Television series

Bizaardvark

Name: Bizaardvark
Genre: Comedy, Children, Music
Released: 2016
Cast: Madison Hu, Olivia Rodrigo, Ethan Wacker, DeVore Ledridge, Jake Paul

Comedy
Musical
Light-hearted

A Disney Channel comedy about two friends creating music videos for their online channel. Fast-paced, absurdist, stuffed with jokes layered for different ages. It's sketch comedy meets sitcom, set in a fictional studio where every episode spirals into beautiful chaos. For kids who love weird humour and anyone who remembers when the internet felt like a playground.

TVMaze rating

3.9

If you liked this

Victorious2010

A similarly energetic ensemble comedy about creative teens at a performance arts school. Sharp writing, genuine character dynamics, and that same blend of sketch-like scenes and emotional beats that keep you invested between the laughs.

But Aired a decade earlier, so the production values and some jokes feel dated. Also denser plotting means less pure comedy chaos per episode.

iCarly2007

The spiritual ancestor of this format: kids making web content, studio setting, recurring characters both supportive and ridiculous. Dan Schneider's DNA is all over this DNA. Infectious energy and genuine warmth underneath the absurdity.

But Even more of a kids' show in sensibility. Some episodes lean hard into plot mechanics that creak a little in retrospect.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt2015

Not a kids' show, but the same comedic DNA: rapid-fire absurdist gags, a loving ensemble, and an optimistic protagonist bouncing through chaos. Proves the format scales brilliantly and rewards close watching.

But Much darker humour and more adult situations. A tonal shift that might lose viewers who loved Bizaardvark's breeziness.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Bizaardvark

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Adventure Time: Distant Lands2020

Both use ensemble absurdism to explore friendship. Both reward quick humour and character warmth in equal measure. Both feel like watching people who genuinely like each other goof around.

An animated series that operates on pure comedic logic: rapid-fire jokes, bizarre character tangents, a warm core of genuine friendship, and the freedom to do anything. Each episode moves at Bizaardvark's speed but with unlimited visual imagination. Same spirit, infinite possibilities.

But Animation, so a completely different medium. Darker and weirder as it progresses—early episodes are purely silly, but later seasons get genuinely strange and sad.

Zoey 1012005

Another Nickelodeon precursor with the same mix of comedy and heart, centred on a close friend group. Perfectly calibrated for the young viewer who wants stakes alongside silliness. Extremely charming in hindsight.

But Slower pacing and less joke density than Bizaardvark. Some episodes prioritise story over laughs, which can feel like a slog.

The Thundermans2013

A Disney Channel ensemble with a similar spirit: fast jokes, a core friend group, and the kind of supernatural or heightened premise that justifies random tangents. Warm and genuinely funny without talking down.

But Relies more on physical comedy and less on wordplay. Some sketches overstay their welcome.

Ghosts2021

An ensemble workplace comedy with wild characters and a similar improvisational feel. Proves you can build genuine affection for a cast while keeping the pace brisk and the jokes coming. Perfect for someone who loved the Vuuugle Studio setting.

But A CBS show for adults, so the humour is darker and the episodes longer. Completely different vibe, even if the structure clicks.

That Girl Lay Lay2021

A Nickelodeon series with the same energy: music, comedy, a charismatic lead, and a premise that invites weirdness. Rapid-fire jokes and a protagonist who genuinely seems to be having fun.

But Centres more on musical performance than comedy sketches. If you're watching for the bits, rather than the songs, it might not deliver.

Marlon2017

A sitcom built around a charming central performance and ensemble dynamics. Lighter and breezier than most network comedy. Never outstays its welcome and maintains genuine warmth throughout.

But Less absurdist, more traditional sitcom structure. If you loved the surreal tangents in Bizaardvark, this will feel constrained.

Our Flag Means Death2022

Both centre on a lovable ensemble learning to work together in a heightened setting. Both balance comedy with genuine character investment. Both feel like watching friends collaborate, even when things go wrong.

A pirate comedy that has no business being this charming. Ridiculous premise, enthusiastic ensemble, and jokes that land because the characters are real people inhabiting impossible situations. Proves the format works for adults too.

But HBO Max production values and adult sensibility. Raunchy at moments, slower pacing, and the plot matters in ways Bizaardvark doesn't require.

Don't Hug Me I'm Scared2012

Both are content created by collaborators who clearly love making weird things. Both prioritise joke density and tonal freedom over conventional storytelling. Both feel like art made in a room by people excited to surprise each other.

A series of six-minute surrealist comedy videos made by two people. Pure absurdist energy, the same love of weird tangents and unexpected tonal shifts, and the confidence to be genuinely strange. Feels like watching Bizaardvark if it had no budget constraints and no network notes.

But Experimental and darkly surreal. Not a narrative. No characters to root for. Genuinely unsettling at moments, despite being hilarious. Requires a different kind of attention.