10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Extract (2009)

Description: Similar to 'Extract' in its satirical take on workplace culture, 'Office Space' explores the absurdities and frustrations of corporate life. Both films use humor to critique mundane jobs and the people who endure them, with a focus on the dynamics between employees and management.

Fact: The film was inspired by Mike Judge's own experiences working in a tech company. The iconic 'printer scene' was based on real-life frustrations with office equipment. The movie initially underperformed at the box office but gained a massive cult following through home video and TV reruns.

Description: Similar to 'Extract's portrayal of factory workers, 'The IT Crowd' focuses on the overlooked tech support team in a corporate setting. Both find humor in the disconnect between management and workers, and the absurdity of office politics.

Fact: Created by Graham Linehan, who also created 'Father Ted'. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural reference. A US remake was attempted but never aired beyond the pilot episode.

Description: Like 'Extract', '30 Rock' offers a behind-the-scenes look at a workplace (in this case, a TV show) with eccentric characters and absurd situations. Both blend workplace satire with character-driven humor, though '30 Rock' is more fast-paced and surreal.

Fact: The show was loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences at 'Saturday Night Live'. Many celebrity cameos played exaggerated versions of themselves. The show holds the record for most Emmy nominations for a comedy series in a single year (22 in 2009).

Description: Like 'Extract', 'Party Down' follows a group of people stuck in jobs they don't really want (catering vs. factory work), with humor arising from their dissatisfaction and interpersonal dynamics. Both shows blend workplace comedy with character-driven stories.

Fact: Many cast members were alumni of 'Veronica Mars'. The show was canceled after two seasons but developed a strong cult following. A revival limited series was announced in 2021, over a decade after its cancellation.

Description: Like 'Extract', 'Parks and Recreation' features a quirky ensemble cast navigating the challenges of their work environment. Both highlight the humor in bureaucratic inefficiency and the eccentric personalities that populate workplaces, though 'Parks and Rec' has a more optimistic tone.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office'. Chris Pratt's character, Andy Dwyer, was only supposed to appear in a few episodes but became a series regular due to his popularity. The fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, has an elaborate backstory including a rich (and ridiculous) history.

Description: While set in politics rather than manufacturing, 'Veep' shares with 'Extract' a sharp workplace comedy about incompetent people in positions of power. Both feature rapid-fire dialogue and highlight the pettiness and absurdity of professional environments.

Fact: The show's creator, Armando Iannucci, is known for his political satire in the UK. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won 6 consecutive Emmys for her role as Selina Meyer. The writers consulted with real political staffers to ensure authenticity in the dialogue.

Description: Both 'Extract' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' feature workplace ensembles with distinct, quirky personalities. While the settings differ (factory vs. police precinct), both find humor in professional environments while developing the personal relationships between coworkers.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after 5 seasons but revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher's deadpan delivery as Captain Holt became one of the show's most beloved elements. The Halloween heist episodes became an annual tradition that fans eagerly anticipated.

Description: Both 'Extract' and 'Silicon Valley' are Mike Judge creations that satirize specific work cultures - manufacturing vs. tech startups. They share a similar comedic style, poking fun at workplace hierarchies, incompetent management, and the absurdities of their respective industries.

Fact: Many of the show's absurd tech scenarios are based on real Silicon Valley stories. The character of Erlich Bachman was partially inspired by real-life tech entrepreneur Sean Parker. The show's 'middle-out' compression algorithm was developed with input from actual computer scientists.

Description: Like 'Extract', 'Superstore' finds humor in the daily grind of blue-collar work, focusing on the interactions between coworkers in a retail setting. Both highlight the camaraderie and conflicts that develop among employees stuck in unglamorous jobs.

Fact: The show's creator, Justin Spitzer, previously wrote for 'The Office'. Many of the background customers' bizarre behaviors are based on real retail stories. The show addressed contemporary issues like immigration and unionization in its storylines.

Description: While more raunchy than 'Extract', both shows explore workplace dynamics among slackers who would rather avoid actual work. They share a similar vibe of workplace absurdity, though 'Workaholics' takes it to more extreme comedic levels.

Fact: The main cast members (Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine) were real-life roommates before the show. Many episodes were inspired by the cast's actual experiences as telemarketers. The show helped launch the careers of several prominent comedy writers and directors.