Top 10 Modern Sitcoms Comparable to Seinfeld

While Seinfeld continues to hold a special place in the hearts of sitcom fans, an array of exceptional shows have emerged in the past decade that deserve equally commendable recognition. Although viewers possess distinct preferences—some might lean towards gripping dramas, while others might favor sci-fi or fantasy—most audiences share a fondness for humorous sitcoms. They offer a unique refuge, embodying comfort and laughter in ways few other genres can deliver.

The charm of sitcoms lies in their ability to blend everyday scenarios with the absurd, creating laughter from relatable situations. Although “Seinfeld”wasn’t the first sitcom to grace television, its influence fundamentally reshaped the genre, paving the way for innovative approaches in storytelling and character development.

10 Extraordinary

A standout example of contemporary sitcoms is Extraordinary, a show that centers on a group of individuals navigating daily life, but with a quirky twist: nearly everyone possesses superpowers. In an era where superhero narratives dominate, this sitcom brings humor and relatability to fantastical abilities, creating comedic situations that range from the ridiculous to the downright hilarious.

Instead of the dark realism of shows like The Boys, Extraordinary revels in silliness, featuring characters with powers that are as unconventional as turning into a cat or 3D printing objects. This fresh perspective propels it to be one of the most amusing sitcoms of the 2020s, thanks to its exceptional casting and writing.

9 Schitt’s Creek

Moira (Catherine O'Hara) grins while holding a glass of wine in a vineyard in Schitt's Creek

Another brilliant sitcom is Schitt’s Creek, which deviates from the typical ensemble cast to focus on the Rose family, a wealthy unit who lose everything and find themselves in a town they once bought as a joke. The transformation from riches to rags presents a fertile ground for humor, exploring themes of adaptation and resilience.

The show skillfully intertwines family dynamics with comedy, earning nine Primetime Emmys over its run, comparable to Seinfeld despite having significantly fewer episodes. With a remarkable cast including Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, the series flourishes both in humor and heart.

8 What We Do In The Shadows

Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) brushing Nandor's (Kayvan Novak) hair in What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Ep 11 — Image via Hulu

What We Do In The Shadows presents a fresh twist with its mockumentary style, showcasing the daily lives of vampires. Inspired by the 2014 film of the same name, this series has captivated audiences across six seasons, amassing 29 Primetime Emmy nominations.

The clever writing and absurd situations, coupled with delightful interactions among the vampire characters, deliver constant laughter and entertainment. Standout performances, particularly by Matt Berry, contribute to the show’s charm, making it a must-watch for genre lovers.

7 Young Sheldon

Iain Armitage as Sheldon in Young Sheldon season 2 episode 9

Young Sheldon serves as an exceptional case of a spin-off that succeeds on its own merits. This prequel to The Big Bang Theory showcases a young Sheldon Cooper, played brilliantly by Iain Armitage. By shifting focus to Sheldon’s family dynamics, it successfully carves a niche distinct from its predecessor.

The series, which offers a heartfelt blend of comedy and growth, spans seven seasons and has inspired yet another spin-off following Sheldon’s older brother. However, the question remains whether this next venture can capture the same magic as its predecessors.

6 Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Jake sitting behind Amy in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine reinvents the genre by embedding comedy within a police procedural framework, spotlighting a quirky team at the NYPD’s Ninety-Ninth Precinct. Centered around the antics of Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg, the series blends humor with crime-solving, creating an engaging dynamic.

Mirroring the appeal of Seinfeld, Peralta captures attention as the lead, yet the ensemble cast, featuring diverse characters and hilarious subplots, collectively keeps the momentum lively, resulting in a delightful combination of comedy with intriguing crime narratives.

5 Modern Family

Modern Family adeptly explores the complexity of contemporary familial structures, making the show highly relatable to today’s audience. Through the lens of Jay Pritchett, who navigates life with a younger wife and her children, it illustrates the challenges and triumphs of blended families.

Spanning 11 seasons, the series adeptly portrays the growth of its characters as they tackle relatable issues—relationships, parenting, and identity—in a manner that is both comedic and poignant. Viewers are invited to invest emotionally in the lives of these diverse family units.

4 How I Met Your Mother

The How I Met Your Mother characters listen to Marshall's dad's voicemail

Despite being one of the earlier entries on this list, How I Met Your Mother carries forward the classic sitcom tradition reminiscent of the 1990s. Centered around a group of friends tackling life in New York City, the show reflects the humor and awkwardness of dating, careers, and friendships.

Its unique storytelling format revolves around Ted Mosby’s journey to find love, blending nostalgia with comedy over nine seasons. The show’s inventive narrative structure allows for thrilling twists and turns, making it one of the standout comedies of the era.

3 The Office

Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office pilot — NBC

As a titan of the sitcom genre, The Office brought a new flavor to humor with its documentary style, depicting the daily dramas of an average paper company. The brilliant performance by Steve Carell as Michael Scott highlights the show’s unique charm and the comedic failure of a well-meaning boss.

The character depth, combined with innovative writing, creates relatable and entertaining moments that resonate with viewers. The ensemble cast’s dynamic brings the mundane to life in a wonderfully comical way, solidifying the show’s position as a hallmark of 21st-century television.

2 Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary, a recent addition to the sitcom landscape, echoes the comedic brilliance of The Office, setting its scene within an underfunded public school. Premiering in 2021, it quickly captured the hearts of audiences, earning four Primetime Emmys in its short run.

Following dedicated teachers navigating the challenges of a struggling system, the show weaves in humor that highlights resilience and camaraderie, making it relatable for educators and viewers alike. Its commendable storytelling and heartfelt moments make it a noteworthy contender in modern sitcoms.

1 Ted Lasso

Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso smiling and pointing at something off-screen in Ted Lasso.

Finally, Ted Lasso transports viewers to an entertaining realm with its heartwarming blend of comedy and sports. This Apple TV+ original features Jason Sudeikis as the eternal optimist who finds himself coaching a struggling English football team.

The show skillfully explores cultural clashes, teamwork, and personal growth, making it compelling for all viewers, regardless of their sports knowledge. Combining humor with touching moments, Ted Lasso remains a highlight of contemporary television, standing tall alongside enduring classics like Seinfeld in quality, wit, and appeal.

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