10 Obscure Comedy Shows to Watch After The Office
These underrated comedy series may have flown under the radar, but they're sure to keep you entertained post-The Office binge.
1. The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret
Have you ever wondered how many poor decisions it takes to ruin a life? Meet Todd Margaret, an incompetent office temp turned unlikely energy drink salesman. Thrust into a job in London, Todd's relentless lying and cluelessness spiraled into a catastrophic series of events.
Whether unwittingly insulting the British, offending his boss, or chasing an unattainable love interest, Todd's bumbling blunders knew no bounds. His misguided attempts to impress only fueled his descent into chaos. Was there any redemption for Todd? One thing's for sure – the road to disaster has never been so hilariously painful.
2. Review
Life – it's full of experiences, but what if you could review them like a movie or restaurant? Meet Forrest MacNeil, a critic who reviewed life itself. From addiction to revenge, Forrest's bizarre assignments often took darkly comedic turns. Despite his dedication, Forrest's personal life and sanity unraveled as he doggedly pursued his show's mission.
Could Forrest truly separate his on-screen persona from his off-screen life? Not a chance. As his world crumbled, Forrest discovered that sometimes, life's most profound reviews are the ones you never asked for.
3. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Welcome to Darkplace, a 1980s horror TV show that never saw the light of day – until now. Garth Marenghi, a self-proclaimed master of horror, presented this gloriously bad show about a haunted hospital plagued by paranormal problems. With wooden acting, terrible special effects, and hilariously inept writing, Darkplace became an unintentional comedy.
As Dr. Rick Dagless, Garth and his cast of misfits battled demonic cats, possessed patients, and their own questionable acting skills. Was it a parody or a genuine attempt at horror? You be the judge. One thing's certain – Darkplace is so bad, it's good.
4. Detroiters
Detroit – home to Motown, cars, and two best friends trying to make it in advertising. Sam and Tim, ad men with more enthusiasm than talent, took on bizarre local clients and even stranger ad concepts. Whether promoting hot tubs or a fur store, their misguided endeavors always seemed to go hilariously awry.
They navigated personal issues, professional blunders, and a city in transition, never losing their unwavering optimism. Did they ever create a successful ad campaign? Not really. But they discovered that, sometimes, laughter is the best advertising.
5. Bored to Death
Meet Jonathan Ames, a writer who couldn't write and a detective who couldn't detect. Inspired by Raymond Chandler novels, he offered his sleuthing services on Craigslist, becoming an unlicensed private detective. With his comic-book artist best friend and eccentric editor as sidekicks, Jonathan tackled bizarre cases, often entangling himself in hilarious escapades.
Whether searching for a stolen skateboard or infiltrating a cult, their misadventures knew no bounds. Could a novelist really solve mysteries? Perhaps not. But amid the mayhem, Jonathan found inspiration and learned that life can be its own kind of fiction.
6. People of Earth
Imagine being abducted by aliens – traumatizing, right? Not for the quirky support group in People of Earth. This eclectic crew of "experiencers" bonded over their otherworldly encounters, navigating skepticism, government conspiracies, and their own bizarre backstories.
Reporter Ozzie joined the group, initially skeptical but slowly uncovering his own extraterrestrial connection. Was the truth really out there? With reptilian aliens, deer-headed beings, and a self-doubting investigator, it's hard to tell. As the group unraveled their cosmic connections, they discovered that sometimes, it's okay to be a little out of this world.
7. Nathan for You
Can terrible business advice become comedic gold? Nathan Fielder certainly thought so. As a business "expert" with outrageous ideas, Nathan attempted to help struggling businesses with absurdly unconventional strategies.
Whether turning a frozen yogurt shop into a poo-flavored sensation or launching a weight-loss program based on moving boxes, Nathan's off-the-wall antics left both business owners and viewers baffled. Did his ideas ever work? Surprisingly, sometimes they did. In Nathan for You, he showed that business and comedy can be a bizarrely hilarious blend.
8. Better Off Ted
Imagine working in a mega-corporation straight out of a satirical comedy. Meet Ted, the face of Veridian Dynamics, a company that knows no ethical bounds. With mad scientists, an evil HR department, and even weaponized pumpkins, what could go wrong?
Ted navigated workplace politics, a boss with no moral compass, and the challenges of single parenthood. The icing on the cake? Ted's off-and-on romance with Linda, a fellow employee with a penchant for rebellion. Who knew that corporate shenanigans could provide such a hearty dose of laughter?
9. Party Down
What happens when a group of wannabe actors, writers, and comedians take on catering gigs? A hilarious disaster, that's what. Party Down followed the misadventures of a catering team that couldn't catch a break. Led by Henry, an actor whose career peaked with a catchphrase, the crew navigated bizarre events, eccentric guests, and personal aspirations.
Whether serving drinks at a mob wedding or appetizers at a dog's birthday party, there was never a dull moment. And in the midst of the chaos, they found love, friendship, and occasionally, their own incompetence. Can you cater to your dreams while serving hors d'oeuvres?
10. Black Books
At Black Books, you'll find an odd assortment of characters and probably not the book you're looking for. Bernard Black, a cynical, wine-swilling Irishman, runs the shambolic bookstore with his eternally optimistic assistant Manny. Fran, a quirky shop owner next door, often joins the duo in their mishaps.
Together, they navigated the peculiarities of small-business ownership, personal blunders, and bizarre customer interactions. Did they ever get any work done? Not really. But amidst the smoke, wine, and absurdity, they found a dysfunctional, hilarious kind of camaraderie.