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15 Comedy Shows Like It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia To Watch Now

March 3, 2023
shows like it's always sunny in philadelphia

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a fan-favourite comedy television show due to its unique blend of dark humor, absurdity, and relatable characters. If you’re also a fan of the dark humor and crass characters of this show, then you’ll want to check out our list of 15 shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia that offers a similar blend of comedy, absurdity, and friendship. The show follows a group of friends who run an unsuccessful bar in Philadelphia and are constantly scheming, scheming, and getting themselves into all sorts of trouble.

The characters are quirky and dysfunctional, making them relatable and memorable, and their antics are both hilarious and cringeworthy. The show’s ability to tackle serious and sensitive issues with a comedic twist, such as mental health and addiction, has also made it a memorable piece of comedy. The show’s long-running success, with 14 seasons and counting, is a testament to its popularity.

List of TV Shows Like It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

  1. Arrested Development
  2. The League
  3. Workaholics
  4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
  5. Trailer Park Boys
  6. Broad City
  7. Eastbound & Down
  8. Curb Your Enthusiasm
  9. Veep
  10. Baskets
  11. The Office (US)
  12. 30 Rock
  13. Parks and Recreation
  14. Community
  15. Rick and Morty

1. Arrested Development (2003)

Arrested Development is a critically acclaimed American television that follows the dysfunctional Bluth family as they navigate through various mishaps and comical situations. The show’s humor is witty and clever, often incorporating subtle references and puns that appeal to its audience.

The show’s main characters, including Michael Bluth, George Sr., Gob, Lucille, and Tobias, are all quirky and endearing in their own ways. Despite its cancellation after only 3 seasons, Arrested Development has gained a cult following and has become a classic in the world of television comedy. If you’re looking for family comedy shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with a unique brand of humor, then this show is for you.

2. The League (2009)

The League is a comedy series that revolves around a group of friends who are involved in a fantasy football league. The show has become a popular staple for sports fans and comedy lovers alike, as it offers a unique blend of sports references, pop culture jokes, and character-driven humor. Each episode features the friends competing against each other in the league, with the winner taking home the coveted “Shiva” trophy.

The cast is filled with memorable characters, including a Jewish lawyer, a former high school star, and a slacker, all of whom bring their own personalities to the show. With sharp writing and relatable situations, The League is a must-watch for fans of sports, comedy, or a series like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

3. Workaholics (2011)

Workaholics is a comedy TV show for 7 seasons and follows the lives of three slacker friends who work together as telemarketers at a telemarketing company. The main characters, Blake, Adam, and Ders, are often seen engaging in absurd activities and making poor decisions that result in hilarious consequences.

The show is known for its humor, crudeness, and drug-fueled antics. Workaholics is a series similar to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in many ways. Both shows feature a group of friends who engage in outrageous and inappropriate behavior, often with dark humorous consequences. Hence Workaholics is perfect for you.

4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy television series that follows the lives of detectives working in the 99th precinct of the NYPD located in Brooklyn. The show focuses on Detective Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg, who is a talented but immature detective who often finds himself in hilarious situations.

The show also features a diverse cast of characters, including Terry Jeffords, Rosa Diaz, Amy Santiago, Captain Raymond Holt, and Gina Linetti, who all bring their unique personalities to the precinct. If you’re looking for more ensemble comedies that rely on the humor of their diverse cast of characters, who often find themselves in absurd situations, similar to series like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, then go all out for 99!

5. Trailer Park Boys (2001)

Trailer Park Boys is a mockumentary-style television series that follows the lives of three lifelong friends and petty criminals who live in a trailer park in Nova Scotia, Canada. The show follows the antics of Julian, Bubbles, and Ricky as they navigate their way through various schemes and scams in their quest to get rich and stay out of jail.

The show is characterized by its crass humor, exaggerated characters, and absurd situations, making it a hit with audiences around the world. Despite the characters’ criminal behavior, they are endearing and relatable, making the show both hilarious and heartwarming. With its mix of humor, satire, and heart, Trailer Park Boys is a unique and entertaining series like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia that has built a loyal fanbase over the years.

6. Broad City (2014)

Broad City is a comedy television series that follows the lives of two best friends, Abbi and Ilana, as they navigate the challenges of life in New York City. The show, which was created by and starred Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, is known for its unique brand of humor, which is rooted in a combination of absurdist comedy and relatable situations. 

Abbi and Ilana’s friendship is at the center of the show, and their adventures, which often involve absurd and absurdly hilarious scenarios, provide a glimpse into the challenges of navigating adult life in the city. From finding work to navigating relationships and everything in between, Broad City is a show that perfectly captures the struggles and joys of young adulthood in the 21st century and will make a great next series similar to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for you to watch over the weekend.

7. Eastbound & Down (2009)

Eastbound & Down is a comedy television series that follows the life of former Major League Baseball player Kenny Powers, played by Danny McBride. The show takes place in Shelby, North Carolina, where Kenny has returned after his fame and success as a pitcher have faded. The show is characterized by its bold, in-your-face humor, and its over-the-top characters. 

Kenny Powers is an example of this, as he is an unapologetically narcissistic, foul-mouthed, and often outrageous character who finds himself in humorous situations. The show is a mix of sports comedy, satire, and absurdist humor, and it has become a cult favorite among fans of dark comedy. Throughout its 4 seasons, Eastbound & Down offers a hilarious look at the decline of a former sports star and the absurdities of American society, so be sure to try it out after shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000) 

Curb Your Enthusiasm revolves around Larry David, played by the show’s creator, Larry David. The show is a semi-autobiographical portrayal of David’s life and his experiences in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Larry is portrayed as a curmudgeonly and misanthropic character who often finds himself in humorous situations due to his blunt and abrasive personality. Already seen this classic? Then check out our list of shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Throughout the series, Larry interacts with a cast of characters, including Jeff Green, Cheryl Hines, Leon Black, and Susie Essman, who all bring their own unique brand of humor to the show. The show is also notable for its mix of humor and social commentary on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Sarcastic in tone, the show has a strong following and is great for fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

9. Veep (2012)

Veep is an American political satire television series that follows the life of former Vice President Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The show takes a comedic look at the political world of Washington, D.C., and the power struggles that occur behind the scenes.

The show also features a strong ensemble cast of characters who all bring their unique personalities and quirks to the show. The show is known for its fast-paced humor, witty one-liners, and political satire that often pokes fun at the political process. With its sharp writing and talented cast, Veep has become a beloved staple of the television landscape, winning numerous awards and critical acclaim. Hence I will surely recommend Veep for a series similar to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

10. Baskets (2016)

Baskets looks at the life of Chip Baskets, played by Zach Galifianakis, a failed French clown who moves back to his hometown in Bakersfield, California. Chip is determined to make a name for himself as a clown, despite his lack of talent and the obstacles he faces. The show is a comedy-drama that explores the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Baskets feature a talented ensemble cast, including Louie Anderson as Chip’s mother, Christine Baskets, and Martha Kelly as his friend and confidante, Martha. The show has a unique blend of humor and heart with an ability to tackle heavy themes with a light touch. With its memorable characters and relatable storyline, Baskets is a must-watch for fans of shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

11. The Office (US) (2005)

The Office (US) is a popular mockumentary series that documents the fictional day-to-day lives of employees working at the Dunder Mifflin paper company. The show is set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and focuses on the employees of the branch office and their eccentric boss, Michael Scott (Played by Steve Carell).

The show also features a diverse cast of characters who bring their unique personalities and quirks to the office. The show is known for its mockumentary style, with the camera often breaking the fourth wall and interviewing characters directly. The Office (US) is a quirky and hilarious take on the American workplace and one of the most beloved comedy series of all time. After shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you can watch The Office (US), it won’t disappoint.

12. 30 Rock (2006)

30 Rock is a TV comedy series created by Tina Fey and takes place behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy show called “TGS with Tracy Jordan” and is set in the offices of a television network based in New York City. The show stars Fey as Liz Lemon, the head writer of “TGS” who must manage a chaotic cast of characters, including Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) and Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin).

The show is known for its quick wit, pop culture references, and irreverent humor. 30 Rock has received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards including several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Similar to shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 30 Rock is a fan favorite and is widely considered among the best tv comedies of all time.

13. Parks and Recreation (2009)

Parks and Recreation is a beloved American comedy series set in the Parks and Recreation department of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. It follows the lives of its employees, including Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). Leslie, a dedicated and enthusiastic public servant, is determined to make Pawnee a better place for its citizens, despite the obstacles she faces along the way. Check out more shows like Parks And Recreation here.

Also a mockumentary style series, Parks and Recreation is known for its quirky and endearing characters and witty humor. If you have already seen shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Office (US) , then Parks and Recreation is perfect for you. 

14. Community (2009)

In the series Community, a diverse group of students attend a community college in Colorado where the show centers around Jeff Winger, a former lawyer who attends college in an attempt to earn a degree and restart his life. Along the way, Jeff forms a study group and befriends a cast of quirky characters, including a former high school cheerleader, an aging hippie, a pop culture-obsessed conspiracy theorist, and an obsessive-compulsive former businessman. If you’re already a fan of this series, check out our list of shows like Community.

Yes, it sounds like a bizarre group, and it is.. for all the right reasons! Each episode features the group navigating their way through the challenges of college life and the hilarious consequences of their adventures. Community has become a beloved cult classic and is one of the most entertaining shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on this list.

15. Rick and Morty (2013)

Rick and Morty is an animated sci-fi series that follows the adventures of an eccentric and alcoholic scientist named Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith. The show is known for its dark humor, foul language, time-travel, and satirical takes on popular culture.

The duo travel to various planets and alternate dimensions in their spaceship, encountering a wide range of eccentric and often dangerous creatures along the way. Rick and Morty has become a cultural phenomenon, with a loyal fan. Whether you like sci-fi, comedy, or simply a good storytelling, Rick and Morty is a must-watch shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few hilarious shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Mythic Quest
  2. Silicon Valley
  3. The Mick
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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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