By Amani SalahudeenAmidst life and all its complexities, I thought it would be a fun idea to write a listicle on different types of popular shows that are similar to shows that you might not have heard of. And so, I have compiled a list of five shows that I enjoy, and that I know you will as well! If you’re all caught up on your favorite TV shows, then this is your one-stop shop to find an alternative series, for your viewing pleasure, that are similar in concept or storylines. In addition to all that, keep reading to find out which show added a Muslim superhero you can look up to!
By reading this article, I hope that you’ll find new worlds to lose yourselves in and new characters to adore, just as I have. After all, working hard and keeping up with current events is essential, but it is also necessary to take care of yourself:
1. If you liked Modern Family, then you’ll love…
…Fresh Off the Boat!
Both of these shows are family-oriented comedies. Each character in both of these shows has a unique dynamic that will keep you endlessly entertained. I highly recommend watching either one if you need a show to de-stress. Modern Family is about a diverse family and being more understanding of generational gaps. Fresh Off the Boat is about an Asian family that moves from Washington D.C. to Orlando, Florida, all the while navigating cultural differences.
2. If you liked New Girl, then you’ll love…
…The Good Place !
Both of these shows are about an unlikely group of people living as roommates or as neighbors. Kristen Bell, stars in The Good Place, and Zooey Deschanel, stars in New Girl. Both are comedy shows with an amazing cast, and bring the laughs fast and frequently. I honestly love both of these shows, and depending on your sense of humor, both of these would be well worth your time.
3. If you liked The Fosters, then you’ll love…
…Good Trouble!
The Fosters is about two moms who raise their family consisting of biological children and foster children. It’s a show that navigates the complexities of family. On the other hand, Good Trouble is a spin-off of The Fosters in which two of the daughters, Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Callie Foster (Maia Mitchell), move to L.A. to start their first jobs. But, as these things always seem to go, things don’t go as planned. Good Trouble touches on a lot of mature topics now that the girls are grown women fresh out of college. Some of the topics tackled include sexual assault, police brutality, suicide, and body image, so if you’re into shows about slightly heavier subject matter, you’ve come to the right place.
4. If you liked Arrow then you’ll love…
…Legends of Tomorrow!
Arrow is about a spoiled teen billionaire-playboy named Oliver Queen, played by Stephen Amell, who ends up going missing from his yacht. While Arrow has a darker storyline in the beginning, Legends of Tomorrow starts off on a lighter note. The cast includes some of your favorite grey-area characters who join together to become legends. They travel through time to protect the world from even bigger disasters. Fun fact: in one of the more recent seasons, Legends of Tomorrow added a Muslim superhero named Zari Adrianna Tomaz (Tala Ashe).
5. If you liked Gilmore Girls then you’ll love…
…Parenthood!
Although both of these shows have ended, you can still find them on Netflix. Gilmore Girls is about a mother-daughter duo, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel), as they journey through life together. Parenthood is about four siblings who are now adults with their own families, and raising their kids in the same neighborhood. Both shows are family-oriented and bring something unique to the table as they focus on the support and conflict that are part and parcel of family life.
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As a final note, I hope you liked some of these recommendations! I hope these shows help you to take a much-needed break and schedule in some “me time.” It is so important to take time out for yourselves, and so, grab a snack, kick back and relax as you binge — watch these shows for some much-deserved “me time.”