10 Lesser-Known Comedy Shows to Watch After The Office
Each one here is a gem, and they'll help you transition from your Dunder Mifflin withdrawal.
1. Detectorists (2014-2017)
BBC Four's Detectorists is a perfect example of British comedy at its finest. Following the endearing escapades of metal-detecting enthusiasts Andy and Lance, the series is a treasure trove of quaint humor. While it doesn't feature the office antics we know and love, it presents a lovable cast of eccentrics that are just as captivating. It's like swapping a Dunder Mifflin paper ream for a detectorist's shovel; you're not sure why you'd want it, but once you have it, it's oddly satisfying.
2. Nathan For You (2013-2017)
Imagine if Michael Scott was a business consultant. That's Nathan For You in a nutshell, but with a touch of mockumentary charm. Nathan Fielder uses his real-life business degree and life experiences to help struggling companies, but his ideas are as unconventional as they are hilarious.
3. The Thick of It (2005-2012)
Ever wondered what would happen if the Office's colorful language met political satire? The Thick of It is your answer. This British comedy-drama has the same mockumentary format, focusing on the fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship, a barely competent government department in London.
It's the kind of show where you'll learn new creative expletives while laughing at the ineptitude of the fictional politicians. Imagine Threat Level Midnight, but replace Michael Scarn with a scathing, profanity-spewing government advisor.
4. Toast of London (2012-2015)
This British comedy gem showcases Steven Toast, a middling stage actor whose off-stage antics outdo his theatrical performances. Played to perfection by Matt Berry (you might recognize his distinctive voice from What We Do In The Shadows), Toast's dramatic flairs, over-the-top feuds, and disastrous romantic pursuits are a riot.
5. People Just Do Nothing (2014-2018)
Meet the crew of Kurupt FM, a pirate radio station broadcasting UK garage and drum and bass from Brentford, London. Led by the deluded MC Grindah, the Kurupt FM crew's misadventures are hilariously awkward. Imagine if Kevin's band, Scrantonicity, took themselves seriously and you'll have a sense of what's in store. With its mockumentary style, you'll feel right at home after The Office.
6. Party Down (2009-2010)
One of the best things about The Office is its ensemble cast of misfits, and Party Down captures that same magic. This short-lived Starz series follows a group of Hollywood wannabes working at a catering company while they wait for their big break.
Each episode features a different event they cater, and the resulting shenanigans are absolutely hilarious. Imagine if every day at Dunder Mifflin was as unpredictable as Casino Night and you'll get the idea. It's witty, sarcastic, and it's got that underdog spirit that made The Office so endearing. Plus, you'll recognize some familiar faces from shows like Parks and Recreation and Veronica Mars.
7. The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (2009-2016)
This show is like a slow-motion car crash of cringe-comedy – you just can't look away. David Cross (of Arrested Development fame) plays the title character, a hapless American office temp who bluffs his way into a senior sales job in London, with disastrous consequences. Think Michael Scott's missteps, then multiply them by a thousand. Each episode sees Todd Margaret's web of lies expand and his situations become increasingly ridiculous.
8. Documentary Now! (2015-present)
If you liked the mockumentary format of The Office, then Documentary Now! will be right up your alley. This show parodies famous documentaries, with each episode presented as a serious documentary narrated by Helen Mirren. Co-created by SNL alums Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Seth Meyers, the show hilariously spoofs the serious tone of documentaries, while still maintaining a deep respect for the source material.
9. Review (2014-2017)
In Review, Forrest MacNeil (Andy Daly) does not review food, books, or films; instead, he reviews life experiences in response to viewer suggestions. This could range from eating 15 pancakes to getting a divorce (yes, you read that right). Each episode, Forrest's commitment to his job takes him to the most hilarious and extreme situations.
10. Black Books (2000-2004)
In this British sitcom, Bernard Black (Dylan Moran) runs a bookshop so poorly you might mistake it for Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin branch. This grumpy, wine-dependent bookstore owner couldn't care less about selling books. With his assistant Manny (Bill Bailey) and friend Fran (Tamsin Greig), the show is a delightful dive into their odd, chaotic, and hilariously cynical world. If you swapped out the office for a bookshop and Jim's pranks for drunken rants, you'd get Black Books.