10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Seinfeld (1989)

Description: The Larry Sanders Show, like Seinfeld, is a groundbreaking sitcom that influenced many shows that followed. Both shows feature a mix of comedy and cringe-worthy moments, with Larry Sanders focusing on the behind-the-scenes chaos of a late-night talk show. The show's improvisational style and focus on the egos of its characters are reminiscent of Seinfeld.

Fact: The show was one of the first to use a single-camera setup without a laugh track. Many episodes feature real celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Garry Shandling based the character of Larry Sanders on his own experiences hosting The Tonight Show.

Description: Curb Your Enthusiasm is similar to Seinfeld because it was created by Larry David, the co-creator of Seinfeld. The show follows a fictionalized version of Larry David as he navigates everyday life with a similar observational humor style. Both shows are known for their 'show about nothing' premise, focusing on the minutiae of daily life and social faux pas.

Fact: The show is largely improvised, with only a basic outline for each episode. Many Seinfeld alumni have made guest appearances, including Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The iconic theme music was composed by Luciano Michelini for a 1968 Italian film.

Description: Arrested Development shares Seinfeld's clever writing and intricate plotlines, with each episode featuring multiple storylines that often intersect in unexpected ways. The show's humor is similarly rooted in the characters' flaws and their inability to learn from their mistakes, much like the characters in Seinfeld.

Fact: The show was almost canceled after its first season but was saved by fan campaigns. Many of the show's running gags were improvised by the cast. The Bluth family's banana stand is based on a real frozen banana stand in Newport Beach, California.

Description: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia shares Seinfeld's dark humor and focus on self-absorbed characters who often find themselves in absurd situations. Like Seinfeld, the show explores the pettiness and selfishness of its main characters, with each episode typically revolving around a simple premise that spirals out of control.

Fact: The show was originally rejected by FX but was picked up after Danny DeVito joined the cast. The creators (Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day) initially funded the pilot themselves. The gang's bar, Paddy's Pub, is based on a real Philadelphia bar called McGillin's Olde Ale House.

Description: 30 Rock, like Seinfeld, is a fast-paced, joke-heavy sitcom that often breaks the fourth wall. Both shows feature a mix of absurdity and realism, with 30 Rock focusing on the behind-the-scenes chaos of a sketch comedy show. The show's quick wit and self-referential humor are reminiscent of Seinfeld's style.

Fact: Tina Fey based the character of Liz Lemon on herself. The show's title refers to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where Saturday Night Live is filmed. Many of the show's storylines are inspired by real events from Fey's time at SNL.

Description: Parks and Recreation shares Seinfeld's ensemble cast and focus on quirky characters, though it has a more optimistic tone. Both shows excel at creating memorable, eccentric characters and finding humor in mundane situations. The mockumentary style of Parks and Rec allows for similar observational humor as Seinfeld.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of The Office. Chris Pratt was cast as Andy Dwyer after impressing the creators with his audition. The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person, a libertarian metalworker from Indiana.

Description: Community shares Seinfeld's meta-humor and self-referential style, often breaking the fourth wall and playing with sitcom conventions. Both shows feature a tight-knit group of friends navigating absurd situations, with Community's focus on pop culture and genre parody adding an extra layer of humor. The show's ensemble cast and episodic structure are also reminiscent of Seinfeld.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Chevy Chase's return to television. Many of the show's episodes are homages to specific films or genres, such as the famous 'paintball' episodes. The character of Abed was inspired by creator Dan Harmon's own experiences with Asperger's syndrome.

Description: Louie, like Seinfeld, is a semi-autobiographical show that blends stand-up comedy with fictionalized versions of the creator's life. Both shows explore the awkwardness and absurdity of everyday life, though Louie often delves into darker, more introspective territory. The show's minimalist style and focus on the mundane are reminiscent of Seinfeld.

Fact: Louis C.K. wrote, directed, edited, and starred in every episode. The show was initially rejected by FX but was greenlit after C.K. submitted a self-funded pilot. Many of the show's storylines are based on C.K.'s real-life experiences.

Description: Veep shares Seinfeld's fast-paced, dialogue-driven humor and focus on the pettiness of its characters. Both shows feature a mix of verbal wit and physical comedy, with Veep's political setting providing a similar backdrop for social satire as Seinfeld's New York City. The show's ensemble cast and overlapping storylines are also reminiscent of Seinfeld.

Fact: The show was originally set to focus on the U.S. presidency but was changed to the vice presidency. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer. Many of the show's insults were improvised by the cast.

Description: Silicon Valley, like Seinfeld, is a show about a group of misfits navigating a specific subculture (tech startups vs. New York City). Both shows feature a mix of clever wordplay and physical comedy, with Silicon Valley's focus on the absurdity of the tech world mirroring Seinfeld's take on urban life. The show's ensemble cast and episodic structure are also similar to Seinfeld.

Fact: The show's creator, Mike Judge, based many of the characters on real tech industry figures. The show's theme music was composed by electronic music duo Daft Punk. Many of the show's tech terms and concepts are real, though often exaggerated for comedic effect.