The Facts of Life is a beloved sitcom that aired from 1979 to 1988, capturing the hearts of viewers with its witty humor and heartfelt moments. If you’re a fan of this iconic show, you’re probably on the lookout for similar series that offer the same blend of comedy and life lessons. Here are 19 TV shows that you might enjoy.
1. Diff’rent Strokes
Diff’rent Strokes is a classic sitcom that follows the lives of two African-American brothers, Arnold and Willis Jackson, who are adopted by a wealthy white businessman, Phillip Drummond. Starring Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Conrad Bain, this show tackles social issues with humor and heart.
2. Family Ties
Family Ties centers around the Keaton family, with liberal parents Elyse and Steven raising their conservative son Alex, played by Michael J. Fox. The show explores generational clashes and family dynamics with a comedic touch.
3. Growing Pains
Growing Pains follows the Seaver family, where psychiatrist Jason Seaver, played by Alan Thicke, works from home to help raise his kids. The show features Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold, offering a humorous yet touching look at family life.
4. The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show revolves around the Huxtable family, led by obstetrician Cliff Huxtable and his lawyer wife, Clair. Starring Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad, this sitcom showcases the ups and downs of raising five children.
5. Who’s the Boss?
Who’s the Boss? stars Tony Danza as Tony Micelli, a retired baseball player who becomes a housekeeper for a successful businesswoman, Angela Bower. The show explores unconventional family dynamics with humor and warmth.
6. Full House
Full House features widowed father Danny Tanner, played by Bob Saget, raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and friend Joey. The show, starring John Stamos and Dave Coulier, is known for its family-friendly humor and life lessons.
7. The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls follows four older women—Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia—living together in Miami. Starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, this sitcom is celebrated for its witty dialogue and strong female characters.
8. Punky Brewster
Punky Brewster is about a spirited young girl named Punky, played by Soleil Moon Frye, who is raised by her foster father Henry. The show blends comedy with touching moments as Punky navigates childhood challenges.
9. Charles in Charge
Charles in Charge stars Scott Baio as Charles, a college student who works as a live-in babysitter for the Pembroke family. The show highlights Charles’s attempts to balance his own life with his responsibilities to the family.
10. Mr. Belvedere
Mr. Belvedere features an English butler, played by Christopher Hewett, who moves in with the Owens family to help manage their chaotic household. The show blends humor with lessons on family and manners.
11. Silver Spoons
Silver Spoons follows the life of a young boy, Ricky Stratton, who discovers his wealthy father, Edward, and moves in with him. Starring Ricky Schroder and Joel Higgins, the show explores themes of father-son bonding and adjusting to new lifestyles.
12. The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years is a nostalgic look at the life of Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage, as he grows up in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show captures the trials and tribulations of adolescence with a mix of humor and poignancy.
13. Blossom
Blossom centers on Blossom Russo, a teenage girl navigating life with her single father and two brothers. Starring Mayim Bialik, the show is known for its quirky humor and heartfelt moments.
14. Saved by the Bell
Saved by the Bell follows a group of high school friends and their principal, Mr. Belding. Starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, the show is a lighthearted look at teenage life and friendships.
15. Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World chronicles the life of Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, as he grows from a young boy into a married man. The show is beloved for its humor and life lessons, featuring strong supporting characters like Mr. Feeny.
16. Sister, Sister
Sister, Sister stars Tia and Tamera Mowry as twin sisters separated at birth who reunite as teenagers. The show focuses on their adjustment to living together and the comedic situations that arise.
17. Step by Step
Step by Step follows the blended Lambert-Foster family as they navigate the challenges of merging two households. Starring Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers, the show offers a humorous take on modern family life.
18. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air features Will Smith as a street-smart teenager from Philadelphia who moves in with his wealthy relatives in Bel-Air. The show combines humor with poignant moments, exploring themes of class and family.
19. A Different World
A Different World is a spin-off of The Cosby Show, focusing on Denise Huxtable’s life at Hillman College. Starring Lisa Bonet and Jasmine Guy, the show addresses social issues and the college experience with humor and depth.
These TV shows offer a delightful mix of comedy, drama, and life lessons, much like The Facts of Life. Whether you’re looking for family dynamics, teenage adventures, or heartfelt stories, these series are sure to entertain and inspire.