The 100+ Best Family Dramas on TV, Ranked
- Peter Krause, Dax Shepard, Craig T. Nelson
Parenthood takes viewers through the heartwarming and tumultuous lives of the Braverman family. The show deals with relatable issues like marriage, parenting, and career choices, resulting in emotional storytelling grounded in reality. The ensemble cast, led by Peter Krause and Lauren Graham, delivers strong performances as they explore the challenges and joys of family life.
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- Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown
This character-driven family drama focuses on the close-knit Pearson clan, showcasing their struggles and triumphs through time. The intertwining stories of parents Jack and Rebecca, as well as their three kids – Kevin, Kate, and Randall – capture the complexities of relationships and personal growth. With its stellar ensemble cast, including Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us evokes a perfect blend of laughter, tears, and introspection.
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- Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch, Alexander Garfin
In Superman & Lois, Clark Kent, and Lois Lane navigate family life alongside their superhero responsibilities. Their sons Jon and Jordan, along with their small-town community, provide an engaging mix of drama and sentimentality. This family-focused show stars Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in the lead roles.
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- Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy
Gilmore Girls enchants fans with witty dialogue and the strong bond between mother Lorelai and daughter Rory, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The series is set in the whimsical town of Stars Hollow, populated by quirky residents who provide an ideal backdrop for the heartfelt moments and life lessons shared between Lorelai and Rory. Along the way, the duo experience love, loss, and growth in this beloved family-centered dramedy.
- Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Noah Centineo
The Fosters centers around Stef and Lena, a loving couple who foster and adopt children, creating a diverse and unique family. The series delves into relevant topics such as race, sexuality, and identity while maintaining a heartwarming and relatable tone. Teri Polo and Sherri Saum shine as empathetic and supportive mothers, leading a talented cast through the series's ups and downs.
- Cameron Bancroft, Erin Cottrell, Kyle Chavarria
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic books, Little House on the Prairie follows the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges and joys of life in the late 19th-century American Midwest. With Michael Landon's portrayal of father Charles Ingalls, the series creates an endearing portrayal of family life replete with timeless life lessons. The show remains popular for its earnestness, warmth, and humanity.
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- Fred Savage, Jason Hervey, Olivia d'Abo
The Wonder Years perfectly captures the nostalgia of growing up in the late '60s and early '70s, as seen through the eyes of young Kevin Arnold. Narrated by an adult Kevin, this heartfelt drama is filled with relatable family moments, adolescent antics, and learning experiences. Fred Savage anchors the series with his authentic portrayal of an adolescent discovering life's ups and downs.
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- #30 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #75 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
The Sopranos expertly blends crime drama with family tensions, following the life of mob boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. While grappling with the underworld of organized crime, Tony must also maintain his role as a family man, dealing with his wife, children, and volatile mother. This critically acclaimed series redefines family drama by blending dark humor, raw emotion, and thrilling action.
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- Scott Wolf, Matthew Fox, Neve Campbell
Party of Five follows the lives of the Salinger siblings as they navigate the challenges of maintaining a family after the tragic loss of their parents. Led by Matthew Fox as eldest brother Charlie, the ensemble cast brings sensitivity and depth to this heartfelt family drama. The show's exploration of love, loss, and resilience has resonated with viewers for generations.
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- Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter
Downton Abbey presents the intertwining lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in early 20th-century England. With intricate costuming and a lush setting, the show delivers a riveting blend of love, intrigue, and social commentary. Maggie Smith's performance as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, along with a strong ensemble cast, makes Downton Abbey an engaging and memorable family drama.
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- #59 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan
Shameless brings the raucous Gallagher family to life in all their flawed, gritty charm. Led by Emmy Rossum's resilient Fiona, the six Gallagher siblings navigate life on Chicago's South Side, dealing with addiction, poverty, and family strife. This unconventional family drama pushes the boundaries of the genre, making it a raw and captivating viewing experience.
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- Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy
Delving into the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home, Six Feet Under paints a complex portrait of family dynamics amidst the presence of death. The captivating series, starring Peter Krause and Michael C. Hall, weaves together moments of dark humor with emotional drama. Its unique premise complements the exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and mortality.
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- #142 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #24 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley
Set in the 1950s, Happy Days charms viewers with its nostalgic portrayal of teenage life in small-town America. Centered around the Cunningham family and their friends, the show highlights the importance of family values and enduring friendships. From Richie and Potsie to the iconic Fonz, the memorable cast of characters make Happy Days a family favorite.
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- Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie
Switched at Birth tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns. As both families work together to adjust to their newfound reality, they provide a unique perspective on family life, loyalty, and love. Featuring prominent deaf characters and actors, this groundbreaking series tackles important social issues while celebrating diverse family dynamics.
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- Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, David Gallagher
As the name suggests, 7th Heaven centers on the lives of the Camden family, led by Reverend Eric Camden and his wife, Annie. Tackling real-life issues with grace, the show provides a wholesome and heartwarming depiction of family life, love, and faith. With a likable ensemble cast, including Jessica Biel, 7th Heaven remains a classic example of a family drama series.
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- Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton
The Haunting of Hill House brings suspense and supernatural elements to the family drama genre. Through a series of chilling events, the series explores the fractured relationships and haunting past of the Crain family. Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Elizabeth Reaser deliver enthralling performances, creating a captivating experience full of dread, love, and heartache.
- David Giuntoli, Romany Malco, Allison Miller
Bound together by the sudden death of a close friend, A Million Little Things delves into the lives of a group of friends and the families they've created. The ensemble cast, led by David Giuntoli, Romany Malco, and Allison Miller, artfully balances grief, love, and friendship in their intertwined stories. This heartfelt drama reminds viewers of the importance of connection and support in uncertain times.
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- Jon Walmsley, Mary Beth McDonough, Eric Scott
Set during the Great Depression and World War II, The Waltons tells the story of a close-knit family residing in rural Virginia. The enduring love and support shared within the Walton family serve as a unifying force against the backdrop of challenging times. The series remains beloved for its family-first values and tender, heartwarming storytelling.
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- Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Shaun Johnston
Heartland is a Canadian family drama that revolves around the lives of Amy Fleming and her family on their horse ranch. The show embraces the themes of love, loyalty, and healing, as they work through the challenges and adventures of life. With a picturesque rural setting, Heartland proves that family bonds can overcome any obstacle.
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- Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson
Based on the bestselling novel, Little Fires Everywhere chronicles the seemingly perfect lives of the Richardson family and the impactful arrival of enigmatic Mia Warren and her daughter. The detailed characterizations of Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington create a fascinating drama as their lives intertwine and ignite. The series provides a thoughtful exploration of family, belonging, and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface.
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- Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox
Succession captures the power dynamics and wealth of the Roy family – owners of a global media conglomerate – as they grapple with issues of inheritance and family loyalty. With Brian Cox as the patriarch Logan Roy, this darkly comedic family drama offers compelling performances alongside complex, flawed characters. Succession offers an insightful view into power, betrayal, and the inner workings of a dysfunctional family empire.
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- Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz
Ozark follows the Byrde family as they navigate life on the edge after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong forces them to relocate. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney star as Marty and Wendy Byrde, whose strengths and weaknesses are tested while juggling criminal activity and family life. The show's intense atmosphere and intriguing storylines create a gripping and suspenseful family drama.
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- Gina Rodriguez, Andrea Navedo, Justin Baldoni
The life of Jane Villanueva, an aspiring writer, and devout Catholic, takes an unexpected turn when she is accidentally artificially inseminated. Gina Rodriguez brings humor and heart to the title character in this unique family dramedy. With telenovela-inspired twists, Jane the Virgin provides a perfect balance of laughter, tears, and life lessons in the context of strong family ties.
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- Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates
Sons of Anarchy presents the trials and tribulations of a tight-knit motorcycle club as they protect their community and family from external threats. With Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of Jax Teller at its core, the series offers intense drama and action combined with deep-rooted family values. The compelling characters, along with the high-stakes storyline, make Sons of Anarchy a thrilling family drama.
- Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie
Set in the Regency-era England, Bridgerton combines romance, intrigue, and societal norms centered around the titular family and their quest for love and societal standing. The vibrant, talented cast, including Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, captivates audiences with their chemistry and character growth. With its lavish production design and compelling storylines, Bridgerton becomes an unforgettable and enticing family drama.
- Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson
Returning to Stars Hollow, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life revisits the lives of Lorelai and Rory, offering viewers a glimpse into their evolving journeys. The miniseries, set roughly a decade after the original show, highlights the joy, struggles, and heartache of this mother-daughter duo. Fans of the original can enjoy watching characters return and uncovering new developments in this comforting and evocative update.
- Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary
Animal Kingdom follows the lives of the Cody family, led by matriarch Janine, as they immerse themselves in a life of crime in Southern California. The dynamics between the ruthless family members create a thrilling drama, tackling themes such as power, loyalty, and family bonds. Ellen Barkin's fierce performance as Smurf anchors the series and keeps audiences captivated.
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- Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell
Based on the best-selling novel, Defending Jacob tells the story of the Barber family, whose lives are upended when their teenage son becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery deliver noteworthy performances as parents grappling with the possibility of their child's guilt. This compelling psychological thriller offers thoughtful insights into the strength, limits, and fragility of family bonds.
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- Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda GrayIn the heart of Texas, a tale of family, power, and betrayal unfolds as viewers are drawn into the high-stakes world of oil tycoons. With its intricate narrative and remarkable character development, Dallas has garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Viewers witness the tumultuous dynamic between the ambitious J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) and his morally upright brother Bobby (Patrick Duffy), as they navigate the treacherous terrain of business, love, and family loyalties. As the plot thickens, alliances are tested and secrets unravel, keeping audiences enthralled with each passing episode.More Dallas
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- Mary-Louise Parker, Kevin Nealon, Justin Kirk
In Weeds, Mary-Louise Parker's performance as Nancy Botwin turns this dark comedy-drama into a unique and engaging family-centric story. After losing her husband, Nancy turns to drug dealing to support her family, offering a satirical take on suburban life, morality, and family relationships. The show's humor, suspense, and memorable characters make it an entertaining watch.
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