If you’re a fan of the beloved sitcom Friends, you’re not alone. Even though the show ended over 15 years ago, it still has a massive following and is considered a classic of its genre. But what do you do when you’ve rewatched all 236 episodes and you’re craving more of that same warm, funny, and relatable content? We’ll be exploring some of the best web series out there that share similarities with Friends, from the witty banter and memorable catchphrases to the close-knit group of friends at the center of the story. We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for something with a similar setting, tone, or style.
We’ll be diving deep into each series, discussing what makes it unique and why it’s worth watching if you’re a fan of Friends. So if you’re ready to discover some new shows that will give you that same warm and fuzzy feeling, grab your popcorn and settle in – we’ve got a lot of binge-watching to do!
Here is the list of Web Series:
- How I Met Your Mother (2005)
- The Big Bang Theory (2007)
- The Office (US) 2005
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
- New Girl (2011)
How I Met Your Mother (2005)
How I Met Your Mother, also known as HIMYM, is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 2005 to 2014. The series consists of 9 seasons and a total of 208 episodes. It was created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas and stars Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, and Jason Segel in the lead roles.
The story of How I Met Your Mother follows the character of Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor, as he recounts to his children the story of how he met their mother. The show is set in New York City and primarily takes place in the years 2005 to 2013. Along with Ted, the show focuses on his group of friends: Marshall Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Robin Scherbatsky, and Barney Stinson. It is available on Hotstar.
Throughout the series, Ted goes through various relationships and dating experiences, all while trying to find the woman he will eventually marry. Along the way, he and his friends experience many ups and downs, both in their personal lives and their careers. One of the standout characters of the show is Barney Stinson, played by Neil Patrick Harris. He is known for his catchphrases, womanizing ways, and outrageous schemes. The show also has a unique narrative structure, with each episode often featuring flashbacks, flash-forwards, and non-linear storytelling.
The Big Bang Theory (2007)
The Big Bang Theory is a popular American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from 2007 to 2019. It has a total of 279 episodes spread across 12 seasons. it is available on Netflix
The show follows a group of four geeky friends – physicist roommates Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) – as they navigate their personal and professional lives while trying to understand the world around them. Over the course of the series, they develop romantic relationships, encounter new friends and foes, and face various challenges and adventures.
One of the unique aspects of The Big Bang Theory is its focus on geek culture and scientific references, which are used to create much of the humor in the show. The characters often engage in discussions and debates about topics such as comic books, video games, Star Trek, and physics theories, making it a favorite among many fans of geek culture.
The show also has a strong emphasis on character development, with each of the main characters growing and changing over the course of the series. Sheldon, in particular, is a standout character who has become a cultural icon for his eccentric behavior and quirks.
The Office (US) 2005
The Office (US) is an American mockumentary sitcom that originally aired from 2005 to 2013, with a total of 9 seasons and 201 episodes. It is a remake of the original British series of the same name, which was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. it is available on Netflix.
The show is set in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin paper company, and follows the daily lives of its employees. The main character is Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell), the bumbling and inappropriate regional manager who is loved by some and hated by others. The show also focuses on the relationships and dynamics between the other employees, including Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski), the sarcastic salesman who pines for receptionist Pam Beesly (played by Jenna Fischer), Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson), the eccentric and competitive salesman, and many others.
One of the unique aspects of The Office is its use of the mockumentary format, which means that the characters frequently break the fourth wall and address the camera directly, giving the show a more intimate and realistic feel. The show also tackles a wide range of issues, from office politics and romance to mental health and personal growth, with a perfect blend of humor and heart.
The Office (US) is definitely worth watching, especially if you enjoy shows like Friends that focus on the relationships between a close-knit group of coworkers. It’s clever writing, talented cast, and relatable characters make it a classic of the sitcom genre, and its many memorable moments and catchphrases have become a part of pop culture history.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a police procedural comedy TV series created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur. It premiered on September 17, 2013, and ended on September 16, 2021, after 8 seasons and a total of 153 episodes. it is available on Hotstar.
The series revolves around a team of detectives at the fictional 99th precinct of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The main character is Detective Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg, who is known for his laid-back and immature attitude but is also a talented detective. The rest of the ensemble cast includes talented actors such as Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Stephanie Beatriz, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker, and Joel McKinnon Miller, among others.
One of the unique aspects of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is its mix of comedic elements with serious topics such as racism, homophobia, and police brutality, as well as exploring the characters’ personal lives and relationships. The show is also known for its use of recurring gags and callbacks, as well as its diverse representation of characters and their relationships.
Throughout the series, the detectives of the 99th precinct solve various cases, from petty crimes to more serious offenses, while also dealing with their personal issues and relationships. The show has been praised for its clever writing, sharp humor, and talented ensemble cast.
New Girl (2011)
New Girl is an American television sitcom that premiered on September 20, 2011, and ended on May 15, 2018, after seven seasons. The series follows Jessica “Jess” Day (played by Zooey Deschanel), an offbeat teacher who, after a bad breakup, moves into a loft with three single men: Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris). Together, the group navigates their personal and professional lives while building an unlikely friendship. it is available on Hotstar.
Throughout the series, Jess and her roommates face various challenges, from romantic entanglements to career setbacks, but they always have each other’s backs. The show is known for its witty humor, heartwarming moments, and memorable catchphrases.
The main characters in New Girl are:
- Jessica “Jess” Day – A quirky and bubbly teacher who moves in with three single men after a bad breakup.
- Nick Miller – Jess’s grumpy but lovable roommate who works as a bartender.
- Schmidt – Jess’s former college classmate who works in marketing and is obsessed with his appearance and cleanliness.
- Winston Bishop – Jess’s other roommate, a former basketball player who is trying to figure out his next career move.
- Cece Parekh (Hannah Simone) – Jess’s best friend and a fashion model who has a complicated romantic history with Schmidt.
One of the unique aspects of New Girl is the way it balances humor with heart. While the show is often laugh-out-loud funny, it also has moments of genuine emotion and character growth. The characters are also highly relatable, each with their own quirks and flaws that make them feel like real people. Overall, New Girl is a charming and feel-good series that’s sure to delight fans of Friends and anyone who loves a good comedy with heart.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic sitcom like How I Met Your Mother or The Big Bang Theory, or something more recent like New Girl or Brooklyn Nine-Nine, there’s a show out there for every type of viewer. Each of these shows has its own unique charms and strengths, but all of them share a common thread: the power of friendship and the bonds that bring us together. So, whether you’re watching with old friends or new, sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughs and love that these shows have to offer.