There’s something endlessly entertaining about watching people try to survive their jobs. Whether it’s a newsroom, a bar, city hall, or even a vampire household, workplace sitcoms turn everyday stress into comedy gold. The best of them give us sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and just enough heart to make the chaos feel real. Here are 15 of the greatest workplace comedies ever to grace television.
15. Murphy Brown
Set inside a high-pressure TV newsroom, Murphy Brown mixed biting humor with real-world relevance. Candice Bergen played the sharp, unapologetic journalist whose return to work after rehab set the stage for smart, politically aware storytelling. The show didn’t shy away from controversial topics, from single motherhood to media ethics, and that boldness sparked real national conversations. Backed by a strong ensemble cast, the series proved that workplace comedies could be both funny and culturally impactful.
14. Lou Grant
A rare spin-off that reinvented itself, Lou Grant took the gruff newsroom boss from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and dropped him into a Los Angeles newspaper, this time in a more dramatic format. Led by Ed Asner, the show explored journalism with seriousness and depth while still maintaining strong character-driven storytelling. Its thoughtful look at media ethics helped pave the way for future newsroom dramas.
13. St. Denis Medical
One of the newer entries on this list, St. Denis Medical, brings mockumentary-style humor to an underfunded Oregon hospital. The series follows an eccentric team of healthcare workers juggling limited resources and big personalities. With cast members like Wendi McLendon-Covey and David Alan Grier, the show balances absurd comedy with genuine warmth. Though still early in its run, it’s already carving out a promising place in the genre.
12. The IT Crowd
Set in the basement IT department of a London corporation, The IT Crowd thrives on awkwardness. The socially inept Roy, the brilliantly bizarre Moss, and their well-meaning but clueless boss Jen create nonstop workplace chaos. Its distinctly British humor and geek-culture sensibility earned it a loyal following worldwide. Even years after it ended, it remains a cult favorite for fans of dry wit and absurd situations.
11. What We Do in the Shadows
This supernatural mockumentary reimagines a vampire household as a dysfunctional office. Based on the film by Taika Waititi, the show follows Staten Island vampires struggling with power dynamics, chores, and immortality. Stars like Matt Berry and Kayvan Novak lean into the absurdity, making it one of the most inventive workplace comedies of recent years.
10. Community
At Greendale Community College, a mismatched study group turns campus life into comedic experimentation. Led by Joel McHale, the ensemble embraced meta-humor and genre parody in ways few sitcoms dared. From paintball wars to alternate timelines, Community constantly reinvented itself, earning a passionate cult following that’s still holding out for the long-awaited movie.
9. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
A true pioneer, this series centered on Mary Richards, a single woman building a career in a Minneapolis newsroom. Mary Tyler Moore led a cast that included Ed Asner and Betty White. Its honest portrayal of working women was groundbreaking for its time, setting the template for countless workplace comedies that followed.
8. Arrested Development
Here, the “office” is a dysfunctional family real estate empire. Jason Bateman plays the only responsible Bluth, trying to hold things together amid chaos. With narration by Ron Howard and razor-sharp writing, the show’s layered jokes and eccentric characters helped redefine modern sitcom storytelling.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Set in a New York police precinct, this series blended procedural elements with heartfelt comedy. Andy Samberg leads as goofy detective Jake Peralta, alongside standout performances from Andre Braugher and Terry Crews. The show balanced silliness with meaningful discussions about identity and justice, earning a loyal fan base.
6. 30 Rock
A behind-the-scenes look at a sketch comedy show, 30 Rock is sharp, fast-paced satire. Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon, navigating corporate absurdity and diva coworkers. With scene-stealing performances from Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan, the show became one of the smartest comedies of its era.
5. Veep
Politics has rarely been this funny or this brutal. Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers a powerhouse performance as Selina Meyer, a politician surrounded by chaotic staffers. Known for its lightning-fast insults and biting satire, Veep collected Emmys and redefined political comedy for a new generation.
4. Abbott Elementary
Set in a Philadelphia public school, this mockumentary-style comedy follows passionate teachers trying to make a difference despite limited funding. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the show blends humor with heart. Its optimistic tone and relatable characters have made it a standout in modern network television.
3. Parks and Recreation
In the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, Leslie Knope makes local government unexpectedly delightful. Amy Poehler leads an ensemble that includes Nick Offerman and Aubrey Plaza. The show’s warmth and character growth helped define the feel-good workplace comedy.
2. The Office
Few sitcoms have influenced the genre as much as The Office. Set at the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, the series perfected cringe humor and heartfelt storytelling. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott is both painfully awkward and surprisingly endearing. Combined with iconic relationships like Jim and Pam, the show remains endlessly rewatchable.
1. Cheers
Set in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” Cheers perfected the ensemble workplace formula. Ted Danson anchors the cast as Sam Malone, surrounded by unforgettable regulars. Its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments influenced generations of sitcoms and even launched Frasier. Decades later, it still represents the gold standard for workplace comedy.
Workplace sitcoms endure because work is universal. We’ve all had difficult bosses, odd coworkers, and long days that feel like sitcom episodes waiting to happen. The best shows on this list transform everyday stress into laughter while giving us characters who feel like colleagues or even family. And as long as people keep going to work, there will always be room for great workplace comedy.