If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh out loud, then check out some of the best TV shows like “The Office.”
“The Office” is a popular U.S. television series that originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013. The show is set at the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the fictitious Dunder Mifflin paper company, and revolves around the daily lives of its employees.
Despite being off the air for a few years, “The Office” continues to be one of the most re-watched shows on Netflix. It’s no wonder why—the clever writing and relatable characters make for some truly hilarious moments.
These hilarious comedies will have you laughing from beginning to end. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!
1. Modern Family
“The Office” was a different kind of show when it first aired. It was unapologetically crude, and it didn’t shy away from awkward situations.
“Modern Family” is a lot like “The Office” in that regard. The characters are always getting themselves into awkward situations, and they’re not afraid to be crude. That’s part of what makes the show so funny.
Another similarity is that both “The Office” and “Modern Family” have large casts of characters.
There are so many different personalities on “Modern Family,” and that’s one of the things that makes the show so enjoyable. It’s impossible to get bored with such a diverse group of characters.
2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is often compared to “The Office.”
Both shows are set in workplaces, and both use humor to explore the daily lives of their characters.
However, there are some key differences between the two shows.
“The Office” is set in a paper company, while “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” takes place in a police precinct.
“The Office” is also a mockumentary, with the camera following the characters around as they go about their workdays. This gives the show a more intimate feel, as we get to see the characters in their natural environments.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” on the other hand, is shot like a traditional sitcom, with a laugh track and multiple cameras. This allows for a more fast-paced, joke-heavy show.
3. Archer
“Archer” is a lot like “The Office” in terms of its workplace setting and comedic tone.
Both shows center around a group of co-workers who are often engaged in hijinks and office politics.
The main difference is that “Archer” is set in the world of international espionage, while “The Office” is set in a more mundane office environment.
However, both shows are equally funny and relatable, and they both offer a unique look at the daily lives of employees in a variety of different workplaces.
4. Friends
“Friends” and “The Office” have a lot in common.
Both are set in relatively mundane workplaces – a coffee shop and a paper company – and both feature a cast of lovable but flawed characters.
However, the two shows also have their fair share of differences.
“Friends” is more light-hearted, focusing on the personal lives of the characters, while “The Office” has a more satirical take on office life.
Additionally, “Friends” is set in New York City, while “The Office” is set in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Despite their differences, both “Friends” and “The Office” are extremely popular sitcoms that offer viewers a hilarious look at work and friendship.
5. How I Met Your Mother
“How I Met Your Mother” is a popular sitcom that ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014.
The show follows the story of Ted Mosby, who narrates the tale of how he met his children’s mother to them.
Along the way, Ted and his friends experience the ups and downs of life in New York City.
Although “The Office” is a mockumentary-style show, like “How I Met Your Mother,” it relies heavily on characters’ interactions with one another as opposed to a serialized story arc.
The characters in “The Office” are a little more down-to-earth than those in “How I Met Your Mother,” but they’re both relatable and lovable.
6. Parks and Recreation
“Parks and Recreation” is often compared to “The Office” because they are both workplace comedies that feature a cast of quirky characters.
However, there are also several key ways in which the two shows differ.
“Parks and Recreation” is set in a government office, while “The Office” is set in a private company.
“Parks and Recreation” also has a more optimistic tone, while “The Office” is often more cynical.
Furthermore, “Parks and Recreation” generally focuses on the relationships between the characters, while “The Office” often relies more on jokes and pranks.
Despite these differences, both “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office” are hugely popular shows that have had a lasting impact on the sitcom genre.
7. The Mindy Project
“The Mindy Project” is a lot like “The Office.”
Both shows are set in offices, and both have eccentric characters with their own idiosyncrasies.
Additionally, both “The Mindy Project” and “The Office” have loveable leads who are often incompetent but always trying their best.
However, “The Mindy Project” is a bit more light-hearted than “The Office.”
While “The Office” often dealt with heavy topics like relationships and death, “The Mindy Project” is more focused on the comedic elements of office life.
Additionally, “The Mindy Project” has a more diverse cast than “The Office,” which was mostly white.
Overall, “The Mindy Project” is a fun comedy that shares a lot of similarities with “The Office.”
8. New Girl
“New Girl” is quite similar to “The Office.”
Both shows follow the everyday lives of a group of employees who work together.
The characters in both shows are quirky and have their own unique personality traits.
“The Office” is set in a paper company, while “New Girl” is set in an ad agency.
Both companies are filled with office politics and gossip.
“The Office” is a bit more dramatic, while “New Girl” is more light-hearted and comedic.
“The Office” has been on for longer and is more popular, but “New Girl” is quickly gaining a dedicated fanbase.
If you’re a fan of “The Office,” then you’ll definitely enjoy “New Girl.”
9. Veep
“Veep” is often compared to “The Office” – and for good reason.
Both shows are set in the world of office politics, and both feature a cast of quirky characters who are more concerned with their personal lives than with their work.
However, there are also plenty of differences between the two shows.
“The Office” is set in a small town in Pennsylvania, while “Veep” takes place in the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.
“The Office” is also a much more light-hearted show than “Veep,” which often satire the serious world of politics.
Nevertheless, both “The Office” and “Veep” offer a hilarious look at the nonsensical side of work.
10. Scrubs
“Scrubs” and “The Office” are two popular television shows that share a lot in common.
Both are set in workplaces – “Scrubs” in a hospital and “The Office” in an office – and both feature employees who are struggling to navigate the everyday challenges of their jobs.
In addition, both shows make use of humor to explore the various issues that arise in the workplace.
However, “Scrubs” and “The Office” also have their own unique elements that set them apart from one another.
For example, “Scrubs” is more focused on the medical aspects of its setting, while “The Office” is more concerned with the office politics that often take place in any work environment.
As a result, “Scrubs” is a bit more serious than “The Office,” and it often explores heavier topics like death and illness.
11. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is often compared to “The Office” because they share some similarities.
Both shows feature a group of dysfunctional co-workers who spend most of their time together, and both have an ensemble cast with no clear protagonist.
However, “It’s Always Sunny” is much darker than “The Office.” The jokes are edgier, and the characters are more amoral.
“The Office” is set in a traditional work environment, while “It’s Always Sunny” takes place in a dingy bar.
“It’s Always Sunny” is also more ensemble-based than “The Office,” with each character getting plenty of screen time.
Overall, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is a funnier, but more unethical, version of “The Office.”
12. Community
“Community” is often compared to “The Office” because both shows are set in office environments and follow the lives of employees who work together.
Both shows also have an ensemble cast of characters with unique personalities, and the humor in both series comes from the situations that arise from these differences.
However, “Community” is its own show with its own unique style and voice.
The show is more focused on relationships and character development than “The Office,” which often relies on plotlines that center around the pranks and misadventures of the employees.
Additionally, “Community” has a more diverse cast of characters, which allows for a wider range of jokes and stories.
As a result, “Community” is its own show that should be appreciated for its own merits, rather than simply being compared to “The Office.”
13. 30 Rock
“The Office” and “30 Rock” are two of the most popular sitcoms of the past decade, and for good reason.
Both shows offer a hilarious and relatable take on the modern workplace, complete with lovable (and occasionally annoying) characters.
However, “30 Rock” is set in the world of television, while “The Office” is set in a more traditional office environment. This difference is evident in the characters and plots of each show.
For example, “The Office” revolves around the day-to-day antics of the employees of Dunder Mifflin, while “30 Rock” focuses on the behind-the-scenes chaos of a fictional NBC sitcom.
Nonetheless, both shows are equally funny and clever and are a great way to unwind after a long day at work.
14. Arrested Development
“Arrested Development” is often compared to “The Office” because of the similarities in their settings and characters.
Both shows take place in a work environment, and both feature a cast of characters who are quirky and dysfunctional.
However, there are also several key differences between the two shows.
“The Office” is set in a paper company, while “Arrested Development” is set in a family-run business.
“The Office” has a more traditional sitcom format, while “Arrested Development” uses more flashbacks and voice-overs.
Overall, “The Office” is a more light-hearted show, while “Arrested Development” is a bit more dark and satirical.
Despite these differences, both shows are highly acclaimed and beloved by fans.
15. The Big Bang Theory
“The Big Bang Theory” and “The Office” are both popular sitcoms that have been on the air for many years.
Both shows follow the lives of a group of office workers, and each show has its own unique sense of humor.
“The Big Bang Theory” is centered around a group of science nerds, while “The Office” is focused on the everyday lives of employees working at a paper company.
However, there are also many similarities between the two shows.
Both “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Office” use a mockumentary style of filming, and both feature an ensemble cast of characters who are often dysfunctional but ultimately lovable.
In addition, both shows have been praised for their clever writing and sharp wit.
While “The Big Bang Theory” is a bit nerdier and “The Office” is a bit more traditional, both shows are sure to make you laugh.
So, there you have it: the 15 best TV shows like “The Office.” Whether you’re looking for a show that’s set in a traditional workplace or one that’s a bit more off-the-wall, there’s sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.
Senior Editor, BuddyTV
