The misadventures of a gang of 20-30-year-old friends in New York City in the show Friends made us laugh and cry for the better part of a decade. Who would know, a bunch of characters with their idiosyncracies would keep us glued to our television sets for so long. The story of Joey, Monica, Rachel, Ross, and Phoebe has made us fall in love with it, and hence it has also become a big part of our lives.
The NBC sitcom was on the air from 1994 to 2004, and had 236 episodes. It had everything going for it, right from funny dialogues to relatable incidents, which makes it relatable even today. Although we love to see its reruns on the TV, we would love to see more shows on Friends lines. After all, we cannot have enough of one show! So, here are a few shows that pack in the humor and life lessons in generous doses. Let’s get this straight we do need humor in our lives in abundance, so here’s how you can add that with these shows.
How I Met Your Mother
Ted Moseby narrates this story to his kids on how he met their mother. It sounds common. Now, where have you heard that story before? But the story is inundated with hilarious shenanigans by the inclusion of his friends right from Barney, Lily, Robin, and Marshall.
How is it similar to Friends? Well, it’s very relatable, and it is what you can call a feel-good sitcom. Another show that enjoyed a long run, right from 2005 to 2014. However, the show’s impact lingers on. Find a streaming platform and binge-watch, and watch yourself crying, oh only tears of laughter, we assure you.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is another comedy-drama that packs in the punchlines with an intensity. Following the immature detective Jake Peralta’s journey and his motley group of colleagues as they lend their brawn and brain to the might of NYPD’s 99th precinct. Humor with crimes is an irresistible combination, and no wonder the show is a huge success.
So, what is common between the two shows? Well, apart from the fact that the two shows occur in different places, everything else! Imagine if Joey, Monica, and the rest of the squad lives and works at the 99th precinct. Well, you get the drift. The show gives you a glimpse into the humane side of the detectives.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is another show that keeps us invested in, with its humor and fun. We follow the friendship curve of the socially awkward buddies, Leonard, Raj, Sheldon, and Howard. Penny barges into the lives of Leonard and Sheldon and turns their orderly lives upside down.
The similarity between Friends The Big Bang Theory lies in the fact that they shot before a live audience. It’s a modern-day tale replete with love, friendship, and romance, albeit bordering in the awkward zone.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek is all about the filthy-rich Rose family who suddenly goes from riches to rags. And she has to move into a rundown motel in a town, Schitt’s Creek, which they had purchased as a joke. The show includes everything, drama, humor, and glimpses of life as we know it. The show’s success lies in the fact that it swept away all top prizes in the category of comedy in the 72nd edition of the Primetime Emmy Awards. If you haven’t watched it already, time to give it a go.
Will & Grace
This is yet another heart-warming slice of life show. After Grace’s divorce, her buddy Will moves in, and they become what you can call permanent roommates. The protagonists are gay, which separates them from the other shows that you see on the telly.
It is a top-rated show and has enjoyed a long run thanks to its theme of love, friendship, and lots of drama. It is smart, relevant, energetic, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. The show teaches us how to deal with serious issues with humor. Ah, won’t we love to follow this rule in our lives too? Kill the sadness with joy!
These are a few of our favorite shows that we love to watch when we get bored watching Friends the hundredth time! Just kidding, these shows are more than just also-rans. Give it a go and let us know which one is your favorite?