Twenty years after the iconic finale of Friends, the beloved sitcom remains a pop culture phenomenon. The series, which earned 67 Primetime Emmy nominations and secured six wins, centered around the lives of six friends navigating love, career, and friendship in New York City. With its sharp humor, memorable one-liners, and relatable characters, Friends continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
While fans may never tire of Chandler’s sarcasm or Phoebe’s eccentric quirks, there comes a time when you might crave something new to binge. Fortunately, there are other fantastic shows that share the same heart, humor, and camaraderie. If you’re a Friends fan, here are 10 TV shows that you should check out!
1. The Big Bang Theory
A natural choice for Friends lovers, The Big Bang Theory is a comedy that also focuses on a close-knit group of friends. Created by Chuck Lorre, the series revolves around socially awkward scientists Leonard and Sheldon, who are brilliant in their fields but struggle with everyday life and relationships. Like Friends, the humor is character-driven, and over the seasons, you’ll watch the characters grow together in both friendship and romance.
2. How I Met Your Mother
Another must-watch for Friends fans, How I Met Your Mother follows a similar premise of a group of friends navigating life in New York City. The series is told from the perspective of Ted Mosby, who recounts to his children the story of how he met their mother. With quirky humor, memorable catchphrases, and iconic moments, this show often feels like a spiritual successor to Friends.
3. Parks and Recreation
If you love the ensemble comedy aspect of Friends, then Parks and Recreation should be on your list. The show takes place in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, and focuses on the lovable but often clueless employees of the Parks Department. Led by the optimistic Leslie Knope, the series is packed with heartwarming friendships, quirky humor, and hilarious workplace antics.
4. Modern Family
ABC’s Modern Family delivers laughs and heart in equal measure, much like Friends. The show follows three branches of the Pritchett family as they navigate everyday life, love, and the chaos that comes with parenting. With its sharp writing, memorable characters, and relatable family dynamics, Modern Family offers the perfect blend of humor and emotion for Friends fans.
5. New Girl
New Girl is a fantastic recommendation for those who enjoyed the loft-style living and quirky friendships in Friends. The series revolves around Jess, an eccentric schoolteacher who moves in with three single guys after a rough breakup. Like Friends, New Girl balances humor with deeper emotional moments, creating a bond among the characters that viewers will love.
6. Scrubs
Scrubs is another comedy-drama that might appeal to Friends fans. The show takes place in Sacred Heart Hospital and follows the life of J.D., a medical intern, as he navigates the ups and downs of his personal and professional life. While Scrubs delves into more serious themes, its humor, character relationships, and heartfelt moments make it a great follow-up for Friends enthusiasts.
7. Cougar Town
Created by Bill Lawrence, Cougar Town stars Friends alum Courteney Cox as Jules, a recently divorced woman in her 40s navigating the dating scene and maintaining close relationships with her eccentric group of friends. The show shares a similar vibe to Friends, mixing witty dialogue, emotional moments, and tight-knit friendships.
8. That ’70s Show
If you love nostalgic humor and coming-of-age stories, That ’70s Show is a great choice. Set in the 1970s, the series follows a group of teenage friends as they experience the ups and downs of growing up in a small Wisconsin town. The ensemble cast and strong focus on friendships make it a perfect option for Friends fans.
9.
Often compared to Friends, Happy Endings revolves around a tight-knit group of friends living in Chicago. The series is packed with witty banter, fast-paced jokes, and character-driven humor, all while focusing on the ups and downs of modern relationships. Although the show was short-lived, it has gained a cult following for its humor and charm.
10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
If you’re in the mood for a workplace comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a must-watch. The series follows the detectives of the 99th precinct of the NYPD, blending hilarious humor with heartwarming friendships. While it’s more focused on the workplace than Friends, the dynamic between the characters is reminiscent of the close bonds seen in the iconic sitcom.
Final Thoughts
Friends set the bar high for ensemble sitcoms, but there are plenty of other shows that offer a similar mix of humor, heart, and friendship. From the scientific hijinks of The Big Bang Theory to the family chaos of Modern Family, these shows are perfect for anyone looking to relive the magic of a great ensemble comedy. So, grab some snacks and get ready to binge-watch your new favorite series!
