10 Shows and Movies Like Young Sheldon (2017)

Description: That '70s Show shares with Young Sheldon a nostalgic setting and a focus on the humor and challenges of growing up. Both shows use a specific time period to enhance their storytelling, with That '70s Show set in the 1970s and Young Sheldon in the 1980s. The tone is similarly lighthearted, with a mix of situational and character-driven humor.

Fact: The show was originally pitched as 'Teenage Wasteland.' The iconic circle scenes were inspired by the creators' own experiences hanging out in basements. Mila Kunis was only 14 when she was cast as Jackie, but she lied about her age to get the role.

Description: Freaks and Geeks, like Young Sheldon, is a coming-of-age story that explores the challenges of adolescence, particularly for those who don't quite fit in. Both shows blend humor with poignant moments, offering a realistic yet comedic portrayal of growing up. The tone is similarly nostalgic and heartfelt, with a focus on character development.

Fact: The show was created by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow. Despite its critical acclaim, the show was canceled after only one season. The cast included future stars like James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel.

Description: The IT Crowd, like Young Sheldon, features socially awkward, intellectually gifted protagonists who navigate the challenges of fitting in. Both shows use humor to explore themes of social awkwardness and the quirks of highly intelligent individuals. The tone is similarly quirky and offbeat, with a focus on character-driven comedy.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also wrote for Father Ted. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural catchphrase. The show was initially rejected by several UK networks before being picked up by Channel

Description: The Big Bang Theory is directly connected to Young Sheldon as it serves as the adult version of Sheldon Cooper's life. Both shows share a comedic tone, focus on intellectual humor, and explore themes of family dynamics and social awkwardness. The shows also share similar character archetypes and settings, often revolving around academia and science.

Fact: The Big Bang Theory was originally pitched as 'a show about smart people who are socially awkward.' Jim Parsons, who plays adult Sheldon, won four Emmy Awards for his role. The show's theme song, 'The History of Everything' by Barenaked Ladies, was written specifically for the series.

Description: Modern Family shares with Young Sheldon a mockumentary style and a focus on family dynamics, albeit with a broader ensemble cast. Both shows use humor to explore the complexities of family relationships and the quirks of individual family members. The tone is similarly heartwarming and comedic, with a mix of situational and character-driven humor.

Fact: Modern Family was one of the first sitcoms to use the mockumentary format successfully. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five times. The actors who play Cam and Mitchell (Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) are both straight in real life.

Description: The Middle, like Young Sheldon, is a family sitcom that focuses on the everyday struggles and triumphs of a middle-class family. Both shows highlight the humor in mundane family life and the challenges of raising children with unique personalities. The tone is warm and relatable, with a strong emphasis on family bonds.

Fact: The show was created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, who also worked on Roseanne. The Heck family's hometown of Orson, Indiana, is fictional. Patricia Heaton, who plays Frankie Heck, also starred in Everybody Loves Raymond.

Description: Silicon Valley shares with Young Sheldon a focus on highly intelligent, socially awkward protagonists navigating a world that doesn't always understand them. Both shows use humor to explore the challenges of genius and the quirks of intellectual brilliance. The tone is similarly sharp and satirical, with a mix of situational and character-driven humor.

Fact: The show was created by Mike Judge, who also created Beavis and Butt-Head and King of the Hill. Many of the show's storylines were inspired by real events in Silicon Valley. The character of Erlich Bachman was loosely based on real-life tech entrepreneur Sean Parker.

Description: The Goldbergs, like Young Sheldon, is a nostalgic family comedy set in the past (the 1980s) and narrated by the adult version of the main character. Both shows focus on the quirks of family life and the challenges of growing up with a unique personality. The humor in both series is warm and often revolves around the protagonist's eccentricities and family interactions.

Fact: The show is based on creator Adam F. Goldberg's real-life family and childhood. Each episode ends with a real home video from Goldberg's childhood. The show's narrator, Patton Oswalt, was not the original choice; it was initially going to be Goldberg himself.

Description: Fresh Off the Boat shares with Young Sheldon a focus on a young protagonist navigating family and cultural expectations. Both shows are semi-autobiographical and use humor to explore themes of identity, family, and fitting in. The tone is similarly lighthearted yet insightful, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics.

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. Constance Wu, who plays Jessica Huang, became a breakout star and later starred in Crazy Rich Asians.

Description: Everybody Hates Chris shares similarities with Young Sheldon in its coming-of-age narrative and comedic portrayal of a young protagonist navigating family and school life. Both shows are semi-autobiographical, with Chris Rock narrating his childhood experiences, much like Sheldon's narration in Young Sheldon. The shows also highlight the challenges of growing up with unique personalities in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Fact: The show is loosely based on Chris Rock's childhood in Brooklyn during the early 1980s. Tyler James Williams, who plays young Chris, was only 12 years old when the show started. The series was created by Chris Rock and Ali LeRoi.