10 Shows to Watch If You Like Young Sheldon: The Best Family-Friendly Series to Binge
If you’re a fan of Young Sheldon—the heartwarming, humorous, and often endearing prequel to The Big Bang Theory—you’re probably looking for more shows that capture that same mix of smart humor, quirky characters, and family dynamics. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 10 shows that share the same spirit, wit, and emotional depth as Young Sheldon.
Whether you’re into clever kids, eccentric geniuses, or just want to binge-watch something that will make you laugh and think, these shows will definitely be right up your alley.
1. The Big Bang Theory: The Original Sheldon Cooper Show
It only makes sense to start with the show that Young Sheldon was spun off from. The Big Bang Theory follows Sheldon Cooper and his group of friends—scientists and socially awkward geniuses—as they navigate life, love, and everything in between.
-
Why You’ll Like It: If you love Sheldon’s unique personality and his adventures growing up, The Big Bang Theory takes those elements to a whole new level. It offers adult Sheldon in all his quirky glory while exploring themes of friendship, romance, and personal growth.
-
Key Elements: Smart humor, geek culture, witty banter, and Sheldon’s evolution.
2. The Middle: A Hilarious Take on Family Life
If you enjoy the family dynamics and humor in Young Sheldon, The Middle is a perfect pick. This series revolves around the Heck family, a middle-class family in Indiana, juggling everyday struggles with a healthy dose of humor.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The relatable family moments, quirky characters, and down-to-earth humor will feel right at home for fans of Young Sheldon. It’s the perfect show to binge if you love the mix of heartfelt moments with a comedic twist.
-
Key Elements: Family-centered humor, lovable characters, and relatable life situations.
3. The Goldbergs: A Nostalgic Look at Family and Growing Up
Set in the 1980s, The Goldbergs is a nostalgic and hilarious look at a family navigating life in the pre-internet era. The show is based on the real-life childhood of creator Adam F. Goldberg and is filled with family antics, sibling rivalry, and over-the-top moments.
-
Why You’ll Like It: Much like Young Sheldon, The Goldbergs captures the humorous and sometimes poignant moments of growing up. You’ll also appreciate the quirky but lovable characters and the emphasis on family bonds.
-
Key Elements: Family dynamics, childhood nostalgia, humor, and heartwarming moments.
4. Speechless: A Fresh Take on Family and Disability
Speechless centers around the DiMeo family, specifically their teenage son JJ, who has cerebral palsy. The show highlights the challenges and triumphs of the family as they navigate life with humor and heart.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The show’s balance of humor and emotional depth makes it a great pick for fans of Young Sheldon. The witty writing and touching family moments will remind you of the heartwarming dynamics you love in Young Sheldon.
-
Key Elements: Disability representation, strong family relationships, humor with heart.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Smart Comedy with Eccentric Characters
If you like the intellectual humor of Young Sheldon, you’ll love Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This series follows a group of detectives at a New York City precinct as they solve crimes and navigate their personal lives, all while engaging in hilarious antics.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The show is full of clever jokes, witty characters, and a lovable, quirky cast—just like Sheldon Cooper. It’s perfect for fans of witty, fast-paced humor and eccentric personalities.
-
Key Elements: Smart humor, quirky characters, teamwork, and diverse personalities.
6. The Wonder Years: A Classic Look at Growing Up
The Wonder Years is a beloved classic that explores the life of Kevin Arnold as he grows up in the 1960s and 1970s. The show beautifully blends humor and drama as it chronicles Kevin’s coming-of-age story.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The series captures the same nostalgic and emotional feeling that Young Sheldon does, especially in terms of growing up and experiencing the ups and downs of family life. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments will strike a chord with Young Sheldon fans.
-
Key Elements: Family life, childhood nostalgia, coming-of-age moments, and humor with heart.
7. The New Adventures of Old Christine: A Smart and Quirky Comedy
The New Adventures of Old Christine stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine, a neurotic woman navigating her personal and professional life while dealing with her ex-husband and his new girlfriend—also named Christine.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The show is smart, funny, and features eccentric characters, much like Young Sheldon. The witty writing and quirky situations make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good, sharp comedy.
-
Key Elements: Quirky characters, smart humor, relationships, and personal growth.
8. Parks and Recreation: A Heartwarming Workplace Comedy
If you love Young Sheldon’s lovable characters and their growth, Parks and Recreation is another show that will win you over. Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, the series follows the quirky employees of the Parks and Recreation Department, led by the eternally optimistic Leslie Knope.
-
Why You’ll Like It: The show’s focus on strong friendships, the heartwarming relationships between characters, and the quirky humor make it a perfect fit for fans of Young Sheldon.
-
Key Elements: Workplace comedy, quirky personalities, character growth, and strong friendships.
9. The Mindy Project: Smart, Funny, and Full of Heart
Mindy Project follows Mindy Lahiri, a charming and witty OB/GYN trying to balance her professional life with her personal relationships. The show is filled with humor, romance, and relatable moments.
-
Why You’ll Like It: Much like Young Sheldon, The Mindy Project features a lead character who is incredibly smart, quirky, and often endearing in her social awkwardness. It’s a hilarious look at adulting and relationships, making it perfect for those who love both clever humor and character development.
-
Key Elements: Smart humor, quirky lead character, relationships, and romance.
10. Atypical: A Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story
Atypical centers around Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, and his quest for independence and love. The show balances humor and heartfelt moments while exploring the challenges Sam faces as he navigates life.
-
Why You’ll Like It: Fans of Young Sheldon will appreciate Atypical‘s similar portrayal of a brilliant but socially awkward character. The show’s focus on family and personal growth, combined with sharp humor, makes it a fantastic choice for fans looking for something with both heart and wit.
-
Key Elements: Family dynamics, coming-of-age moments, humor, and emotional depth.
Conclusion: The Perfect Shows for Young Sheldon Fans
If you’re a fan of Young Sheldon, these 10 shows are guaranteed to bring you plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and quirky characters to enjoy. From comedies that focus on growing up to hilarious workplace sitcoms, these series offer the same blend of humor, emotional depth, and lovable characters that make Young Sheldon so special. So, grab your remote and get ready for your next binge-worthy series!
FAQs
1. What is the best show like Young Sheldon?
The Big Bang Theory is the best show like Young Sheldon, as it features the same character, Sheldon Cooper, and explores his adult life.
2. Which show has similar humor to Young Sheldon?
The Middle and The Goldbergs both offer a similar family-centered humor with quirky characters and relatable situations.
3. Is there a show that features a character like Sheldon Cooper?
Yes, Atypical features a lead character, Sam, who is socially awkward and incredibly intelligent, much like Sheldon Cooper.
4. What show focuses on growing up like Young Sheldon?
The Wonder Years and The Goldbergs both focus on growing up in a family setting, with a similar nostalgic and heartfelt vibe.
5. Which show has a similar family dynamic to Young Sheldon?
Speechless and The Middle both showcase strong family relationships with humor, making them great picks for Young Sheldon fans.
