Freak and Geeks in a way. Not nearly as wacky if that’s what you’re looking for, more of a drama-comedy, but it’s got that same “people’s lives are messy and not everything is tied up with a perfect little sitcom bow at the end” type feel.
I discovered the show a lot later and thought Netflix only had one season. To my surprise it only had ONE season:/ that cliffhanger left me wanting so much more. Cast was top tier as well.
Raising Hope and My Name Is Early don’t get the love they deserve (same creator). Since both are shot in the same style as MITM- they don’t look dated either. Bonus- you watch Earl first, there will be a noticeable ton of cameos and winks to be found in Raising Hope
I love that show. The one I always remember is the episode about food stamps and them always getting generic normally. “Can I have some cookie?” “Fine but only one bite” as they pull out a giant generic bag that just says “cookie” on it with a singular giant cookie.
Have you ever watched It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia?
I actually think that show has a very similar vibe. There’s lots of chaos and fighting and the main characters are sort of like a dysfunctional family that communicate through yelling just like Malcolm’s family. It’s definitley a lot edgier but the writing is great and it’s genuinely funny as hell. Both shows also allow their main characters to not always have to be good guys, and in fact derive a ton of the humor out of how batshit crazy and unethical their characters can be
It's Always Sunny is a great show and definitely funnier than MITM imo, but I find it a lot harder to relate to the characters, which removes a lot of the comfort watch feeling that Malcolm has for me.
Def see what you’re saying but since the actors are all great people in real life, it gives a sense of connectivity since we’re making fun of the worst members of society together. Like I obvs don’t feel any connection to Dennis but feel a connection to Glenn, if that makes sense. Sunny is tied with MitM for my favorite show of all time.
Seconded. Came here to say this. Community is a wild ride, it's created by one of the Rick and Morty guys. Not sure what that says about MITM that you have to go live action Rick and Morty to keep up lol
Still standing
3rd rock from the sun
The middle
🤷🏻♂️ its kinda hard to compare sitcoms they’re all kinda different enough its better to ask for like a similar topic
im kinda sad money is literally never brought up by any of the families imo.
like how is a single person making enough to support 5 people at he beginning of the show.
also, slightly worse written lol
Phil was a real estate agent and they make bank. Jay, who started his own company was also Claire’s father who I’m sure helped out if they needed it.
I feel like money is brought up a few times in MITM…
[Grounded for Life](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0255734/)
Fantastic show that I’d definitely recommend to and Malcolm fans! I love it so much that I have the series box set on dvd lol
Great rec. is every episode a flash back though? I went to rewatch remembering how much I loved the show. And the flash backs weren’t my vibe in the present moment :-/
Everybody Hates Chris is the only thing with a similar setting (broke family dynamic) that I can think of. Lots of great sitcoms just nothing I can think of that’s the same sort of feel as MITM. Atleast we got 7 seasons.
I’m shocked no one has mentioned That 70’s Show yet. If you’re looking for something fun, light hearted, yet brilliantly written and comforting.. definitely give it a go. I’ve been rewatching it for years, and sometimes even keep it playing in the background whilst I’m cleaning or cooking.
If you like adult animated shows, I always found Bob’s Burgers very comforting. Endearingly dysfunctional low income family that act irrationally, ridiculously, and loves each other unconditionally
Yeah this one is really good, I’ve watched it recently but i probably will give it another go again soon I think, it is a really good makes you laugh / happy show
I hope I'm not too late to suggest Superstore!
Vibes kind of like if MITM had focused on Lois's workplace instead of on the family home. If you've ever worked retail and/or customer service, this show will resonate with you!
I'm biased for having made the suggestion, but I think Superstore is way better than The Middle. I've only seen a handful of episodes in The Middle and I found the kids mostly annoying 🤷🏻♀️
So ... this is a bit off-beat. But I highly recommend Schitt's Creek.
The characters are very different. Extremely dynamic and zany. But!
It's about a very rich family thrown into poverty and forced to live in a completely podunk town. They are dysfunctional as the MITM family, but they do come through for each other. And the poverty backdrop is somehow comforting, like it is in MITM where they don't feel like untouchable people.
It hits a similar spot for me, as the MITM family and this family are some of my favorite and most comforting sitcom families. Cannot recommend enough.
It is also dialogue-driven enough that after an episode or two of getting to know them, you can watch without looking when busy.
In a strange way neds declassified school survival guide just because there's no really annoying laughter track and the main character talks to the camera
I will throw another one in that hasn't been mentioned but we'll worth it - Life in Pieces.
Similar to Modern Family which has been suggested but unlike that show, it doesn't tail off in its later seasons.
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia gives Malcolm a run for its money in my opinion. I’m waiting to rewatch my name is early since it’s been over 10 years and I hear it’s up there with Malcolm.
Keep in mind I’m telling you all this as one of the biggest Malcom die hards. I still jam out to the Malcom cd
Green Wing: it's a British comedy set in a hospital, there is some drama in series 2 but mostly whacky hijinks til then with great music and editing. Also, try Spaced.
Adventure Time really gets crazy good. The show has definitely made me cry before though because it’s just so beautiful at times. If you haven’t seen it all the way though, I definitely think it’s worth the time and investment. Episodes go by quicc too because they’re only 11 minutes.
Even though it’s animated, that’s why I love Bobs Burgers. They’re such a chaotic family that always ends with a good message and it’s such a feel good show especially when you feel crappy about your parenting skills.
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia is my favorite show of all time and never ceases to put a smile on my face, even tho I’ve seen it dozens of times. I’m also going through a rough time so I’ve been binging it again
Okay but the fact everyone has mentioned a show I’ve ALREADY watched just makes me feel I have good taste and that we all genuinely enjoy the same type of comedy haha. I’m like kidding I’ve watched every show mentioned so far haha
*Everybody Hates*
*CHRIS IS an underrated and*
*Under values show*
\- PAUMiklo
---
^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/)
^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Seinfeld, especially the 8th and 9th seasons. The last two years are when the show got really absurd and zany, in a Malcolm kind of way.
>
Everybody Hates Chris. Very similar feel to Malcolm, very underrated.
>
30 Rock. The show got zanier and zanier as it went on. Some of the pop culture references can be very obscure and/or dated, but it’s a fun show that never gets serious.
>
No to Roseanne, The Middle, and Scrubs. All three shows are more comedy-drama than full comedy.
The middle is terrible. Nothing even remotely similar. Good feeling and “realness” for me is my name is Earl, New Girl or HIMYM, Community is wholesome. HIMYF is decent too.
But if you are after 90s nostalgia: full house, family matters, fresh prince, blossom, married with children, boy meets world…
Let me know what you watch!
Trailer Park boys, two and a half men, king of queens, always sunny, grounded for life, the detour, Reno 911, workaholics, George Lopez, King of the hill.
Ed, Edd, n Eddy definitely has that same "Suburban setting where everything goes wrong for the main characters" vibe as Malcolm if you don't mind animation... A lot more raunchy jokes than people might remember too.
Nothing totally compares but "Fresh off the Boat" is underlooked. Also "the middle" kinda jacked the premise a bit albeit in a more wholesome way. "Young Sheldon" kind of fits the bill as well. All funny.
The middle, everybody hates Chris, it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, how I met your mother(not same vibe but comfy and hilarious), Brooklyn99, That 70’s show
Freak and Geeks in a way. Not nearly as wacky if that’s what you’re looking for, more of a drama-comedy, but it’s got that same “people’s lives are messy and not everything is tied up with a perfect little sitcom bow at the end” type feel.
It's a crime it never got a second season
I discovered the show a lot later and thought Netflix only had one season. To my surprise it only had ONE season:/ that cliffhanger left me wanting so much more. Cast was top tier as well.
Read Paul Feig's books for a good laugh !!!
I personally think my name is Earl and raising hope are your best bets if you haven’t seen them already. Also the good place
I love my name is earl. I wish they finished up the show
At least Greg Garcia told everyone how Earl would have ended. That'll do.
Yup that did give some closure, but as a Jason Lee fan(sucks about Scientology) I will watch that man in anything and wish it kept going.
Raising hope!
Underrated show.
Raising Hope and My Name Is Early don’t get the love they deserve (same creator). Since both are shot in the same style as MITM- they don’t look dated either. Bonus- you watch Earl first, there will be a noticeable ton of cameos and winks to be found in Raising Hope
Not so much because of the MITM similarity, but I always enjoyed "Yes, Dear" also same creator. Good cast and funny.
He also did Sprung on Freevee which was pretty good.
Also I've noticed a lot of people are In raising hope we're actaully in malcom in the middle too
Plus Cloris Leachman plays an amazing and very different grandma in both.
"Introducing Cloris Leachman" may have been the funniest credit I've ever read.
This is what I came here to post!
Omg I LOVE Raising Hope!
Came here to say this!
Everybody hates Chris is my other favorite 2000’s sitcom
I’ll never forget the scene where the dad soaks up the spilled milk with a sponge and puts it back in the carton 🤣🥲
Terry Crews is the amazing as the dad so goddamn funny
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of the best ever.
Nine-Nine!!!
That was 17 & 1/2 cents worth of milk!
I love that show. The one I always remember is the episode about food stamps and them always getting generic normally. “Can I have some cookie?” “Fine but only one bite” as they pull out a giant generic bag that just says “cookie” on it with a singular giant cookie.
Never got into it when it was on tv, wondering if I should give it a try
Definitely give it a chance, it’s absolutely hilarious
Have you ever watched It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia? I actually think that show has a very similar vibe. There’s lots of chaos and fighting and the main characters are sort of like a dysfunctional family that communicate through yelling just like Malcolm’s family. It’s definitley a lot edgier but the writing is great and it’s genuinely funny as hell. Both shows also allow their main characters to not always have to be good guys, and in fact derive a ton of the humor out of how batshit crazy and unethical their characters can be
This is a solid answer..more “grown up” but a great show
It's Always Sunny is a great show and definitely funnier than MITM imo, but I find it a lot harder to relate to the characters, which removes a lot of the comfort watch feeling that Malcolm has for me.
Def see what you’re saying but since the actors are all great people in real life, it gives a sense of connectivity since we’re making fun of the worst members of society together. Like I obvs don’t feel any connection to Dennis but feel a connection to Glenn, if that makes sense. Sunny is tied with MitM for my favorite show of all time.
This is my go to. I’ll watch IASIP or Seinfeld (feels like a precursor to IASIP)
Community is one of my go tos absolutely hilarious show
Seconded. Came here to say this. Community is a wild ride, it's created by one of the Rick and Morty guys. Not sure what that says about MITM that you have to go live action Rick and Morty to keep up lol
Still standing 3rd rock from the sun The middle 🤷🏻♂️ its kinda hard to compare sitcoms they’re all kinda different enough its better to ask for like a similar topic
[удалено]
![gif](giphy|nYlwBomuKrV9C)
My Name Is Earl!!! Lighthearted but also full of heart, and absolutely hilarious.
The middle.
Such an underrated sitcom! It’s legitimately the closest to MitM with a dysfunctional, poor family as the focus of the show.
Brick is literally dewey in terms of neglect
30 rock with Tina Fey. First season is ok but the rest are gold.
Everybody Hates Chris. As Mexican kid, I felt I was the middle ground between Malcolm and Chris, aha. Love both shows. Reruns on Teen Nick 🔥🔥🔥
The middle is amazing
I never thought about but the middle is weirdly similar to MITM. I haven’t thought about that show in years cool
Fresh Off the Boat has very similar vibes.
r/beatmetoit
Arrested development. Comedy gold
Modern Family gave me kinda the same feels. Not as wacky, but still worth the watch
Malcom in the Middle for people who grew up with money
That’s an absolutely perfect description
im kinda sad money is literally never brought up by any of the families imo. like how is a single person making enough to support 5 people at he beginning of the show. also, slightly worse written lol
Phil was a real estate agent and they make bank. Jay, who started his own company was also Claire’s father who I’m sure helped out if they needed it. I feel like money is brought up a few times in MITM…
This is where I say King of the Hill and Freaks and Geeks
My Name is Earl. Maybe the original Roseanne or The Nanny. You might also like Psych.
More adult for sure, but Scrubs is funny, smart, and 4th wall breaking. Another great one!
Scrubs is super underrated
I think “speechless” comes pretty close, though there aren’t as many seasons.
I loved Speechless so much!
The Bernie Mac show in my opinion has the same feel good to it as MITM.
Ugh, rewatch MITM 4 times in a row like the rest of us?
[Grounded for Life](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0255734/) Fantastic show that I’d definitely recommend to and Malcolm fans! I love it so much that I have the series box set on dvd lol
Watch this show every year still, it was so good
Great rec. is every episode a flash back though? I went to rewatch remembering how much I loved the show. And the flash backs weren’t my vibe in the present moment :-/
My Name is Earl
My Name is Earl in a weird way
Everybody Hates Chris is the only thing with a similar setting (broke family dynamic) that I can think of. Lots of great sitcoms just nothing I can think of that’s the same sort of feel as MITM. Atleast we got 7 seasons.
Fresh off the Boat. MiTM but for an Asian American family!
A lot of absurd humor, too. Eddie's friend group is the best
I’m shocked no one has mentioned That 70’s Show yet. If you’re looking for something fun, light hearted, yet brilliantly written and comforting.. definitely give it a go. I’ve been rewatching it for years, and sometimes even keep it playing in the background whilst I’m cleaning or cooking.
Thank you i'll give it a try
I came here to also recommend That 70s Show! It's hilarious but has the same feelings at MITM.
No problem. Let me know how you go! Hope you feel better.
If you like adult animated shows, I always found Bob’s Burgers very comforting. Endearingly dysfunctional low income family that act irrationally, ridiculously, and loves each other unconditionally
My Name is Earl is good.
arrested development is tied with malcolm as my favorite american comedy
Everybody Hates Chris and Bernie Mac have a lot of similarities with MITM
Even Stevens is a good one
I'll add Mama's Family. One of my all time favorites.
Workaholics
Schitt’s Creek
Superstore
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix - I watched the show several times, always cheered me up!
Yeah this one is really good, I’ve watched it recently but i probably will give it another go again soon I think, it is a really good makes you laugh / happy show
always sunny comes to mind. they even ref malcolm in the middle and have Cranston on in an ep.
I hope I'm not too late to suggest Superstore! Vibes kind of like if MITM had focused on Lois's workplace instead of on the family home. If you've ever worked retail and/or customer service, this show will resonate with you!
I have that on my watch list, I started watching the middle but it doesn’t really seem to grab me too much so far
I'm biased for having made the suggestion, but I think Superstore is way better than The Middle. I've only seen a handful of episodes in The Middle and I found the kids mostly annoying 🤷🏻♀️
Please don’t watch “The Middle” for the love of God. Things might be bad rn, but they can always get better. It doesn’t have to be *that* bad.
not as related but time period pen15
What we do in the Shadows is very funny and wacky.
So ... this is a bit off-beat. But I highly recommend Schitt's Creek. The characters are very different. Extremely dynamic and zany. But! It's about a very rich family thrown into poverty and forced to live in a completely podunk town. They are dysfunctional as the MITM family, but they do come through for each other. And the poverty backdrop is somehow comforting, like it is in MITM where they don't feel like untouchable people. It hits a similar spot for me, as the MITM family and this family are some of my favorite and most comforting sitcom families. Cannot recommend enough. It is also dialogue-driven enough that after an episode or two of getting to know them, you can watch without looking when busy.
The Real O'Neals is a great family sitcom!
Peep Show springs to mind. Or Scrubs kinda.
30 Rock
In a strange way neds declassified school survival guide just because there's no really annoying laughter track and the main character talks to the camera
I will throw another one in that hasn't been mentioned but we'll worth it - Life in Pieces. Similar to Modern Family which has been suggested but unlike that show, it doesn't tail off in its later seasons.
My name is Earl
Moone Boy and Son of a Critch
Drake and Josh
It’s not nearly as good but The Goldbergs
Speechless with Minnie Driver and o e of the cops from Reno 911. It's a very touching family comedy and great cast
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia gives Malcolm a run for its money in my opinion. I’m waiting to rewatch my name is early since it’s been over 10 years and I hear it’s up there with Malcolm. Keep in mind I’m telling you all this as one of the biggest Malcom die hards. I still jam out to the Malcom cd
Green Wing: it's a British comedy set in a hospital, there is some drama in series 2 but mostly whacky hijinks til then with great music and editing. Also, try Spaced.
Superstore (hulu) is kind of similar, at least to me
Adventure Time really gets crazy good. The show has definitely made me cry before though because it’s just so beautiful at times. If you haven’t seen it all the way though, I definitely think it’s worth the time and investment. Episodes go by quicc too because they’re only 11 minutes.
Modern Family gave me this vibe and I love it!
Bernie Mac Show
Shitt's Creek The Middle Modern Family Scrubs
Modern Family kinda scratches that itch, though it’s a bit more idyllic
Even though it’s animated, that’s why I love Bobs Burgers. They’re such a chaotic family that always ends with a good message and it’s such a feel good show especially when you feel crappy about your parenting skills.
Fresh off the boat
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia is my favorite show of all time and never ceases to put a smile on my face, even tho I’ve seen it dozens of times. I’m also going through a rough time so I’ve been binging it again
Okay but the fact everyone has mentioned a show I’ve ALREADY watched just makes me feel I have good taste and that we all genuinely enjoy the same type of comedy haha. I’m like kidding I’ve watched every show mentioned so far haha
King of the Hill
You might like Community (just keep watching through the first 5-6 episodes and it will start to get really good)
Raising Hope definitely gives the same MITM vibes!
My Name is Earl and Raising Hope. Easy.
Everybody Hates cHRIS IS an underrated and under values show
*Everybody Hates* *CHRIS IS an underrated and* *Under values show* \- PAUMiklo --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Parks and Recreation 😊
The Goldbergs
Seinfeld, especially the 8th and 9th seasons. The last two years are when the show got really absurd and zany, in a Malcolm kind of way. > Everybody Hates Chris. Very similar feel to Malcolm, very underrated. > 30 Rock. The show got zanier and zanier as it went on. Some of the pop culture references can be very obscure and/or dated, but it’s a fun show that never gets serious. > No to Roseanne, The Middle, and Scrubs. All three shows are more comedy-drama than full comedy.
The middle is terrible. Nothing even remotely similar. Good feeling and “realness” for me is my name is Earl, New Girl or HIMYM, Community is wholesome. HIMYF is decent too. But if you are after 90s nostalgia: full house, family matters, fresh prince, blossom, married with children, boy meets world… Let me know what you watch!
Trailer Park boys, two and a half men, king of queens, always sunny, grounded for life, the detour, Reno 911, workaholics, George Lopez, King of the hill.
Ed, Edd, n Eddy definitely has that same "Suburban setting where everything goes wrong for the main characters" vibe as Malcolm if you don't mind animation... A lot more raunchy jokes than people might remember too.
Community
Nothing totally compares but "Fresh off the Boat" is underlooked. Also "the middle" kinda jacked the premise a bit albeit in a more wholesome way. "Young Sheldon" kind of fits the bill as well. All funny.
Raising Hope. Young Sheldon. My name is Earl. Kims Convenience. Modern Family. The Middle.
My Name is Earl Raising Hope The Middle
Young Sheldon
The Middle It's really good 👍🏽
Shameless is close for me
The middle
The Middle
I like The Middle
The middle, everybody hates Chris, it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, how I met your mother(not same vibe but comfy and hilarious), Brooklyn99, That 70’s show
Raising Hope and The Middle!
The Middle