Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

Shows like breeders: Hilarious comedies about the chaos of family life

If you're a fan of the darkly comedic and brutally honest portrayal of parenting in *Breeders*, you're likely seeking more shows that tackle the chaotic reality of family life with a similar lack of sugarcoating. This list dives into series that offer a refreshing, often hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy look at raising kids, navigating relationships, and simply trying to survive the daily grind.

The Letdown
Better Things
SMILF

The appeal of shows like Breeders lies in their fearless approach to depicting parenthood not as a series of heartwarming moments, but as a messy, exhausting, and frequently infuriating journey. This niche in television comedy has grown, moving away from idealized family sitcoms to embrace the tantrums, the sleepless nights, the marital strain, and the sheer absurdity that comes with having children. Series in this vein, like the acclaimed Catastrophe from Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, or the raw honesty of Pamela Adlon's Better Things, find humor in the relatable struggles and imperfections of modern family dynamics. They don't shy away from showing parents at their worst – yelling, making mistakes, and questioning every decision – which resonates deeply with viewers who appreciate authenticity over sentimentality. Whether it's the cultural clashes in black-ish, the economic pressures in The Middle, or the pure chaos of Motherland, these shows prove that the hardest job in the world is also one of the funniest, provided you have the right perspective and a healthy dose of gallows humor.

14. Life in Pieces (2015)

Life in Pieces is a sitcom that tells the story of the Short family through short, interconnected vignettes. Each episode is broken down into four mini-stories, each focusing on a different branch of the family. While it covers multiple generations and stages of life, the show does include storylines about new parents and the challenges of raising young children. It offers a lighthearted and often funny look at the complexities of modern family life, with each segment providing a different perspective on the ups and downs of relationships and parenting.

Life in Pieces

13. The Detour (2016)

The Detour is a comedy series that follows the Parker family on disastrous road trips. While it's more of a dark comedy about family dysfunction and adventure than a show specifically about parenting young children, the parents' interactions with their kids in chaotic situations provide plenty of humor. The show is known for its unconventional storytelling and unexpected twists. It's a wild and often absurd ride that explores the lengths parents will go to, and the hilarious ways things can go wrong, when trying to bond with their children on vacation.

The Detour

12. Outnumbered (2007)

Outnumbered is a semi-improvised British sitcom that offers a realistic and often hilarious look at the daily lives of the Brockman family and their three young, unpredictable children. The show's unique format, where the child actors are given freedom to improvise, adds to its authenticity and humor. It perfectly captures the exasperation and joy of parenting young children, from the never-ending questions to the unexpected outbursts. If you appreciate naturalistic performances and relatable family chaos, Outnumbered is definitely worth checking out.

Outnumbered

11. The Kids Are Alright (2018)

The Kids Are Alright is a charming sitcom set in the 1970s, following a large Irish-Catholic family with eight sons. Based on the childhood of creator Tim Doyle, the show offers a nostalgic and humorous look at growing up in a big family during a different era. While not focused on new parenting, it provides a glimpse into the sheer chaos and love that comes with raising a large brood. The dynamics between the siblings are particularly well-done, and the show captures the spirit of the time period. It's a lighthearted and entertaining watch for anyone who enjoys family comedies with a touch of nostalgia.

The Kids Are Alright

10. Speechless (2016)

Speechless is a heartwarming and funny sitcom that centers on the DiMeo family, who are navigating life with a teenage son who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. The show offers a unique and insightful perspective on parenting a child with special needs, highlighting the challenges and triumphs with both humor and sensitivity. Minnie Driver is fantastic as the fierce and determined mother who will do anything for her children. The show does a great job of portraying the dynamics of the entire family, including the siblings, and it offers a refreshing take on family life that is both entertaining and educational.

Speechless

9. The Middle (2009)

The Middle is a heartwarming and funny sitcom that follows the lives of the Heck family, a working-class family living in Indiana. It offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of the everyday struggles of raising three quirky and often challenging children. The show doesn't shy away from showing the financial difficulties and the constant chaos that comes with a large family, but it does so with a lot of humor and affection. Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn are excellent as the parents trying their best to keep their heads above water. It's a show that celebrates the imperfections of family life and the enduring love that holds them together.

The Middle

8. The Goldbergs (2013)

Step back into the 1980s with The Goldbergs, a nostalgic and hilarious sitcom based on the creator Adam F. Goldberg's own childhood. While not specifically about new parenting, it offers a wonderfully chaotic and loving portrayal of a family with three children navigating the awkwardness of growing up in a loud and opinionated household. The show is filled with retro references and features a fantastic ensemble cast. Wendi McLendon-Covey as the overbearing but lovable matriarch Beverly Goldberg is a standout. It's a feel-good comedy that captures the essence of family life, with all its quirks and imperfections.

The Goldbergs

7. black-ish (2014)

black-ish is a smart and funny sitcom that centers on an upper-middle-class African-American family navigating cultural identity and modern life. While not solely focused on the early stages of parenting, the show does a fantastic job of exploring the dynamics of a family with multiple children at different stages of life. It tackles relevant social issues with humor and intelligence, often sparking conversations about race, culture, and family values. The cast is incredibly talented, and the writing is consistently sharp. It's a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the modern family.

black-ish

6. Working Mom Parenting Daddy (2016)

Working Mom Parenting Daddy is a Korean drama that explores the challenges and joys of working parents. While it has a different cultural context than some of the other shows on this list, it still touches on universal themes of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. The series follows the lives of several couples as they navigate the pressures of the workplace and the demands of raising children. It offers a glimpse into the specific societal expectations placed on parents in South Korea, but the struggles with childcare, work-life balance, and maintaining a healthy relationship are relatable to parents everywhere. It's a good option if you're interested in seeing how these themes are explored in a different cultural setting.

Working Mom Parenting Daddy

5. SMILF (2017)

SMILF, created by and starring Frankie Shaw, is a bold and often outrageous comedy that follows a young single mother in Boston trying to navigate life, love, and career while raising her toddler son. The show is fearless in its portrayal of female sexuality, mental health struggles, and the challenges of being a young parent trying to make ends meet. Shaw's performance is raw and compelling, and the show has a unique, almost gritty feel to it. It's not afraid to go to uncomfortable places, but it does so with a lot of humor and heart. If you're looking for something a little different and unafraid to push boundaries, give SMILF a try.

SMILF

4. Better Things (2016)

Better Things is a beautifully crafted series created by and starring Pamela Adlon. It offers a raw and authentic look at the life of a single mother raising three daughters while juggling a demanding acting career. Adlon's performance is captivating, and the show feels incredibly personal and intimate. It's not a typical sitcom; it's more of a slice-of-life portrayal that explores the complexities of family, womanhood, and the everyday struggles and joys of raising children. The writing is sharp and insightful, and the relationships between the characters feel incredibly real. It's a show that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own life.

Better Things

3. The Letdown (2016)

If you're looking for a show that doesn't sugarcoat the struggles of new parenthood, The Letdown is for you. This Australian comedy follows Audrey, a new mom grappling with the overwhelming reality of sleepless nights, a demanding baby, and the feeling of losing her pre-baby identity. It's incredibly honest and funny, capturing the isolation and exhaustion that many new parents experience. The show doesn't shy away from showing the less-than-glamorous aspects of motherhood, and it does so with a lot of heart and humor. It's refreshing to see a show that acknowledges that sometimes, parenting is just really, really hard, and that's okay.

The Letdown

2. Motherland (2017)

Motherland is a fantastic British comedy that dives headfirst into the competitive and often absurd world of middle-class parenting. Think playground politics, passive-aggressive bake sales, and the sheer exhaustion of trying to keep up appearances. The show follows a group of mothers navigating the trials and tribulations of school gates, playdates, and the constant judgment from other parents. It's sharp, witty, and incredibly relatable, especially for anyone who has experienced the unique pressures of modern parenting. The ensemble cast is brilliant, each character bringing their own brand of chaos and comedy to the table. It's a hilarious and sometimes uncomfortable look at the realities of raising children in a social minefield.

Motherland

1. Catastrophe (2015)

Prepare for some seriously hilarious and brutally honest takes on modern parenthood with Catastrophe. Created by and starring Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, this show is a masterclass in sharp writing and relatable awkwardness. It all starts with a whirlwind romance and an unexpected pregnancy, and from there, you get to see the messy, unglamorous reality of raising kids and navigating a relationship. Horgan and Delaney have incredible chemistry, and their banter is just chef's kiss. They don't shy away from the tough stuff, making it feel incredibly authentic, but they manage to find the humor in even the most stressful situations. If you appreciate wit, cynicism, and a realistic portrayal of family life, this is a must-watch.

Catastrophe

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows