Though Modern Family concluded its celebrated run in 2020, its impact on television comedy remains undeniable. The Emmy-winning sitcom, with its mockumentary style and heartwarming portrayal of an extended family, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. For those who miss the Dunphy-Pritchett-Tucker clan and their relatable, often chaotic, family dynamics, the good news is that there are numerous Modern Family Related Shows that offer similar humor and heart.
If you’re searching for your next television obsession after Modern Family, look no further. From classic sitcoms to contemporary gems, this list of 30 shows will provide you with plenty of laughter and those feel-good family moments you crave. These series explore the beautiful messiness of family life, proving that Modern Family was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to compelling, modern family related shows.
30. Home Improvement (1991-1999)
Tim Taylor’s Mishaps and Family Life
Home Improvement stars Tim Allen as Tim Taylor, the 사고-prone host of a home renovation show who is also navigating life as a father of three boys. Set in the 90s, this sitcom is a masterclass in goofy dad humor, a trait that Modern Family also excels at with characters like Phil Dunphy, Jay Pritchett, and Cameron Tucker. Like these Modern Family dads, Tim Taylor often finds himself in hilarious situations due to his overconfidence and sometimes misguided attempts at manliness. However, at its core, Home Improvement is about a loving father doing his best, even when that best involves a few (or many) comical mishaps. Fans of modern family related shows that highlight the endearing imperfections of fatherhood will find a lot to love in Tim Taylor’s antics.
29. All In The Family (1971-1979)
Archie Bunker vs. Modern Society
Modern Family often mines humor from generational differences, primarily through Jay Pritchett’s character. Jay, while loving, can be traditional and occasionally out of touch with contemporary trends. This dynamic is reminiscent of Archie Bunker from All in the Family. Archie Bunker, a working-class patriarch, is famously known for his prejudiced views and clashes with the evolving societal norms of the 70s. While Archie’s biases are certainly outdated by today’s standards, the show cleverly uses his character to explore generational and ideological conflicts within a family. For viewers who appreciate how modern family related shows address societal shifts through a family lens, All in the Family is a groundbreaking classic and a precursor to the generational humor found in Modern Family.
28. My Wife and Kids (2000-2005)
The Kyle Family Dynamics
The heart of Modern Family lies in its ensemble cast and the way each family member contributes to the overall dynamic. While Modern Family and My Wife and Kids have different family structures, both sitcoms understand the power of a strong ensemble. My Wife and Kids centers on the Kyle family, an upper-middle-class African American family led by Michael Kyle (Damon Wayans) and Janet Kyle (Tisha Campbell-Martin). Michael, like many sitcom dads, believes he’s in charge, but Janet is often the real decision-maker. Their children – Junior, Claire, and Kady – add to the comedic mix with their distinct personalities. If you enjoy modern family related shows that prioritize relatable family ensembles and character-driven comedy, My Wife and Kids delivers with its own unique and hilarious family dynamic.
27. The War At Home (2005-2007)
Generational Clashes in Suburbia
The War at Home may not have reached the same level of mainstream success as Modern Family, but it shares thematic similarities, particularly in exploring father-son relationships across generations. Just as Modern Family portrays the loving but sometimes conflicting relationship between Jay and Mitchell, The War at Home delves into the dynamic between Dave Gold (Michael Rapaport) and his son Larry. Dave, a somewhat insensitive and cynical father, often misunderstands his more sensitive and flamboyant son, Larry. This mirrors the generational and personality clashes seen in Modern Family, making The War at Home a relatable choice for fans of modern family related shows that explore these intergenerational family dynamics with a comedic touch.
26. King Of The Hill (1997-2010)
Hank Hill’s Texan Family Life
King of the Hill, an animated sitcom, excels at portraying a family where members love each other despite their stark differences, a central theme also found in Modern Family. Modern Family often explores parental bewilderment and slight discomfort with their children’s interests, especially in Jay’s interactions with Manny and Mitchell. Hank Hill, the protagonist of King of the Hill, embodies this sentiment. Hank, a traditional and somewhat rigid propane salesman, struggles to understand his artistic and less conventional son, Bobby. This mirrors the parent-child dynamic seen in Modern Family. Furthermore, King of the Hill features characters like Peggy Hill and Luanne Platter, who would seamlessly fit into the quirky world of Modern Family, making it a great animated option for fans of modern family related shows.
25. Family Matters (1989-1998)
The Winslows and Steve Urkel’s Mayhem
The Winslow Family in Family Matters TV Poster
Family Matters, a standout sitcom of the 90s that centered on a Black family, successfully blended humor and heart, a balance also mastered by Modern Family. The show revolves around the Winslow family, a middle-class family in Chicago, and their interactions with their邻居, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White). Similar to the hijinks and heartwarming moments in Modern Family, Family Matters offers a blend of comedic scenarios and genuine family connections. While Family Matters later leaned into the cartoonish antics of Steve Urkel, its core appeal remains in its portrayal of a loving family navigating everyday life, making it a nostalgic yet relevant choice for those seeking modern family related shows with a classic sitcom feel. However, the unique element of Urkel’s over-the-top inventions adds a layer of comedy not typically found in Modern Family.
24. Jane The Virgin (2014-2019)
Accidental Pregnancy and Family Bonds
Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin
While some shows focus more intensely on a central protagonist, they can still capture the ensemble family dynamic reminiscent of Modern Family. Jane the Virgin, inspired by a telenovela, centers on Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez), who becomes accidentally pregnant through artificial insemination. The series explores the ripple effects of this event on Jane and her family, creating new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Like Modern Family, Jane the Virgin examines how multiple generations within a family influence younger members. The storyline of a family uniting to support an unexpected pregnancy even echoes Haley Dunphy’s pregnancy arc in Modern Family. Although Jane the Virgin incorporates more dramatic elements, it still maintains a comedic and engaging tone, making it a compelling option for viewers who appreciate modern family related shows that blend humor with heartfelt family stories.
23. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
Cory and Shawn’s Coming-of-Age Family
Cory and Shawn in Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World shifted the focus of family sitcoms from parents to children, a subtle contrast to the parent-centric approach of many shows before it. The series follows Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his best friend Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) as they navigate adolescence and young adulthood. For Modern Family enthusiasts who wished for more focus on Haley, Alex, and Luke’s perspectives, Boy Meets World provides that child-centric viewpoint. However, the show still emphasizes family relationships, particularly as Shawn essentially becomes an adopted member of the Matthews family. The sequel series, Girl Meets World, which centers on Cory and Topanga’s daughter, further reinforces the modern family related shows vibe within the Boy Meets World universe, expanding the family focus across generations.
22. Mom (2013-2021)
Imperfect Moms, Real Struggles
Mom, starring Allison Janney and Anna Faris, delves into the lives of three generations of Plunkett women as they grapple with addiction, recovery, and family bonds. While Modern Family is known for its lighthearted tone, Mom strikes a balance between sitcom humor and serious drama, much like Modern Family balances comedy with genuine emotional moments. Mom explores the imperfections of parenthood, a theme also present in Modern Family, albeit often in a more comedic manner. However, Mom provides a more grounded and realistic portrayal of parental struggles, particularly with substance abuse, offering a refreshing contrast to the often lighthearted family dynamics seen in modern family related shows, while still delivering humor.
21. Parenthood (2010-2015)
The Braverman Family Saga
The Braverman family in Parenthood Show poster
Parenthood can be considered the more dramatic counterpart to Modern Family. While Parenthood may evoke more tears than laughter, it similarly focuses on the intricate connections within a large, multi-generational family. The Bravermans, like the families in Modern Family, consist of multiple children and grandchildren, each with their own storylines that intertwine with the broader family narrative. If Modern Family is a comforting sitcom, Parenthood is a deeply emotional family drama, yet both explore the complexities of family life. The expansive ensemble cast of Parenthood, much like Modern Family, allows viewers to connect with and invest in a wide range of characters, making it a compelling choice for fans of modern family related shows who appreciate both humor and heartfelt drama.
20. The Simpsons (1989-Present)
Springfield’s Dysfunctional Family
The Simpsons family portrait
Modern Family embraces wacky situations and eccentric characters, a characteristic that owes a debt to The Simpsons. This animated series, a cornerstone of television comedy, portrays the hilariously absurd and often over-the-top life of the Simpson family. While exaggerated, The Simpsons offers a relatable portrayal of a family far from perfect, a concept that resonates with the appeal of modern family related shows.
While The Simpsons may be more willing to highlight the flaws of its central family compared to Modern Family, both shows excel at depicting the chaos and joy of family life. The vast cast of characters in Springfield, similar to the extended family in Modern Family, creates a rich and entertaining world to explore. Whether it’s family vacations, holiday celebrations, or everyday mishaps, The Simpsons, like Modern Family, offers a comforting and humorous look at family dynamics.
19. Full House (1987-1995)
Blended Families, Big Hearts
The Tanner family in Full House US TV Series Poster
The 90s sitcom era produced numerous family classics, and Full House remains a standout for its popularity and cultural impact. Similar to Modern Family, Full House navigates the complexities of parenthood and the adventures of childhood, all while showcasing an unconventional family structure. Full House follows a widowed father raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend. This non-traditional family unit mirrors the diverse family structures celebrated in modern family related shows.
The heartwarming chaos and love within the Full House family, while sometimes leaning towards sentimentality, is anchored by its charming ensemble cast. The concept of three men raising three girls was unique for its time and provided a fresh family dynamic. While Full House may be more wholesome in its humor compared to the more sarcastic wit of Modern Family, the underlying charm and focus on blended family dynamics are shared traits.
18. 3rd Rock From The Sun (1996-2001)
Alien Family, Human Problems
At first glance, 3rd Rock from the Sun, a sitcom about aliens disguised as humans, might seem vastly different from the grounded realism of Modern Family. However, 3rd Rock from the Sun shares surprising similarities with modern family related shows by exploring family dynamics through an unconventional lens. The show follows a group of aliens attempting to understand human behavior by posing as a typical American family.
The humor in 3rd Rock from the Sun stems from the aliens’ misunderstandings of human customs and their often comical attempts to fit in. This outsider perspective allows the show to satirize and comment on everyday family life, much like Modern Family uses its mockumentary format to observe and poke fun at family norms. The endearing and goofy nature of the alien family, particularly John Lithgow’s portrayal of Dick Solomon, echoes the lovable eccentricity of characters like Phil and Cam in Modern Family.
17. Frasier (1993-2004)
Adult Family Dynamics in Seattle
The Crane family in Frasier 1993 TV Show Poster
While many shows similar to Modern Family center on parents with young children, Frasier offers a refreshing take by focusing on adult siblings and their relationship with their aging father. As a spin-off of Cheers, Frasier carved its own path as a witty and sophisticated sitcom. The show revolves around Frasier Crane’s return to Seattle and his life with his father and brother.
Frasier Crane and the cast of Frasier (1993)
Frasier explores the humorous friction between Frasier and his father, Marty, whose relationship, in some ways, mirrors Jay and Manny’s dynamic in Modern Family. Both shows highlight the generational and personality clashes between fathers and sons. The sharp writing and memorable characters in Frasier contributed to its impressive run and numerous Emmy wins. The recent Frasier reboot further extends the legacy of this beloved sitcom, making it a timeless recommendation for fans of modern family related shows that appreciate intelligent humor and complex family relationships, even if they are primarily focused on adults.
16. Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)
Family Next Door (Literally)
The Barone family in Everybody Loves Raymond TV Poster
Everybody Loves Raymond excels at capturing the familiar, often combative, yet loving dynamics within a family, a strength also found in Modern Family. The sitcom centers on Raymond Barone, a family man living across the street from his intrusive parents. This proximity creates constant comedic friction, much like the close-knit, often overlapping, family relationships in Modern Family.
Everybody Loves Raymond hilariously explores the relatable challenges of family closeness, a theme that resonates with the inter-family dynamics in Modern Family. While the children may not be as central to the plot as in Modern Family, the strong ensemble cast and the recognizable conflicts between Raymond and Debra Barone echo the entertaining marital dynamics of Phil and Claire Dunphy. For viewers who appreciate modern family related shows that find humor in everyday family squabbles and relatable marital moments, Everybody Loves Raymond is a classic choice.
15. The Middle (2009-2017)
The Hecks’ Everyday Chaos
The Heck family in The Middle TV show poster
The Middle focuses on the Hecks, a lower-middle-class family in Indiana, navigating the daily struggles and humorous moments of family life. Like Modern Family, The Middle portrays a family with distinct personalities that sometimes clash but ultimately love each other. The show, narrated by Frankie Heck, the mother of three, showcases the relatable chaos of raising a family.
The appeal of both Modern Family and The Middle lies in their portrayal of a normal family with both flaws and charms. The Middle might even resonate more deeply with viewers who find the Pritchett-Dunphy clan’s lifestyle less relatable, as it directly addresses the financial challenges faced by many modern families. For those seeking modern family related shows that depict the everyday realities and humor of a typical family, The Middle offers a heartwarming and authentic portrayal.
14. Friday Night Dinner (2011-2020)
Shabbat Dinner Shenanigans
The Goodman family in Friday Night Dinner
Modern Family often showcases the comedic potential of simple family gatherings, particularly their frequent family dinners. Friday Night Dinner, a British comedy, takes this concept and runs with it, focusing entirely on the weekly Shabbat dinners of the Goodman family. These dinners are consistently disrupted by unexpected guests, family pranks, and various wacky scenarios, all delivered with dry British humor.
Friday Night Dinner shares with modern family related shows like Modern Family the focus on family dynamics and the humor that arises from those relationships. While Friday Night Dinner may lean into a more absurdist and dry comedic style compared to Modern Family‘s warmer tone, both shows find humor in the everyday interactions and often immature behavior of family members.
13. Single Parents (2018-2019)
Single Parenting Support Group
The Single Parents cast in Single Parents Large TV Show Poster
Single Parents debuted in 2018 and offers a contemporary take on family dynamics, much like Modern Family did in its time. The show follows Will, a divorced father in his 30s, who feels consumed by parenting. He finds support and camaraderie with other single parents at his daughter’s school. Single Parents, like Modern Family, subverts traditional sitcom formulas by focusing on a less conventional family structure.
Both Single Parents and Modern Family explore diverse parenting styles and family structures, showcasing the quirks and oddities of each. Single Parents provides a more current perspective on family life, similar to how Modern Family distinguished itself by adopting a mockumentary style and portraying diverse family units. For viewers seeking modern family related shows that reflect contemporary family arrangements, Single Parents offers a humorous and relatable option.
12. The Mick (2017)
Unconventional Guardian, Hilarious Chaos
Mickey in The Mick
Kaitlin Olson, known for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, stars in The Mick, a sitcom that embraces the idea of flawed adults navigating parenthood, a theme also touched upon in Modern Family. In The Mick, Mickey becomes the unexpected guardian of her niece and nephews, who are wealthy and spoiled. The show humorously portrays Mickey’s struggles to raise these privileged children, highlighting her unconventional and often inappropriate parenting methods.
Modern Family refreshingly showed that even experienced parents make mistakes, and The Mick takes this concept to an extreme with a decidedly unsuitable guardian. While edgier than the feel-good tone of Modern Family, The Mick still finds sweetness amidst the chaos, showcasing that even dysfunctional families can have heartwarming moments. For fans of modern family related shows who appreciate a darker, more irreverent comedic style, The Mick offers a unique and hilarious take on family life.
11. One Day At A Time (2017-2020)
Cuban-American Family, Timeless Sitcom
One Day at a Time is a reboot of the 1970s sitcom, reimagined with a Cuban-American family at its center. This Netflix series focuses on Penelope, a Cuban-American army veteran and single mother raising two children. One Day at a Time, like Modern Family, celebrates cultural diversity and showcases how different perspectives enrich family life.
Just as Gloria Pritchett’s Colombian heritage adds a unique dimension to Modern Family, One Day at a Time provides a fresh and hilarious perspective on the American family experience through the lens of a Cuban-American family. While Modern Family embraced the mockumentary style, One Day at a Time charmingly revives the traditional multi-cam sitcom format, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary take on modern family related shows.
This list provides a diverse range of modern family related shows that capture the humor, heart, and relatable dynamics that made Modern Family so beloved. From classic sitcoms to contemporary series, there’s a show on this list for every Modern Family fan looking for their next binge-watch.
