Shows similar to corporate: the funniest workplace satire
If you're a fan of the sharp, satirical humor of 'Corporate', you're likely on the hunt for more shows that dissect the absurdities of modern work life. This list dives into series that capture that unique blend of cringe, commentary, and comedy.



Workplace comedies have been a staple of television for decades, evolving from traditional sitcom formats to the mockumentary style popularized by shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation'. What makes the genre, and particularly shows like 'Corporate', so compelling is their ability to find humor in the mundane, the frustrating, and the downright baffling aspects of office life.
These series often hold a mirror up to corporate culture, highlighting the soul-crushing bureaucracy, the bizarre power dynamics, and the often-hilarious awkwardness of forced proximity with colleagues. From the surreal logic of a place like Veridian Dynamics in 'Better Off Ted' to the cutting political satire of 'Veep' (which, while political, shares a similar DNA in its portrayal of dysfunctional institutions), the best of this niche excel at exposing the absurdities of the professional world.
Whether it's the deadpan reactions to ridiculous situations, the exploration of office friendships and rivalries, or the sheer, unadulterated chaos that can erupt in a seemingly sterile environment, these shows resonate because they tap into shared experiences of navigating the working world. They prove that sometimes, the funniest things happen when people are stuck together, trying to make sense of it all – often failing spectacularly.
14. The Thick of It (2005)
Brace yourself for a brutally funny and foul-mouthed look at the inner workings of the British government in The Thick of It. This political satire, created by Armando Iannucci (the mind behind Veep), is known for its incredibly realistic portrayal of political maneuvering and its extensive use of improvisation among the cast. Peter Capaldi is iconic as the foul-tempered spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, a character who has become synonymous with political enforcers. The show is praised for its sharp writing and its ability to find humor in the often frustrating world of politics. If you enjoy dark humor and political commentary, this is a must-watch, but be prepared for the language!

13. Party Down (2009)
Get ready for some catering chaos with the employees of Party Down. This cult classic comedy follows a group of struggling actors and writers working for a catering company in Los Angeles, hoping for their big break. Each episode centers around a different catered event, from sweet sixteen parties to adult film awards, providing a backdrop for the characters' dashed hopes and hilarious interactions. The show features a stellar cast that includes many actors who went on to achieve greater fame. It's known for its witty dialogue, cringe-worthy moments, and surprisingly poignant look at the struggles of pursuing a creative career. Though it was short-lived, Party Down is a beloved show among comedy fans.

12. NewsRadio (1995)
Tune into WNYX, a New York City news radio station, and meet its quirky staff in NewsRadio. This ensemble comedy is known for its witty banter, rapid-fire jokes, and surreal humor. The show features a fantastic cast, including Phil Hartman, Dave Foley, and Maura Tierney, who had incredible comedic chemistry. It was created by Paul Simms. The show often experimented with different formats and storylines, sometimes venturing into the absurd. Despite facing some challenges during its run, NewsRadio developed a dedicated following for its smart writing and talented cast. It's a hidden gem of 90s television comedy.

11. The Larry Sanders Show (1992)
Step behind the scenes of a late-night talk show with The Larry Sanders Show. This groundbreaking HBO comedy offers a cynical and hilarious look at the ego, insecurity, and power struggles that go on after the cameras stop rolling. Garry Shandling stars as Larry Sanders, the neurotic host, and the show features a brilliant ensemble cast as his staff, including the iconic Hank Kingsley. It's known for its realistic portrayal of the television industry and its sharp, character-driven humor. Many real-life celebrities appeared as guests, often playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The Larry Sanders Show is considered a highly influential comedy, paving the way for many shows that followed.

10. Superstore (2015)
Welcome to Cloud 9, a superstore where the employees are just trying to get through the day. Superstore is a clever and charming workplace comedy that finds humor in the mundane world of retail. The show features a diverse ensemble cast and tackles various social issues with a light touch. It was created by Justin Spitzer, who previously worked on The Office. The show does a great job of highlighting the quirks and challenges of working in a large retail environment, from dealing with difficult customers to navigating corporate policies. It's a feel-good comedy with a lot of heart and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

9. Workaholics (2011)
Join the party with the guys from Workaholics. This raucous comedy follows three slacker friends who work together at a telemarketing company but are more interested in partying and getting into ridiculous situations. The show is known for its crude humor, absurd scenarios, and the undeniable chemistry between its three leads, who are also the creators and writers. They actually lived and worked together before the show, which inspired some of the storylines. While not a traditional workplace comedy in the sense of focusing on the job itself, the office setting provides the backdrop for their antics. If you enjoy irreverent humor and watching friends get into trouble, Workaholics is the show for you.

8. The IT Crowd (2006)
Head down to the basement of Reynholm Industries and meet the socially awkward IT department in The IT Crowd. This British sitcom is a fan favorite for its quirky humor and relatable portrayal of tech support life. The show centers on Jen, the new IT manager who knows nothing about computers, and her two eccentric colleagues, Roy and Moss. It's full of catchphrases and bizarre situations that have become iconic among fans. The show was created by Graham Linehan, known for his work on other beloved comedies like Father Ted. The IT Crowd is a quick and easy watch, with short episodes packed with witty dialogue and physical comedy. It's a perfect pick-me-up for anyone who's ever struggled with a computer.

7. Silicon Valley (2014)
Enter the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, where brilliant minds often clash with ego and corporate bureaucracy. Silicon Valley is a sharp and insightful comedy that skewers the tech industry and its eccentric inhabitants. The show follows a group of programmers trying to make it big with their compression algorithm, facing off against larger corporations and their own social awkwardness. It's praised for its technical accuracy and its hilarious portrayal of the tech world's culture. One of the show's co-creators is Mike Judge, the genius behind Office Space and King of the Hill, and his signature blend of observational humor and satire is on full display here. If you've ever worked in or around the tech industry, you'll find plenty to relate to and laugh at.

6. Archer (2009)
Get ready for a dose of animated espionage and office absurdity with Archer. This animated sitcom follows the exploits of Sterling Archer, a narcissistic and highly skilled secret agent, and his equally dysfunctional colleagues at the spy agency ISIS (later The Agency). The show is known for its rapid-fire dialogue, obscure references, and recurring gags. The voice cast is stellar, with H. Jon Benjamin lending his distinctive voice to the titular character. Did you know that many of the character designs were based on real people the show's creator, Adam Reed, knew? Archer constantly reinvents itself, with seasons taking on different genres and settings, keeping the humor fresh and unpredictable. It's a wild and hilarious ride that's definitely not for the easily offended.

5. Veep (2012)
Prepare for a masterclass in political satire with Veep. This biting comedy follows the chaotic life of Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States, and her dysfunctional staff as they navigate the treacherous waters of Washington D.C. The dialogue is incredibly sharp and fast-paced, full of insults and political maneuvering. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is absolutely phenomenal in her Emmy-winning role as Selina, bringing a perfect blend of ambition, insecurity, and hilarious incompetence to the character. The show's creator, Armando Iannucci, is known for his work on the equally scathing British political satire The Thick of It, and Veep continues that tradition of exposing the absurdities of power. It's a cynical yet undeniably funny look at the political machine.

4. Better Off Ted (2009)
Step into the slightly skewed world of Veridian Dynamics, a morally questionable corporation where innovation often comes with a side of ethical dilemmas. Better Off Ted is a smart, witty, and criminally underrated workplace comedy that satirizes corporate culture with razor-sharp precision. The show features a fantastic cast and a unique visual style, often incorporating fourth-wall breaks and internal monologues. It was created by Victor Fresco, the mind behind other clever comedies like Andy Richter Controls the Universe. Though it only lasted two seasons, it gained a devoted cult following for its clever writing and distinctive sense of humor. If you enjoy your workplace comedies with a healthy dose of dark humor and social commentary, this is a must-watch.

3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
Nine-Nine! Get ready for some precinct pandemonium with the detectives of Brooklyn's 99th precinct. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a workplace comedy that blends laugh-out-loud humor with genuinely compelling character arcs and even some surprisingly heartfelt moments. The ensemble cast is absolutely brilliant, with each character bringing their own unique brand of comedy to the table. Did you know that Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, was initially hesitant to take on a comedic role after his dramatic background? Thankfully, he did, and his deadpan delivery is pure gold. The show expertly tackles topical issues while never sacrificing its primary goal: making you laugh. It's a show that's easy to binge and even easier to love.

2. Parks and Recreation (2009)
Parks and Recreation will restore your faith in humanity, one waffle at a time! Follow the relentlessly optimistic Leslie Knope and her equally endearing colleagues in the Pawnee Parks Department as they try to make their city a better place, often with chaotic and hilarious results. The show is known for its incredibly positive and uplifting tone, a refreshing change of pace in the world of sitcoms. It's packed with running gags and inside jokes that reward dedicated viewers. Interestingly, the character of Ron Swanson, the stoic, woodworking, government-hating libertarian, was partly inspired by real-life people Mike Schur, the co-creator, knew. Prepare to fall in love with this lovable ensemble and their earnest, often misguided, attempts at public service.

1. The Office (2005)
Step into the world of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, where paper sales are secondary to the hilarious antics of Michael Scott and his eccentric staff. The Office (US) perfected the mockumentary format, making you feel like you're right there in the fluorescent-lit office, witnessing every awkward silence and ill-advised decision. Did you know that many of the talking head interviews were improvised? That's part of what gives it that wonderfully authentic, cringe-worthy charm. The show's heart lies in its relatable characters and the slow-burn relationships that develop, making you genuinely care about these quirky individuals. It's a masterclass in comedic timing and character development, proving that even the most mundane workplace can be a source of endless laughter.
