The Pearson family’s return to television is still over a month away, which, in these dog days of August, is simply not OK.
On top of that, the end-of-summer TV glut is real. If, like me, you’re anxiously waiting for “This Is Us” to return, know that you have options. Whether it’s a drama, a comedy or something in between, consider these eight other family-centric shows to help make the wait more bearable.
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1. “Friday Night Lights”
What it is: Fictional Dillon, Texas, is ALL about football ― the sport makes and breaks the town over and over and over again in this classic series. Don’t be scared off if you don’t love football.
Watch if you want: A character-driven drama with massive heart and good-looking, complex people (looking at you, Coach Taylor) to boot.
Run time: Roughly 45-minute episodes
2. “I’m Sorry”
What it is: The family life of a female comedian, and all that entails.
Watch if you want: A binge-worthy comedy that isn’t necessarily about parenthood but will definitely make you laugh at its ridiculousness.
Run time: Roughly 24-minute episodes
Number of seasons: 1, season 2 available to buy on Amazon
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon
3. “Parenthood”
What it is: The lives and loves of the sprawling Braverman clan, and all the drama and comedy that come with it.
Watch if you want: A precursor to the Pearson family. Also, an ugly cry.
Run time: Roughly 40-minute episodes
4. “black-ish”
What it is: A comedy centered around the lives and interactions of a black family living in a white world.
Watch if you want: Smart commentary on society ― sometimes overt, sometimes subtle. Or, watch if you agree that Tracee Ellis Ross can do no wrong.
Run time: Roughly 22-minute episodes
Number of seasons: 5 (the 6th season debuts this fall)
5. “The O.C.”
What it is: A rich Southern California family and all the bananas (sometimes very questionable) things people do as teenagers.
Watch if you want: A night of passive yet oh-so-enjoyable dramedy.
Run time: Roughly 40-minute episodes
6. “Better Things”
What it is: The life of a mom of three daughters, her aging mother and her funny friends.
Watch if you want: A superbly written, immensely thoughtful and funny take on single parenthood.
Run time: Roughly 25-minute episodes
Seasons: 2 on Hulu, season 3 wrapped this spring on FX
7. “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce”
What it is: Based on Vicki Iovine’s “Girlfriends’ Guides” book series, this show is about navigating divorce and family ― but it’s really about the power and importance of female friendships.
Watch if you want: A juicy drama with strong and complicated female characters, and ― bonus! ― great clothes and homes.
Run time: Roughly 40-minute episodes
8. “Succession”
What it is: An uber-rich NYC media family goes through hostile takeovers and sibling jockeying when the patriarch father has a heart attack.
Watch if you want: A family drama that includes loathsome people you still find yourself rooting for.
Run time: Roughly 45-minute episodes
Seasons: 1, season 2 currently airing