4 workplace comedies to watch if you miss Abbott Elementary
There's no doubt that Abbott Elementary is one of the best workplace comedies made! Period. It's mix of dedicated teachers, heartwarming moments, and of course those comedic beats really make the show shine. It's no surprise just how popular it is.
Abbott Elementary season 4 premieres on our screens this fall (wohoo!) on ABC. While it's not too far away, we do still have some time before the new season is here. And so in the meantime, you might want to fill that void by watching some other workplace comedies. The Office of course is going to be on almost every list you click on. But there's a few others that are worth your time too. Here's 4 workplace comedies to watch if you miss Abbott Elementary!
Superstore
Stream all 6 seasons on Peacock or Hulu
From this list if there's one series that I would say is the closest to Abbott Elementary, I'd say it's Superstore. The Quinta Brunson-led comedy puts a big focus on how the school is underfunded and the teachers have to work with the little that they have. Superstore is about employees who basically work at the equivalent of a Walmart. It's simple pay, annoying corporate rules and executives who don't really care about their employees, and the workers doing the best they can.
It's also just hilarious! Trust me, this show will surprise you. I didn't know what to expect going in in my initial watch, but Superstore surprised me with its funny characters. It will definitely make you laugh more than you think it would. My favorite character is definitely Glenn, and you'll see why. Plus America Ferrera's character Amy is the super organized one who tries to encourage and wrangle everybody, giving her a Janine Teagues-feel.
Parks and Recreation
Stream all 7 seasons on Peacock
Another great comedy to check out is Parks and Rec! Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, really reminds me of Janine. The can-do attitude, staying positive, and never giving up are all qualities that the two women share. And that's what makes them so great! I will admit that the show takes a bit to find its footing. The first season might not impress you off the bat. But trust me, it's worth it. And I'm the type of watcher who will drop a show if it doesn't have me hooked within the first three episodes.
But I gave this one a chance, and I'm so glad I did. Like Abbott, those who work in the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana are tied to government funding and rules. Plus, the series is done in a mockumentary style, just like Abbott Elementary! The Leslie and Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman) characters are the ones who stand out the most. And Rob Lowe, when introduced in season 2, is honestly one of the reasons why the series starts to get good. He's awesome!
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Stream all 8 seasons on Peacock, the first 4 on Netflix
I truly, truly never have enough words to praise Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I'm sorry but if you haven't seen this sitcom yet, I don't know what you're waiting for! Out of all the great shows on this list, B99 is definitely my favorite. It follows the detectives and employees at the 99th New York City police precinct. Which doesn't sound as fun. But wait until you watch it! Each of the characters and cast members is so hilariously funny. They're also all goofballs in their own way, and end up in ridiculous but amusing situations and competitions like the Halloween Heists.
From tough Terry having his sensitive moments and guarding his beloved yogurt, Captain Holt's deadpan delivery that will make you crack up, and Andy Samberg's quick-witted Jake Peralta responses, B99 found the perfect recipe. It's such an enjoyable watch right from the start. No offense to the other series', but I didn't have to wait for it to get good. It already was from the get go!
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Stream all 16 seasons on Hulu
So I'll be honest. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia doesn't always match my sense of humor and what I find funny. My husband is always chuckling next to me, and that doesn't surprise me because it's definitely up his alley. Just get ready for some very mature content at times, and frankly some moments that are a bit disgusting too. However I think what makes this series stand out, and why I continue to watch it, is just how ridiculous the main characters are. And it grows on you. When in other shows there's character growth, the main five just keep getting worse as human beings. They're the most selfish people you'll meet. It's actually what makes the story unique, and yet we keep tuning in to find out what they're going to do next. Don't ask me what it is, I have no explanation!
And they find themselves in situations that don't need to happen, getting themselves in trouble. Calling this one a workplace comedy is a stretch. It's used loosely here as the storylines aren't always revolved around their bar, Paddy's Pub. But we're counting it because it is a fun sitcom that will make you laugh at the ridiculousness of these characters. Plus, there's currently 16 seasons with the seventeenth in the works (no release date has been shared yet). Plenty of content for you while we wait for Abbott to return! Though both are set in Philadelphia, believe me when I say the Abbott Elementary gang is much better as people. But I guess that's sort of part of the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's characters' charm.
One of my very favorite episodes is definitely season 5 episode 10, "The D.E.N.N.I.S. System." Absolutely hilarious, and so well done! And you know that meme with Charlie Day and the whole grid system of chaos? That's from It's Always Sunny! Day, and his character also named Charlie, are my favorite. Charlie is so unhinged and the actor's delivery is so on point. This role was definitely made for him.