10 Shows & Movies Similar to The Simpsons (1989)

Description: Beavis and Butt-Head shares The Simpsons' subversive humor and critique of American culture, though it is more crude and focused on teenage delinquency. Both shows became cultural phenomena and were criticized for their influence on youth. Beavis and Butt-Head's animation is simpler and more minimalist, but it similarly uses humor to highlight societal absurdities.

Fact: The show was controversial for its portrayal of violence and its alleged influence on children. The characters were originally intended to be adults but were reimagined as teenagers. The show's creator, Mike Judge, also created 'King of the Hill' and 'Silicon Valley.'

Description: Daria shares The Simpsons' satirical take on suburban life and high school, though it is more focused on teen angst and intellectual humor. Both shows critique societal norms and feature strong, sarcastic protagonists. Daria's tone is more subdued and cynical compared to The Simpsons' broader comedy, but both shows are celebrated for their sharp writing.

Fact: Daria was a spin-off from Beavis and Butt-Head, where the character first appeared. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its feminist themes. The character Daria was originally intended to be a one-time guest on Beavis and Butt-Head but became a fan favorite.

Description: South Park shares The Simpsons' penchant for satire and social commentary, though it often takes a more crude and controversial approach. Both shows parody current events and pop culture, but South Park is known for its rapid production turnaround, allowing it to comment on very recent events. The animation style is simpler and more rudimentary compared to The Simpsons.

Fact: South Park episodes are typically written and produced in just six days. The show was originally created using cut-out construction paper, which inspired its distinctive animation style. Trey Parker and Matt Stone met in college and created an animated short called 'The Spirit of Christmas,' which became the basis for South Park.

Description: Futurama was created by Matt Groening, the same creator as The Simpsons, so it shares a similar humor style and visual aesthetic. While The Simpsons focuses on family life, Futurama explores science fiction themes with the same satirical edge. Both shows feature a mix of clever wordplay, visual gags, and emotional storytelling.

Fact: Futurama was canceled twice but was revived due to strong DVD sales and fan demand. Many of the show's writers have advanced degrees in science, which contributes to its accurate and clever use of scientific concepts. The character Bender is named after John Bender from 'The Breakfast Club.'

Description: Family Guy is similar to The Simpsons in its satirical take on American family life, blending humor with social commentary. Both shows feature dysfunctional families and use cutaway gags, though Family Guy is known for its more absurd and random humor. The show also shares a similar animation style and has been a long-running competitor in the same time slot.

Fact: Family Guy was canceled twice before being revived due to strong DVD sales and rerun ratings. The character Stewie was originally intended to be a villain who wanted to kill his mother Lois. The show's creator, Seth MacFarlane, voices several main characters including Peter, Stewie, and Brian.

Description: American Dad! shares The Simpsons' focus on a dysfunctional family, but with a more political and espionage-themed twist. Both shows use satire to comment on American culture, though American Dad! often incorporates more surreal and absurd elements. The animation style is similar, and both shows feature a talking pet (Brian in Family Guy, Klaus in American Dad!).

Fact: The show was originally more politically focused, with Stan's conservative views being a central theme, but it gradually shifted to more absurd and family-oriented humor. The character Roger the Alien was initially intended to appear only in the pilot but became a fan favorite. The show's theme song was performed by Scott Grimes, who voices Steve Smith.

Description: The Cleveland Show is a spin-off of Family Guy and shares The Simpsons' focus on family life and suburban satire. The show features a similar animation style and humor, though it places more emphasis on musical numbers and African-American culture. Like The Simpsons, it uses cutaway gags and pop culture references.

Fact: The show was created as a vehicle for the character Cleveland Brown after he left Family Guy. It was canceled after four seasons due to declining ratings. The show's theme song was performed by R&B singer Ne-Yo.

Description: Archer shares The Simpsons' sharp wit and pop culture references, though it focuses on espionage and workplace comedy. Both shows feature dense, fast-paced dialogue and a mix of visual and verbal humor. Archer's animation style is more stylized and modern, but it similarly blends action with comedy.

Fact: The show was originally pitched as 'James Bond meets Arrested Development.' The character Archer is voiced by H. Jon Benjamin, who also voices Bob in Bob's Burgers. The show has experimented with different genres and settings in later seasons, including noir and space adventure.

Description: Bob's Burgers is similar to The Simpsons in its focus on a quirky, loving family running a small business. Both shows balance humor with heartfelt moments and feature strong character development. The humor in Bob's Burgers is more grounded and character-driven compared to The Simpsons' broader satire, but both shows celebrate the absurdity of everyday life.

Fact: The show was originally pitched with a different tone, focusing more on cannibalism, but was retooled to be more family-friendly. The voice actors often improvise lines during recording sessions. The show's creator, Loren Bouchard, also created 'Home Movies,' another beloved animated series.

Description: Rick and Morty shares The Simpsons' blend of humor and heart, though it leans more into science fiction and existential themes. Both shows feature dysfunctional family dynamics and use satire to explore societal issues. Rick and Morty's humor is darker and more nihilistic, but it similarly balances comedy with moments of genuine emotion.

Fact: The show was inspired by a parody of 'Back to the Future' created by Justin Roiland. Dan Harmon, one of the creators, also created 'Community,' known for its meta-humor. The show's fanbase is famously passionate, sometimes to the point of toxicity.