TV Shows with the Most Realistic Sibling Rivalries

Television often portrays sibling rivalry in a way that feels very real, from small disagreements that grow into lasting resentments to major conflicts over things like money, success, and their parents’ affection. The shows listed below explore how birth order, being favored (or not), and childhood patterns continue to affect siblings as adults. These rivalries happen everywhere – at home, at work, and even in extreme situations – and are often fueled by inheritance, obligations, or differing beliefs. Here are 20 series that show brothers and sisters competing with, and sometimes supporting, each other.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor Roy are constantly battling each other for control of their father’s powerful media company. Their alliances change frequently as they navigate business deals and personal problems. They use tactics like board votes, spreading rumors, and leaking information to try and prove they deserve to take over. This intense competition stems from promises their father made to each of them and a childhood filled with power struggles and a lack of affection. The way the company is structured actually reflects and reinforces these long-held family rivalries, playing out both privately and publicly.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

The central conflict between Jimmy and Chuck McGill revolves around what it means to be a legitimate and ethical lawyer. Chuck, an established attorney, repeatedly tries to sabotage Jimmy’s career, initially by preventing him from joining the family firm and later by actively blocking his professional advancement. This rivalry stems from their childhood – Chuck saw Jimmy as a mischievous trickster (“Slippin’ Jimmy”) while positioning himself as the gifted one – and escalates into formal complaints to the bar association, legal battles in court, and even fabricated evidence. Ultimately, the show explores how a brother’s critical perception can become a lifelong hindrance instead of a source of support.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

Okay, so I just finished watching this family drama, and it really got under my skin. It centers around Kevin, Kate, and Randall – siblings who’ve always been pitted against each other, partly because of how their family came to be, and partly because they’re all so incredibly talented. The show beautifully explores how they grapple with sibling rivalry as adults, fighting over things like who takes care of their parents, professional success, and even who gets to control the narrative of their family history. What’s really clever is how the show jumps between their childhoods and their present, showing you how seemingly small moments from when they were kids still affect their relationships and cause friction today. You see it play out in therapy, while they’re planning a memorial, and even in how they raise their own children – these old comparisons just keep bubbling to the surface. It’s a really nuanced and emotionally resonant show.

‘Frasier’ (1993–2004)

Frasier and Niles Crane are constantly trying to outdo each other, whether it’s with fancy wine, the best seats at the opera, or professional achievements. This competitive spirit started way back in school, fueled by their desire for their mother’s approval. They subtly keep track of each other’s successes in work, relationships, and social circles. However, despite their constant competition, they also rely on each other for help and advice, showing that rivalry and a strong connection can exist at the same time.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

As a lifelong fan of family comedies, I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamic between Ray and Robert Barone. Their whole thing, as far as I can tell, stems from feeling like their parents played favorites and that their achievements weren’t valued equally. It’s funny because Ray got famous as a sportswriter, while Robert quietly built a solid career in the police force – and that difference always came up at family events, sparking this constant one-upmanship. Every big moment – engagements, new jobs, even just where they lived – seemed to reignite their competitive streak. What I really love about the show is how it shows that even as adults, and even when you’re living close by, sibling rivalry can just… linger, woven into the everyday stuff of life – the family dinners, the holidays, all of it.

‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)

Malcolm, Reese, Dewey, and Francis are brothers whose relationships with each other constantly change as they grow up. They go from competing with silly pranks to arguing about bigger issues like freedom and trust. As they experience new things – like school, jobs, and moving out – the way they relate to each other shifts, showing how sibling dynamics naturally change with age and responsibility.

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)

Nate, David, and Claire Fisher are constantly at odds, both when running the family funeral home and when dealing with their elderly parents. Their differing personalities and goals show up in how they make business decisions – whether to expand, who to partner with, and how much risk to take. Adding to the tension, romantic relationships and personal problems make it even harder for them to work together while constantly dealing with loss. The show uses the fact that they live and work in the same place to ensure their conflicts are always front and center.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

The sisters Mary and Edith Crawley constantly compete with each other, influenced by the rules about who inherits money and property, what society expects from them, and the limited opportunities available to women of their social class. Arguments, potential husbands, and career ambitions often cause friction between them. As the family estate’s financial situation changes, they are forced to redefine their positions and what they are responsible for. Private disagreements become public matters through letters, news stories, and legal issues.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

The Gallagher siblings – Fiona, Lip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam – struggle with limited money, having to look after each other, and trying to escape poverty. They often clash over who does the most for the family and who deserves opportunities like education or jobs. Relationships, fights over kids, and legal problems put their bonds to the test and change the family dynamics. All of this happens against the backdrop of their tough neighborhood, where they deal with bills, court appearances, and a changing economy.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Watching this story unfold, it’s clear that family feuds are at the heart of everything. The conflicts between siblings – like the Lannisters, Starks, and Targaryens – aren’t just personal; they’re the reason people fight over power, land, and who gets to rule. What starts as childhood rivalry, with parents playing favorites and different training, gets turned into official claims and agreements – marriages, promises of loyalty, and even declarations of who’s legitimate. It’s amazing how these private resentments can escalate into full-blown wars, decided by armies and council meetings. It really shows how these rules about families and power can take normal sibling competition and turn it into a fight for survival.

‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

Fleabag and her sister Claire deal with grief in very different ways—one acts on impulse, while the other tries to stay in control. They clash over things like their careers, relationships, and looking after their father. These disagreements often play out in everyday situations, and it becomes clear that years of small hurts have built up between them. Though they sometimes help each other out, offering temporary relief, the underlying tension and unspoken competition always remain.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

Elizabeth and Margaret’s relationship is marked by competition, but it’s complicated by the rules and expectations of their royal roles. As the heir to the throne, Elizabeth faces restrictions that impact Margaret’s choices, both in love and in her public life. Even private arguments between the sisters become public news due to media coverage and strict royal traditions. The series explores how established rules and protocols affect even the smallest decisions the sisters make.

‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022)

The Bordelon siblings – Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel – constantly clash over how to run their family farm, including disagreements about publicity and who should be in charge. These arguments aren’t just personal; they affect legal agreements, cooperative deals, and loan conditions. Old family secrets and each sibling’s different views on social issues also play a role in how they act, both publicly and privately. The farm’s seasonal demands – planting and harvest – create urgent deadlines, forcing them to either resolve their conflicts or reach an impasse.

‘Brothers and Sisters’ (2006–2011)

The Walker family grapples with questions of who will take over the family business, how to act ethically, and surprising truths about their father’s past dealings. Conflicts and attempts at resolution play out during discussions about company leadership, potential mergers, and charitable work. Personal lives – including marriages, adoptions, and moves – add to the challenge of dedicating time to the company. The show uses realistic details like meeting notes and legal documents to show how these family conflicts stem from specific business choices.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

The Bluth family – Michael, Gob, Lindsay, and Buster – are constantly trying to win their parent’s favor and gain control of the family’s struggling real estate business. They use everything from promotions and public events to elaborate schemes in an attempt to prove themselves. However, legal troubles and investigations reveal who’s been handling the family’s money responsibly – and who hasn’t. This ongoing competition stems from each sibling’s different memories of the past and their conflicting ideas about what they owe to the family.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

As a huge fan of music and family dramas, this show really grabbed me. It’s about the Lyon brothers – Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem – who are all fighting to take over their family’s record label. It’s not just about the music, though. It’s about how creative dreams get tangled up in business deals, like releasing albums, signing artists, and even fighting for control of the company. Things get really intense with health scares, legal battles, and attempts to take over the label – it’s a constant power struggle! What I found fascinating is how their rivalry as brothers plays out in everything – from how well their artists perform to the image they try to project to the public. It’s a really compelling look at family, ambition, and the music industry.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

The Shelby family – Tommy, Arthur, John, Ada, and Michael – struggle for power within their criminal organization, battling over how to grow, establish authority, and form alliances. They measure their control through business ventures, political connections, and illegal smuggling operations. Each sibling’s past trauma and experiences from the war shape how much risk they’re willing to take. The conflict escalates as outsiders take advantage of the family’s disagreements to gain control of the business.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Stefan and Damon Salvatore are rivals because they have very different ideas about strength, self-control, and who deserves their loyalty. This rivalry shows up in their love lives, the groups they side with, and their fights over powerful objects. Whenever one brother gains an advantage, their uneasy peace is threatened. What started as a deep personal betrayal between them has grown into a full-blown conflict, influencing both the human town and the supernatural world.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

As a film buff, what really grabs me about this story is the intense rivalry between Nucky and Eli Thompson. It’s not just a family feud; it’s a battle for power, playing out in politics, law enforcement, and the incredibly lucrative world of bootlegging. What starts as arguments between brothers quickly escalates – an arrest here, an indictment there, even a contested election – turning personal conflicts into serious legal and political consequences. And the external forces – the feds, other gangs – just make everything worse, turning minor disagreements into full-blown wars. It’s fascinating to watch how these two climb the ladder – one through legitimate office, the other through organized crime – and how often they end up stepping on each other to get ahead.

‘Parenthood’ (2010–2015)

The Braverman siblings – Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia – navigate the everyday challenges of family life, including disagreements about work, how to raise their kids, and dealing with crises. They clash over important values as they try to manage practical matters like businesses, school choices, and caregiving. While they often question each other’s decisions, they’re always there to help when things get tough. The show focuses on the subtle tensions and ongoing competition between siblings as they share responsibilities and navigate life’s logistics, rather than big, dramatic conflicts.

Let us know in the comments which shows portray sibling rivalry well, and which ones feel the most realistic!

2025-11-30 22:52