Are you a fan of workplace comedies and mockumentary shows? Then you must have binged one of the most popular new comedies, “Abbott Elementary.” It has set new rating records for ABC and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
It is a series created by Quinta Brunson that follows the faculty of a Philadelphia public school as they struggle to do their job with limited resources and balance the bureaucracies of the education system while teaching the next generation as well as dealing with their own lives.
It has a very talented cast of actors, including Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, and Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill.
The plot revolves around the lives of teachers and students at an underfunded school named Abbott Elementary with a majority black population. The newly appointed teacher, named Janine Teagues, is a very optimistic and sometimes naive character who has to face various challenges in the school while keeping her positive attitude and desperation to make the change.
Other characters like Ava and Melissa are shown to be flawed in their own way, and with friendship and perseverance, they work together to solve various problems arising in their school.
Here are a few shows like Abbott Elementary :
“The Office” (2005-2013)
The Office is a comedic television series that follows the daily lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin, a fictional paper supply company. The show’s central character is regional manager Michael Scott, who is known for his inappropriate behavior and poor leadership skills.
The other main characters include his loyal but long-suffering assistant, Dwight Schrute; the sardonic salesman Jim Halpert; and the ditzy receptionist, Pam Beesly. Throughout the series, the employees of Dunder Mifflin deal with the absurdities of their jobs and the antics of their coworkers, all while navigating their personal lives and relationships.
“Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015)
Parks and Recreation is a comedic television series that follows the day-to-day operations of the Parks and Recreation department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The show’s central character is Leslie Knope, a passionate and ambitious government employee who is determined to make a difference in her community.
She is aided in her efforts by her colleagues, including the laconic Tom Haverford, the bumbling Andy Dwyer, and the perpetually sunny April Ludgate. The show follows the characters as they undertake various projects and initiatives to improve their town, often facing challenges and setbacks along the way.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-present)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a television show that airs on NBC. It is a comedy that follows the lives of the detectives and officers working at the 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn.
The show features a diverse cast of characters, including Jake Peralta, a talented but carefree detective; Amy Santiago, a competitive and by-the-book detective; and Captain Raymond Holt, the stoic and strict commanding officer of the precinct. The show has received critical acclaim for its smart writing, strong acting, and positive portrayal of diversity.
“The IT Crowd” (2006-2013)
The IT Crowd is a British television sitcom that aired on Channel 4 from 2006 to 2013. The show is set in the offices of Reynholm Industries, a fictional company located in London, and follows the misadventures of the company’s IT support team.
The team consists of Roy Trenneman, a slacker who is more interested in video games and movies than his job; Moss, an awkward and reclusive genius who is a master of programming and hacking; and Jen Barber, the team’s new manager, who knows nothing about technology but is determined to prove herself. The show is known for its clever writing, quirky sense of humor, and excellent cast.
“Superstore” (2015-present)
Superstore is a television show that airs on NBC. It is a comedy that takes place at Cloud 9, a fictional big-box store in St. Louis, Missouri. The show follows the lives of the employees working at the store, including Amy, the level-headed assistant manager; Jonah, a young employee who is always trying to make a difference; and Glenn, the store’s kind-hearted but naive manager.
The show tackles issues such as corporate greed, workplace politics, and the struggles of low-wage workers, all with a healthy dose of humor. Superstore has received critical acclaim for its clever writing and strong ensemble cast.
“30 Rock” (2006-2013)
30 Rock is a television show that aired on NBC from 2006 to 2013. It is a comedic look at the behind-the-scenes goings-on at a fictional sketch comedy show, also called “30 Rock,” that airs on the NBC network.
The show follows the personal and professional lives of the show’s head writer, Liz Lemon, and the show’s eccentric cast and crew, including Jack Donaghy, the vice president of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming; Jenna Maroney, the egomaniacal star of the show; and Tracy Jordan, a loose-cannon actor. 30 Rock was created by Tina Feyill and starred Alec Baldwin, Tina Feyill, and Tracy Morgan.
“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019)
The Big Bang Theory is a television show that aired on CBS. It is a comedy that follows the lives of four socially awkward friends, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj, who are all brilliant scientists. The show also features Penny, an aspiring actress and Leonard’s love interest, and Bernadette and Amy, Howard and Sheldon’s respective girlfriends.
The show is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and nerdy sense of humor. It was one of the most popular and successful sitcoms in recent history and won numerous awards during its run.
“Veep” (2012-2019)
Veep is a television show that aired on HBO. It is a political satire that follows the life of Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president and later president of the United States.
The show is known for its sharp writing, excellent cast, and spot-on portrayal of the cutthroat world of politics. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, Anna Chlumsky as her chief of staff, Amy Brookheimer, and Tony Hale as Gary Walsh, Selina’s loyal personal aide. Veep has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.
“Plebs” (2013-present)
Plebs is a British television sitcom that aired on ITV2 from 2013 to 2018. The show is set in ancient Rome and follows the lives of three young men living in the city: Marcus, a high-born but lazy and entitled young man; Stylax, a carefree and hedonistic young man; and Grumio, a low-born and bumbling slave.
The show is known for its clever writing, excellent cast, and irreverent sense of humor. It has received critical acclaim for its ability to mix historical authenticity with modern comedic sensibility.
“NewsRadio” (1995-1999)
NewsRadio is a television show that aired on NBC from 1995 to 1999. It is a comedy that takes place at the fictional WNYX news radio station in New York City and follows the lives of the station’s employees as they produce the news and deal with the daily stresses of their jobs.
The show features an excellent cast, including Dave Foley as Dave Nelson, the station’s new news director; Stephen Root as Jimmy James, the eccentric billionaire owner of the station; Andy Dick as Matthew Brock, the quirky and accident-prone news reporter; and Maura Tierney as Lisa Miller, the station’s ambitious and uptight news anchor.
“Working” (1997-1999)
Working is a television show that aired on NBC from 1995 to 1997. It is a comedy that is based on the book of the same name by Studs Terkel and follows the lives of a diverse group of people as they go about their jobs.
The show features an ensemble cast that includes Fred Savage as Ryan, a young man working as a golf course maintenance worker; John Ritter as Karl, a middle-aged man working as a parking attendant; and Ginger Gonzaga as Alex, a young woman working as a florist.
Working is known for its clever writing and strong performances and has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the struggles and joys of work.
“Superman & Lois” (2021-present)
Superman & Lois is a television show that premiered on The CW in 2021. It is a superhero drama that follows the lives of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane as they deal with the challenges of raising their two sons while also navigating Clark’s responsibilities as Superman. The show is set in the Arrowverse, a shared universe of superhero shows that includes other popular shows such as “Arrow,” “The Flash,” and “Supergirl.”
Superman & Lois has received critical acclaim for its strong writing and performances and has been praised for its portrayal of Clark and Lois as fully realized characters with their own struggles and challenges.
“The Drew Carey Show” (1995-2004)
The Drew Carey Show is a television show that aired on ABC from 1995 to 2004. It is a sitcom that follows the life of Drew Carey, a fictionalized version of the comedian of the same name, as he navigates his personal and professional lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Drew’s best friend, Lewis Kiniski; his coworkers at Winfred-Lauder department store, Mimi Bobeck and Oswald Harvey; and his roommates, Kate O’Brien and her son, Ned. The Drew Carey Show is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and irreverent sense of humor.
“Beavis and Butt-Head” (1993-2011)
Beavis and Butt-Head is an animated television show that aired on MTV from 1993 to 1997 and again from 2011 to 2015. The show follows the misadventures of Beavis and Butt-Head, two slacker teenagers who are obsessed with heavy metal music and immature humor.
The show is known for its crude and irreverent sense of humor and has garnered a devoted cult following. Beavis and Butt-Head was created by Mike Judge and became one of the most popular and influential animated shows of the 1990s
“The Middle” (2009-2018)
The Middle is a television show that aired on ABC from 2009 to 2018. It is a sitcom that follows the daily life of the Heck family, a middle-class family living in the middle of Indiana.
The show features an excellent cast, including Patricia Heaton as Frankie Heck, the overwhelmed and underappreciated mother of the family; Neil Flynn as Mike Heck, the laconic and practical father; and Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, and Atticus Shaffer as the Heck children, Axl, Sue, and Brick. The Middle is known for its relatable portrayal of family life and has received critical acclaim for its clever writing and strong performances.
“Scrubs” (2001-2010)
Scrubs is a television show that aired on NBC from 2001 to 2010 and later on ABC from 2009 to 2010. It is a medical comedy-drama that follows the lives of a group of young doctors as they navigate their personal and professional lives at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital.
The show features an excellent cast, including Zach Braff as John Michael “J.D.” Dorian, the show’s protagonist and narrator; Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid, a sharp and competitive doctor; and Donald Faison as Chris Turk, J.D.’s best friend, and fellow doctor. Scrubs is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and unique blend of comedy and drama.
“The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978)
The Bob Newhart Show is a television show that aired on CBS from 1972 to 1978. It is a sitcom that follows the life of Bob Hartley, a psychologist living in Chicago, Illinois. The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Emily Hartley, Bob’s wife, and a school teacher; Howard Borden, Bob’s neighbor and a pilot; and Jerry Robinson, Bob’s receptionist.
The Bob Newhart Show is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and dry sense of humor. It was a popular and successful show during its run and has been hailed as a classic of 1970s sitcoms.
“The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” (2005-2008)
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is a television show that aired on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2008. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of twin brothers Zack and Cody Martin, who live in the Tipton Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, with their mother, Carey, who is a singer at the hotel.
The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Maddie Fitzpatrick, the hotel’s teenage candy counter girl; London Tipton, the hotel’s wealthy and ditzy owner’s daughter; and Mr. Moseby, the strict and uptight hotel manager.
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is known for its clever writing and strong performances and has been praised for its portrayal of the relationships between the characters.
“The Jeffersons” (1975-1985)
That follows the lives of George and Louise Jefferson, an African American couple who have recently moved into a luxury apartment building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Tom and Helen Willis, the Jeffersons’ white neighbors; Florence Johnston, the Jeffersons’ housekeeper; and Lionel Jefferson, George and Louise’s son.
The Jeffersons are known for their clever writing and strong performances and have been praised for their portrayal of a successful African American family. It was a popular and successful show during its run and has been hailed as a classic of 1970s and 1980s sitcoms.
“The Mindy Project” (2012-2017)
The Mindy Project is a television show that aired on Fox from 2012 to 2015 and later on Hulu from 2015 to 2017. It is a comedy that follows the life of Mindy Lahiri, a talented but unlucky-in-love obstetrician and gynecologist living in New York City.
The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Danny Castellano, Mindy’s love interest and coworker; Jeremy Reed, Mindy’s boss; and Beverly, the practice’s quirky receptionist.
The Mindy Project is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and relatable portrayal of the struggles of dating and career. It has received critical acclaim for its fresh and unique voice and has been praised for its portrayal of a successful South Asian American woman.
“Friends” (1994-2004)
Friends is a television show that aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of six friends living in New York City: Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, and Rachel. The show features an excellent cast, including Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, the show’s protagonist; Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Rachel’s older sister; and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Monica’s neighbor and Chandler’s best friend.
Friends are known for their clever writing, strong acting, and relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of friendship and dating. It was a wildly popular and successful show during its run and has been hailed as a classic of 1990s and 2000s television.
“The Larry Sanders Show” (1992-1998)
The Larry Sanders Show is a television show that aired on HBO from 1992 to 1998. It is a comedy-drama that follows the behind-the-scenes goings-on at a fictional late-night talk show, also called “The Larry Sanders Show,” and its host, Larry Sanders.
The show features an excellent cast, including Garry Shandling as Larry Sanders, the show’s eponymous host; Jeffrey Tambor as Hank Kingsley, the show’s egomaniacal sidekick; and Rip Torn as Artie, the show’s gruff and cynical producer. The Larry Sanders Show is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and unique portrayal of the inner workings of a late-night talk show.
“The Flinstones” (1960-1966)
The Flintstones is an animated television show that aired on ABC from 1960 to 1966. It is a comedy that follows the lives of the Flintstone family, who live in the fictional town of Bedrock in a world where dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures coexist with modern technology.
The show features an excellent cast of voice actors, including Alan Reed as Fred Flintstone, the show’s protagonist; Jean Vander Pyl as Wilma Flintstone, Fred’s wife; and Mel Blanc as Barney Rubble, Fred’s best friend. The Flintstones is known for its clever writing, memorable characters, and unique blend of modern and prehistoric elements.
“Mad About You” (1992-1999)
Mad About You is a television show that aired on NBC from 1992 to 1999. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of Paul and Jamie Buchman, a young couple living in New York City. The show features an excellent cast, including Paul Reiser as Paul Buchman, the show’s protagonist; Helen Hunt as Jamie Buchman, Paul’s wife; and John Pankow as Ira Buchman, Paul’s cousin.
Mad About You is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and realistic portrayal of the challenges and joys of married life. It has received critical acclaim for its ability to mix comedy and drama and has been hailed as a classic of 1990s television.
“3rd Rock from the Sun” (1996-2001)
3rd Rock from the Sun is a television show that aired on NBC from 1996 to 2001. It is a comedy that follows the lives of a group of aliens who have come to Earth to observe human behavior. The show features an excellent cast, including John Lithgow as Dick Solomon, the leader of the alien group; Jane Curtin as Dr. Mary Albright, Dick’s love interest; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tommy Solomon, Dick’s teenage son.
3rd Rock from the Sun is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and unique premise. It has received critical acclaim for its ability to mix comedy and drama and has been hailed as a classic of 1990s television.
“That ’70s Show” (1998-2006)
That ’70s Show is a television show that aired on Fox from 1998 to 2006. It is a sitcom that is set in the 1970s and follows the lives of a group of teenagers living in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin. The show features an excellent cast, including Topher Grace as Eric Forman, the show’s protagonist; Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti, Eric’s love interest; and Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso, Eric’s best friend.
That ’70s Show is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and accurate portrayal of the culture and music of the 1970s. It has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the challenges and joys of adolescence and has been hailed as a classic of 1990s and 2000s television.
“Frasier” (1993-2004)
Frasier is a television show that aired on NBC from 1993 to 2004. It is a spin-off of the popular sitcom “Cheers” and follows the life of Frasier Crane, a psychiatrist and radio show host living in Seattle, Washington.
The show features an excellent cast, including Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane, the show’s eponymous protagonist; David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane, Frasier’s brother; and Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon, Frasier’s physical therapist, and eventual love interest. Frasier is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and sophisticated sense of humor.
“The King of Queens” (1998-2007)
The King of Queens is a television show that aired on CBS from 1998 to 2007. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of Doug and Carrie Heffernan, a working-class couple living in Queens, New York.
The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Arthur Spooner, Carrie’s eccentric father; Deacon Palmer, Doug’s best friend; and Holly Shumpert, Doug’s ambitious and attractive cousin. The King of Queens is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and relatable portrayal of married life.
“Wings” (1990-1997)
Wings is a television show that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1997. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of the Hackett brothers, Joe and Brian, who own and operate Sandpiper Air, a small regional airline based on the fictional island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The show features an excellent cast, including Tim Daly as Joe Hackett, the show’s protagonist; Steven Weber as Brian Hackett, Joe’s younger brother; and Crystal Bernard as Helen Chappel, Joe’s love interest. Wings are known for its clever writing, strong acting, and relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of working life.
“Taxi” (1978-1983)
Taxi is a television show that aired on ABC from 1978 to 1982 and later on NBC from 1982 to 1983. It is a sitcom that follows the lives of a group of taxi drivers working for the fictional Sunshine Cab Company in New York City.
The show features an excellent cast, including Judd Hirsch as Alex Rieger, the show’s protagonist; Danny DeVito as Louie De Palma, the gruff and dishonest dispatcher; and Marilu Henner as Elaine Nardo, a single mother and aspiring actress who works as a cabbie. Taxi is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and realistic portrayal of the struggles and joys of working life.
“Ellen” (1994-1998)
Ellen is a television show that aired on ABC from 1994 to 1998 and later on The WB from 1998 to 2001. It is a sitcom that follows the life of Ellen Morgan, a bookstore owner and aspiring stand-up comedian living in Los Angeles.
The show features an excellent cast, including Ellen DeGeneres as Ellen Morgan, the show’s eponymous protagonist; Joely Fisher as Paige Clark, Ellen’s best friend; and David Anthony Higgins as Joe Farrell, Ellen’s business partner.
Ellen is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of single life. It has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Ellen’s struggles to find her place in the world and has been hailed as a classic of 1990s television.
“Seinfeld” (1989-1998)
Seinfeld is a television show that aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998. It is a sitcom that follows the life of Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian, as well as his friends and his experiences in New York City. The show also features a supporting cast of characters, including Elaine Benes, Jerry’s ex-girlfriend and best friend; Cosmo Kramer, Jerry’s neighbor; and George Costanza, Jerry’s best friend.
Seinfeld is known for its clever writing, strong acting, and unique portrayal of the absurdities of everyday life. It has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the human experience and has been hailed as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
