10 More Hilarious Workplace Comedies
When it comes to comedies, The Office (US) is like no other. Much like Friends, it’s a comedy that’s revered the world over and has garnered plenty of fans over the years.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming the US version of The Office!
Parks and Recreation
Similarities – Chemistry Between Leads
Parks and Rec is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows the daily lives of the employees at the Parks and Recreation department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana.
While the first season is a little slow out the gates, from season 2 onwards, the show really shines and stands out as a wonderful comedy.
The series explores the personal and professional lives of the department’s staff, including their relationships with each other and with the town’s residents.
The Office (UK)
Similarities – Deadpan humour, workplace
The original UK version of The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, takes place in the Slough branch of the Wernham Hogg Paper Company. The show follows a very similar format to the US remake, centering on the bumbling and self-deluded regional manager, David Brent.
Unlike the US version, the humour here is far more awkward and deadpan, as David Brent’s interactions with his eccentric employees garner plenty of laughs.
Both shows share the same mockumentary-style format and office environment, making this a must-watch venture.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Similarities – Workplace comedy
Set in the 99th precinct of the New York City Police Department, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows a team of detectives and their newly-appointed captain, Raymond Holt. The series boasts a mix of crime-solving and humor, featuring a diverse and quirky cast of characters.
The similar workplace comedy theme and lovable ensemble cast with strong character-driven humor, make this another very good choice.
30 Rock
Similarities – Comedy, Diverse Characters
30 Rock takes a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch comedy series called “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” The story follows the show’s head writer, Liz Lemon, as she deals with eccentric actors, her unpredictable boss, and the challenges of producing a television show.
The humour interactions between a diverse cast of characters is partly what makes this such an enjoyable watch.
Scrubs
Similarities – Comedy & Feel-Good Moments
Scrubs is an absolute must-watch and this comedy-drama centers around the lives of medical interns and residents at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital.
Specifically, our main character here is Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian, who’s joined by his friends as they navigate the challenges of their medical careers and personal lives.
The similar style of humour and heartfelt moments, not to mention the quirky cast of characters, makes this another good choice.
The IT Crowd
Similarities – Comedy, Workplace
The IT Crowd is a British sitcom centering on the lives of three staff members at the fictional Reynholm Industries IT department. The socially awkward Roy, the reclusive Moss, and their relationship manager, Jen, deal with workplace challenges and absurd situations.
Some of the jokes are genuinely hilarious too, leaning into what makes British humour so good, as our trio use that to highlight the mundane aspects of daily life.
Veep
Similarities – Comedy
Veep is a political satire that follows the career of Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president (and later President) of the United States. The show focuses on her attempts to navigate her political landscape, all whilst juggling issues in her personal life and relationships.
Both The Office and Veep are workplace comedies with ensemble casts and sharp, witty humor.
Ted Lasso
Similarities – Mockumentary, Comedy
Ted Lasso is a comedy-drama series on AppleTV, following an American football coach, Ted Lasso, who’s hired to manage British team, AFC Richmond.
Despite having no prior experience with football (soccer), Lasso brings his upbeat and optimistic personality to the team, hoping to turn their fortunes around and lead them to success.
Like The Office, Ted Lasso has a mix of comedy and drama, with a focus on character development and relationships, not to mention the mockumentary-style humour that makes The Office so endearing.
What We Do in the Shadows
Similarities – Mockumentary, Comedy
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-style horror-comedy that follows the lives of four vampire roommates living in Staten Island, New York. These vamps are centuries old and struggling to keep up with modern life. The show follows the vampires as they navigate their various relationships and try to fit into the modern world. Oh, and they also deal with supernatural obstacles too!
What We Do in the Shadows shares the same mockumentary-style format as The Office, while the similar cast of quirky and eccentric characters who are constantly getting into trouble, make this one of the most popular comedies of recent years.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching the US version of The Office.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!