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 find them on platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, and more.
Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
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 (Linda Cardellini), who decides to ditch her perfect grades and reputation to hang out with a group of rebellious, directionless teens known as the freaks.
The humor is natural, the characters are painfully relatable, and the show never talks down to its audience. What makes it a must-watch is its razor-sharp writing and painfully relatable characters whose awkward conversations and social disasters feel super authentic. Fans of The Big Bang Theory will find a kindred spirit in these geeks, as its themes of finding your tribe will resonate.
Silicon Valley (2014–2019)
If you loved the mix of brilliance and social awkwardness in The Big Bang Theory, Silicon Valley takes that nerd energy and supercharges it for the tech world. The story follows Richard Hendricks (Thomas Middleditch) who happens to be a brilliant coder plagued by anxiety. After stumbling onto an algorithm by mistake, he puts together a team of programmers to launch a startup.
The show does an excellent job of turning the tiny details of tech culture into comedy. Like Sheldon's obsessive routines, the characters' quirks define the humor. The rapid-fire dialogue is a delight for fans who appreciate clever, niche jokes. If you loved Howard's space adventures or Raj's awkward flirtations, you'll appreciate the painfully endearing struggles of Richard, Dinesh, and Gilfoyle.
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. 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. The comedic timing is on point, but the characters' quirks never feel cartoonish. If you enjoy the social missteps of Leonard or Howard, you'll get a kick out of the gang's ridiculous office adventures.
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 the way Freaks and Geeks and The IT Crowd, and there's no science humor. But it does have an oddball friend group that feels just as fun to hang out with. The show follows quirky, offbeat teacher Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel), who rents a room in an apartment occupied by guys after breaking up with her boyfriend. Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Winston (Lamorne Morris), and Jess create a found family who approach everyday situations in the most entertaining way possible.
Fans of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj, and Howard will enjoy the show's warmth, camaraderie, and clever humor. If you're looking for a silly comedy with a great cast, this one's definitely worth checking out.
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 version of the character, played by Iain Armitage, as he makes his way through high school while struggling to fit into a world that doesn't really understand him.
Viewers also get to see a more emotional side of Sheldon that wasn't always present in the original series. The added family dynamics make the show feel more like the sitcoms of old as opposed to a comedy built around punchlines. If you loved Sheldon's peculiar habits on The Big Bang Theory, this series shows how they were formed, making it essential viewing for dedicated fans.
