Some TV families are just built different - they argue, they scheme, they get into the wildest situations—and somehow, they will make you laugh until you cannot breathe! Malcolm in the Middle nailed this formula, following one of the most dysfunctional, hilarious, and relatable sitcom families ever. But plenty of shows like Malcolm in the Middle bring the same energy and family drama but fly under the radar.

From genius kids stirring up trouble (Young Sheldon, anyone?) to households that make even the wildest families look normal, these underrated sitcoms deserve way more attention. Some have over-the-top parents, others take sibling rivalries to the next level, and every single one delivers laugh-out-loud moments, keeping you glued to your screen!

10. Fresh Off the Boat

Starting fresh in a new place is tough, especially when your family is nothing like your neighbors. Fresh Off the Boat follows Eddie Huang, played by Hudson Yang, as his Taiwanese-American family tries to fit in an unfamiliar Orlando suburb. With Randall Park and Constance Wu leading the way, the show delivers nonstop laughs, cultural clashes, and some of the best mom wisdom since Lois from Malcolm in the Middle.  

Fresh Off the Boat is one of those comedies that needs to be on your watch list—think Malcolm in the Middle, but with a dash of ‘90s swagger and a lot more family mayhem! Eddie Huang, just like Malcolm, is too intelligent for his own good and constantly trying to find his place in a house full of eccentric personalities. His mom is a force of nature, his dad is hilariously laid-back, and his brothers? They are just doing their own thing, completely unaware of the chaos around them.

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9. The Kids Are Alright 

Life in a huge family is not easy, and The Kids Are Alright shows just how not-easy it is! Set in the 1970s, it follows the Cleary parents, Peggy and Mike played by Mary McCormack and Michael Cudlitz as they struggle—and frequently fail—to keep their eight sons from driving them bonkers. The result? Nonstop chaos, ridiculous sibling fights, and a mom who can intimidate a room with a mere glance.

Similar to Malcolm in the Middle, this series lives on witty dialogue and the absolute chaos of raising multiple kids. The Cleary brothers constantly one-up each other in schemes and mischief, much like Malcolm, Reese, and Dewey. 

8. My Name is Earl 

What happens when a bad boy and troublemaker tries to turn his life around? In My Name is Earl, Jason Lee plays Earl Hickey, a small-time crook who wins the lottery, loses it immediately, and decides karma is out to get him. His plan? To right every one of his wrongs, starting from the very first. Naturally, nothing ever goes as planned, and his mission turns into a comedy of errors.  

Just like Malcolm in the Middle, this show thrives on wacky schemes, quirky personalities, and surprising lessons of life. Earl’s misadventures feel like something straight out of Hal’s playbook, and his goofball brother Randy could easily be Reese’s long-lost twin. 

7. 3rd Rock from the Sun

Imagine if Malcolm’s family was even weirder, say, from another planet. That is 3rd Rock from the Sun in a nutshell. John Lithgow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kristen Johnston star as aliens disguised as humans, trying to live normal lives, while hilariously failing at every turn. Each episode is filled with outrageous antics, misunderstandings, and some of the finest physical comedy on TV!

Like Malcolm in the Middle, the family dynamic here is wild, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining—just swap out the aliens for chaotic brothers, and you have got a very similar energy!  

6. Everybody Hates Chris

Before Malcolm, there was Chris. Everybody Hates Chris recounts the hilarious and relatable story of comedian Chris Rock’s childhood, with Tyler James Williams playing young Chris. Growing up in a working-class family in Brooklyn, Chris faces constant struggles with overbearing parents, clueless teachers, and an endless cycle of misfortunes that makes his life feel like a cosmic joke.  

Malcolm and Chris might as well be long-lost cousins. Both shows feature a smart, sarcastic lead trapped in a world that does not quite understand them. The humor is sharp, the family dynamics are spot-on, and the everyday disasters make it impossible not to laugh!

5. The Middle

What if Malcolm grew up in Indiana with a little less chaos but just as much messiness? That is The Middle, starring Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn playing two parents trying to keep their messy, lovable kids afloat. The Hecks are not rich, their house is falling apart, and nothing ever goes smoothly—but through it all, they hold it all together with laughter and compassion.

Just like in Malcolm's life, The Middle nails the struggles of everyday life in a way that feels painfully real yet hilarious. The family has a likable underdog quality to it, and their strange yet adorable children, especially the oddball Brick bring in plenty of quirky humor to keep you laughing!

4. Modern Family

If Malcolm in the Middle had a documentary crew following it, you would get Modern Family. This Emmy-winning sitcom follows the large mixed Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan as they go through the madness of family life. With standout performances from Ty Burrell, Sofia Vergara, and Ed O’Neill, the show is a timeless classic filled with heartfelt moments and comedy gold!

Like Malcolm in the Middle, Modern Family survives on the unpredictability of family life. Whether it is Phil’s wild parenting schemes (similar to Hal's best moments) or Luke’s mischievous streak mirroring Reese, the parallels are endless!

3. Arrested Development

Imagine if Malcolm’s family had money, but somehow, they were still just as dysfunctional. That would be Arrested Development, a hysterically silly comedy starring Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Jessica Walter. The Bluths may be rich, but their lives are a total mess, with controversies, betrayals, and wildly ridiculous schemes at every turn.

Much like Malcolm in the Middle, Arrested Development  lives on quick-witted humor, over-the-top personalities, and a lead (Michael Bluth) who simply wants to make sense of the madness around him. The chaotic family energy is spot-on, making it a must-watch for Malcolm fans who love a good and cozy offbeat comedy!

2. The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the ultimate dysfunctional family sitcom, following the wild misadventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie in the ever-chaotic and wacky town of Springfield. With decades of sharp humor, cultural satire, and hilarious scenes it remains one of TV’s most legendary sitcoms!

Like Malcolm in the Middle, The Simpsons takes a no-holds-barred look at family life, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Homer and Hal share a lovable cluelessness, while Bart’s mischievous streak echoes Reese’s troublemaking ways. If you are a fan of Malcolm’s world, The Simpsons will feel like home.

1. Young Sheldon

A child prodigy struggling to make it in a world that simply does not get him? Ring any bells? Young Sheldon, starring Iain Armitage as a young version of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, delivers an absolute winner of a performance with a mix of humor, heart, and sharp wit. Raised in a small town in Texas, Sheldon's advanced mind clashes with his down-to-earth family, creating some of the finest comic moments.

As with Malcolm in the Middle, Young Sheldon lives off the tension between its gifted protagonist and the clueless world around him. If you enjoyed watching Malcolm try to cope with his weird family while dealing with life as an unrecognized genius, Young Sheldon is your next obsession!

These shows like Malcolm in the Middle prove that offbeat humor, wild family dynamics, and unforgettable characters never go out of style. If Malcolm in the Middle left a sitcom-shaped hole in your heart, these underrated picks are ready to fill the void and now is the time to give these underrated shows the attention they deserve!

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Missed out on any of these hidden gems? Which underrated sitcom deserves more attention? Let us know in the comments below!