10 Shows and Movies Like The Golden Girls (1985)

Description: I Love Lucy and The Golden Girls both feature strong, comedic female leads and their misadventures. Both shows rely on physical comedy and sharp wit, with a focus on friendship and family. The themes of love, marriage, and independence are central to both series.

Fact: I Love Lucy was the first show to feature a pregnant lead character. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz pioneered the three-camera sitcom format. The show is still syndicated worldwide, over 70 years after its debut.

Description: Like The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show centers around a strong, independent woman and her close-knit group of friends. Both shows blend comedy with emotional depth, exploring themes of friendship, career, and personal growth. The ensemble casts in both shows have great chemistry, making the relationships feel authentic and relatable.

Fact: The show was one of the first to feature a single, career-focused woman as the lead. Mary Tyler Moore's character, Mary Richards, became an icon for women in the 1970s. The show spawned several successful spin-offs, including Rhoda and Lou Grant.

Description: Cheers and The Golden Girls both revolve around a close-knit group of characters who form a surrogate family. Both shows balance humor with heartfelt moments, and both have strong ensemble casts. The themes of friendship, love, and life's ups and downs are central to both series.

Fact: Cheers was set in a Boston bar, but was filmed in Los Angeles. The show's theme song, 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name,' became iconic. Cheers spawned the successful spin-off Frasier.

Description: Frasier, like The Golden Girls, is a sophisticated sitcom with sharp writing and a focus on relationships. Both shows feature ensemble casts with great chemistry, and both blend humor with emotional depth. The themes of family, love, and personal growth are central to both series.

Fact: Frasier is a spin-off of Cheers. The show holds the record for the most Emmy wins by a comedy series (37). Kelsey Grammer played Frasier Crane for 20 years, a record for a live-action TV character.

Description: The Nanny and The Golden Girls both feature strong, witty female leads who bring humor and heart to their stories. Both shows rely on sharp dialogue and comedic timing, with a mix of slapstick and situational humor. The themes of family, love, and friendship are central to both series.

Fact: Fran Drescher's distinctive voice and laugh became iconic. The show was inspired by Drescher's own life experiences. The Nanny was a hit internationally, especially in Russia and the Middle East.

Description: Will & Grace shares The Golden Girls' focus on friendship and humor, with a group of close-knit friends navigating life together. Both shows broke ground in their representation of marginalized groups—The Golden Girls with older women, and Will & Grace with LGBTQ+ characters. The witty banter and heartfelt moments are hallmarks of both series.

Fact: Will & Grace was one of the first mainstream shows to feature gay main characters. The show was revived in 2017 after an 11-year hiatus. It won multiple Emmy Awards during its original run.

Description: The Dick Van Dyke Show shares The Golden Girls' blend of sophisticated humor and heartfelt moments. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and sharp writing, with a focus on relationships and everyday life. The themes of love, friendship, and career are central to both series.

Fact: The show was created by Carl Reiner, who also played Alan Brady. Mary Tyler Moore's role as Laura Petrie launched her career. The show won 15 Emmy Awards during its five-season run.

Description: The Carol Burnett Show shares The Golden Girls' emphasis on comedy and strong female leads. Both shows feature a mix of sketch comedy and sitcom elements, with a focus on humor and heart. The ensemble casts in both shows have great chemistry, making the comedy feel authentic and engaging.

Fact: The show was one of the first variety shows to be hosted by a woman. Carol Burnett's ear tug at the end of each show was a tribute to her grandmother. The show won 25 Emmy Awards during its run.

Description: Maude is similar to The Golden Girls in that both shows feature strong, independent female leads who navigate life with humor and wit. Both shows tackle social issues of their time, with Maude focusing on feminism and politics, while The Golden Girls addresses aging, friendship, and family. Both are sitcoms with a mix of comedy and heartfelt moments.

Fact: Maude is a spin-off of All in the Family. Bea Arthur, who played Maude, later starred as Dorothy in The Golden Girls. The show was groundbreaking for its time, addressing controversial topics like abortion and women's rights.

Description: One Day at a Time shares similarities with The Golden Girls in its focus on strong female characters and their everyday struggles. Both shows mix humor with serious topics, such as family dynamics, relationships, and financial independence. The ensemble casts in both shows create a sense of family and support, much like the friendships in The Golden Girls.

Fact: The show was based on the life of its creator, Norman Lear. It was one of the first sitcoms to feature a divorced mother as the main character. The show was rebooted in 2017 with a Latino family, gaining critical acclaim.