The Big Bang Theory introduced the world to a group of science geniuses and fun-loving nerds. Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj, Howard, Bernadette, and Amy became a fantastic ensemble of mixed personalities in a format highlighting the found family dynamic. With Penny, the only one without a true science background, her love of acting, the entertainment industry, and pop culture helps ground the show with a character more relatable to the audience members who are not as infatuated with scientific discoveries as the rest of the main characters.
But that does not mean that they are not capable of being relatable to the audiences as well, showing off the group's love of comic books, chaotic friend group moments, and brilliantly funny storylines.
When looking for another show to watch that shares some qualities with The Big Bang Theory, there are many shows that exhibit similar traits, whether it be through the comedy of a chosen family unit or the scientific approach exhibited in science fiction and fantasy shows. Whether using these shows to better understand the jokes made in The Big Bang Theory, want to see a show with similar characters or comic relief, or enjoy the science fiction that Sheldon was so fond of, there are various shows that could be the next binge-watch.
Friends
Another series that shares the chosen family dynamic, there is no one more important in Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Ross, and Chandler's lives than each other. They depend on each other for light-hearted and emotional moments. They watch each other's ups and downs. They are present for each other's weddings and childbirths. There is no moment small enough for the gang to gather together, and the mix of personalities and romances that exist within the group keeps things funny and interesting.
The Office
In a series that rarely sees the central characters leave the work setting, The Office is brilliantly chaotic as it portrays the love-hate dynamic portrayed among many of the show's main characters. Longtime rivals Jim and Dwight eventually form a comradely bond of love and hate. They drive each other crazy, but their friendship sneaks up on them when neither is paying attention.
Similarly, Michael Scott's habit of going too far and never noticing how his actions affect his colleagues, who never quite have the heart to hate him, is also similar to Sheldon's impact on his friendships. Just the same, Michael and Sheldon both late admit to acknowledging that they care for the rest of the group.
The Flash
Considering how often comic books and superhero movies are mentioned in The Big Bang Theory, a great show to see would be The Flash. There are several references to the comic book character over the years, from Sheldon's t-shirt to Sheldon, Raj, Leonard, and Howard all dressing up like The Flash. The Flash fits into the science fiction element that The Big Bang Theory loves to play with so much, as the show follows Barry Allen, a man whose life is changed forever after being struck by a bolt of lightning.
Mom
Bonnie and Christy's strive to remain sober rests at the heart of most of the series. Along the way, the show transforms. Initially, the show centers on portraying Christy and Bonnie's dynamic as mothers. While Christy tries to parent her children, she must deal with her mother's constant presence in her life after years of complications between them. But, over time, Mom stepped away from Christy's kids and instead focused on the mother-daughter relationship between Bonnie and Christy and their friend group striving to remain sober and the circumstances that may interrupt that.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The ragtag group of detectives is intelligent and knows what they are doing, but they do not always act like it. From the serious and direct Captain Holt to the charismatic and childish Jake Peralta to the evasive Rosa Diaz, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is filled with various lively characters. They bounce off each other in great ways, from the comical and romantic back and forth portrayed by Jake and Amy to the friendships and mentor relationships from developed along the way.
Young Sheldon
For anyone who loves Sheldon Cooper, Young Sheldon is the place to experience his backstory first-hand. While the show misses the ensemble that the adult counterpart gets to experience, the younger Sheldon's adventures follow his life beginning in high school and transitioning over to college. While Young Sheldon does not perfectly match The Big Bang Theory's initial explanations for Sheldon's past, it still brings a lot of heart and comedy to the characters and storylines.
The Good Place
Instead of science, this group is focused on philosophy, morals, and ethics as they try to figure out a way to get to The Good Place. Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, Jason, Michael, and Janet are a mixture of humans, a not-a-girl, and a demon. They are not the most likely team, but they are the group that gets the job done. They play off each other perfectly in their personalities and in their narrative. The Good Place features several plot twists over its four seasons, and perfectly wraps up its story in its series finale.
Stranger Things
Whether it be the fantasy elements inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, the reliance on science the central characters must use to save Hawkins, or how the group of main characters trusts each other beyond anyone else, Stranger Things delivers on emphasizing the science fiction and fantasy genres while mixing in a coming-of-age story. The group must constantly save their town from the Upside Down, especially when Vecna's arrival threatens the townspeople in addition to the central characters.
Phineas and Ferb
This exciting friend group always knows what they are going to do today. Science-loving and engineering prodigies Phineas and Ferb spend every day of summer building crazy inventions with their best friends, Isabella, Baljeet, and Buford, while inviting the rest of the kids in town to join in on whatever large-scale invention they have come up with. With episodes that also connect the series to Marvel and Star Wars, a show about young engineers and scientists that features an unexpected and delightful sense of humor for all ages would be a great fit.
Star Trek
Given how often The Big Bang Theory directly references Star Trek, it makes absolute sense to watch the show that inspired so many references. Star Trek is a pure science fiction fantasy show with various spinoffs. Star Trek offers a different look at humanity's future, and although the series has plenty of comparisons to Star Wars, the two franchises have plenty of differences in their presentation. The Big Bang Theory even featured multiple guest star appearances from the cast of the show.