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After six successful seasons, This Is Us has come to an end. The family drama captured the hearts of fans with its fascinating characters and impactful storylines. For those already missing the Pearson clan, there are plenty of other drama series centered around family life to enjoy. In fact, some of the most memorable and award-winning dramas have centered around family relationships. Fans can always count on these shows to bring drama and intrigue to every generation.
Whether telling the stories of dysfunctional broods, like the long-running Shameless, or capturing the lives of the average American family, these shows have heart, laughter, and – perhaps most importantly – reliability. Many of these shows have high re-watch value, with fans returning to them time after time.
Empire (2015-2020)
Streaming on Hulu
This American drama series centers around a successful businessman named Lucious Lyon who is forced to decide which of his three sons will run his music empire after he’s gone.
Empire took many soap-opera tropes, including amnesia and marital affairs, and turned the drama up to 100. The series was entertaining because it combined juicy plot twists with outrageous antics from the main characters. Back in 2015, Empire kept viewers turning in to see what the family would get themselves into next and the twists and turns mean there’s plenty of re-watch value in the series.
Queen Sugar (2016-2022)
Streaming on Hulu
Set in Louisiana, Queen Sugar follows the Bordelon family as they run a sugarcane farm after the tragic death of one of their own. Each member of the family struggles with their own trials and tribulations.
The series explores many layers of family life, with themes including marital issues, parenthood, sexual assault, and racism. The show’s sensitive but engaging handling of these important topics is just one of the reasons why the show deserves more attention. The cast’s performances are stellar in each and every heartfelt storyline.
Parenthood (2010-2015)
Streaming on Hulu
Parenthood follows the Braverman family as they navigate loss, adulthood, careers, and marital problems. The series depicts this “average” American family dealing with everyday issues as well as some they never thought they’d have to face.
The series tackles issues like parenting a child with autism, adoption, being a single parent, and much more. Throughout the series, viewers can expect the Braverman family to be there for one another when it matters most. The characters are well-rounded and substantial, showing growth as the seasons go from strength to strength, and making the show well worth a rewatch.
Switched At Birth (2011-2017)
Streaming on Hulu
When two different families discover they brought the wrong daughter home, they must adjust to life with each other after the 16 years they lost. The premise of Switched At Birth was enough to pull in viewers. It drew in even more fans because of how well it integrated sign language. This was a major component of the series and overall storylines that played a part in the show.
One of Freeform’s best original shows, Switched At Birth addresses coming out for the first time as well as relationship issues for the teenagers of the show. There are many moments of miscommunication that keep the plot interesting as well as plenty of endearing family scenes. Due to its universal appeal, the series is ideal to rewatch with the whole family.
Brothers & Sisters (2006-2011)
Streaming on Hulu
When the Walker family discovers the patriarch has passed away, the family comes together with their problems to mourn his death. However, they discover hidden secrets about their father and the family business.
Each family member has secrets that they keep from one another. Whether it is finding out about a sibling they never knew about or dealing with addiction in the family, the Walker family has their fair share of problems that keeps viewers hooked. The series had emotional moments while also providing laughs. Brothers & Sisters was an underrated drama-filled series that had fans invested back in the mid-2000s and still holds up today.
Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
Streaming on HBO Max
This HBO series centered around the dysfunctional Fisher family. The family owns a funeral home in Los Angeles and must adapt to new issues when the eldest son becomes a partner in the business.
Although it’s been years since Six Feet Under ended, the series still managed to leave its mark by portraying the highs and lows of human life. The series managed to capture every emotion while telling the story of the family. Six Feet Under perfectly tied in dark humor with serious topics and themes. Boasting one of the most shocking opening scenes in TV history as well as a highly satisfying ending, Six Feet Under is worth revisiting over two decades since it first aired.
Party Of Five (1994-2000)
Available to buy on AppleTV+ & Amazon Prime Video
After the tragic death of their parents, five siblings are forced to adapt to life on their own in Party of Five. They struggle to figure out their futures and how they will manage a parentless household.
Filled with talented young actors, the show was popular in its time because of the interesting premise of teenage siblings forced to grow up. The pilot pulls the audience in right away and makes fans wonder what will happen next. The show touched on topics like alcoholism, money problems, and even dealing with cancer. Party of Five is particularly worth revisiting for those who love and miss the ’90s.
The Fosters (2013-2018)
Streaming on Hulu & Amazon Prime Video
The Fosters follows married couple Stef and Lena and their family of mostly adopted children as they navigate relationships, betrayals, and their passions.
The Fosters focuses on themes like sexual orientation, foster care, education, trauma, and much more. From start to finish, the family supports one another when the going gets tough. It all feels real for fans who may experience the same hardships and is one of the best LGBTQ+ shows streaming on Amazon Prime. The series also challenges what it means to be a family.
United States Of Tara (2009-2011)
Streaming on Hulu
United States Of Tara centers around the Gregson family as they live with their mother who deals with a dissociative identity disorder. Tara’s alters gets her into trouble throughout the series and she finds it difficult to manage them.
This award-winning show mainly points out how difficult it can be to manage mental health issues, both for the sufferer and those around them. Tara’s husband and children are often held back by her DID and suffer their own hardships because of it. An important piece of representation for those with DID, United States Of Tara depicts how much her family supports her even when it’s hard. The series is both heartbreaking and comical, which is why it’s worth revisiting.
Shameless (2011-2021)
Streaming on Netflix
The Gallagher family is a big clan with larger-than-life personalities. The Gallaghers are an unapologetic family with no rules and wild tendencies. Across the seasons, the brood deals with growing up in a poverty-stricken area of Chicago while dealing with a deadbeat dad who struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.
A controversial series, Shameless focuses on the notion of family and what it means to live freely and try to survive in modern times. The many challenges they face include drug use, illegal activity, domestic violence, relationship problems, and much more. The Gallagher family’s wild antic boosts and Shameless‘ entertaining running gags boost the show’s rewatch value, but the importance and love of family is always at the heart of the show.
