NNothing on TV has had quite the rise and fall of the network sitcom like it. The ‘90s and 2000s were the heyday of this TV subgenre, with shows like Frasier, Being Single, Friends, The Office, 30 RockAnd Parks and RecreationIt was used as appointment TV, and is still being seen in pop-culture on a weekly basis. However, a number of these shows ended naturally a decade ago and were not able to find new hosts. The landscape changed and the sitcom became less popular and was replaced by prestige and streaming cable comedies. While some network standouts—including The Good Place, SuperstoreAnd Brooklyn Nine-Nine—were able to gain devoted audiences, many failed to take off.
Abbott ElementaryThe second season of ‘The Simpsons’ wrapped on Tuesday night. It marks the start of a promising future for the sitcom. The ABC series, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, follows a group of teachers at a Philadelphia public school as they try their best to provide for their students—despite severely diminished budgets and issues with the school district. The show has all the elements of a classic workplace sitcom: relatable dilemmas, a thrilling will-they/won’t-they relationship, and just enough tension to keep viewers coming back every week. The series is getting the same mass cultural attention as network sitcoms. Deadline reports that an episode from the early episodes of Abbott ElementaryABC’s strongest comedy ratings in a decade gave it its best record since 1993. Modern FamilyThe show was cancelled and renewed for a second season.
The following: Abbott Elementary is helping lead a network sitcom revival, it’s not the only broadcast comedy that has made a splash over the past year. For those inspired by the resurgence of network comedies—or just looking to fill the void—here are eight current shows to watch after Abbott Elementary.
Ghosts (2021–Present)
The British comedy “The Comedy of the Same Name” inspired the story. GhostsThe supernatural twist on sitcoms. The CBS series follows Samantha (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar)—struggling, city-weary New Yorkers who decide to open a bed and breakfast in a recently inherited house upstate. But here’s the catch. There’s a catch. The ghosts of several generations have haunted the property, from an ancient Viking to a finance bro in the early 2000s. Samantha almost dies from a freak accident. She then develops the ability of communicating with ghosts. This creates a new dynamic that is beneficial to her fellow occupants.
Paramount+ will show it.
Flatch, welcome! (2022–Present)
Similar The Office, Flatch, welcome!The series, which is mockumentary-styled after a British comedy, was created. FOX will air the show which follows everyday life of Flatch’s 1,526 inhabitants. Flatch is a small Ohio city. Kelly (Chelsea Holmes), Shrub (Sam Straley), are cousins who have no goals other than to enjoy their lives. Kelly and Shrub give the “documentarians” behind-the-scenes insight into the goings on around town, with the help of an idealistic minister, a newspaper editor, and some of the locals the pair grew up with.
It’s available on Hulu
Grand Crew (2021–Present)
A close-knit group of friends, including siblings Nicky (Nicole Byer) and Noah (Echo Kellum), take on life in Los Angeles in NBC’s Grand Crew. The show is a hangout sitcom through and through, with the majority of the action following the crew’s love lives, aspirations, and internal dynamics. Everyone is in their 30s and grappling with what it means to be settled into adulthood—whether that’s finding a worthwhile relationship or making a marriage last. In true “hangout” format, the group unpacks their days over drinks each episode.
It’s available on Hulu or Peacock.
Economy at Home (2021–Present)
In ABC’s Economy at HomeThe family sitcom put the financial interests first. Three siblings—Sarah (Caitlin McGee), Connor (Jimmy Tatro), and Tom (Topher Grace)—try to navigate their relationship despite being in drastically different financial situations. When the youngest and wealthiest sibling moves back to San Francisco with his daughter in tow, the trio discover that they’re all struggling in their own ways, from money issues to marital problems, and that sticking together might be the best way to move forward.
It’s available on Hulu
Kenan (2021–Present)
Kenan Thompson is most well-known for his work in the area of Saturday Night Live, NBC’s Kenan provides an insight into the actor’s dramatic side. Thompson is a father who still grieves the loss of his wife. His father-in-law, Don Johnson, and his brother Chris Redd help him to manage his morning program while also raising his daughters. This series is a Voll HouseA sitcom that uses a sitcom-style style approach, balancing a tragedy with comedy moments.
It’s available on Hulu or Peacock.
Chad (2021–Present)
It is possible to Saturday Night Live Created by alum Nasim Perdrad ChadPedrad might not be the best choice for the role of star. Pedrad is the 14-year old Persian-American boy who navigates high school. After finally getting his braces off, he’s focused on fitting in among his peers and starts an unsavory lie to try to boost his popularity status. When his mom begins dating, he’s forced to confront his feelings about his absent father. It’s a cringey throwback from a completely embarrassing era, and it is one of the best high-school television series.
It’s available on HBO Max
American Auto (2021–Present)
When a pharmaceutical executive (Ana Gasteyer) becomes the CEO of a car company, the employees are concerned that she’s not up for the job in NBC’s American Auto. At Detroit’s Payne Motors, her boss has to prove herself and master the 21st century car industry. One of her problems is a problem self-driving automobile and inadequate advertising representation. Her reluctant new coworkers include the overlooked grandson of the company’s former CEO and a passionate product designer.
It’s available on Hulu or Peacock.
The Great North (2021–Present)
Although animated sitcoms may be often forgotten in the grand scheme television comedy, they are among the longest-running TV series. Executive producers Bob’s Burgers, The Great NorthThis is the most recent and promising subgenre. FOX follows Nick Offerman, a single dad (Nick Offerman), and his four children as they live their daily lives in Alaska. The family deals with losing their mother and tries to make it work. They have varying levels of success. The series is completed by an Alanis Morissette-voiced Northern Lights ghost.
It’s available on Hulu
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