20 TV Shows About Family That'll Make You Laugh, Cry and Relate
They'll make you laugh, cry, then cry some more.
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There's something about a good family sitcom that just makes life feel a little bit easier. Maybe it's because watching other families deal with the same messy kitchens, teenage meltdowns, and sibling squabbles reminds you you're not alone. Or maybe it's just comforting to laugh along with someone else's chaos for once instead of your own. Either way, flipping on one of these family TV shows after dinner feels like slipping into your favorite worn-out pair of jeans. It just fits!
You've probably spent plenty of nights searching through the best shows on Netflix, new shows on Apple TV, or even shows on Hulu, only to end up re-watching a cozy classic you've already seen 50 times. There's just something special about the shows you grew up watching from the '80s and '90s that are burned into your memories (along with all those great '80s movies and '90s movies that never seem to get old).
But this list isn't just about nostalgia. Sure, there's plenty of that here (hello, Full House and Boy Meets World!)—but there are some newer gems like Black-ish, Modern Family, and Jane the Virgin. All of these family TV shows manage to capture real-life moments that make you nod along and say, "Yep, been there!" They're funny and familiar and warm enough to remind you that everyone's family is just a little bit complicated, and that's perfectly okay.
More of our favorite binge-watches:
Full House
There's just something so endearing about three grown men attempting to raise three little girls under one roof. Uncle Jesse's hair, Danny's obsessive cleaning, Joey's goofy impressions, and all those heart-to-heart talks on the edge of DJ's bed make you feel like you’re part of the family. And we all still miss Michelle saying, "You got it, dude!"
Home Improvement
Tim Taylor could never resist giving things just a little extra "oomph," and usually ended up creating chaos instead. But beyond the hilarious tool mishaps, it's Jill's patience and the relatable mom eye-rolls that warm your heart. And Wilson's half-hidden face offering his special brand of wisdom from over the fence—who hasn't wanted a neighbor like that?
Boy Meets World
Cory and Topanga were relationship goals! This classic show is funny, sweet, and a little bit quirky, and you can't help loving Mr. Feeny's heartfelt lectures. If you grew up watching, you probably feel like these characters are old friends you haven't seen in a while.
The Wonder Years
Watching Kevin Arnold navigate adolescence in the late '60s feels nostalgic, even if you weren't alive back then. There's nothing quite like his earnest voiceover, pondering friendship, love, and family dinners. Every episode feels like flipping through an old family photo album!
Gilmore Girls
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore talk faster than most people think, but they always manage to make sense of each other. Watching their friendship grow is like joining in on a warm, cozy conversation between two people you really love. This is the ultimate comfort watch!
Reba
Reba handles divorce, motherhood, and an annoying-but-lovable new stepmom in the way we'd all hope to: by cracking jokes and rolling her eyes. The show is such a favorite because it feels so real.
The Brady Bunch
This blended family was tackling sibling arguments long before it was trendy, and while some scenes feel a little dated, the problems are timeless. Also, let’s be honest, that staircase is iconic..
Black-ish
The Johnson family deals with serious issues, like race and identity, but they do it with warmth and humor that makes you laugh out loud. Watching Rainbow juggle motherhood, marriage, and her career makes her feel like someone you'd want as your best friend.
The Middle
The Heck family is about as ordinary as you can get, and that’s exactly why they're so lovable. Frankie’s inner monologues about mom-life struggles and grocery-store meltdowns hit home every single time. If your house ever feels a little chaotic, this show will remind you you're totally normal.
Step by Step
Remember Friday nights in the '90s? Step by Step was pretty much required watching. Two families thrown together under one roof and learning to get along—usually hilariously, sometimes heartwarmingly, and always entertainingly. Plus, you probably still have that catchy theme song stuck in your head.
Modern Family
Between Claire's Type-A tendencies and Phil's dad jokes, it’s easy to find something familiar here. Plus, every family photo session ends in chaos, which pretty much sums up real life perfectly!
Family Matters
Yes, Steve Urkel stole scenes, but Carl Winslow's exhausted dad expressions might be the real star. This show made being a loving family look easy, even when things got crazy.
Little House on the Prairie
Life on the prairie might sound quiet, but Laura Ingalls manages to find plenty of adventure. It’s impossible not to get emotional when Pa offers one of his heart-to-heart talks.
Young Sheldon
Before Sheldon Cooper was grown-up and socially awkward, he was little and socially awkward. His Texas family balances his genius tendencies with a dose of reality, making this show warm, funny, and comforting all at once.
Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm’s family takes chaos to another level. Lois yelling, Malcolm complaining, and Hal's desperate attempts at peace make it feel like your house on its busiest day.
Jane the Virgin
Jane's life is a real-life telenovela! Her unexpected pregnancy kicks off some wild drama, but underneath it all is a family who loves each other deeply...and loudly. You'll probably recognize pieces of your own mom, grandma, or best friend in every episode.
My Wife and Kids
Michael Kyle loves messing with his teenagers, embarrassing them at every turn. His teasing feels like the kind of silly stuff your own dad might do, and it’s funny every single time.
Just Add Magic
A cookbook filled with magical recipes sounds fun, until the spells get complicated. The three best friends at the center feel like real kids who sometimes mess up, and that's exactly why your family will root for them.
Fresh Off the Boat
This '90s-set comedy feels both nostalgic and fresh. Jessica’s no-nonsense approach to parenting (and life) is hilarious, and you'll probably recognize your own parents in her more than once.
Parenthood
The Bravermans are messy and complicated in a way that’s totally believable. It’s comforting to watch them figure life out together, because family means getting through the tough stuff too.
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