15 Best Workplace Comedies of the Last 25 Years

Everyone enjoys a good workplace comedy. Sometimes, the best way to unwind after clocking out from your job is to watch fictional characters clock into theirs.

From iconic shows like The Office to more niche ones like Silicon Valley, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, even for those who want a peek into the film industry. Workplaces can be stressful, but these TV series provide an ideal world in which work can lead to friendships and romantic relationships that last for a long time.

Additionally, workplace comedies often cook up creative and outlandish scenarios that are impossible not to laugh at. At the end of the day, humor is something that unites us all, no matter if you’re working in the White House or at a counseling center. 

Without further ado, here’s our list of the 15 Best Workplace Comedies of the Last 25 Years. 

1. The Office

There’s no other show that’s quite as genre-defining (or culture-defining) as The Office. It’s easily one of the most popular and rewatchable sitcoms of the past few decades. 

Full of iconic quotes and ridiculous scenes, this show has become a staple for comedy fans. The premise of The Office may seem boring, since it’s just about a paper company. However, it is the unique ensemble and bizarre scenarios that give this show its life. 

Whether it’s the sparks flying between Jim and Pam or Michael’s awkward tactics to win over his coworkers, The Office draws people in by telling both heartfelt and hilarious stories that viewers can connect with. The sitcom has a distinctive way of revealing the ways to find joy and laughter in every mundane day at Dunder Mifflin. 

2. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is an underrated gem I love recommending. Set in the world of tech companies, this series delves into the lives of four men running a start-up company. 

It’s incredibly witty, and the story is compelling, full of twists and turns as the guys slowly experience a moral decline. They do whatever they can to keep their company, Pied Piper, afloat, which leads to some insane plotlines.

Silicon Valley really leans into the stress of working in the tech space. Every viewer becomes emotionally invested in the story of the Pied Piper company and the wild ride the show takes them on. After all, who doesn’t want to root for the underdogs? 

3. Veep

Looking for another stressful workplace comedy? Veep might be a great follow-up watch if Silicon Valley hasn’t stressed you out enough. The series gives an inside look at working in the White House. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus does an outstanding job portraying the vice president and conveying the complexities of being a woman in power. The ensemble cast of her White House staff is laugh-out-loud hilarious as well, mainly because they’re all incompetent but desperate to prove that they belong by the vice president’s side.  

In a time when politics are a point of tension, Veep is worth a rewatch. Sometimes, you just have to laugh to get through the pain. 

4. Parks and Recreation

On the more wholesome side, Parks and Recreation is a delightful watch. It was created by Michael Schur, who was also partly responsible for The Office.

While Veep examines the government on The Hill, Parks and Recreation looks at it on a city level, specifically focusing on the local government in a town in Indiana. The main cast of characters is funny enough on their own, but the comedy always shines through when they interact with the wacky Pawnee residents. 

It’s such a comforting show to rewatch whenever you need a pick-me-up. Time and time again, Leslie Knope and her friends prove that such a small town can have the biggest hearts.

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Yet another classic Michael Schur sitcom is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In contrast to classic police procedurals, this show gets a laugh out of ridiculous situations that the precinct finds itself in. 

This show has one of the strongest ensemble casts. Every character is incredibly easy to fall in love with, and their friendships with one another are so memorable. For example, Jake and Charles have one of the best bromances in comedy with the way they seem psychically connected. 

Even if you haven’t watched the show, everyone has seen a meme or two from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Although the show ended only a few years ago, it has earned its status as one of the most beloved comedy shows of all time.

6. St. Denis Medical

NBC sitcoms have been in a bit of a drought, and St. Denis Medical has broken the dry spell. It shines a light on one of the most overlooked jobs: emergency care workers.

One of the best features of St. Denis Medical is the use of talking heads, which is when a character talks directly to the camera in an interview style. Not many sitcoms have used that format in recent years, so it’s been so fun to see a show bring back this format.

After a solid first season, the show has already been renewed for Season 2. Finally, it feels like workplace sitcoms are getting a proper revival with St. Denis Medical!

7. The Studio

Another great comedy that premiered this year is The Studio. Led by comedy legend Seth Rogen, this star-studded show has gained a dedicated following. 

The Studio plays into the love of movies while poking fun at the industry. With its hilarious references to ridiculous blockbuster movies, this show has taken the internet by storm, particularly among film nerds. After all, it’s hard to take the idea of a “Kool-Aid” movie directed by Martin Scorsese seriously. 

Another great aspect of this show is the extensive use of physical comedy. There’s never a dull moment when Rogen is constantly literally falling over himself almost every episode, with each time being more dramatic and creative than the last.

8. Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary is another show that has captured the hearts of many in the past few years. In an era where comedy shows rarely last more than three seasons, this sitcom is entering its fifth season. That alone speaks to how beloved it has become.

The show dives into the lives of teachers and students at an underfunded Philly elementary school. Its central couple, Janine and Gregory, have also become a fast fan favorite ship to root for. 

Most recently, it crossed over with another Philadelphia-based comedy show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Time and again, Abbott Elementary has delivered meaningful stories that resonate with its audiences.  

9. Superstore

Superstore is a workplace comedy that remains socially relevant to this day. Especially considering that retail workers are often still mistreated today, this show offers important critiques of workplace environments that some shows may overlook. 

The most memorable aspect of Superstore is the camaraderie among all the employees. Whether it’s Jonah and Amy’s will-they-won’t-they romance or Cheyenne and Matteo’s unbreakable bond, the one-of-a-kind relationships on this series are easy to love. 

In addition, Superstore filled the void for comedy lovers during the pandemic. The show seamlessly integrated COVID-safety elements into later seasons, ensuring the sitcom could continue filming safely. Superstore set a precedent for comedies by showing that it’s possible to address the pandemic while still providing laughs.  

10. Party Down

If you’re looking for something a little more cynical, Party Down might be your next watch. This sitcom has developed a passionate following for viewers seeking a unique comedy. 

Similar to Superstore, Party Down doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of being in the service industry. It does a great job of showcasing how tensions can boil over in intense working environments in a hilarious but brutally honest way. 

In comparison to other sitcoms from the same time period, this show also had more dry humor. Sometimes, that kind of comedy is needed to offer a refreshing take on the reality of work. 

11. Mythic Quest

Mythic Quest shows that behind every fun game we’ve ever loved is a team of designers and businesspeople working overtime to ensure its success. 

The two main characters who co-created the Mythic Quest game, Ian and Poppy, have a love-hate friendship that keeps people glued to the screen. The supporting cast pulls its weight, too. While some people might laugh at David’s pushover personality, others might love Brad’s unwavering dedication to getting every last cent from Mythic Quest’s players.

All the characters want the game to succeed, but they try to climb over each other to get recognition. It’s a shame because there aren’t many shows still airing that capture a toxic workplace environment with the same accuracy as Mythic Quest does. 

12. Loot

Yet another incredible Apple TV+ sitcom is Loot. It enters the life of Molly, a rich woman trying to use her money for good after a disastrous divorce from her husband.

Molly’s co-workers support her as she discovers her independence and learns how to develop meaningful friendships. Thus, actors in the ensemble get to showcase their comedic skills, as seen in Michaela Jaé Rodriguez’s performance in Pose.  

Loot does a great job of featuring the highs and lows of human nature through Molly and her friends’ flaws and mishaps. Luckily, Season 3 has been confirmed, so there’s more in store for us to look forward to! 

13. A Man on the Inside

An underrated new show that isn’t recommended enough is A Man on the Inside. 

Ted Danson truly shines in the lead role of Charles, and the story is a unique one that isn’t often told. A Man on the Inside addresses the fear of aging and losing loved ones in a relatable and approachable manner. 

The retirement home Charles investigates has a tight-knit community that helps him embrace aspects of himself that he tries to hide through his work. While countless moments bring up tears, there are also many more in this series that surely give a good chuckle or two. 

14. The Franchise

Short-lived sitcoms still deserve some love. In its first and only season, The Franchise delivered a cynical but hilarious look into the world of blockbuster movies. 

Everyone can relate to the feeling of multiverse fatigue, so it’s enjoyable to watch a series that offers a behind-the-scenes look into this world. The characters are all desperate to keep their unlovable movie alive, so they make extreme but hilarious sacrifices to appease the studio executives. 

Sadly, this series was canceled only a few months after its initial premiere. Hopefully, the show will continue to live on as one of the most overlooked workplace comedies. 

15. Shrinking

At a surface level, Shrinking reads like a dark show. However, in reality, this show breaks down the barriers surrounding mental health in a refreshing light. 

Shrinking depicts struggles with grief and emotional well-being, revealing the importance of community and love in the healing process. The show takes place in a counseling center and also highlights how therapists are just as human as the people they help. 

Especially because therapy is a type of work that’s not often discussed, Shrinking provides an important, rare glimpse into what mental health work in the modern era can look like. 

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Which of these shows have you watched before? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below! 

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