12 Best Shows Like Last Man Standing You Should Watch Next

The Tim Allen sitcom "Last Man Standing" stars Allen as the titular "man" who feels usurped by the females in his family. Allen's Mike Baxter works in marketing at the sporting goods store Outdoor Man and uses the company's vlog to share his conservative social views. Mike's machismo is countered by the women in his life. His geologist wife Vanessa (Nancy Travis) and their three daughters often disagree with Mike and his traditional ways, but, despite any disagreements they may have, the Baxters are a close-knit and loving family unit.

"Last Man Standing" falls in the great tradition of family sitcoms centered around a somewhat chauvinistic yet largely redeemable patriarch. He may not be as famous as Allen's other sitcom dad (Tim Taylor from "Home Improvement"), but Mike Baxter can hold his own against some of the best sitcom dads in TV history. If "Last Man Standing" has left you hankering for some down-home laughs, there are plenty of similar family sitcoms awaiting your discovery. Here are the best TV comedies like "Last Man Standing" you should watch next.

Tim Allen grunted his way to stardom as the lead actor in the classic '90s sitcom "Home Improvement." The show took cues from Allen's stand-up routines, which often riffed on the dichotomy of gender stereotypes and men's supposed love for shopping at Sears for power tools. In "Home Improvement," Allen stars as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor, the host of the home improvement show "Tool Time." His love of a good drill can't make up for his handyman ineptitude, but that never stops Tim Taylor from asserting his destructive prowess on DIY projects. Somehow, no matter how many projects Tim screws up, he always manages to brush off his "man pain."

"Last Man Standing" can be considered the successor of "Home Improvement." Both Tim Taylor and Mike Baxter are enmeshed in and defined by their love of "manly" things. Tim loves tools, while Mike is all about outdoor life. Their penchant for machismo often clashes with those around them, including their families. But at the end of the day, Tim and Mike love and care for their wives and kids, even if they have a funny way of showing it. If you love "Last Man Standing," "Home Improvement" will be right up your street.

"Modern Family" takes a fresh look at 21st century kinship and the ever-evolving ways that people create their clans. Beloved by both audiences and critics, and winning over 20 Emmys during its run, "Modern Family" followed three interconnected families for 11 seasons, stretching across the 2010s. Each family is bound through Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) and his adult children, Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Claire is married to bumbling "cool dad" Phil (Ty Burrell) and Mitchell is married to the theatrical bon vivant Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet).

"Modern Family," like "Last Man Standing," takes a peek inside present-day family dynamics. The Baxter family, just like the Pritchetts, evolves and grows throughout the series. Boyfriends, grandkids, and even a foreign-exchange student all join Mike Baxter under his roof throughout the series. But, while "Modern Family" and "Last Man Standing" have similar themes, they take different stylistic approaches. "Modern Family" isn't your traditional multi-camera sitcom, taking the mockumentary approach of popular shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." "Last Man Standing," meanwhile, keeps a toehold in its sitcom roots, complete with a laugh track. Despite their different looks, both shows bring plenty of family-oriented laughs and fans of "Last Man Standing" definitely need to add "Modern Family" to their watch queue.

"Friends" and "Joey" star Matt LeBlanc made his return to the network sitcom arena with the CBS show "Man with a Plan." LeBlanc plays Adam Burns, a contractor and father to three children who must step up his parenting game after his wife decides to return to the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mom. With his wife Andi (Liza Snyder) putting in hours as a medical lab technician, Adam delves awkwardly into the world of hands-on parenting. Turns out that being a man with a plan is no match for the chaos and unpredictability of family life.

"Man with a Plan" operates in the same territory as "Last Man Standing." Both sitcoms center around a dad who must overcome his own preconceived and stereotyped notions of fatherhood in order to show up for his family. Those with an affinity for Mike Baxter and his stubbornly old-fashioned ways will surely relate to the struggles of Adam Burns. If you love "Last Man Standing" and have been looking for a similar show to get your teeth stuck into, "Man with a Plan" ticks many of the same boxes.

Part of ABC's fabled TGIF programming block, the classic sitcom "Family Matters" looks at life from the perspective of the Winslows, a middle-class Black family led by hard-working Chicago police officer Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson). Carl is married to the ambitious Harriette (Jo Marie Payton, Judyann Elder) and together they have three children, the rebellious Eddie (Darius McCray), the super popular Laura (Kellie Shanygne Williams), and youngest child Judy (Jaimee Foxxworth), who noticeably disappeared from "Family Matters" during the show's fourth season. Carl is the consummate dad, even taking on father-figure duties for his nephew Richie Crawford (Joseph and Julius Wright, Bryton McClure) and his adopted son 3J (Orlando Brown). And, of course, there's his soft spot for his annoying neighbor, ultimate geek kid Steve Urkel (Jaleel White). Carl's penchant for freaking out might not be good for his blood pressure, but his flailing gestures belie his gentle and caring heart.

While the Winslows always remained at the center of "Family Matters," in later seasons it often centered on the wacky antics of Steve Urkel. Quirky plots like Steve's lab-created suave alter ego Stefan Urquelle and teleporting to Paris via the Urk-Pad were countered with real-world concerns like career woes and sibling rivalries. In this regard, "Last Man Standing" is slightly more grounded, with Mike Baxter working at the very Earth-bound retailer Outdoor Man. Both Carl and Mike do their best to sternly rule over their familial domains, but they are often softened by their loved ones. A sitcom that's both silly and heartfelt, "Family Matters," definitely deserves your time.

Is it true that everybody loves Raymond? By the number of accolades the CBS sitcom received during its nine-season run, the answer is yes. Ray Romano's stint in primetime sitcom land was an awards darling, earning 69 Emmy Award nominations and securing multiple statuettes for actors Doris Roberts, Brad Garrett, and Patricia Heaton. In "Everybody Loves Raymond," Long Island sportswriter, husband, and father Ray Barone (Romano) lives with his wife Debra (Heaton) and three children in a home across the street from his parents, the meddling Marie (Roberts) and the gruff Frank (Peter Boyle). Ray's older brother Robert (Garrett) is also in the familial mix, creating a multi-generational family unit that definitely puts the "fun" in dysfunctional.

According to the Los Angeles Times, producers of "Everybody Loves Raymond" avoided making the show too topical, instead embracing the timelessness of television comedies like "The Honeymooners." One doesn't need to read up on topical '90s and '00s jokes to appreciate the humor of the family antics on show here. Even though "Everybody Loves Raymond" doesn't tackle socio-political divides with its punchlines like "Last Man Standing," the shows complement each other well. The universality of challenging familial personalities — and laughing in the face of them — links these timeless sitcoms. Everybody who loves "Last Man Standing" will want to check out this show.

Comedian Damon Wayans was a long way from his "In Living Color" days when he starred on the ABC sitcom "My Wife and Kids" in the early '00s. In "My Wife and Kids," Wayans plays Micheal Kyle Sr., the owner of a trucking company who wants nothing but some old-fashioned family time with his wife Jay (Tisha Campbell) and their three kids. Michael likes to yuk it up and has a rather jovial parenting style, but that doesn't mean he can't be strict. However Michael chooses to flex his dad skill in any given episode, he's always there to help his kids and support his wife, even if it means putting himself in an awkward situation.

"My Wife and Kids," like "Last Man Standing," follows the great sitcom tradition of fathers who think they know best. Of course, when it becomes clear that they don't know best, hilarity ensues. Wayans' performance anchors the sitcom, sprinkling in just enough of his "In Living Color" wryness to keep the show silly while not going overboard on the goofiness. "My Wife and Kids" doesn't try to be groundbreaking or controversial, and that's part of its charm. If you're looking for a TV show like "Last Man Standing" that the whole family can enjoy, "My Wife and Kids" makes for a satisfying watch.

The acclaimed sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat" served up lively and heartfelt television for six seasons on ABC. Based on chef Eddie Hwang's autobiography, "Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir," the TV series depicts Hwang's childhood after he and his Taiwanese American family move to Orlando, Florida. Father Eddie (Randall Park) is all-in on being all-American and works as a manager of a local steakhouse. Mother Jessica (Constance Wu) wrangles her husband and kids with her pragmatic parenting skills. And kids Eddie (Hudson Yang), Emery (Forrest Wheeler), and Evan (Ian Chen) all do their best to make the most of life in central Florida.

Celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of an Asian American family on U.S. television, "Fresh Off the Boat" provided vital Asian representation in the media, a number that continues to grow since the show signed off the air in 2020 (via Nielsen). Even though "Fresh Off the Boat" might not seem like a natural companion sitcom to "Last Man Standing," fans of both shows will appreciate the near-universal relatability of family life as shown by the Hwang's and the Baxter's. With its refreshing take on the American family, "Fresh Off the Boat" should be a priority watch for sitcom lovers everywhere.

Fans of "Last Man Standing" need to check out George Lopez's eponymous sitcom "George Lopez." A stand-up comedian before television stardom, Lopez co-created "George Lopez" as a vehicle for himself, listing other comedians like "Last Man Standing" star Tim Allen as inspiration for his primetime aspirations (via Los Angeles Times). In "George Lopez," he plays a version of himself, but instead of being a comedian, his TV alter ego works at an aviation factory while juggling family life. The real Lopez sought to erase negative Latino stereotypes with his comedy, and, according to The Washington Post, when "George Lopez" debuted in 2002, the show aimed to have mass appeal while also engaging Latino audiences.

"George Lopez" deftly takes on issues that challenge the fictional George Lopez both at work and at home, including the stresses of becoming a boss, family member estrangement, and his kids' school struggles. George might get competitive with his wife Angie (Constance Marie) on who is the better parent, but their tiffs never stop them from loving each other. Like "Last Man Standing," "George Lopez" is anchored by the lead actor's star power and both shows prove how successful the sitcom TV format can be for comedians.

"Domestic Goddess" Roseanne Barr's stand-up comedy routine ascended from the stage to become a sitcom legend in "Roseanne." Departing from the aspirational middle-class airs that defined many of its television predecessors, "Roseanne" is a slice-of-life from the perspective of the working-class Conner family. Matriarch Roseanne Conner (Barr) and her husband Dan (John Goodman) toil away in fictional Lanford, Illinois, job-hopping and penny-pinching to keep the lights on for their three children. "Roseanne" is both devastatingly funny and assertively poignant, and the show never shied away from taking a stance on controversial topics.

"Roseanne" broke away from the sitcom mold. Its popularity signaled that audiences were ready to embrace the complexities of their own lives in sitcom form. Yet, as trailblazing as "Roseanne" was, it still adhered to many sitcom tropes, and in later seasons the show played with them in a very self-aware fashion. "Last Man Standing" doesn't make a habit of television meta-commentary, but, like "Roseanne," it takes on topical social issues through its familial dynamics. What's more relatable than seemingly out-of-touch parents arguing with their kids only to resolve the issue with a good old heart-to-heart conversation? Next time you need a dose of realism with your laugh track, fire up an episode of "Roseanne" and expect to be delighted.

"Whatever happened to predictability? The milkman, the paperboy, the evening TV?" The opening lyrics to the "Full House" theme song lament the loss of the mythical days when family life was clearly defined. The Tanner family discovers that "everywhere you look" there's a "hand to hold onto," and in "Full House," those palms belong to an extended network of family and friends who love each other and manage to solve their issues in under 30 minutes. "Full House" follows widower Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) who parents his three daughters with the help of his rock and roll brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and his comedian buddy Joey (Dave Coulier).

"Full House" gently takes on life and parenting from the perspective of three awkward Mr. Mom-types, but Danny, Jesse, and Joey come to not only embrace their roles, but thrive in them. "Last Man Standing" also centers on the lead character's father-daughter parenting blunders. Like the dudes in "Full House," Mike Baxter might not get it right all the time, but his heart is in the right place. Pleasantly saccharine and chock full of delightful catch-phrases, it's a very easy watch, though "Full House" is more than just another cheesy sitcom, touching on some serious issues in certain episodes. No matter your taste, there's always room for a little "Full House" in your life.

"The Middle" is a sitcom that proudly plants itself in the everyday concerns of a Midwestern working-class family. It stars Patricia Heaton as matriarch Frankie Heck, who, alongside her husband Mike (Neil Flynn), raises three children in small-town Indiana. Frankie narrates many of the episodes about her life in "the middle," framing the Heck family's antics and troubles. The Heck family is not necessarily aspirational, but they are definitely relatable. Frankie and Mike are by no means perfect parents, and "The Middle" revels in their parenting struggles. The joy of the series can be found in their fallibility.

"Last Man Standing" and "The Middle" are both second-act sitcoms for their respective stars, Tim Allen and Patricia Heaton. Allen became a household name starring in "Home Improvement" and Heaton rose to fame as Debra Barone in "Everybody Loves Raymond." Heaton takes the reins in "The Middle" and her portrayal of Frankie deserves a spot among television's great sitcom moms. The show was grossly underappreciated during its nine-season run, even being dubbed "the best TV show you're not watching" by Esquire at one point.

The ABC sitcom "The Goldbergs" takes a warmly nostalgic journey to the 1980s, a radical time filled with trips to the mall, blockbuster films, and teased bangs that only canisters of Aqua-Net could set in place. Based on creator Adam F. Goldberg's childhood in suburban Philadelphia, "The Goldbergs" follows young movie-obsessed Adam (Sean Giambrone) and his family as they make their way through the Reagan era. Adam must contend with his overbearing mother Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey), his apathetic yet caring dad Murray (Jeff Garlin), and his two older siblings, Barry (Troy Gentile) and Erica (Hayley Orrantia). Infused with equal love for the Goldberg family and '80s pop culture, "The Goldbergs" has plenty of ways to hilariously tug at the heartstrings.

Fans of exasperated TV dads will definitely hone in on Jeff Garlin's Murray, the hard-working Goldberg patriarch who, after a long day selling furniture, wants nothing more than to ignore his "moron" kids and kick back in front of the boob tube to watch "Remington Steele." In "Last Man Standing," equally exasperated dad Mike Baxter takes a more modern approach in his escapism, using his vlog as an emotional outlet. "The Goldbergs" is a high-energy and cheeky sitcom, and while a tonal departure from "Last Man Standing," they are both about families just trying to make it work. It might not be an obvious choice, but "The Goldbergs" is a great next-watch choice for "Last Man Standing" aficionados.