10 Shows and Movies Like Superstore (2015)

Description: 'Scrubs' and 'Superstore' both mix outrageous comedy with poignant moments, often within the same episode. Both shows use fantasy sequences to illustrate characters' inner thoughts. The workplace settings (hospital vs. big-box store) provide endless material for both mundane and absurd situations.

Fact: The show's creator, Bill Lawrence, based much of the show on his wife's experiences as a nurse. The janitor was originally meant to appear in only one episode but became a series regular. Many of the medical cases were inspired by real-life stories from doctors and nurses.

Description: Both '30 Rock' and 'Superstore' are workplace comedies that satirize corporate culture and the absurdities of modern employment. They feature strong female leads (Liz Lemon and Amy) navigating chaotic work environments. The rapid-fire joke delivery and surreal humor are also common elements.

Fact: Tina Fey based the character of Jack Donaghy on NBC executive Lorne Michaels. The show's title refers to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where 'Saturday Night Live' is filmed. Tracy Morgan ad-libbed many of his character's most outrageous lines.

Description: Like 'Superstore', 'Better Off Ted' is a workplace satire that pokes fun at corporate absurdity. Both shows feature a straight-man protagonist surrounded by eccentric coworkers, and both use the workplace setting to comment on broader social issues. The surreal humor and quirky characters are strong points of similarity.

Fact: The show's fictional company, Veridian Dynamics, was inspired by real corporate training videos. Portia de Rossi's character was originally written as a man. Despite critical acclaim, the show struggled with low ratings and was canceled after two seasons.

Description: Like 'Superstore', 'Parks and Recreation' is a workplace comedy that thrives on the quirky dynamics of its ensemble cast. Both shows use humor to explore the absurdities of everyday work life, with a strong emphasis on character development and relationships. The mockumentary style of 'Parks and Rec' is somewhat similar to the fly-on-the-wall approach of 'Superstore', making the viewer feel like part of the team.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person, a libertarian woodworker that the show's creator, Mike Schur, knew. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which is why her character, Leslie Knope, is often seen carrying large bags or standing behind desks. The show was initially criticized for being too similar to 'The Office', but it quickly found its own voice and became a beloved series.

Description: 'Community' and 'Superstore' both feature diverse ensembles thrown together in unlikely circumstances, with humor derived from their clashing personalities. Both shows excel at genre parody and have a strong sense of their own internal mythology. The balance of absurd humor with genuine emotional moments is another similarity.

Fact: The show's famous 'paintball' episodes were inspired by budget cuts that forced the writers to get creative. Donald Glover based much of Troy's character on his own personality. The show was nearly canceled multiple times but was saved by fan campaigns.

Description: 'Happy Endings' shares 'Superstore's' fast-paced, joke-a-minute style and focus on group dynamics. Both shows feature characters who are lovable despite (or because of) their flaws. The Chicago setting of 'Happy Endings' provides a similar urban backdrop to 'Superstore's' St. Louis.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a more traditional rom-com before evolving into an ensemble comedy. Damon Wayans Jr. had to leave the show after the pilot because of his commitment to 'Happy Endings', but returned when that show was canceled. The cast improvised many of their rapid-fire exchanges.

Description: Like 'Superstore', 'New Girl' is a character-driven comedy about a group of misfits who become a surrogate family. Both shows blend physical comedy with witty dialogue, and they feature strong female leads surrounded by eccentric supporting characters. The will-they-won't-they romantic tension is also a shared element.

Fact: Zooey Deschanel was pregnant during season 3, which was written into the show. The role of Schmidt was originally written for a much larger actor. Prince guest-starred in one episode and improvised most of his lines.

Description: Both 'The Mindy Project' and 'Superstore' feature strong, flawed female leads navigating professional and personal challenges. The shows balance romantic storylines with workplace humor, and both have a distinctive visual style (Mindy's colorful wardrobe vs. Superstore's fluorescent-lit aisles).

Fact: Mindy Kaling wrote nearly every episode of the first season herself. The character of Morgan was based on a real person Kaling knew in college. The show was originally developed for Fox but moved to Hulu after three seasons.

Description: 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' shares 'Superstore's' blend of humor and heart, with a diverse cast of characters who feel like a family. Both shows balance workplace antics with deeper emotional moments, and they excel at creating running gags and callbacks that reward loyal viewers. The fast-paced, joke-heavy writing style is another point of similarity.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, had never done comedy before this role. The Halloween heist episodes became a fan-favorite tradition each season.

Description: While 'The Good Place' has a more fantastical premise, it shares 'Superstore's' clever writing and emphasis on moral dilemmas. Both shows use humor to explore deeper philosophical questions about human nature and society. The ensemble casts in both series have fantastic chemistry.

Fact: The show's philosophy consultant, Pamela Hieronymi, is a real UCLA professor. The frozen yogurt shops are a nod to the idea that the afterlife is 'medium place' quality. Ted Danson had never done a multi-camera sitcom before this role.