Television series
Stuck in the Middle
- Comedy
- Light-hearted
Harley Diaz is an ingenious middle child among seven siblings who solves everyday family chaos with DIY inventions and quick thinking. It's a fast-paced, warm sitcom that celebrates problem-solving, sibling bonds, and the particular hell of being lost in a crowd. Perfect for families who like their humor clever without cynicism.
If you liked this
The Middle2009
Sue Heck navigates family life as the overlooked middle child with the same resourceful optimism Harley brings to her problems. Sharp writing, genuine affection between characters, and half-hour episodes that feel earned rather than stretched.
But It's more grounded and less invention-focused than Stuck in the Middle, so the pacing is slower. The humor relies on awkwardness as much as wit.
Modern Family2009
An extended family unit learning to navigate life together through comedy. The show balances ensemble chaos with real character development, and finds humor in how people actually relate to each other rather than just punching up jokes.
But Eleven seasons is a commitment. Quality dips noticeably after season five, and some of the cultural references are dated now.
Schitt's Creek2015
A family stripped of everything has to rebuild using only humor, creativity, and each other. It's warm without being saccharine, funny without being mean, and genuinely celebratory of its characters' growth over time.
But The first season feels different—uncertain in tone. It takes a few episodes to find its footing. Some viewers find it too earnest by the end.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Stuck in the Middle
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Mythbusters2003
Both are built on the idea that a clever person can invent their way toward solving a problem. Mythbusters is the documentary version of what Harley does in every episode.
Two experts actually build and test inventions to solve real-world questions. It's exactly what Harley does, but real: hypothesis, design, trial, failure, triumph. The same creative problem-solving energy, plus watching things explode.
But Documentary format with different hosts per episode after season one. Long-form and episodic means nothing builds narratively. Some experiments feel dated now.
More like this (8)
Atypical2017
A family with vastly different needs and temperaments learns to problem-solve together. Sam's autism and his family's attempts to understand him create real stakes under the comedy. Four seasons, perfectly paced.
But The humor often comes from tension rather than absurdity. If you want pure lightness, this leans into genuine family difficulty too.
Anne with an E2017
A young girl uses her imagination and resilience to overcome obstacles and inspire those around her. More serious than Stuck in the Middle, but that same sense of someone brilliant making the most of a tough situation.
But It's period drama with a melancholic streak. Visually gorgeous but slower-paced, and deals with some heavy themes like bullying and prejudice.
Ginny & Georgia2021
Two generations navigating life together with humor, secrets, and genuine care underneath. Fast-moving ensemble dynamics with strong female characters solving problems their own way.
But Aimed at older teens and adults. More romantic subplots and social drama than Stuck in the Middle. Less concerned with innocent problem-solving, more with relationship complications.
Never Have I Ever2020
A brilliant girl navigates family, school, and life goals with wit and resourcefulness. Narrated by a famous actor playing himself, which sounds gimmicky but works. Fast, fun, and celebrates smart characters.
But Very teen-focused humor and concerns. American high school social dynamics dominate. Some viewers find the narrator voice intrusive rather than charming.
Kim's Convenience2016
A family-run business becomes the backdrop for exploring identity, belonging, and how people solve problems together. Genuinely funny with real warmth, and celebrates characters being smart and competent.
But Only five seasons before cancellation left things unresolved. Based in Toronto and rooted in a specific cultural context that may feel unfamiliar.
Grand Blue2018
A college student gets swept into a chaotic friend group. It's anarchic comedy from a manga, featuring characters being ridiculous in creative ways. If you like pure invention and chaos channeled into friendship.
But Anime format and aesthetic. Very much plotless comedy—nothing builds or resolves in traditional ways. Some find that liberating, others restless.
Everything Sucks!2018
Both celebrate the specific joy of young people solving problems and making things. Harley uses engineering; these kids use theater and film-making. Same spirit of 'let's build something' in different mediums.
A chaotic high school av-club and drama department merge into beautiful chaos. It's a love letter to obsessive hobbyists and misfits making things together. Genuinely funny, shot with real affection, criminally cancelled after one season.
But Only one season exists. The tone shifts between broad comedy and genuine teen melodrama. Doesn't resolve anything. Also, early aughts middle-school references may not land.
Octonauts2010
A team where everyone has a specific skill, and they succeed by combining those skills to solve new problems each episode. The ensemble detective work is the same; the subject matter is just ocean-based instead of family-based.
An ensemble team of animals explores the ocean and solves problems using teamwork and ingenuity. It's gentler than Stuck in the Middle and aimed younger, but has that same 'smart people working together to figure things out' energy without snark.
But It's explicitly for younger kids. Designed for preschoolers and early elementary. If you want sophisticated humor, you'll lose it here, though adults often enjoy the adventure structure.
People
Cast
Writing
- Alison BrownCreator