10 Shows and Movies Similar to The Office (2001)

Description: Arrested Development shares The Office's mockumentary style and offbeat humor. Both shows feature a dysfunctional family/workplace and rely on callbacks and running gags. The humor in both is often subtle and rewards repeat viewing.

Fact: The show was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings but gained a cult following. Ron Howard, the narrator, was also an executive producer. The Bluth family's banana stand was inspired by a real banana stand in Newport Beach.

Description: 30 Rock, like The Office, is a workplace comedy set in a dysfunctional work environment. It shares a similar fast-paced, joke-heavy style and features a strong ensemble cast. Both shows also use a mockumentary format, though 30 Rock is more surreal and satirical.

Fact: Tina Fey based the character of Liz Lemon on herself. The show was named after 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC is headquartered. Alec Baldwin initially turned down the role of Jack Donaghy but changed his mind after reading the script.

Description: Parks and Recreation shares a mockumentary style with The Office, featuring a similar blend of humor, workplace dynamics, and quirky characters. Both shows were created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, ensuring a consistent comedic tone and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which was written into the show. The show was initially criticized for being too similar to The Office but later found its own voice.

Description: Community shares The Office's ensemble cast and workplace (or in this case, school) setting. Both shows have a strong sense of camaraderie among the characters and use a mix of humor styles, from slapstick to witty dialogue.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Dan Harmon's own community college experience. The iconic 'Paintball' episodes were shot like action movies. The show was canceled twice but saved by fan campaigns.

Description: Modern Family, like The Office, uses a mockumentary format to explore the lives of its characters. Both shows blend humor with heartfelt moments and focus on the dynamics of a group (family vs. coworkers).

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Steven Levitan's own large, blended family. The actors who play Haley and Alex Dunphy are sisters in real life. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five times.

Description: Veep shares The Office's mockumentary style and cringe humor, though it's more politically focused. Both shows feature a strong lead character surrounded by a dysfunctional team, and both use improvisation to enhance the comedy.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer. The show was originally set to focus on the U.S. President but was changed to the Vice President. Many of the insults were improvised by the cast.

Description: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, like The Office, is a workplace comedy that thrives on the chemistry between its ensemble cast. It shares the same balance of humor and heart, with characters that grow and develop over time. The show also features a similar mockumentary-style humor, though without the talking heads.

Fact: Andy Samberg was the first and only choice for the role of Jake Peralta. The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outrage. Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, had never done comedy before this role.

Description: Silicon Valley, like The Office, is a workplace comedy that satirizes its setting (tech startups vs. paper company). Both shows feature a mix of awkward and absurd humor, with a focus on the dynamics between coworkers.

Fact: Many tech entrepreneurs have said the show is eerily accurate. The show's creator, Mike Judge, also created Beavis and Butt-Head. The character of Erlich Bachman was inspired by real-life tech entrepreneurs.

Description: Superstore is a workplace comedy that, like The Office, focuses on the mundane yet hilarious lives of its employees. It shares a similar mockumentary style and ensemble cast dynamic, with each character bringing their own unique quirks to the table.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's time working at a big-box store. America Ferrera, who plays Amy, was also an executive producer. The show often addressed real-world issues like immigration and healthcare.

Description: The Good Place, like The Office, was created by Michael Schur and features a similar blend of humor and heart. While the settings are vastly different, both shows excel at character development and have a unique, innovative approach to storytelling.

Fact: The show's philosophy consultant was a Harvard professor. The twist at the end of the first season was kept secret from the cast. The show was originally pitched as a six-season arc but was condensed to four.