Television series

The Thundermans

Name: The Thundermans
Genre: Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
Released: 2013
Cast: Chris Tallman, Diego Velazquez, Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin, Rosa Blasi

A Nickelodeon sitcom about a family of superheroes trying desperately to blend in with normal suburbia. It's bright, silly, and full of the kind of low-stakes chaos that makes kid TV work—sibling squabbles weaponized by laser eyes and telekinesis. Perfect for families who like their comedy energetic and their stakes genuinely harmless.

TVMaze rating

3.2

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you love sitcoms where the joke engine is a family hiding its superpowers, and you enjoy bright, broad slapstick with a sibling rivalry running underneath it all.

Skip it if you want anything with stakes or grit; the superhero premise stays firmly in lighthearted Nickelodeon territory, and the humor leans on goofy setups more than sharp writing.

What it asks of you: Each episode runs about half an hour and asks very little of you: you can follow it half-distracted, and the rhythm is quick, bouncy and cheerful from start to finish.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

Wizards of Waverly Place2007

Same Disney energy: smart kids with hidden powers navigating school, family drama, and magical mayhem with genuine heart underneath the jokes. Alex Russo's moral flexibility mirrors Max's villain dreams.

But Ended over a decade ago and feels locked in its era. If you've already seen it, there's nothing new here.

Mighty Med2013

Nickelodeon's superhero equivalent—two teens discover a secret hospital for superheroes. It's got the same goofy tone, quick-cut comedy, and found-family warmth, just with higher stakes medical drama woven in.

But Cancelled after two seasons. The premise gets repetitive once the initial novelty of the setting wears off.

Kickin' It2011

Another Disney channel ensemble comedy about ordinary kids with a secret skill set. The ensemble chemistry is excellent, the humor lands, and there's real affection between characters beneath the pranks.

But Martial arts show, not superhero, so the scope feels smaller. Some of the 2010s slang hasn't aged gracefully.

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

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Gravity Falls2012

Both use a core family unit as the emotional anchor for weirder things happening around them. Both believe chaos with love underneath is the best kind of chaos.

A show about two kids uncovering supernatural mysteries in a strange town. It looks like a kids' cartoon but it's genuinely intelligent—the mystery architecture is airtight, the humor works on multiple levels, and it respects its audience's intelligence. If you outgrow The Thundermans, this is where to graduate.

But Animated, which changes the energy entirely. Also genuinely spooky in places, and the overarching plot demands you pay close attention across seasons.

Amphibia2019

A girl gets transported to a frog world and has to solve the mystery of how to get home while bonding with found family. More narrative depth than typical kids' fare, gorgeous animation, and genuine emotional payoff.

But Animated rather than live-action, which is a different watching experience. Takes a few episodes to find its rhythm.

The Owl House2020

A human girl ends up in a demon realm with a rebellious witch mentor. Smart, visually inventive, genuinely funny, and surprisingly moving. The character work rivals shows aimed at adults.

But Dark themes and gothic atmosphere might feel too serious if you want pure lightweight fun. Also animated.

Young Sheldon2017

A prequel about Sheldon Cooper's childhood in Texas. The family dynamics are warm and lived-in, the humor works for both kids and adults, and it's fundamentally about a family trying to do right by a difficult kid.

But No powers, no action. If you want spectacle, you won't find it here. Also very dialogue-heavy.

Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn2014

Nickelodeon's quadruplet sitcom. Pure ensemble energy—four siblings constantly scheming and undermining each other with genuine affection underneath. The chaos is the point.

But No fantastical elements whatsoever, which removes half The Thundermans' appeal. Relies entirely on character comedy.

Special Agent Oso2009

A secret agent bear goes on missions with a team of animal friends. Gentler than The Thundermans but built on the same logic—found family, colorful characters, problem-solving disguised as fun.

But Aimed at younger kids than The Thundermans. Very episodic and formulaic after a few episodes.

Pair of Kings2010

Twin brothers discover they're royalty of a magical island and have to learn to rule together. It's got sibling chemistry, fantasy elements, and that same Nickelodeon willingness to be completely ridiculous.

But The production design is cheap even by cable standards. Plot resolutions often feel arbitrary and unearned.

Superstore2015

Both are about misfits learning to function as a unit. Both believe the emotional core of a show matters more than the premise does.

A ensemble workplace comedy about a big-box store staff. Zero supernatural elements, but the found-family warmth, the way it mixes character comedy with genuine social observation, and the humor that lands whether you're six or sixty—it's The Thundermans' grown-up cousin. The same heart, sharper edges.

But Workplace sitcom, not family or fantasy. First season is slow. Some episodes venture into heavy territory (addiction, immigration, abortion) that shift the tone completely.

What If...?2021

Both are fundamentally about power—what it means to have it, what it means to hide it, what it means to want it. Both ask whether becoming a villain is inevitable or a choice.

Marvel's animated anthology explores alternate timelines. It sounds nerdy (it is), but what it's really doing is asking: what happens when good people make different choices? Or have different powers? Gorgeously animated, genuinely funny, and surprisingly moving.

But Requires Marvel baseline knowledge. Each episode is standalone, so there's no narrative momentum. Heavy on action sequences that can feel repetitive.