10 Shows Like How I Met Your Mother Every Rom-Com Fan Will Love

When it comes to guilty pleasures, nothing beats sitting back, kicking your feet up, and watching a light-hearted comedy. (Bonus points if you’re sipping out of your “She’s So Lucky” mug—wine, hot cocoa, coffee—we don’t judge.) Plus, just as Well with Arielle Lorre recently discussed in THIS episode with Joe Holder, wellness goes way beyond diet and exercise. And for us, wellness just so happens to be binge-watching a good rom-com.

One of the best comfort watches of all time? How I Met Your Mother, hands down. It’s witty, it’s nostalgic, and it perfectly captures how messy your 20s-30s are. (So did “The Psychology of Your 20s, 30s, and BEYOND” from Everything is the Best, BTW!) Between Ted’s hopeless romanticism, Barney’s one-liners, and the cozy NYC bar? We crave it all. 

So, if you’re on your eighth rewatch of HIMYM, you’re in luck. Today, we’re rounding up the best shows like How I Met Your Mother—series that bring humor, heart, and tons of feel-good vibes. Whether you’re looking for a new comfort binge or an easy serotonin boost, these recs will do just the trick.

10 Best TV Shows Like How I Met Your Mother to Binge-Watch Next

Watching a new series isn’t just about a classic bed-rot sesh—though this episode of Live From Bed reminds us lazy, catch-up days are totally worth it. Instead, it’s about learning new things, feeling connected, and totally immersing yourself in an alternate timeline for a bit. 

Neil Patrick Harris isn’t actually sitting next to you delivering iconic one-liners—but you laugh just the same. And if that makes your day a little lighter and your heart a little happier, we say hell yeah. And, technically, just like Payton Sartain said in Note to Self, life is allll about building a dopamine menu. 

Before we dive into our list of TV shows, we need to take a moment to debrief. We’ll give you a short and sweet synopsis of How I Met Your Mother to set the stage (and your expectations).

What Is the Show How I Met Your Mother About?

At its core, How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) is Ted Mosby’s love letter to life, friendship, and romantic relationships. It kind of feels like “The Truth About Your 20s and 30s: Life Lessons on Mindset, Money, Relationships, & Growth with Michael Bosstick & Mimi Evarts” from The Bossticks. Except, it’s less of a masterclass and more of a rollercoaster of chaos. 

The show follows Ted, his best friend Marshall, Marshall’s wife Lily, the ambitious journalist Robin, and the over-the-top Barney as they navigate dating, careers, and life in New York City. Essentially, if they had a podcast, it’d feel like “We finally have all the answers!” from What We Said. Maybe not as insightful, but definitely as entertaining. 

Here’s the thing, though: we’re not totally seeing things as they happen. Set in 2030, Ted tells his kids the story of the last 25 years of his life—the hilarious, messy, and unforgettable journey of how he met their mother. Through non-linear storytelling, the series is filled with flashbacks, flash-forwards, running gags, and clever callbacks. You’re basically piecing together the story while you laugh (and sometimes cry) along with it. 

Beyond the main plotlines, the real heart of the show lies in friendship and the everyday chaos that surrounds it. From heartbreak to career struggles, bad dates to unforgettable parties, HIMYM captures the highs and lows of adulthood with humor, heart, and super relatable storytelling. 

Why Do People Like How I Met Your Mother?

When HIMYM first aired, it went from underdog to reigning champ of rom-com television fast. And it’s easy to see why! With strong character development, the ongoing mystery of who “the mother” was, and inventive storytelling, viewers were hooked. 

Even now, the show has maintained its cultural relevance and loyal fan base, as it’ll forever cater to 20- and 30-somethings navigating love, friendships, careers, and life. It’s a top-streamed show on (most) platforms for a reason—and it’s not solely because of the quick wit. 

Okay, we’ve taken up enough of your time with the much-needed throwback. NOW, it’s time to dive into all of the best shows similar to How I Met Your Mother.

What Shows to Watch If You Like How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Father

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+

Of course, we had to start off with the iconic spinoff, How I Met Your Father. If you haven’t seen it yet, imagine almost an exact replica of the OG series, as an older Sophie tells her son how she met his father. Same structure, references, and inside jokes, but now we have Kim Cattrall and Hilary Duff. (LEGENDS, might we add.)

And, we get it—we loved the initial cast, too. But fans can appreciate references to jokes, moments, anddd a few cameos. It has all the heart, all the humor, and all the modern chaos you could need. 

If you’re a mega-fan like us, make sure to tune into “Hilary Duff Is Here!” from Good Guys! She gives listeners the inside scoop on her experience while filming the show. And, of course, you can listen to Josh Peck’s experience too, in THIS episode!

Modern Family

Where to watch: Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Modern Family is a mockumentary sitcom—so think: The Office meets How I Met Your Mother. The series follows three families in Los Angeles: the Pritchett-Dunphy family, the Pritchett-Delgado family, and the Tucker-Pritchett family. Seeing a trend here?

On the surface, this just seems like a show about a SUPER blended family living their average, day-to-day lives. However, it offers a truly unique perspective on multigenerational families and how special they can truly be. Like HIMYM, it’s clever, heartfelt, and so easy to binge-watch.

Any Haley Dunphy (AKA Sarah Hyland) fans in the chat? Tune into hers and Harvey Guillén’s podcast, Bone, Mary, Bury. This Dear Media original is the raunchy reverse whodunnit you need in your life. And, listen to “Julie Bowen – Modern Advice & Unfiltered Hollywood Stories” from The Bossticks to hear from Claire Dunphy herself!

Friends

Where to watch: Hulu, HBO MAX, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Friends makes us want to move to NYC and drink 10 lattes a day in a cute coffee shop. This show follows the lives of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey, and Chandler—6 twenty-somethings who have no idea what they’re doing with their lives. 

But, like HIMYM, they know one thing for sure: your friends are your family. Throughout the 10 seasons, we learn, we laugh, we cry, and we go to bat for our girl, Rach. Break or not, Ross did her sooo dirty. (Leave your opinions in the comments, we’re dying to know how you all feel.)

This series is SO iconic, people are still booking hair appointments for “The Rachel” cut. If you wanna hear from the man himself who invented this style, tune into THIS episode of Breaking Beauty!

Sex and the City

Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

We will never, and we mean never, get tired of Sex and the City. This isn’t just a TV show—it’s a cultural handbook for every woman in their 30s. Or, honestly, anyone looking to manage money, just check out “Life-Changing Finance Tips from Sex and the City.”  

This series follows Carrie Bradshaw, an advice columnist chronicling the highs, lows, and Manolos of modern womanhood in NYC. And, of course, she’s joined by her three best friends, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. The group navigates friendship, relationships, sexual experiences, and personal growth. Like HIMYM, as moving as it is entertaining. And with a cast that features both Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall? We’re so here for it. 

We’re not the only ones obsessed, though. Check out “Samantha Jones Energy with Stassi Schroeder” from Taste of Taylor! And, listen to “Mom, I am a Rich Man ft. Chelsea Handler” from We Met At Acme. Chelsea’s said to have dating advice that could make Carrie blush.

New Girl

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Apple TV

Jess Day (played by Zoe Deschanel) was a quirky teacher who suffered a bad breakup. With nothing left to lose, she moved into an LA apartment with three single guys she met online. We know, it sounds like the intro to an episode of The Dating Detectives.

No worries here, though, as Jess’s new loft (and roomies) turn into a playground for awkward encounters, hilarious antics, and heartfelt moments. Just like HIMYM, this series is all about friendship, romantic misadventures, and navigating your 20s the best you can.

If you love Nick Miller as much as we do, you have to listen to “Jake Johnson Does Hollywood His Own Way” from Not Skinny But Not Fat!

That ‘70s Show

Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Set in Wisconsin, this 1970s-themed comedy follows a group of teens as they navigate average high school life. Think: heartbreaks, peer pressure, American culture, and, naturally, disagreements with parents and authority. 

Too bad their parents didn’t have “What Temperament Really Is—and Why It Matters” from Raising Good Humans! Like How I Met Your Mother, this show really emphasizes the importance of friendship. Plus, through the relationships, jokes, and life lessons, how can you not want to rewatch 1000 times? 

PSA: We’re talking about That ‘70s Show (1998-2006), NOT That ‘90s Show (2023-2004). Totally different vibes. Plus, nothing hits like the OG. 

Happy Endings

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

If you like shows that are fast-paced and witty, then you’ll love Happy Endings. This series, yet again, follows a tight-knit group of friends as they navigate all that adulthood throws their way. Except, there’s a twist in this show. Two of the friends, Alex and Dave, break up at the altar, completely shifting the friend group dynamic. 

When Give It To Me Straight shared THIS episode about friendship breakups, this is exactly the kind of messy sh*t they were talking about. Viewers get to watch the four other friends try to stick together, despite what happened. As you’d imagine, it has all the clever banter, ensemble dynamics, and family-like friendships that HIMYM does. 

Seinfeld

Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Let’s be real, when people say “sitcom,” chances are their mind immediately wanders to Seinfeld. Yeah, technically it was coined as “a show about nothing,” but that’s what makes it SO good. 

The series follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his quirky circle of friends as they navigate the absurdities of everyday life in New York City. Across 9 seasons, the show turns ordinary moments into comedy gold. Just like HIMYM, it’s chaotic, heartwarming, and endlessly hilarious. 

The Office

Where to watch: Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Anyone who’s a fan of sitcoms knows and loves The Office. And if you’re one of the few skeptical ones who swears that it “can’t be that good?” Queue up an episode and see what all the hype’s about. This mockumentary-style series follows the lives of office workers at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company. Stick with us here, we swear it’s more entertaining than it sounds. 

The team is led by their quirky, chaotic, and out-of-touch boss, Micahel Scott. Think: a boss who treats you like a friend instead of an employee… 24/7. It’s unfiltered, hilarious, and full of side-eyes that break the fourth wall in every episode. Like HIMYM, it shows how camaraderie and shared experiences can make life richer—or chaotic, whichever works.

Already rewatched The Office too many times to count? Switch things up with Radio Rental, a podcast hosted by none other than Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight). Then, check out our post, “Podcasts Like Radio Rental” for more binge-worthy listens.

Brooklyn 99

Where to watch: Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

If you like your sitcoms with a side of true crime, you need to watch Brooklyn 99 ASAP. This show follows the life of Jake Peralta, a talented but super immature detective. Although he IS a bit quirky in the beginning, his character development is unmatched.

Plus, with a focus on the entire squad of the detectives in the show, we get to see how Jake’s professional and personal lives evolve over the course of the series. Just like HIMYM, you’ll love the witty writing, eclectic ensemble cast, and blend of humor and heart.

Already seen it? NBD, just check out our list of the best shows like Brooklyn 99 for more! We’ve always got you covered. 

Why watch How I Met Your Mother for the 1000th time when you can watch one of these sitcoms instead?

How I Met Your Mother DEFINITELY ranks as one of the best sitcoms to ever do it. It has heartfelt moments, quick one-liners, and a unique narration that keeps you hooked through all 9 seasons. As much as we love it, though, there are plenty of other recs that fall right in line. All of the shows feature the same amount of banter, love, and laughter—you won’t wanna miss a single one.

If you want more of where this came from, head to the Dear Media blog! We have show recommendations, health and wellness tips, love life advice—we do it all. And, of course, we have a roster of fantastic podcast hosts that cater to any and all niches—check ‘em out! Also, don’t forget to keep up with The DM shop for our newest arrivals, like this “Own It!” Trucker Hat!