The Office universe expands on September 4 with the Peacock spinoff mockumentary, The Paper, set to premiere a fresh take on workplace humor. Now is the perfect excuse to revisit classic and modern shows that capture the chaos, comedy, and heart of life at work.
Below are six workplace-set series (from irreverent slacker comedies to sharp corporate satire) with why each
Workaholics (2011–2017)
Workaholics turned the “three slacker friends in an office” trope into a full-blown subculture. From pitch-black telemarketing schemes to surreal party episodes, this comedy blends gross-out physical comedy, absurdist scenarios, and bromance energy. Notably, it was a workplace sitcom built around friendship rather than promotions, yet it was a masterclass in escalating ridiculousness that still feels grounded in office boredom.
Where to Watch Workaholics: Paramount+
Better Off Ted (2009–2010)
Better Off Ted featured sharp writing that rewards repeat viewings even over a decade and a half later. This satire skewers corporate R&D, ethics, and marketing nonsense with smart, deadpan delivery. Better Off Ted treated a soulless mega-corp like a character in its own right, using wry asides and straight-faced absurdity to land barbed commentary.
Where to Watch Better Off Ted: Prime Video
The IT Crowd (2006–2013)
Going across the pond, The IT Crowd is a British take on office life. Filled with quotable scenes, The IT Crowd crossed the Atlantic into cult status. Showcasing geekdom for absurdist humor, the show created iconic characters (Roy, Moss, and Jen). Its warm-weird tone makes it feel like the office sitcom for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood at work.
Where to Watch The IT Crowd: Tubi | Pluto TV
Silicon Valley (2014–2019)
Mike Judge’s satirical look at startup culture skewers the tech world’s absurdities with both affection and scorn. Silicon Valley became the go-to lampoon for the modern office: investor theater, engineering scrambles, and the weird rituals of “disruption.” Iconic story arcs include the show’s pitched product disasters, the evolution of Pied Piper, and episodes that nail the tragicomic grind of chasing Venture Capitalist dreams.
Where to Watch Silicon Valley: HBO Max
Corporate (2018–2020)
Corporate offers one of the bleakest and funniest portrayals of modern corporate life. It’s a dark, deadpan comedy about two junior executives at an amoral conglomerate (Hampton DeVille). It’s bleak, satirical, and very specific about corporate shenanigans. Its slow-burn surrealism and the protagonists’ small defeats build a uniquely miserable-but-funny office world that lingers after each episode.
Where to Watch Corporate: Paramount+
The Office (US) (2005–2013)
The mockumentary format turned a paper company into a global obsession. The Office made cringe comedy mainstream and introduced a generation to an ensemble of characters whose personal and professional lives feel intimately relatable. Its mix of awkwardness, tenderness, and absurd office politics set a template for modern workplace comedy. More than a decade later, Michael Scott’s disastrous management moments, “Dinner Party,” and numerous purely-awkward gems get quoted endlessly.
Where to Watch The Office: Peacock | DIRECTV | Fubo
How to Watch The Paper
Peacock is streaming the next chapter in the world of The Office with all 10 episodes of The Paper set to stream on Thursday, September 4. Fans can binge through all of the laughs and memorable moments on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or any other compatible device. Click the link below and sign up to watch The Paper on Peacock.
