Must-Watch Films & TV Shows About Office Life: Comedy, Drama & Docuseries

Office Life

Best Films and TV Shows About Office Life: From Watercooler Wisdom to Boardroom Battles

The office. It’s a universal experience, a land of flickering fluorescent lights, endless meetings, and that ever-present struggle to stay awake during presentations that could double as sleeping pills.

But beyond the beige walls and cubicle jungles, office life pulsates with a unique energy. It’s a breeding ground for hilarious situations, heartwarming friendships, and even cutthroat competition.

This shared experience has become a goldmine for filmmakers and television producers. Whether you’re seeking a laugh after a soul-crushing day of reports, a show that reflects the complexities of your career journey, or a glimpse into a world vastly different from your own, there’s a film or TV series about office life waiting to be discovered.

Here’s our curated list, catering to different moods and preferences:

The Comedy Relief Crew:

• The Office (US): This mockumentary juggernaut needs no introduction. Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, led by the socially awkward yet oddly endearing Michael Scott, provides a treasure trove of cringe-worthy humor, heartwarming friendships, and unforgettable characters like Dwight Schrute (Assistant (to the) Regional Manager), the ever-optimistic Jim Halpert, and the sassy receptionist Pam Beesly.

• Parks and Recreation: Escape to the sunshine-drenched world of Pawnee, Indiana’s parks and recreation department. Here, Leslie Knope’s unwavering optimism and the quirky antics of her team, including the eternally enthusiastic Andy Dwyer and the ever-reliable Tom Haverford, make for a delightful escape filled with genuine laughs and a surprisingly touching portrayal of government work.

• Silicon Valley: Buckle up for a hilarious jab at the tech industry’s bro culture and the chaotic world of start-ups. This HBO comedy follows Richard Hendricks, a socially awkward programmer, and his ragtag team at Pied Piper as they navigate the pitfalls and absurdities of Silicon Valley. Expect awkward social interactions, outlandish business ideas, and plenty of dark humor.

• Workaholics: For those who enjoy the absurd, Workaholics follows three friends – Blake, Adam, and Ders – who prioritize partying over their telemarketing jobs at TelAmeriCorp. It’s a show that revels in the ridiculous, offering mindless entertainment with its outrageous antics and pop-culture references.

A Slice of Reality:

• The Office (UK): The original mockumentary that paved the way for its American counterpart. The UK version, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, offers a more cynical and awkward take on office life at Wernham Hogg paper company. While the humor is drier and the characters less lovable, it’s still relatable and undeniably funny.

• Superstore: This sitcom takes place in Cloud 9, a big-box store, and portrays the everyday struggles and triumphs of minimum-wage retail workers. It’s a lighthearted look at blue-collar work that highlights the camaraderie and resilience found in unexpected places. Characters like Amy Santiago, the ambitious floor supervisor, and Jonah Simms, the well-meaning but clueless new hire, bring the aisles of Cloud 9 to life.

• Master of None: This critically acclaimed series follows Dev Shah, a struggling actor navigating love, friendship, and career in New York City. While not solely focused on office life, Dev’s experiences as a freelance writer offer a realistic glimpse into the uncertainties and challenges faced by many young professionals. The show tackles themes of cultural identity, millennial anxieties, and the constant search for meaning in a world of endless possibilities.

• Kim’s Convenience: This heartwarming Canadian sitcom centers around the Kim family, who run a convenience store in Toronto. It delves into the challenges of navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the demands of running a small business. Kim’s Convenience offers a unique perspective on office life, showcasing the dedication and resilience of immigrant families.

The Power Players:

• Mad Men: Step back in time to the glamorous yet ruthlessly competitive world of 1960s advertising on Madison Avenue. Witness the rise of Don Draper, a complex and enigmatic advertising executive with a mysterious past, while exploring themes of ambition, power dynamics, and the changing social landscape. Mad Men features iconic characters like the ruthless Roger Sterling and the formidable Peggy Olson, showcasing the cutthroat world of advertising and the sacrifices people make to climb the corporate ladder.

• Succession: This Emmy-winning drama dives into the world of the wealthy Roy family, who control a vast media empire. Expect backstabbing, power struggles, and ruthless maneuvering as the Roy siblings – Kendall, Shiv, and Roman – vie for control of their father’s business. Succession offers a scathing commentary on wealth, privilege, and the dysfunctional nature of family businesses. The high stakes and Shakespearean-level power struggles are a far cry from most office experiences, but the show’s exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the lengths people go to for power makes it a captivating watch.

• Working Girl: This classic 80s film follows Tess McGill, a smart and ambitious secretary who takes on a demanding project for her boss, the ruthless Katherine Parker. It’s an inspiring story about defying expectations and taking control of your career path. Tess’s journey from secretary to temporary executive assistant is a testament to hard work, quick thinking, and the importance of building relationships.

• The Devil Wears Prada: Aspiring journalist Andy Sachs lands a coveted job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine, Runway. This film explores the often-glamorous yet demanding world of fashion while showcasing the challenges of navigating a difficult boss. Andy’s journey is a lesson in perseverance, learning to adapt in a fast-paced environment, and recognizing the value of mentorship, even from a seemingly unapproachable figure like Miranda Priestly.

Beyond the Cubicle: Documentaries for the Office Enthusiast:

• The Office: A Documentary: This Netflix docuseries delves into the making of the American version of The Office, featuring interviews with the cast and crew. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of a beloved show, exploring the creative process, the challenges of adapting a British format, and the impact the show has had on popular culture.

• Workplace (Netflix): This docuseries explores various unique workplaces around the world, offering a glimpse into the diverse experiences people have in their professional lives. From a kindergarten in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to a prison in Norway, Workplace showcases innovative approaches to work, company culture, and employee well-being.

A Few Hidden Gems:

• Clerks (1994): This cult classic black comedy takes place over a single day at a convenience store in New Jersey. While not exactly a traditional office setting, the film captures the monotony and frustration of retail work, peppered with witty dialogue and relatable characters.

• Sorry to Bother You (2018): This surreal and darkly comedic film follows Cassius “Cash” Green, a telemarketer who discovers a secret to success that involves using his “white voice.” Sorry to Bother You is a wild ride that satirizes corporate culture, telemarketing, and the struggle for upward mobility in a capitalist society.

• The IT Crowd (UK): This British sitcom follows the misadventures of the IT department at Reynholm Industries. The show features a cast of eccentric characters, including the socially awkward Moss, the domineering and clueless Denman, and the tech-savvy but cynical Roy. While the humor revolves heavily around IT jokes, The IT Crowd offers a hilarious portrayal of office dynamics and the struggles of navigating workplace relationships.

The Final Takeaway

This list is just a starting point for your exploration of films and TV shows about office life. As the workplace continues to evolve, so too will the stories that capture its essence.

Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a dose of inspiration, or a glimpse into a world vastly different from your own, there’s a show or film out there waiting to be discovered.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be entertained (and maybe even learn a little something) about the often hilarious, sometimes frustrating, but always fascinating world of the office.

Bonus:

Looking to delve deeper? Here are some additional resources to explore:

• Books: “What Do We Do Here?” by Lindsay Clandfield, “Office Space Pointy-Haired Boss: A Celebration of a Cult Classic” by Mike Judge
• Podcasts: “Office Ladies” with Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer (hosts discuss behind-the-scenes stories from The Office US), “9 to 5ish” with Liz Dwyer (explores career advice and navigating the modern workplace)