10 Movies & Shows Similar to Taxi (1978)

Description: All in the Family, like Taxi, is a groundbreaking sitcom that blends comedy with serious social issues. Both shows feature flawed but lovable characters and are set in working-class environments. The shows' willingness to tackle controversial topics is a key similarity.

Fact: All in the Family was based on the British sitcom Till Death Us Do Part. The show was the first to address issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia. Carroll O'Connor's portrayal of Archie Bunker is considered one of the greatest in TV history.

Description: M*A*S*H shares with Taxi a blend of comedy and drama, with a focus on the lives of its ensemble cast. Both shows are set in high-pressure environments (a war zone and a taxi garage, respectively) and use humor to cope with stress and adversity.

Fact: M*A*S*H was based on the 1970 film of the same name. The show's finale is still the most-watched television episode in U.S. history. The show was praised for its anti-war message.

Description: Like Taxi, Barney Miller is a workplace comedy set in a New York City police precinct. Both shows feature an ensemble cast of quirky characters and blend humor with more serious, sometimes dark, themes. The show's focus on the daily lives of its characters and its mix of comedy and drama are reminiscent of Taxi's storytelling style.

Fact: Barney Miller was one of the first TV shows to feature a predominantly minority cast in a non-stereotypical way. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work, despite being a comedy. Many of the show's episodes were written by former police officers.

Description: Alice, like Taxi, is a workplace comedy set in a diner, focusing on the lives of its working-class characters. Both shows blend humor with moments of drama and feature strong female characters.

Fact: Alice was based on the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. The show's catchphrase, 'Kiss my grits,' became popular. Linda Lavin, who played Alice, won a Golden Globe for her performance.

Description: Cheers, like Taxi, is a character-driven sitcom set in a working-class environment (a bar instead of a taxi garage). Both shows feature an ensemble cast of quirky, lovable characters and blend humor with more serious moments.

Fact: Cheers was initially a ratings flop but became one of the most popular shows of the 1980s. The show launched the careers of Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson. The bar set was so detailed that it included real beer taps that worked.

Description: Night Court shares with Taxi a focus on the lives of working-class characters in a New York City setting. Both shows feature an ensemble cast and blend humor with more serious themes. The shows' quirky characters and offbeat humor are also similar.

Fact: Night Court was created by Reinhold Weege, who also worked on Barney Miller. The show was known for its fast-paced, joke-heavy scripts. Harry Anderson, who played Judge Harry Stone, was a real-life magician.

Description: Sanford and Son, like Taxi, is a sitcom that blends humor with social commentary. Both shows feature working-class characters and are set in urban environments. The show's use of humor to address serious issues is similar to Taxi's approach.

Fact: Sanford and Son was based on the British sitcom Steptoe and Son. Redd Foxx, who played Fred Sanford, was a well-known stand-up comedian before the show. The show was one of the first to feature a predominantly African-American cast.

Description: The Jeffersons shares with Taxi a focus on characters striving for a better life, set against the backdrop of New York City. Both shows use humor to explore social and personal issues, and both feature strong ensemble casts.

Fact: The Jeffersons was a spin-off of All in the Family. The show was one of the first to feature an interracial couple. The theme song, 'Movin' On Up,' became iconic.

Description: One Day at a Time shares with Taxi a focus on the struggles of working-class characters, with a mix of comedy and drama. Both shows address serious issues like single parenthood and financial struggles, while maintaining a humorous tone.

Fact: One Day at a Time was one of the first shows to feature a divorced woman as the main character. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of single motherhood. The theme song, 'This Is It,' was performed by Polly Cutter.

Description: Welcome Back, Kotter shares with Taxi a focus on working-class characters and a mix of humor and heart. Both shows are set in New York City and feature ensemble casts with distinct, memorable personalities. The show's portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of its characters is similar to the emotional tone of Taxi.

Fact: Welcome Back, Kotter launched the career of John Travolta, who played Vinnie Barbarino. The show was based on the real-life experiences of its creator, Gabe Kaplan, who was a high school teacher. The theme song, performed by John Sebastian, became a hit single.