10 Movies and Shows Like The New 3 Stooges (1965)

Description: Lucille Ball's groundbreaking sitcom shares the Stooges' DNA of physical comedy and absurd situations. Episodes like the chocolate factory or Vitameatavegamin sketch showcase the same commitment to slapstick that defined the Stooges' work.

Fact: The show was the first to end a season as the #1 rated program. Ball and Desi Arnaz pioneered the three-camera sitcom format still used today. The pregnancy storyline in season 2 was groundbreaking for television.

Description: While gentler than The New 3 Stooges, this show shares an emphasis on character-driven humor and small-town eccentricities. Barney Fife's physical comedy and the show's playful tone connect it to the Stooges' tradition of lighthearted entertainment.

Fact: Don Knotts won 5 Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Barney Fife. The show never ranked lower than 7th in the Nielsen ratings during its run. The iconic whistled theme song was actually a last-minute addition.

Description: This sitcom's reliance on broad physical comedy and recurring gags (like Gilligan foiling rescue attempts) mirrors the Stooges' formula of predictable but enjoyable humor. The ensemble cast's exaggerated personalities create a similar dynamic to the Stooges' trio.

Fact: The show was initially criticized by CBS executives who thought the premise was too silly. The famous theme song was originally much longer, explaining each character's backstory. Despite only 3 seasons, it became one of the most syndicated shows in TV history.

Description: This monster-themed sitcom shares the Stooges' blend of visual gags and family dynamics. Herman Munster's childlike personality and physical comedy (often involving his super-strength) recall the Stooges' brand of destructive but innocent humor.

Fact: Fred Gwynne (Herman) had to wear 40 pounds of makeup and padding. The Munsters' house was actually the same set as the Addams Family house redressed. The show was canceled despite good ratings because CBS wanted to make room for color programming.

Description: This film is a direct homage to the original The New 3 Stooges (1965), reviving the slapstick comedy and physical humor that made the Stooges famous. It maintains the chaotic, fast-paced antics and the trio's dynamic, ensuring continuity with the original's spirit.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a project for the Farrelly Brothers in the 1990s but faced numerous delays. The actors underwent extensive training to perfect the Stooges' signature moves and mannerisms. Despite mixed reviews, it was a box office success, proving the enduring appeal of the Stooges' brand of humor.

Description: This classic sitcom shares the Stooges' emphasis on comedic conflict and exaggerated characters. Ralph Kramden's bombastic personality and physical comedy (like his mock threats to send Alice 'to the moon') parallel the Stooges' over-the-top antics.

Fact: Originally a sketch on Jackie Gleason's variety show before becoming a standalone series. Only 39 episodes were produced, but they became legendary in syndication. The show's set was famously sparse, focusing attention on the characters' interactions.

Description: While more sophisticated than The New 3 Stooges, this show shares a love of physical comedy (Van Dyke was a masterful pratfall artist) and workplace humor. The writers' room antics at the fictional 'Alan Brady Show' mirror the collaborative chaos of the Stooges.

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 iconic opening where Van Dyke trips over the ottoman was entirely improvised.

Description: Like The New 3 Stooges, this show features exaggerated characters and darkly playful humor. While more macabre, the Addamses' obliviousness to normalcy creates a similar comedic disconnect to the Stooges' obliviousness to consequences.

Fact: Carolyn Jones' Morticia makeup took 2 hours to apply each day. The famous finger-snap theme was composed in just 30 minutes. John Astin (Gomez) was actually a last-minute replacement for another actor.

Description: Like The New 3 Stooges, this show thrives on physical comedy and sketch-based humor. Carol Burnett and her cast often engaged in exaggerated, slapstick performances that echo the Stooges' chaotic energy, though with a more theatrical and musical twist.

Fact: The show was one of the first to be hosted by a woman. It featured a recurring 'Q&A' segment where Burnett took questions from the audience, a rare unscripted moment in variety shows. The iconic 'Went with the Wind' parody is one of the most famous sketches in television history.

Description: This marks the early era of the Stooges' work, showcasing the foundational elements of their comedy that would later be refined in The New 3 Stooges (1965). The short films from this period are packed with the same slapstick violence, wordplay, and absurd situations.

Fact: The Stooges originally started as part of Ted Healy's vaudeville act before branching out on their own. Many of their early shorts were produced by Columbia Pictures, becoming some of the studio's most profitable releases. The 1934 shorts feature Curly Howard, whose unique voice and physical comedy became iconic.