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On May 16, 2024, Young Sheldon came to a close with its finale episode. The coming-of-age sitcom, created by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, gained much love from its audiences since it first aired in 2017 as a prequel to The Big Bang Theory.
The show revolves around Sheldon Cooper, a brilliant child prodigy raised in a quintessential Texan household. Young Sheldon explores this bright child's journey into adulthood, his aspiration for theoretical physics, his understanding of the world, and his often chaotic equation with his family.
The show's beautiful portrayal of these themes became the reason for its rising popularity and has certainly left a void within fans' hearts with its ending. But fear not, many more shows have a similar vibe and emotional impact. We have curated a list of similar shows to watch if you loved Young Sheldon.
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Note: the entries are ranked per the author's opinion, and not as a comment on the shows themselves.
Here are 10 shows to watch if you like Young Sheldon!
10. The Goldbergs
A grown-up Adam Goldberg looks back on his life as a teenager in the 1980s, narrating stories about his dysfunctional yet lovable family.
The Goldbergs remains consistently funny with its nostalgic 80s references and family dynamics. The show does an incredible job of taking the audience back to an era when it was fun to be a kid. The inherent innocence and surprisingly touching storylines make this show a delight for Young Sheldon fans.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
9. Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World is a coming-of-age sitcom about an adolescent, Cory Matthews, navigating his school, family, and friendships. With his closest friends Shawn and Topanga, Cory learns valuable lessons from his teacher Mr Feeny, and finally learns to make the world his own.
Like Young Sheldon, Boy Meets World depicts the ups and downs of a teenage boy's life. While Cory and Sheldon are certainly not similar protagonists, there are parallels between their journeys and the lessons they learn along the way, ones that help them truly become the person they are meant to be.
Where to watch: Disney+
8. Everybody Hates Chris
Chris, a young African-American teen, attempts to find his place in his mostly-white Brooklyn school in the 1980s.
The show highlights when Chris feels out of place in his new surroundings. He feels ostracised and bullied and, like Sheldon, is unable to navigate a world that views him from a distance. Everybody Hates Chris is a reminder of the struggle of not being the popular kid, with a nuanced perspective on class and racial influences.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV
7. Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is a drama-comedy about Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother in her 30s, and her teen daughter Rory living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
While the show is similar to Young Sheldon in terms of eccentric characters, realistic family dynamics, and wholesome storylines, Gilmore Girls is also full of wit, edgy humor, drama, and romance, making it a perfect next watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm, a gifted child prodigy, tries to reach his fullest potential while navigating life with his comparatively simple-minded family and town.
Malcolm in the Middle is essentially Young Sheldon set in the 90s. Much like Sheldon, Malcolm has elevated intellect, advanced classes, and deals with his family's shenanigans and his neighbors' judgment. One of the most underrated sitcoms, it has many iconic moments paired aptly with societal issues and family struggles.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu
5. The Other Two
Aspiring actor Cary and his sister Brooke come to terms with the abrupt change in their lives when their younger brother Chase suddenly rises to stardom.
For the Young Sheldon fans who always wanted more of Georgie and Missy: this one is for you. The Other Two is a refreshing take on the irony, humor, and heart in all sibling relationships. The show maintains a clever balance between satire and emotion, using engaging storylines and authentic performances for a fulfilling narrative.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
4. Modern Family
Three families, three comedies. Modern Family follows a contemporary joint family living in separate households, whose stories always return to each other in the funniest and most emotional ways.
Modern Family captures a complex, challenging, and often flawed aspect of living near extended family. Yet, the show always returns to the solace of creating a home when surrounded by the people you love. Modern Family and Young Sheldon are remarkably similar in how relationships with parents, siblings, and grandparents make for a well-rounded story.
Where to watch: Disney+
3. The Middle
Frankie Heck, a mother living in Orson, Indiana, attempts to survive (and thrive) in life with her chaotic semi-dysfunctional family, and her aspirations and qualms while handling her house.
The show focuses on a raw and real aspect of raising a family in a small town. It highlights the mundane moments just as much as the milestones in the characters' lives. The Middle nurtures a dynamic where families battle through the most difficult circumstances, yet come through to love each other. The youngest sibling Brick is remarkably reminiscent of Sheldon's behaviour and characteristics in the show.
Where to watch: Peacock
2. Atypical
Sam Gardener, an autistic boy, delves into his relationships, adulthood, and family to discover himself and his independence.
Atypical is infused with family drama and humourous moments, much like Young Sheldon. The two protagonists, Sam and Sheldon, share many personality traits (though Sheldon was never canonically an autistic protagonist). Atypical leans towards the comedy interspersed with drama, beautifully capturing how autism plays a role in the teen's coming-of-age.
Where to watch: Netflix
1. The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory focuses on the lives of four theoretical physicists: Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter, Howard Wolowitz, and Raj Koothrapalli. Their eccentricities and scientific inclination are constantly at war with their social life, until a new neighbor Penny moves in across the hall.
The best part about The Big Bang Theory is that it is a sequel to Sheldon Cooper's life. Young Sheldon audiences who might not have seen this show will certainly be drawn to its portrayal of Sheldon's friendships, achievements, and vulnerabilities. The Big Bang Theory is a must-watch for a Sheldon fan.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Netflix
Final Thoughts
Young Sheldon has always been about giving its characters a well-rounded journey, dotted with sudden epiphanies and daily occurrences that make audiences relate to the stories on screen. The shows in this list do the same in their own way, with more new stories and perspectives to discover.
Happy watching!
