10 Shows Like The Middle (2009)

Description: Like 'The Middle', 'Modern Family' is a sitcom that revolves around the everyday lives of a quirky, relatable family. Both shows use a mockumentary style to highlight the humor in family dynamics, and they share themes of love, support, and the chaos of modern family life.

Fact: 'Modern Family' won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five times in a row. The show was inspired by the creator's own large, blended family. It was one of the first mainstream shows to feature a same-sex couple raising a child.

Description: 'Last Man Standing' and 'The Middle' both center around a middle-class family dealing with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Both shows use humor to explore themes of parenting, marriage, and the generation gap.

Fact: The show was Tim Allen's return to television after 'Home Improvement'. It was originally cancelled by ABC but was revived by Fox due to popular demand. The show often references Allen's previous roles and real-life interests.

Description: Similar to 'The Middle', 'The Kids Are Alright' is a family sitcom set in the 1970s that focuses on a large, working-class family. Both shows use nostalgia and humor to explore the dynamics of family life, with a particular emphasis on the children's perspectives.

Fact: The show is based on the creator's own childhood. It was cancelled after one season due to low ratings. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of the 1970s and its diverse cast.

Description: 'The Goldbergs' shares with 'The Middle' a focus on a middle-class family navigating the ups and downs of life with humor and heart. Both shows are set in suburban America and emphasize the bonds between family members, despite their flaws and eccentricities.

Fact: The show is set in the 1980s and uses real home videos from the creator's childhood. Each episode ends with a clip from these videos. The character of Adam Goldberg is based on the show's creator.

Description: 'Fresh Off the Boat' shares with 'The Middle' a focus on a family navigating life's challenges with humor and resilience. Both shows explore themes of cultural identity and the immigrant experience, albeit from different perspectives, and both emphasize the importance of family.

Fact: The show is based on Eddie Huang's memoir of the same name. It was the first Asian-American family sitcom on network TV in over 20 years. Eddie Huang initially distanced himself from the show, feeling it whitewashed his story.

Description: Like 'The Middle', 'Life in Pieces' is a family sitcom that uses humor to explore the ups and downs of family life. Both shows feature an ensemble cast and use a multi-storyline format to depict the chaos and love within a family.

Fact: The show is structured as four short stories per episode, each focusing on a different family member. The show's title refers to the fragmented storytelling style. It was created by Justin Adler, who previously worked on 'Better Off Ted'.

Description: Like 'The Middle', 'Young Sheldon' is a family sitcom that balances humor with heartfelt moments. Both shows feature a child prodigy (Sheldon in 'Young Sheldon', Sue in 'The Middle') and explore the challenges and joys of raising unique children in a typical family setting.

Fact: 'Young Sheldon' is a prequel to 'The Big Bang Theory'. The show is narrated by Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon in 'The Big Bang Theory'. Iain Armitage, who plays Sheldon, was discovered through his YouTube channel where he reviewed Broadway shows.

Description: 'The Conners' and 'The Middle' both depict working-class families dealing with financial struggles, parenting challenges, and the complexities of family relationships. Both shows use humor to address serious issues, creating a balance between comedy and drama.

Fact: 'The Conners' is a spin-off of 'Roseanne', following the cancellation of the original show. The show addresses Roseanne Barr's absence by explaining that her character died. Despite initial controversy, the show has been praised for its handling of social issues.

Description: Similar to 'The Middle', 'Raising Hope' portrays a working-class family dealing with life's challenges in a humorous and heartfelt way. Both shows feature parents doing their best to raise their kids under less-than-ideal circumstances, with a strong emphasis on family unity.

Fact: The show was created by Greg Garcia, who also created 'My Name Is Earl'. The baby in the show was played by twins. Many of the show's actors had previously worked together on 'My Name Is Earl'.

Description: 'American Housewife' and 'The Middle' both center around a middle-class family in a small town, with a focus on the mother's perspective. Both shows use humor to tackle themes of parenting, societal expectations, and the struggles of maintaining a household.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport'. Katy Mixon, who plays the lead, is also a trained opera singer. The show was criticized for its title and premise, but gained a following for its humor and heart.