Unlocking Laughter: The Ultimate List of Workplace Sitcoms to Spice Up Your Office Fatigue

The Office is widely regarded as a defining example of successful workplace sitcoms. However, over time, Michael Scott's behavior can become tiresome, driving many viewers to explore other workplace comedies. The genre gained popularity in the '70s with shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and has since become a beloved choice for audiences. Given that people spend a significant amount of time at their jobs, the unconventional setting of a quirky workplace instantly resonates with viewers, allowing for a sense of connection with the characters and their challenges. Whether set in an office, retail, or school environment, workplace sitcoms have encompassed a wide range of industries.

Furthermore, offices and other workplaces naturally lend themselves to generating conflicts and complex situations, presenting an abundance of storylines and plot ideas that can span multiple seasons. Workplace sitcoms often portray the everyday monotony faced by audiences, but in a more amusing or entertaining manner. From workplace romances and schemes to alleviate boredom, to changes in leadership and intricate office politics, these relatable struggles and more are depicted through a talented and engaging ensemble cast.

15 Abbott Elementary (2021 - )

Abbott Elementary, an Emmy-award-winning series, revolves around a talented ensemble cast of educators at a predominantly Black school in Philadelphia. Despite facing woeful underfunding and mismanagement, the teachers at Abbott Elementary strive to engage their students in enjoyable and educational experiences, while also grappling with internal conflicts. The show shares a striking resemblance to The Office as both adopt a mockumentary-style format, offering audiences amusing side remarks from characters like the cheerful second-grade teacher Janine (played by Quinta Brunson) and the former substitute turned full-time teacher Gregory (portrayed by Tyler James Williams), often stemming from Principal Coleman's (played by Janelle James) ineffective leadership.

14 Parks & Recreation (2009 - 2015)

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14 Parks & Recreation (2009 - 2015)

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Parks & Recreation is another hilarious mockumentary workplace sitcom in the same vein as The Office. Set in the quirky town of Pawnee, Indiana, the series follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a determined Parks Department representative who strives to advance her political career while transforming Pawnee into the ultimate place to live. The show's strength lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own unique agendas that often clash with Leslie's. Amid the chaos of raucous public forums, the rivalry with neighboring Eagleton, and the Pawnee media's penchant for sensationalism, Parks & Recreation delivers non-stop laughter.

13 Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 - 2021)

SNL alum Andy Samberg stars in the hilarious workplace comedy

12 30 Rock (2006 - 2013)

. Set in the 99th precinct of the NYC Police Department, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows a group of detectives as they tackle crime in the city. However, this is not your typical crime procedural. Each character in the show has a larger-than-life personality, creating entertaining clashes among the team. The writing for each Brooklyn Nine-Nine character is top-notch, delivering incredible comedic moments. Additionally, the show also offers relatable situations that resonate with the audience. With its memorable quotes and recurring jokes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine was adored by fans for its perfect blend of action-packed suspense and side-splitting humor.

The workplace comedy 30 Rock showcased Tina Fey's exceptional talent for crafting clever satire. Running concurrently with The Office, the show followed Liz Lemon (played by Fey), the head writer and showrunner of a sketch comedy series. However, things take an uproarious turn when the eccentric comedian Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) and the determined TV network executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) shake up the show. Based loosely on Fey's own experiences as a head writer for SNL, the parallels between reality and fiction are strikingly evident. This critically acclaimed series even achieved the remarkable feat of winning an Emmy for its inaugural season, a rare accomplishment for sitcoms.

11 Veep (2012 - 2019)

Veep, similar to Parks & Recreation, showcased the humorous side of politics when Julia Louis-Dreyfus portrayed Vice President Selina Meyer. Despite President Hughes remaining unseen, Meyer's perspectives and ambitions were often disregarded. Veep cleverly satirizes American politics while delving into Meyer's personal life and her strained relationships. The series gained recognition for its sharp and cutting insults, shedding light on the unattractive aspects of politics in a tangible manner. Each character on Veep has engaged in their fair share of misconduct in the pursuit of power and prestige, yet Louis-Dreyfus' portrayal manages to transform their ruthlessness into comedic brilliance.

10 Bob's Burgers (2011 - )

Bob's Burgers is a highly acclaimed adult animated series that stands out as one of the funniest workplace sitcoms currently available. The show is set in the fictional "Wonder Wharf" boardwalk, where viewers are introduced to Bob Belcher (played by H. Jon Benjamin), the head of a burger joint. Bob, along with his charmingly quirky family, including his wife Linda (John Roberts), their slightly awkward eldest daughter Tina (Dan Mintz), their chaotic middle son Gene (Eugene Mirman), and their mischievous youngest daughter Louise (Kristen Schaal), navigate the challenges of running a successful business in this unconventional setting. The Wonder Wharf is populated by a colorful cast of eccentric characters and regularly experiences near-disastrous events, providing a constant source of entertainment and comedy for the audience. The series has garnered such popularity that it has even spawned a successful feature-length adaptation known as The Bob's Burgers Movie.

9 Scrubs (2001 - 2010)

As Brooklyn Nine-Nine revolutionized the police procedural genre, Scrubs transformed the beloved category of medical drama into a captivating workplace sitcom. It skillfully melds the humor inherent in healthcare settings with poignant storylines that can only be encountered in a hospital. At its core, Scrubs follows the journey of J.D. Dorian (Zach Braff), who starts as an intern and progresses to become a resident, as well as his inseparable best friend Turk (Donald Faison), an intern in surgery. Together, they navigate the challenges, romances, and complexities of their medical careers within the walls of Sacred Heart Hospital. While predominantly a comedy, the series also explores compelling dramatic arcs, leaving fans eager for a potential revival that could mend Scrubs' somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

8 Superstore (2015 - 2021)

Superstore, like The Office, showcases a comedic style that many will find similar and enjoyable. The character of Dina, Cloud 9's diligent assistant store manager portrayed by Lauren Ash, draws interesting parallels to Dwight Schrute. The show is set in St. Louis, Missouri, and follows a group of employees working at the fictional big-box store, Cloud 9. Amy, the overworked floor supervisor played by America Ferrera, instantly resonates with those who have experience in the retail industry. She strives to manage a diverse group of employees, each with their own unique perspectives and beliefs. Through its depiction of the peculiar moments that occur naturally in retail, Superstore provides a relatable and engaging viewing experience.

7 Mythic Quest (2020 - )

6 Ugly Betty (2006 - 2010)

If you find similarities between "It's Always Sunny" and "Mythic Quest," it's because they share a common creator, Rob McElhenney. While "Mythic Quest" may not be as edgy as his other series, it still showcases McElhenney's distinctive style of humor as it follows the antics and relationships of the employees at a fictional video game studio. At the center of it all is the egotistical Ian Grimm, the creator of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) "Mythic Quest." Ian constantly clashes with his lead programmer, Poppy, and executive producer, David, as they navigate the challenges and conflicts surrounding the game's development while striving to keep it the top-rated game in the market.

America Ferrara's rise to stardom can be attributed to her remarkable performances in two workplace sitcoms. However, it was Ugly Betty that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Inspired by the Columbian telenovela series Yo soy Betty, la fea, this show transformed Betty Suarez's (Ferrera) initially tragic tale into an uproarious comedy. As the chronically unstylish protagonist secures a job at a prestigious fashion magazine, she finds herself in a classic fish-out-of-water scenario. Betty's kind-hearted and somewhat naive demeanor hardly works to her advantage in the cutthroat world of Mode. Nevertheless, with the help of an eclectic group of characters, Betty demonstrates her undeniable talent that deserves recognition, making Ugly Betty a delightful workplace comedy.

5 Human Resources (2022 - 2023)

The spinoff series called Human Resources, derived from the immensely popular adult animated series Big Mouth, stands out as one of the most hilarious yet peculiar workplace sitcoms on television. With its cast of mythical creatures including Hormone Monsters, Logic Rocks, and Lovebugs, Human Resources takes viewers on a journey through relationships and everyday life experiences. The series, with only two seasons currently streaming on Netflix, is easily bingeable, and its trademark crude humor skillfully enhances the overall viewing experience. Beneath the surface of laughter, though, lie profound messages promoting love and self-acceptance.

4 Kim's Convenience (2016 - 2021)

Kim's Convenience is a workplace comedy set in Toronto that introduces the viewers to the Kim family, who are Korean Canadians. They run a convenience store located in the Moss Park neighborhood. At the heart of the story is Mr. Sang-il Kim (played by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), affectionately known as "Appa," the head of the family. Kim's Convenience primarily revolves around the challenges faced by the Kims as they strive to run their store successfully. However, the narrative is further enriched by the constant family drama that tests Appa's traditionalist beliefs. Meanwhile, the other family members attempt to steer the patriarch towards a more progressive mindset. Within this dynamic, the show delves into the various problems and conflicts that arise from managing a convenience store.

3 Workaholics (2011 - 2017)

Before Adam DeVine rose to fame, he, along with a couple of his comedian buddies, led the way in creating the workplace sitcom Workaholics, which yielded remarkable results. Workaholics revolves around the lives of three young adult friends who reside together in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and work at the telemarketing agency, TelAmeriCorp. Adam (DeVine), who is both a man-child and the life of the party, Blake (Blake Anderson), known for his laid-back humor, and Anders (Anders Holm), who tries to keep everyone on the right path, are all devout stoners. The show is filled with running gags and explicit quotes as the trio continues to party long after they should have called it quits.

2 Reno 911! (2003 - 2009; 2020 - )

Reno 911! is one of the longest-running workplace sitcoms in television history, serving as a blueprint for shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The series follows the Reno Sheriff's Department as they fight crime and attempt to maintain order in the city streets. However, the twist is that these officers often end up being the ones committing the crimes themselves. Reno 911! takes a satirical approach, parodying the reality show Cops and embracing absurdity. The incompetent officers navigate their day-to-day duties, handling everything from minor disputes to high-speed chases in a hilariously chaotic manner. The show has given rise to countless memes and unforgettable one-liners, as each member of the Reno Sheriff's Department is flawlessly flawed in their own unique way.

1 The IT Crowd (2006 - 2013)

The UK has produced some hilarious workplace sitcoms, and The IT Crowd is definitely one of them. Jen, who lacks technology knowledge, is appointed as the head of the IT department at Reynholm Industries. However, she soon realizes that she is in over her head, dealing with her two colleagues, Roy and Moss. Roy is sarcastic and jaded, while Moss is eccentric and highly intelligent. Together, they make Jen's life increasingly challenging. In the second season, the talented Matt Berry also joins the cast. Similar to The Office, this sitcom humorously highlights the mistakes of upper management and the general public's lack of technological understanding.