10 Movies & TV Shows Similar to Office Space (1999)

Description: This British sitcom shares 'Office Space's' focus on tech workers dealing with clueless management and workplace absurdities. Both highlight the frustrations of IT professionals and the general public's technological illiteracy through absurd humor.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also created 'Father Ted'. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural phenomenon. Richard Ayoade (Moss) went on to become a successful film director.

Description: Like 'Office Space', '30 Rock' satirizes corporate culture and workplace absurdities, though in the context of television production rather than software engineering. Both shows feature eccentric bosses and highlight the disconnect between management and employees.

Fact: Many storylines were inspired by creator Tina Fey's real experiences at 'Saturday Night Live'. The character Jack Donaghy was partially based on NBC executive Jeff Zucker. The show holds the record for most Emmy nominations for a comedy series in a single year (22 in 2009).

Description: This show shares 'Office Space's' satirical take on corporate dehumanization, with both featuring protagonists who become disillusioned with their soulless companies. The shows similarly use absurd humor to critique unethical business practices and workplace surveillance.

Fact: The show was created by Victor Fresco, who also created 'Santa Clarita Diet'. The fictional company Veridian Dynamics produced hilarious fake commercials that aired during the show. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings.

Description: Like 'Office Space', 'Parks and Recreation' explores the absurdities of bureaucratic work environments, albeit in a more light-hearted and optimistic tone. Both highlight the quirks of office dynamics and the often ridiculous nature of workplace hierarchies.

Fact: The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office' (US). 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 and ridiculous history that's frequently referenced throughout the series.

Description: 'Veep' extends 'Office Space's' workplace satire to the political arena, with both shows featuring characters navigating dysfunctional hierarchies and bureaucratic incompetence. The shows share a cynical yet hilarious view of institutional inefficiency.

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

Description: While set in a police precinct rather than an office, 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' shares 'Office Space's' workplace comedy DNA, with both shows finding humor in the idiosyncrasies of professional environments and the personalities that inhabit them. Both balance absurd humor with genuine character development.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher's deadpan delivery as Captain Holt was largely improvised. The famous 'Nine-Nine!' chant was accidentally created when Terry Crews improvised it during filming.

Description: This show shares 'Office Space's' satirical take on the tech industry's corporate culture, with both featuring protagonists who are disillusioned with their work environments. The shows similarly use humor to critique the absurdities of modern workplace dynamics and the dehumanizing aspects of corporate life.

Fact: Many of the tech startups and apps featured in the show are based on real Silicon Valley companies. The show's creators consulted with real tech entrepreneurs to ensure authenticity. The character Erlich Bachman was partially inspired by real-life tech investor Sean Parker.

Description: Like 'Office Space', 'Superstore' focuses on the mundane yet absurd realities of low-wage work, with both shows finding humor in the soul-crushing aspects of corporate retail environments. Both feature ensemble casts of quirky coworkers navigating ridiculous workplace policies.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's experiences working at a big-box store. Many of the background customers in the store are based on real people the writers observed in actual stores. The show frequently addresses serious labor issues through its comedic lens.

Description: A spiritual successor to 'Office Space', 'Corporate' offers a darker, more cynical take on office life, with both shows satirizing the soul-crushing nature of corporate culture. The shows share a similar sense of absurdist humor about workplace hierarchies and meaningless tasks.

Fact: The show was created by former 'Saturday Night Live' writers. Many episodes were inspired by the creators' experiences in corporate America. The show features Lance Reddick ('The Wire') in a hilarious deadpan role as the company's terrifying CEO.

Description: While more raunchy than 'Office Space', 'Workaholics' similarly explores the slacker mentality in a corporate setting, with characters who actively resist traditional workplace expectations. Both shows find humor in the tension between professional demands and personal freedom.

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. The show helped launch the careers of several prominent comedy writers and performers.