10 Shows Like The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)

Description: This workplace ensemble comedy shares 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show's focus on character dynamics and professional challenges. Both shows blend humor with social commentary, though 'Barney Miller' leans more toward the procedural aspect with its police station setting.

Fact: The show was known for its realistic portrayal of police work. Most episodes took place entirely in the squad room. Abe Vigoda's character Fish was spun off into his own show.

Description: Like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', 'Cheers' is an ensemble workplace comedy with deeply developed characters. Both shows balance humor with emotional depth, creating a 'found family' dynamic among coworkers. The sophisticated writing and character evolution over seasons are similar strengths.

Fact: The show's famous theme song 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name' was written by Gary Portnoy. The pilot episode was the lowest-rated of the season. The bar's design was based on a real Boston pub called the Bull & Finch.

Description: This show shares 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show's emphasis on independent women supporting each other through life's challenges. Both feature sharp, character-driven humor and explore themes of friendship, career, and personal growth, though 'The Golden Girls' focuses on older women.

Fact: All four lead actresses won Emmys for their roles. The show was originally pitched as 'Miami Nice', a play on 'Miami Vice'. It was the first sitcom to feature an all-female cast over

Description: As the direct predecessor to 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', this shares its sophisticated humor, workplace/home life balance, and strong female characters (with Moore playing Laura Petrie). Both shows were groundbreaking in their realistic portrayal of modern relationships and careers.

Fact: Carl Reiner created the show based on his own experiences as a TV writer. Mary Tyler Moore's capri pants became a fashion sensation. The show was one of the first to use a live studio audience.

Description: This was one of the first sitcoms to focus on a single, independent woman pursuing a career, paving the way for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. Both feature optimistic female leads navigating work and relationships in the city, though 'That Girl' is more focused on romantic plots.

Fact: Marlo Thomas turned down 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' to continue 'That Girl'. The show was originally conceived as 'Miss Independence'. Thomas's father Danny Thomas produced the show.

Description: Like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', 'The Bob Newhart Show' is a workplace sitcom that blends humor with relatable, character-driven stories. Both shows feature strong, independent protagonists navigating professional and personal challenges in a supportive ensemble cast. The witty, sophisticated writing style is another key similarity.

Fact: The show was created by David Davis and Lorenzo Music, who also worked on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. Bob Newhart's deadpan delivery became a signature of the show. The psychiatrist's office setting was inspired by Newhart's stand-up routines.

Description: As a spin-off of 'All in the Family', 'Maude' shares with 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' a focus on a strong, independent female lead tackling social issues with humor. Both shows were groundbreaking in their portrayal of modern women in the 1970s, though Maude's approach was more politically outspoken while Mary's was more subtle.

Fact: Bea Arthur's Maude was originally a one-time character on 'All in the Family'. The show famously tackled abortion in a two-part episode in 197Maude's theme song 'And Then There's Maude' was composed by Dave Grusin.

Description: While more episodic in nature, 'The Love Boat' shares 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show's blend of comedy and romance, with an ensemble cast interacting in professional settings. Both shows were known for their guest stars and lighthearted approach to relationships.

Fact: The show was based on a nonfiction book about cruise ship doctors. It featured over 1,500 guest stars during its run. The Pacific Princess ship became a tourist attraction because of the show.

Description: This ensemble workplace comedy shares 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show's blend of humor and pathos, focusing on characters with dreams beyond their current jobs. Both shows feature strong writing that develops characters over time and explores their personal lives alongside work situations.

Fact: The show launched the careers of Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, and Andy Kaufman. The garage exterior was filmed in New York but the show was produced in LA. It won three consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: As a spin-off from 'Soap', 'Benson' shares with 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' a focus on a competent professional navigating workplace politics with humor. Both shows feature strong supporting casts and mix comedy with moments of genuine emotion.

Fact: Robert Guillaume won two Emmys for the role. The character was originally written as a butler but evolved into a government official. It was one of the first shows to feature an African-American in a lead role.