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13 TV Shows Like All in the Family: Comedy Meets Social Commentary

Are you a fan of the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family and looking for more shows that capture its unique blend of comedy and social commentary? You’re in luck! Below, we’ve compiled a list of 13 TV shows that offer similar vibes. These shows are perfect for anyone who enjoys humor intertwined with thought-provoking themes.

1. The Jeffersons

The Jeffersons is a spin-off of All in the Family and follows George and Louise Jefferson as they move on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky. The show stars Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford and tackles issues of race and class with humor and heart.

2. Maude

Maude is another spin-off from All in the Family, centering on Edith Bunker’s outspoken cousin, Maude Findlay. Played by Bea Arthur, Maude is a liberal feminist navigating life and politics in the 1970s.

3. Good Times

Good Times is a spin-off of Maude and follows the struggles and triumphs of the Evans family living in a Chicago housing project. The show stars Esther Rolle and John Amos and addresses issues such as poverty and systemic racism.

4. Sanford and Son

Sanford and Son is a classic sitcom about a cantankerous junk dealer, Fred Sanford, and his son, Lamont. Starring Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson, the show blends sharp wit with social commentary.

5. One Day at a Time

One Day at a Time follows a single mother, Ann Romano, as she raises her two daughters. The show stars Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips, and Valerie Bertinelli, and addresses issues like divorce and women’s rights.

6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Mary Tyler Moore Show centers on Mary Richards, a single woman working as a news producer. Starring Mary Tyler Moore, the show broke new ground in its portrayal of an independent, career-focused woman.

7. WKRP in Cincinnati

WKRP in Cincinnati is a sitcom about the quirky staff of a struggling radio station. The show features Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, and Loni Anderson and combines humor with subtle social critique.

8. Barney Miller

Barney Miller is set in a New York City police precinct and focuses on the lives of its officers. Starring Hal Linden, the show is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and its diverse cast.

9. Cheers

Cheers takes place in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name.” Starring Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Rhea Perlman, the show mixes humor with deeper themes of friendship and community.

10. Taxi

Taxi follows the lives of New York City cab drivers working for the Sunshine Cab Company. The ensemble cast includes Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, and Marilu Henner, and the show balances humor with poignant moments.

11. Roseanne

Roseanne centers on the Conner family and their everyday struggles in working-class America. Starring Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, the show addresses issues like economic hardship and family dynamics.

12. The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls follows four older women sharing a home in Miami. Starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, the show deals with aging, friendship, and social issues with humor and grace.

13. Murphy Brown

Murphy Brown stars Candice Bergen as a tough-talking investigative journalist. The show is known for its sharp political satire and its portrayal of a strong, independent woman in the media industry.

These shows not only provide laughs but also encourage viewers to think critically about the world around them, much like All in the Family. Happy watching!