Top 10 Shows to Watch If You Miss The Office

#10: “The IT Crowd” (2006-13)

Thanks to its relatability and small but strong ensemble, this British sitcom amassed a substantial following. "The IT Crowd" took fans into the tedious reality of working in an information technology department of a big corporation. The series turned Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade into bonafide comedy stars. Its popularity resulted in an American adaptation starring Joel McHale and Ayoade playing Moss once again. However, the show ran into some technical difficulties, and the project was ultimately canned. As the age-old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

#9: “Scrubs” (2001-10)

While there’s no shortage of medical dramas, medical comedies are a bit rarer. In 2001, “Scrubs” debuted on NBC and took a funny approach to the otherwise dramatic hospital setting. The series was fun, silly, and innovative. It followed the lives of the “Sacred Heart” staff, usually told from the perspective of its protagonist John "J.D." Dorian. The show often broke the fourth wall poking fun at television tropes and, even occasionally, itself. Despite its lighthearted tone, the show also ventured into some dark territory. Death played a significant role in some of the show’s more sensitive storylines and was usually handled with immense care and respect.

#8: “Veep” (2012-19)

HBO's "Veep" took viewers into the most famous office in the world. Following the misadventures of the Senator turned Vice President, and later President, Selina Meyer as she navigates Washington's ruthless political landscape. Led by comedy icon Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the series never shied away from unmasking the ugly side of its characters. Forgoing likeability for authenticity, the show became a much-beloved staple of the 2010s. In fact, Dreyfus has won an astonishing six Emmy Awards for her role. "Veep's" term ended in 2019, but its subject matter remains vital and relevant.

#7: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

She’s “gonna make it after all!” With a catchy theme song and loveable protagonist, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” had a sure-fire formula. Moore starred as the whip-smart and kind Mary Richards, a television news producer. Working for a floundering station, Richards and her wacky colleagues, including America’s sweetheart, Betty White, always rose to the occasion. More than a television show, the series stood out during a time when working women were rarely represented in mainstream media. “Moore” inspired female viewers across the country, including Oprah Winfrey, who lists the series and its leading lady as a major influence.

#6: “30 Rock” (2006-13)

Following her iconic run on “Saturday Night Live,” Tina Fey returned to NBC with her series “30 Rock”. Inspired by her time on the legendary sketch series, Fey developed the sitcom to give a behind-the-scenes look into the mechanics of a fictionalized sketch show. Playing the lead, Liz Lemon, Tina crafted one of the funniest and most relatable characters of the 2000s. Backed by co-stars Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, and Jane Krakowski, the show received public and critical acclaim. Eventually, it became a revolving door of big-name guest stars and a highlight of NBC’s “Comedy Night Done Right”.

#5: “Superstore” (2015-21)

A standout of NBC's “Must-See TV” line-up, "Superstore" became one the strongest comedies in recent years. Situated in a St. Louis big box store known as Cloud 9, the series was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. The ensemble comedy led by America Ferrera and Ben Feldman also served a blunt look at American labor. Each episode explored challenging topics relating to working in retail such as unions, health care, harassment, and workers' rights. The final season even explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After 6 seasons, the show remains a poignant exploration of an experience often neglected in mainstream media.

#4: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)

After Andy Samberg's "Saturday Night Live" run, the actor headed from Studio 8H to New York's 99th Precinct. Led by Samberg, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" follows the ongoings of detectives who serve and protect the streets of the Big Apple borough. The series manages to balance the lighthearted and often silly humor with the dark nature of its setting. One of the reasons the show has become so successful is due to its representation of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, the show addressed the subject of police behavior in response to the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed. Always striving to do better, the series is an example of how comedy should evolve with the times.

#3: “Cheers” (1982-93)

One of the biggest comedies of the 80s and early 90s, “Cheers,” has gone down in history as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Based on a real Boston, Massachusetts bar, the series starred Ted Danson as Sam Malone, a former playboy athlete turned bartender. Each episode featured Malone and his devoted patrons as they gathered around the bar to muse about life and love. Featuring a prominent “will-they-or-won’t-they” romance between Sam and Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers, the show knew how to draw in viewers. After 11 impressive seasons, “Cheers” bellowed its last call. The show lived on with alumni Kelsey Grammer’s spinoff, “Frasier,” an international adaptation, and it even a play. When it comes to “Cheers,” fans are “always glad” to watch the series in any medium.

#2: “Abbott Elementary” (2021-)

This is the one time we’re happy school is in session! First period is on sharp writing, homeroom is all about heartfelt plotlines, and amazing performances make up the extracurriculars. Put it all together, and you’ll be sad to hear the bell ring at the end of the day. “Abbott Elementary” masterfully captures the absurd hilarity of school life without ever succumbing to cynicism or obvious jokes. That’s a tricky balance, but creator and star Quinta Brunson makes it look easy. Of course, we also have to mention the truly outstanding ensemble around her. What do you call it when every single actor is a scene-stealer? You call it “Abbott Elementary,” that’s what.

#1: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

Initially intended as a spinoff of “The Office,” NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” debuted in 2009 and quickly proved it could stand on its own. The mockumentary centered around a government parks department in the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana. Created by “The Office’s” showrunner Greg Daniels, the series was led by “SNL” alumna Amy Poehler as the cheerfully determined Deputy Director, Leslie Knope. The show featured a stand-out cast including Aubrey Plaza and Chris Pratt, who became household names thanks to the program. Ending its run in 2015, “Parks & Rec” remains a must-watch not only for its laughs but also for its heart.

If you had the chance to work any of these sitcom-universe jobs, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments?