10 Movies & Shows Like The Big Bang Theory (2007)

Description: Friends is a foundational sitcom that, like The Big Bang Theory, revolves around a close-knit group of friends. Both shows use the characters' relationships and personal quirks as the primary source of humor. The ensemble dynamics and comedic timing are key similarities between the two series.

Fact: Friends was originally titled 'Insomnia Cafe' during development. The show's iconic theme song, 'I'll Be There for You', was performed by The Rembrandts. The Central Perk coffee shop set was inspired by a real New York coffeehouse.

Description: Scrubs and The Big Bang Theory both blend humor with heartfelt moments, creating a balance between comedy and drama. Both shows feature a core group of friends who support each other through various life challenges. The humor in Scrubs, like in The Big Bang Theory, often comes from the characters' personalities and interactions.

Fact: Scrubs was created by Bill Lawrence, who also co-created Cougar Town. The show's medical advisor was a real doctor, who ensured the medical scenarios were accurate. The janitor character was originally intended to be a figment of J.D.'s imagination.

Description: The IT Crowd, like The Big Bang Theory, revolves around socially awkward tech experts. Both shows use the contrast between the characters' intellectual prowess and their social ineptitude for comedic effect. The humor is geek-centric, with plenty of references to technology and pop culture.

Fact: The IT Crowd was created by Graham Linehan, who also wrote for Father Ted. The show was initially rejected by Channel 4 but became a cult hit after its first season. The infamous 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a catchphrase.

Description: Parks and Recreation shares The Big Bang Theory's mockumentary style and ensemble cast humor. Both shows feature characters with exaggerated personalities who play off each other for comedic effect. The shows also share a warm, optimistic tone despite the characters' quirks and flaws.

Fact: Parks and Recreation was initially conceived as a spin-off of The Office. The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person, a libertarian woodworker. The show's fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, is known for its absurd town hall meetings.

Description: Community shares The Big Bang Theory's ensemble cast dynamic and sitcom format. Both shows feature a group of friends with distinct personalities, and humor often arises from their interactions. Community also includes a lot of pop culture references, similar to The Big Bang Theory's geek culture nods.

Fact: Community was created by Dan Harmon, who later co-created Rick and Morty. The show is known for its high-concept episodes, like the famous paintball episodes. Donald Glover, who played Troy, left the show to pursue a music career as Childish Gambino.

Description: Modern Family shares The Big Bang Theory's mockumentary style and ensemble cast. Both shows use a mix of character-driven humor and situational comedy. The shows also explore family and friendship dynamics, with a similar blend of humor and heart.

Fact: Modern Family was the first mockumentary-style sitcom to win the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. The character of Cam was inspired by co-creator Christopher Lloyd's real-life partner. The show's pilot episode was shot with a single camera, unlike the multi-camera setup used in The Big Bang Theory.

Description: New Girl, like The Big Bang Theory, centers around a group of friends living together and navigating relationships. Both shows use the characters' quirks and idiosyncrasies as a source of humor. The ensemble dynamics and comedic timing are similar, with a focus on both romantic and platonic relationships.

Fact: New Girl was originally titled 'Chicks and Dicks' during development. Zooey Deschanel's character, Jess, was written specifically for her. The show's theme song, 'Hey Girl', was performed by Zooey Deschanel herself.

Description: Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Big Bang Theory both feature ensemble casts with distinct, quirky personalities. The humor in both shows comes from the characters' interactions and their unique traits. Both series balance workplace dynamics with personal relationships, creating a similar comedic tone.

Fact: Brooklyn Nine-Nine was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur, the latter of whom also worked on The Office and Parks and Recreation. The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, is a classically trained Shakespearean actor.

Description: Silicon Valley shares The Big Bang Theory's focus on highly intelligent, socially awkward characters in a tech-driven environment. Both shows explore the challenges and humor in the lives of geeks and nerds, with a mix of intellectual humor and social satire.

Fact: Silicon Valley was inspired by creator Mike Judge's own experiences in the tech industry. Many of the tech startups and gadgets featured in the show are based on real Silicon Valley companies. The show's theme music was composed by electronic music duo Daft Punk.

Description: Young Sheldon is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory, focusing on Sheldon Cooper's childhood. Both shows share a similar comedic tone, centered around intellectual characters navigating social situations. The humor often stems from Sheldon's lack of social awareness and his genius-level intellect, a theme prevalent in both series.

Fact: Young Sheldon is narrated by Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory. The show is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing a nostalgic backdrop. Unlike The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon is a single-camera comedy without a live audience.