10 Shows and Movies Like The League (2009)

Description: Like 'The League', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' is a comedy that revolves around the awkward and often cringe-worthy interactions of its characters. Both shows feature a semi-improvised style of dialogue, giving them a natural, conversational feel. The humor in both is derived from the characters' social ineptitude and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in.

Fact: The show is largely improvised, with actors given outlines of scenes rather than full scripts. Larry David, the show's creator and star, also co-created 'Seinfeld'. Many episodes are based on real-life experiences of Larry David.

Description: 'Arrested Development' shares with 'The League' a fast-paced, joke-heavy style of comedy. Both shows feature a dysfunctional group of characters who are constantly scheming and betraying each other for personal gain. The humor in both is often layered, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Fact: The show was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings, but was revived by Netflix in 2013 due to its cult following. The character of Tobias Fünke was originally written for David Cross, who was the only actor considered for the role. The show's narrator, Ron Howard, is also one of its executive producers.

Description: Similar to 'The League', 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is a raunchy, irreverent comedy that thrives on the absurdity and selfishness of its characters. Both shows feature a tight-knit group of friends who constantly scheme and backstab each other, often with hilarious consequences. The humor in both shows is unapologetically crude and often pushes boundaries, making them favorites among fans of edgy comedy.

Fact: The show was created by Rob McElhenney, who also stars as Mac, and was initially rejected by several networks before FX picked it up. Danny DeVito joined the cast in season 2, significantly boosting the show's popularity. The gang's bar, Paddy's Pub, is a real bar in Philadelphia called 'The Irish Pub', though exterior shots are of a different location.

Description: Like 'The League', 'Eastbound & Down' is a comedy about a self-absorbed, somewhat delusional protagonist who constantly finds himself in ridiculous situations. Both shows feature a mix of slapstick and dark humor, and both are unafraid to let their characters be unlikable. The humor in both is often outrageous and over-the-top.

Fact: The character of Kenny Powers was inspired by real-life baseball players like John Rocker and Josh Beckett. Danny McBride, who plays Kenny Powers, also co-created the show. The show was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, where McBride attended college.

Description: 'Party Down' and 'The League' both revolve around a group of friends who are stuck in a rut and constantly scheming to improve their lives. Both shows feature a mix of cringe comedy and absurd humor, and both have a strong ensemble cast. The humor in both is often dark and satirical, with a focus on the characters' failures and frustrations.

Fact: The show was created by 'Veronica Mars' creator Rob Thomas. Many of the show's actors, including Adam Scott and Lizzy Caplan, went on to star in other successful shows. The show was canceled after two seasons but has since gained a cult following.

Description: While 'Parks and Recreation' is more wholesome than 'The League', both shows feature a tight-knit group of friends who support (and sometimes sabotage) each other. Both shows use their specific settings (local government and fantasy football, respectively) as a springboard for character-driven comedy. The humor in both is often warm and affectionate, even when the characters are being ridiculous.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office'. The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person, a libertarian woodworker that creator Mike Schur knew. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which is why her character often carries large bags or stands behind desks.

Description: 'Veep' shares with 'The League' a sharp, satirical sense of humor and a focus on the petty rivalries and insecurities of its characters. Both shows feature rapid-fire dialogue and a mix of verbal and physical comedy. The humor in both is often cynical and biting, with a strong emphasis on the absurdity of human behavior.

Fact: The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created the British political satire 'The Thick of It'. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as Selina Meyer. The show's dialogue is largely improvised, with actors given freedom to ad-lib.

Description: 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'The League' both feature ensemble casts with strong comedic chemistry. Both shows balance workplace humor with personal relationships, and both have a fast-paced, joke-heavy style. While 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' is more family-friendly, both shows share a love of running gags and character-driven humor.

Fact: The show was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur, who also worked on 'Parks and Recreation'. Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, is a classically trained Shakespearean actor. The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was picked up by NBC due to fan outcry.

Description: 'Silicon Valley' and 'The League' both revolve around a group of friends navigating a competitive, male-dominated world. Both shows use their specific settings (fantasy football and tech startups, respectively) as backdrops for broader comedic explorations of friendship, rivalry, and ambition. The humor in both is sharp and often satirical.

Fact: Many of the show's tech details are based on real Silicon Valley startups and trends. The character of Erlich Bachman was inspired by real-life tech entrepreneur Sean Parker. The show's creators consulted with real tech entrepreneurs to ensure accuracy.

Description: 'Workaholics' shares with 'The League' a focus on male friendship and the absurd lengths the characters will go to avoid responsibility. Both shows feature a lot of improvisation and a loose, conversational style of comedy. The humor in both is often crude and surreal, with a strong emphasis on camaraderie and competition.

Fact: The show's stars, Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, and Anders Holm, met while working at Comedy Central. Many of the show's storylines are based on the actors' real-life experiences. The show was originally conceived as a web series.