10. "Hot in Cleveland"
Imagine: Los Angeles glitz and glam meets small-town charm. Three Hollywood veterans, stranded in Cleveland, discover that in this new town, they're hot stuff. It's like taking a fish out of water, and instead of it floundering, it thrives and becomes a celebrity.
There's dating, drama, and plenty of punchlines. Oh, and a British caretaker with sass levels matching that of Sophia Petrillo. Not quite as golden as our original girls, but still glittering enough to deserve a watch.
9. "Maude"
Now, step back in time. Bea Arthur, before she was the infamous Dorothy Zbornak, was Maude. A politically charged, strong-willed woman in the 1970s, navigating through controversial topics.
Picture it: The U.S., 1972. Feminism, politics, and hilarious dialogue. Does it reach the heights of "The Golden Girls"? Not always. But there's a flavor there, a hint of what Bea would bring to our favorite Miami ladies in the future.
8. "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
Christine battles the trials and tribulations of life, post-divorce. Ex-husband? Check. New girlfriend named Christine? Double check. (Hence the title.) Combine all that with a brother living on her couch, and you've got a sitcom cocktail that's worth a sip.
Not as wisecracking as our beloved golden oldies, but it has heart and a certain Seinfeld alumna, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, to give it comedic heft.
7. "Frasier"
Hold onto your sherry glass; we're moving to Seattle. Frasier Crane, once a side character on "Cheers", now has his own stage. A radio psychiatrist dealing with his quirky producer, Roz, and English caretaker, Daphne. But the cherry on top? His retired cop dad, Martin, and his snobby brother, Niles.
If "The Golden Girls" gave you tropical vibes with a side of cheesecake, this offers drizzly days and a cup of latte. A bit more high-brow perhaps, but the laughs? They're universal.
6. "Designing Women"
Now, swish into an Atlanta-based interior design firm. Four women, strong as pillars, facing issues ranging from beauty standards to racism. It's the South, honey, but not as you know it. The banter is sharp, the topics deep, and the hair? Bigger than you can imagine.
Think of it as the spicy southern cousin of "The Golden Girls". A little more feisty, a tad less refined, but with a charm all its own.
5. "Empty Nest"
Guess what? This one's set in Miami, just like our golden ladies! Centered on a pediatrician, Dr. Harry Weston, it's all about life after the kids have flown the coop. Except, they keep coming back. It's life's little joke on him. The nest's never truly empty.
The Golden Girls actually appeared on this show from time to time. Fun fact? It's a spin-off! While it never quite fills the shoes of its predecessor, it dances merrily alongside.
4. "Grace and Frankie"
Two women, polar opposites, thrown together after their husbands announce they're gay – and for each other! The effervescent Frankie and the pragmatic Grace navigate the choppy waters of senior singlehood together.
Filled with tequila shots, vibrators, and life's little hiccups, it's a modern twist on the golden age of female friendships. The title might be newer, but its heart? Timelessly golden.
3. "Mom"
Ever thought about family ties? Well, they're tangled as hell here. Christy, a single mom recovering from alcoholism, attempts to rebuild her life while her own mom, Bonnie, re-enters the scene with her larger-than-life persona.
It's messy, touching, and riotously funny. The humor might be a bit edgier than our 80's ladies, but the bond between the women? As solid as Rose's St. Olaf stories.
2. "One Day at a Time"
A Cuban-American family in LA, led by a single mom and army veteran, Penelope. It's an old recipe with new ingredients: dealing with PTSD, coming out stories, and immigrant experiences, all with a sprinkle of laughter. Abuelita's there to drop wisdom bombs (and sometimes just bombs), making it feel like home.
It's fresh. It's vibrant. It's poignant. The Golden Girls would tip their hats (or in Blanche's case, flirt outrageously).
1. "Murphy Brown"
Topping our list, and for good reason, we have Murphy. An investigative journalist and news anchor, she's no-nonsense, strong-willed, and sharp-tongued. Returning to the world of TV news post-rehab, she tackles the patriarchy, politics, and personal challenges with unparalleled gusto.
It's like blending Dorothy's wit, Rose's naivety, Blanche's confidence, and Sophia's grit. It's a cocktail that not only rivals "The Golden Girls" but at times, gives them a run for their money.