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10 Shows Like The Big Bang Theory For Fans Of Hilarious Sitcoms

January 5, 2023
shows like the big bang theory

The highly popular comedy sitcom The Big Bang Theory had its finale in 2019 with its 12th season. Even after such a long run the fans can’t help but miss characters like Sheldon and Leonard. If you miss watching this great sitcom, we have put together a list of shows you’ll enjoy if you’re a fan of shows like Big Bang Theory. The show truly became a part of people’s lives as it brought into focus the lives of 4 nerdy boys living in Pasadena, California, who are working at Caltech. Sheldon, a peculiar but extremely intelligent boy, and Leonard, a shy boy in love with his neighbour Penny. Howard and his wife Bernadette and Raj. The Big Bang Theory will always be a memorable show for using the scientific world in contrast to a regular life of friendships, romance, family and work all in a loving and hilarious way.

List of TV Shows Like The Big Bang Theory

  1. Young Sheldon 
  2. How I Met Your Mother
  3. Friends
  4. Star Trek
  5. Modern Family
  6. Rick and Morty
  7. Stranger Things
  8. Silicon Valley
  9. The IT Crowd
  10. Seinfeld

1. Young Sheldon (2017)

The idea of making a spin-off show for Sheldon was thought of by Jim Parsons, and while most spin-off shows don’t work out as well as the original, the idea of telling of a young Sheldon intrigued the producers. Young Sheldon follows the character we’ve known and loved for so many years– 9-year-old Sheldon is a bonafide genius who has been promoted to 9th grade. Meanwhile, he struggles with a not-so-intelligent family in Texas.

Young Sheldon is a wholesome, heartwarming and hilarious show. If you were hesitant to watch it after watching a classic series like The Big Bang Theory, I will assure you it is worth watching. All the characters, Sheldon, his twin sister, brother, parents and Meemaw are incredible. Young Sheldon is the perfect choice for you. 

2. How I Met Your Mother (2005)

How I Met Your Mother is a very entertaining comedy sitcom like The Big Bang Theory. The story is based in New York, where the show follows a group of friends as the main protagonist, Ted (in near future) narrates the show to his children (and us) on how he met their mother (his wife). Known for this unique structure, humour, and incorporation of dramatic elements, the show was highly popular throughout its run. 

Here’s a fanmade trailer

Ted is an architect, his friend Marshall- studying to be a lawyer, Lily- a school teacher, Robin- a reporter and Barney- well…nobody knows! How I Met Your Mother is a series similar to Big Bang Theory that young generations grew up watching. Learning a thing or two about love, friends, and life. I would highly recommend How I Met your Mother. If you’ve already seen this, check out more shows like How I Met Your Mother.

3. Friends (1994)

In a list of shows like Big Bang Theory, it’s impossible not to mention Friends. Not only is it amongst the most successful, most watched, and most talked about shows. A few years ago, The BBT cast Met Friends cast in a tribute honouring director James Burrows (who directed a few episodes for both shows), and Kaley Cuoco spoke of just what a huge fan of Friends she is. 

Here’s the opening scene of Friends Season 1 Episode 1:

Friends story doesn’t need an introduction, as I’m sure you might have heard enough about it (that is, if you haven’t seen it yet), but even still, the show follows 6 people in their early 20s, namely Joey, Chandler, Ross, Monica, Phoebe and Rachel in New York. ‘Friends’ is extremely funny, heartwarming, and entertaining and a must-watch for shows similar to The Big Bang Theory. 

4. Star Trek (1966)

As a true fan of The Big Bang Theory, you may know just how much the boys love Star Trek, and if you want to understand exactly why, then you must watch Star Trek: The Original Series. This groundbreaking series launched the Star Trek Franchise and chronicled the exploits of the crew of the starship USS Enterprise, whose 5-year mission is to explore space.

Sheldon’s beloved Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner are the main characters of this show. Yes, it is from the 60s, and it definitely shows, but the plots and storylines represent the future in a positive light. The chemistry between the actors in the series is phenomenal. I highly recommend that you watch Star Trek as a fan of shows like The Big Bang Theory. You won’t be disappointed. And when you do, you will be amazed by the world of Star Trek.

5. Modern Family (2009)

Modern Family is American family mockumentary series that follows 3 different types of families (nuclear, blended, and same-gender) living in the Los Angeles area, all interrelated through Jay Pritchett and his children, daughter Claire and son Mitchell. 

The show is quite an extraordinary and memorable family comedy. An absolute crowd-pleaser, and the kind of show that will cheer you up when you’re having a bad day. The dark humour is written so well and some of these situations are very relatable. So, if you want to see a series similar to The Big Bang Theory, then you should surely consider Modern Family.  

6. Rick and Morty (2013)

Rick and Morty follow a misanthropic and cynical scientist named Rick Sanchez. The titular character Rick is an eccentric and alcoholic mad scientist who abstains from modern conventions like love, school, marriage, and family. Furthermore, he goes on futuristic misadventures with his 14-year-old naïve but kind-hearted and easily distressed grandson, Morty. 

Watch the fanmade trailer for Rick and Morty here. 

One thing the fans of The Big Bang Theory will see, similar to the show is the creative humour. From Sci-fi, and comic books to real science nothing was off-limits in the show. Rick and Morty follow a similar theme, satirizing existing movies, TV shows and scientific concepts. In addition, Rick and Morty is very relatable and one of the best tv series like Adventure Time.

7. Stranger Things (2016)

Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things is set primarily in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The show centres on a number of supernatural events and mysteries occurring around the town that impact a bunch of children, teenagers, and adult characters.

The storyline is amazing. With plenty of references from the 80s, it builds a unique world of its own. Again with the references, It grabs younger audiences and reintroduces them to 80s pop culture. show with a strong sci-fi backbone. The cast, the environment, and the effects are INCREDIBLE. If you’re interested in sci-fi then Stranger Things is one of the best shows like The Big Bang Theory for you.

8. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley, HBO’s great sendup of technology, is a relevant and incredibly hilarious take on the contemporary tech world and the geeks who create it. The American TV Series Silicon Valley is that show which knew the world of tech would make a great topic for comedy, so they chose to explore the global centre for technology- Silicon Valley. Already watched this show? Check out more shows like Silicon Valley.

This series is not only hilarious but highly clever in its storyline, that not only entertains but educates viewers on the everyday lives of developers and businessmen. Without the brilliant set of actors, the show wouldn’t have been as good. Their chemistry and comedic timing take Silicon Valley beyond the lines of codes and empty offices. Silicon Valley portrayed an accurate depiction of the current struggles and successes of the California tech scene and is one of the best shows like The Big Bang Theory.

9. The IT Crowd (2006)

The British comedy sitcom The IT Crowd may be wittier and more sarcastic in comparison to the straight-up comedy of Silicon Valley, but the humour is brilliant regardless. Jen is one of the protagonists of the show. The story follows her getting a job at Reynholm Industries in the IT department despite knowing nothing about IT. Trust me; she knows ABSOLUTELY nothing to the point that you will question if she lived under a rock. 

Here’s a clip from the S1 Ep2 :

Jen works with 2 guys, Moss and Roy, and while Roy is a cynical and sarcastically shallow man, Moss is a socially awkward guy. The absurd situations and interactions between the 3 are comedy gold. The IT Crowd is the perfect example of nerd comedy done right, which is why it is the perfect choice for similar shows like The Big Bang Theory. 

10. Seinfield (1989)

For the 70s and 80s kids, the American sitcom Seinfield was what HIMYM, Friends, and Big Bang Theory were to us. The journey of young friends living together in a city like NY has become all too familiar to us but at the time, people saw more Family comedies, Seinfield was a show that stood out. The show followed 4 friends in NY just going about in their life, trying to answer trivial questions that bothered them. Jerry Seinfield, a real-life comedian, played an exaggerated version of himself. 

The show may feel a bit outdated and irrelevant at times but once you start watching Seinfield, it’s very addicting! Seasons 3- 9 are the highlight, with some of the best sitcom writings ever seen. If you’re a fan of comedy shows like The Big Bang Theory then Seinfield is a must-watch. 

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few shows like The Big Bang Theory that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Futurama
  2. The Office
  3. The Good Place
  4. Full House
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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