' or 'Black-ish'. If the heartwarming family drama appealed more, 'Parenthood' or 'This Is Us' might be better fits.

Tips for Discovering Your Next Favorite Show

• Mix It Up: Don't be afraid to try a show that's a dramedy or a drama, even if 'Modern Family' was pure comedy for you. Many share the same emotional depth.
• Focus on Family Dynamics: If the core appeal of 'Modern Family' was its portrayal of diverse family relationships, look for shows that emphasize similar themes, whether chosen family or biological.
• Check Casts You Love: Sometimes, seeing a familiar face from other beloved comedies can be a great entry point into a new series.

Next Steps

Now that you have a list of fantastic family-focused shows, pick one that sounds most appealing and start streaming! You might also explore spin-offs from some of these series or look into other recommendations from the same creators if you find a style you particularly enjoy.

FAQ

Q: Are all these shows mockumentaries like 'Modern Family'?

A: No, not all. While 'Abbott Elementary' and 'Black-ish' use a mockumentary or similar narrative style, many of the other recommendations are traditional sitcoms or dramas. The common thread is their focus on complex, loving, and often humorous family dynamics.

Q: What if I don't have all the listed streaming services?

A: That's perfectly fine! Start with the shows available on the services you already subscribe to. Many services offer free trials, which can be a great way to try a show before committing to a new subscription.

Q: Are these shows appropriate for all ages?

A: While 'Modern Family' is generally family-friendly, some of these recommendations might tackle more mature themes or language. 'Parenthood' and 'This Is Us' are dramas that deal with serious life events, and some comedies like 'Schitt's Creek' or 'Malcolm in the Middle' might have humor best suited for older teens and adults. It's always a good idea to check parental guides or reviews for specific shows if you're watching with younger viewers.