10 Movies and Shows Similar to Ted (2024)

Description: The Simpsons, like Ted (2024), uses its family-centric premise to deliver humor that's both broad and deeply satirical. Both have a talking, often inappropriate character (Bart, Ted) who serves as a source of both comedy and commentary on American life.

Fact: The Simpsons is the longest-running American scripted primetime television series. The show has predicted numerous real-world events, including the presidency of Donald Trump. The character of Homer was originally intended to be the main focus, but Bart became an early breakout star.

Description: South Park and Ted (2024) both push boundaries with their humor, tackling taboo subjects with a mix of satire and shock value. Both use their characters to comment on contemporary issues, often in a way that's both offensive and insightful.

Fact: South Park episodes are famously produced in just six days, allowing for incredibly timely satire. The show's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, met in college and have collaborated on numerous projects beyond South Park. The character Kenny was originally killed off in every episode as a running gag.

Description: Futurama and Ted (2024) both balance humor with heart, often using their sci-fi settings to explore human emotions and relationships. Both feature a lovable, if flawed, protagonist (Fry, Ted) who navigates a world that's often absurd but strangely relatable.

Fact: Futurama was created by Matt Groening, the same mind behind The Simpsons. The show was canceled twice but brought back due to strong DVD sales and fan demand. Futurama's writers include several PhD holders, leading to scientifically accurate jokes that still remain funny.

Description: Family Guy is similar to Ted (2024) in its irreverent humor, satirical take on American culture, and the dynamic between a talking, often crude, non-human character (Brian the dog) and his human family. Both use pop culture references and absurd situations to drive their comedy.

Fact: Family Guy was canceled twice before becoming a staple of Fox's animation lineup. The show's creator, Seth MacFarlane, voices multiple characters including Peter, Stewie, and Brian. The infamous 'Road to...' episodes are fan favorites and often considered some of the best in the series.

Description: American Dad! shares Ted's (2024) blend of family dynamics with absurd, often politically charged humor. The show features a talking, sarcastic alien (Roger) who, like Ted, is a non-human character with a penchant for causing trouble and delivering sharp one-liners.

Fact: American Dad! was originally conceived as a more politically focused show, hence the inclusion of Stan Smith, a staunch conservative CIA agent. Roger the alien has over 200 personas, each with unique backstories and wardrobes. The show moved from Fox to TBS in 2014, where it continues to air new episodes.

Description: The Cleveland Show, a spin-off of Family Guy, shares Ted's (2024) focus on unconventional family structures and its use of humor derived from everyday situations turned absurd. Both feature a lovable, if somewhat clueless, protagonist navigating life with a quirky supporting cast.

Fact: The Cleveland Show was created as a vehicle for the Family Guy character Cleveland Brown. It features a unique blend of urban and suburban humor, setting it apart from its predecessor. The show was canceled after four seasons but remains a cult favorite.

Description: Archer and Ted (2024) both feature fast-paced, reference-heavy humor and a protagonist who's lovable despite (or because of) his many flaws. Both shows use their settings (spy agency, living teddy bear) as a backdrop for character-driven comedy.

Fact: Archer was originally titled 'Duchess' and was conceived as a more straightforward spy parody. The show's unique animation style is inspired by mid-century modern design. Archer has experimented with different genres over its run, including noir and space opera.

Description: Bob's Burgers shares Ted's (2024) focus on a tight-knit, if somewhat dysfunctional, family unit. Both use their characters' quirks to drive humor that's often heartwarming, even when it's crude or absurd.

Fact: Bob's Burgers was originally conceived as a show about a family of cannibals who ran a burger joint. The voice cast often improvises lines, leading to a more natural, conversational tone. The show has spawned a successful movie and a soundtrack album featuring original songs from the series.

Description: Rick and Morty shares Ted's (2024) blend of crude humor with deeper, sometimes existential themes. Both feature a dysfunctional duo (Rick and Morty, Ted and John) whose adventures often serve as a vehicle for both comedy and commentary on human nature.

Fact: Rick and Morty was inspired by a parody of Back to the Future created by Justin Roiland. The show's fanbase is notoriously passionate, leading to incidents like the Szechuan sauce craze. The series has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.

Description: Solar Opposites, like Ted (2024), features an odd-couple dynamic (the aliens Korvo and Terry) and uses its sci-fi premise to explore themes of belonging and identity. Both shows blend crude humor with moments of genuine emotion.

Fact: Solar Opposites was created by Justin Roiland, one of the co-creators of Rick and Morty. The show features a subplot about shrunken humans living in a wall, which has become a fan favorite. The voice cast includes Silicon Valley's Thomas Middleditch and The Good Place's Mary Mack.