If you enjoyed the heartfelt humor and emotional depth of 'Only When I Laugh' (1979), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that blend comedy and drama, offering relatable characters and touching moments. Whether you're a fan of witty dialogue or poignant storytelling, these picks will keep you entertained.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)
Description: A workplace comedy about a single woman working in a newsroom, focusing on her professional and personal life with a mix of humor and drama.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of an independent, career-focused woman. It was one of the first sitcoms to feature a never-married female lead.


All in the Family (1971)
Description: A sitcom that tackled social issues through the lens of a working-class family, blending humor with serious themes.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its frank discussion of controversial topics. It was one of the first sitcoms to use a live audience.


M*A*S*H (1972)
Description: A dark comedy set in a military hospital, blending humor with serious themes, much like the balance of comedy and drama in medical settings.
Fact: The show was initially intended to be a comedy but evolved to include more dramatic elements as it progressed. It was one of the first TV shows to use a laugh track selectively, omitting it during operating room scenes.


Barney Miller (1975)
Description: A workplace comedy that focuses on the daily lives of police officers in a precinct, similar to the ensemble cast dynamics and humor found in medical settings.
Fact: The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its diverse cast. It was one of the first sitcoms to address social issues like racism and homosexuality.


Cheers (1982)
Description: A sitcom centered around a bar where the staff and regulars form a close-knit community, similar to the ensemble dynamics and humor in workplace comedies.
Fact: The show was initially a ratings flop but gained popularity through syndication. It was set in Boston but filmed in Los Angeles.


The Golden Girls (1985)
Description: A sitcom about four older women living together, combining humor with themes of friendship and aging, much like the ensemble dynamics in other workplace comedies.
Fact: The show was one of the first to focus on the lives of older women and was a critical and commercial success. It won multiple Emmy Awards.


The Bob Newhart Show (1972)
Description: A sitcom about a psychologist and his interactions with patients and colleagues, blending humor with relatable human experiences.
Fact: The show was known for its dry humor and realistic portrayal of therapy sessions. It was one of the first sitcoms to feature a main character who was a mental health professional.


Maude (1972)
Description: A sitcom about a strong-willed woman navigating life and relationships, combining humor with social commentary.
Fact: The show was a spin-off of 'All in the Family' and was known for its progressive themes. It was one of the first sitcoms to address issues like women's rights and abortion.


One Day at a Time (1975)
Description: A sitcom about a single mother raising two daughters, blending humor with relatable family dynamics.
Fact: The show was one of the first to focus on a single-parent household. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of family life and social issues.


Taxi (1978)
Description: An ensemble comedy about a group of taxi drivers with diverse personalities, mirroring the camaraderie and humor found in workplace settings.
Fact: The show was known for its quirky characters and won multiple Emmy Awards. It launched the careers of several actors, including Danny DeVito and Christopher Lloyd.
