thirtysomething was a groundbreaking drama series that explored the lives, careers, and relationships of a group of Baby Boomers in their thirties living in Philadelphia. While not strictly about one large family in the way 'This Is Us' is, it deeply delves into the complexities of marriage, parenthood, friendship, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives in a way that resonated with a generation.

The show was known for its realistic dialogue and focus on internal struggles and relationship dynamics. It was one of the first shows to truly focus on the everyday lives and anxieties of young adults navigating the responsibilities of adulthood. It won multiple Emmy Awards and sparked countless conversations about modern life and relationships, making it a significant cultural touchstone of its era.

The Wonder Years offers a nostalgic and heartfelt look back at childhood and family life during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Narrated by an older Kevin Arnold recalling his youth, the show captures the universal experience of growing up, dealing with family dynamics, first loves, and navigating a changing world.

The series is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of suburban life and the simple yet profound moments of childhood. Fred Savage starred as Kevin, and the show featured a classic, relatable family unit. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, a rare feat for a show with such a strong dramatic core. It's a warm, reflective series that resonates with anyone who looks back fondly (or perhaps complicatedly) on their own formative years and family history.

While starting as a teen drama centered around basketball and romantic triangles, One Tree Hill evolved over its long run to heavily feature complex family relationships, particularly focusing on half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott and their tumultuous relationship with their father, Dan. The show explores themes of abandonment, reconciliation, and forming your own family.

Over its nine seasons, the characters grew from high school students to adults, dealing with careers, marriage, and parenthood. The show wasn't afraid to tackle dramatic storylines, but at its core, it was about the bonds—both chosen and biological—that shape us. It cultivated a dedicated fanbase drawn to its mix of melodrama, romance, and exploration of family ties.

Felicity follows the titular character as she impulsively moves across the country to attend college in New York City, following a boy she has a crush on, rather than going to Stanford as planned by her parents. The series is a coming-of-age story centered on navigating independence, relationships, and finding your place in the world during the college years.

Created by J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, the show delves into Felicity's evolving relationship with her parents as she asserts her independence and makes her own choices. It's a thoughtful exploration of young adulthood, friendship, romance, and the process of figuring out who you are, distinct from your family's expectations. The show is also famous for a controversial haircut decision that sparked significant viewer reaction!

My So-Called Life is a critically acclaimed, though short-lived, series that perfectly captures the awkwardness and intensity of adolescence through the eyes of Angela Chase. While focused on her coming-of-age journey and relationships with friends, the show also offers a very realistic portrayal of her relationship with her parents and younger sister.

Starring Claire Danes in her breakout role and Jared Leto, the series is lauded for its authentic depiction of teenage thoughts and feelings, narrated by Angela's internal monologue. It explored themes like identity, family conflict, and social pressures with a sensitivity that was rare for its time. Despite lasting only one season, its impact on television and its dedicated fanbase speak volumes about its quality and enduring relevance.

While often categorized as a sports drama, Friday Night Lights is just as much, if not more, about family, community, and the pressures of life in a small Texas town obsessed with high school football. The show centers on Coach Eric Taylor, his wife Tami (the school's guidance counselor/principal), and their daughter, alongside the lives of the student-athletes and their families.

Based on the book and film of the same name, the series is known for its realistic portrayal of social issues, economic struggles, and personal aspirations. Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler deliver powerful performances as the grounded and supportive Taylor parents. Its cinéma vérité style filming gives it a raw, authentic feel, making the struggles and triumphs of the characters incredibly compelling.

Set in the quaint, fictional town of Everwood, Colorado, this series begins when a renowned New York City surgeon, Dr. Andy Brown, moves his two children there after the death of his wife. Everwood is a show about starting over, healing from loss, and the challenges of connecting with family, particularly between a busy father and his struggling teenage son.

Created by Greg Berlanti, who would go on to helm many successful shows, 'Everwood' is praised for its well-developed characters and thoughtful exploration of grief, family, and community. It features early roles for actors like Chris Pratt and Emily VanCamp. If you appreciate dramas set in small towns that focus on character growth and emotional honesty, 'Everwood' is definitely worth exploring.

While perhaps known more for its lightning-fast dialogue and quirky charm, Gilmore Girls is fundamentally a show about a mother-daughter relationship and the extended family dynamics in a small, eccentric town. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore's bond is the heart of the series, but the show also delves into their complex relationship with Lorelai's wealthy, estranged parents.

Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, known for her distinctive writing style, the show is famous for its pop culture references and rapid-fire banter. It's a comforting watch that follows the Gilmore girls through various stages of life, exploring generational differences, class issues, and the enduring power of family and community ties. It's a feel-good show with surprising emotional depth.

A classic family drama that paved the way for many others, Party of Five tells the poignant story of the Salinger siblings who are forced to raise themselves and run the family restaurant after their parents are killed in a car accident. It's a powerful exploration of grief, responsibility, and the bonds of siblinghood.

The show launched the careers of its young cast, including Matthew Fox, Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Despite the heavy premise, 'Party of Five' found moments of hope and warmth as the siblings navigated adolescence and young adulthood together. It's a series that truly captures the struggle and resilience of a family unit facing unimaginable hardship, relying on each other to survive and thrive.

The Fosters offers a truly unique and deeply affecting look at modern family life. This series focuses on a blended family led by a lesbian couple, Stef and Lena, raising a mix of biological, adopted, and foster children. It boldly tackles relevant social issues with sensitivity and depth, including the complexities of the foster care system, LGBTQ+ rights, and identity.

The show stands out for its realistic portrayal of teenage issues and family dynamics in a non-traditional structure. It was a groundbreaking series for its representation and paved the way for its spin-off, 'Good Trouble'. 'The Fosters' is full of heart, exploring themes of acceptance, resilience, and what truly makes a family, resonating with anyone who appreciates character-driven storytelling.

Dive into the world of the Walkers with Brothers & Sisters, a series that delivers plenty of family drama, secrets, and political intrigue, much like the complexities found in 'This Is Us'. This show centers on the adult Walker siblings as they deal with the aftermath of their patriarch's death, uncovering hidden truths about his life and their family's business.

The show features a stellar cast, including Sally Field in an Emmy-winning role as the matriarch Nora Walker, along with Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, and Rob Lowe. It masterfully balances personal relationship struggles with larger societal and political themes. If you enjoy watching a large, complex family navigate crises, support each other through thick and thin, and maybe have a few dramatic confrontations along the way, 'Brothers & Sisters' offers a compelling ride.

If you adore the sprawling family dynamics and heartfelt moments of 'This Is Us', then Parenthood needs to be next on your list! This absolute gem follows the Braverman family—four siblings and their parents, and all their children and spouses—as they navigate the ups and downs of modern life in Berkeley, California.

What makes 'Parenthood' so special is its incredible ensemble cast and incredibly naturalistic dialogue. Much of the show was filmed using improv techniques, giving the conversations a genuine, lived-in feel that makes the characters incredibly relatable. Lauren Graham and Peter Krause lead a fantastic cast, and you'll quickly become invested in every single family member's journey. It's a show about the everyday struggles and triumphs that bind families together, full of warmth, humor, and plenty of moments that will tug at your heartstrings.

Let's kick things off with the show that redefined family drama for a generation: This Is Us. This series is a masterclass in non-linear storytelling, weaving together multiple timelines to reveal the intricate history and interconnected lives of the Pearson family.

You'll be completely captivated by the Big Three—Kate, Kevin, and Randall—and their parents, Jack and Rebecca. The show excels at exploring the raw, messy, and profoundly beautiful aspects of family relationships, tackling everything from adoption and grief to identity and love with unflinching honesty. Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia's chemistry as Rebecca and Jack is simply phenomenal, anchoring the earlier timelines with warmth and depth. Get ready for emotional rollercoasters and cathartic tears; this show truly earns its reputation for making viewers feel deeply.