7 dysfunctional TV families to hang out with until This Is Us returns
By Reed Gaudens
Missing the Peason family? While This Is Us signs off for a short break, bide your bingeing time with these seven TV families that are a whole lot of fun.
What does one do when This Is Us leaves its fans high and dry for an extended period of time? Naturally, we’re wont to cry, as is the norm for when the series airs new episodes. But we don’t have to batter our tear ducts; we need to save them for showtime. Instead, a vacation from the Pearson means it’s time to spend some time with other TV families and share the same laughs and tears we do with our tried-and-trues.
Like This Is Us, there are many other comedy and drama television shows on the market about large, dysfunctional, and loving families. From the Gallaghers of Shameless to the Johnsons of Black-ish, the small screen represents families of all kinds, such as our beloved (but MIA) Pearsons. Whether its a brief break for NBC’s Olympics coverage or the grueling summer hiatus, these seven TV families will welcome you with open arms and make you one of their own.
1. The Bravermans
When This Is Us first premiered, it earned a lot of comparisons to NBC’s previous family drama Parenthood. Both series have a similar tone, aesthetic, and writing style, making them kindred spirits. Clearly, fans of the Pearson family will love getting to know the bold Bravermans and crying with them, too! (Available on Netflix.)
2. The Salingers
Dating back the glorious ’90s, Party of Five remains an obvious choice for binge-watchers who favor family stories. Not unlike the Big Three, the five Salinger siblings were forced to overcome the trauma of their parents passing away and move forward on their own. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cringe at the dated ’90s style but love the tunes. (Available on Netflix.)
3. The Villanuevas
Jane the Virgin might not be an obvious companion to This Is Us, but you would be incorrect to count it out. Although the tale of the Pearsons is committed to and told entirely through time-jumping, The CW standout also relies on flashbacks and flash forwards to amp up its narrative. The Villanueva women are TV’s brightest — and most underrated — joys. (Available on Netflix.)
4. The McKinley High New Directions
Families don’t just have to consist of adoptive or blood relatives. As Glee reminded us for sixth musical seasons, a family can be chosen in a safe space where everybody gets to shine. The McKinley High New Directions go from hating each other one minute to supporting each other the next, and if that’s not a family, what is? (Available on Netflix.)
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5. The Fosters
Since its days as ABC Family, Freeform has told envelope-pushing and boundary-breaking family stories. The Fosters, which will air its series finale in summer 2018, brings much needed representation to race, the LGBTQ+ community, and foster families on a youth-skewing network. Join the Fosters for a Pearson-esque experience. (Available on Netflix.)
Next: 5 shows to watch if you love This Is Us
6. The Johnsons
Look, if This Is Us isn’t currently on the air, then that means its fans definitely need themselves a good laugh. There was either a major cliffhanger, revelation, or season finale… potentially all three. There are plenty — plenty! — of family sitcoms to choose from past and present, but the freshest selection on the small screen is ABC’s lovable and hilarious Black-ish. (Available on Hulu.)
7. The Gallaghers
It’s safe to assume that This Is Us and Showtime’s Shameless don’t share much of an overlapping fanbase. If these two were a Venn diagram, the space between them would be mighty small. However, the Pearsons and the Gallaghers, while polar opposites, aren’t too different on paper. They’re a diverse bunch of fractured humans doing their best together. That what family is for. (Available on Netflix.)
Which family will you be hanging out with until the Pearsons return? Let us know in the comments, and keep the conversation going over on Twitter at @thisisuscrying!
This Is Us returns Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 9/8c on NBC.