So... you just finished watching How I Met Your Mother... whether or not you were pleased with the finale, it was a long, fun road. Now what? You could start again from season one, or you could watch Friends (again)... but after a certain amount of re-binging, even an amazing show like How I Met Your Mother loses its appeal. Here's a list of a few shows to hold you over until your next trip around New York with the MacLauren's gang.
1. If you love the will they/won't they? love triangle, watch "Baby Daddy"
In this family-oriented (but not family appropriate) sitcom, 20-something bartender Ben is shocked when an ex leaves him a present on his doorstep—his infant daughter, Emma. Along with his roommate, his childhood friend, his brother, and his wacky mother, he has to try to raise his daughter the best he can. If you're into tall, muscular men, Danny will make you turn into a heart-eyes emoji.
2. If you love the douchebag character with fantastic one-liners, watch "Community"
In this deadpan comedy show, a group of misfit community college students (led by reluctant Jeff Winger) form a study group to help get them through Spanish. A mother, a billionaire, a failed lawyer, a type-a busy bee, a former football star, and a film fanatic... what could go wrong? If you love bromances a la Ted and Marshall, Troy and Abed's inevitable friendship is the absolute best.
3. If you love recurring jokes and character development, watch "Parks and Rec" or 4. "The Office"
If you haven't seen "the Office" yet, I will tell you now that you are way behind the curve. In this mockumentary situational comedy, manager Michael Scott tries to make selling paper interesting through a series of hijinks. Though the first season is a bit slow, this series debuted one of television's greatest love stories. If you've seen it already, you know exactly who I'm talking about.
"Parks and Recreation" is in a similar style to the Office, except it takes place in the government building of a small town in Indiana. Enthusiastic deputy director Leslie Knope takes on the task of building a park out of a raccoon (and marijuana) infested pit. Personally, I think "Parks and Rec's" humor is funnier than "the Office," so if you've seen the latter, I highly recommend this series.
5. If you love an ensemble comedy set in New York, watch "Brooklyn 99"
"Brooklyn 99" centers on a department of detectives who are suddenly given a new chief... and he actually takes the job seriously, unlike most of the other officers. Between Chelsea Peretti's spot-on humor and Andy Samberg's crazy situational comedy, Brooklyn 99 is a thoroughly fun watch.
6. If you love goofy, attractive, young people trying to make it in the big city, watch "Young and Hungry"
Wannabe chef Gabi and her best friend, Sophia, live in a cramped San Francisco apartment. When Gabi hears that businessman Josh is looking for a personal chef, she manages to snag the job despite resistance from Josh's assistant, Elliot. Between Elliot, Josh, Yolanda (the maid), Gabi, and Sophia, this show is crazily entertaining (also, it has one of the catchiest theme songs of any sitcom).
7. If you love the aesthetic and humor of '90's-00's sitcoms, watch "That 70's Show"
Ah, the show where Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis met... *sighs.* A group of teenagers with nothing better to do hang out in Eric Forman's basement. Somehow, they manage to get into all kinds of mischief. Managing to capture all the nostalgia of the '70s and the '90s in one series, the characters of "That 70's Show" are iconic. Except for Randy... F**k Randy.
Remember, kiddos, watch responsibly. Happy Binging!
