Very few sitcoms have captured the magic of geek culture quite like The Big Bang Theory. The show's mix of nerdy humor and lovable, socially awkward characters made it comfort-viewing for millions. But if you've already watched all 12 seasons (maybe more than once) and are looking for something similar, don't worry. Similar options do exist.
Whether you want another show about brainy misfits and awkward geniuses or just a group of slightly weird, close friends, here is a helpful list of shows fans of Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny will love, along with where you can stream them right now.
Freaks and Geeks (1999)
Before Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny made their debut in The Big Bang Theory, there was a short-lived coming-of-age series called Freaks and Geeks. Set in the early 80s, the series follows straight-A student Lindsay Weir, who decides to ditch her perfect grades and reputation as a "mathlete" to hang out with a group of rebellious, directionless teens known as the freaks. Meanwhile, younger brother Sam and his friends, known as the geeks, spend their time obsessing over Star Wars and playing D&D while navigating the social hierarchy of high school. The humor is natural, the characters are painfully relatable, and the show never talks down to its audience.
Silicon Valley (2014 – 2019)
This HBO comedy follows a group of awkward, genius programmers trying to make it big in the tech industry. Silicon Valley focuses on Richard Hendricks, a painfully anxious but brilliant coder who accidentally creates a revolutionary compression algorithm. With the help of his nerdy and dysfunctional team, he launches a startup. But the group quickly learns that finding success in Silicon Valley is way harder than it looks. The series has the same kind of rapid-fire nerd humor that made The Big Bang Theory so fun, but it leans even harder into tech culture, and the characters are just as quirky as Sheldon and his Caltech crew.
The IT Crowd (2006 – 2013)
The IT Crowd is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what The Big Bang Theory would be like with a British twist. The cult-favorite sitcom follows two socially inept IT technicians and their hilariously unqualified boss. Roy is a lazy, sarcastic tech support guy, Moss is an eccentric genius who might give Sheldon Cooper a run for his money, and Jen is their clueless but well-meaning manager. Across four seasons, the trio navigates the often absurd world of corporate office life, all while dodging ridiculous requests from people who have no idea how computers work. The jokes are fast, the characters are delightfully weird, and the show fully embraces its love for nerd culture.
New Girl (2011 – 2018)
New Girl might not seem like an obvious choice for fans of The Big Bang Theory since it's not about nerd culture, and there's no science humor. But it does have an odd-ball friend group that feels just as fun to hang out with as Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Raj, and Penny. The show follows quirky, offbeat teacher Jessica Day, who rents a room in an apartment occupied by guys after breaking up with her boyfriend. What starts as a strange living situation between Jess, Nick, Schmidt, and Winston quickly turns into a warm, fun dynamic with plenty of ridiculous antics along the way. If you're looking for a silly comedy with a great cast, this one's worth a watch.
Young Sheldon (2017 – 2024)
This list would never be complete without the official prequel to The Big Bang Theory. If you ever wondered what Sheldon Cooper was like as a child, Young Sheldon has all the answers any fan could hope for. The sitcom follows a nine-year-old Sheldon as he makes his way through high school while struggling to fit into a world that doesn't really understand him. His relationship with his loving mother, his football-coach father, his feisty Meemaw, and siblings, Georgie and Missy, show how his family shaped him into the man he would become. Viewers also get to see a more emotional side of Sheldon that wasn't always present in the original series.
Where to Watch Shows Like The Big Bang Theory Online
Whether you're in the mood for another nerdy comedy, a smart workplace sitcom, or just a show about a group of slightly weird friends, there's plenty out there to fill The Big Bang Theory-shaped hole in your life. So grab some snacks, and pick one of these shows that can be found on streaming platforms like Max, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
