Entertainment

5 Office-Based TV Shows That Will Take Your Mind Off The Daily Grind

by Ally Mann
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

It’s easy to get lost in the wealth of work-centered TV shows available. For some reason, we love coming home from a long day at our own jobs to lose ourselves in the lives of others.

Whether it’s a drama, a comedy or a combination of the two, we have a soft spot for characters who struggle through the benign tasks of day-to-day work life. Their stories are familiar, and even though they may be exaggerated, we can definitely all relate.

If your Netflix binging has left you lacking, here’s a list of five office TV shows you should be watching:

1. "The IT Crowd"

Following in the footsteps of "The Office," "The IT Crowd" is another bit of comedic genius out of the UK.

It's set in the basement of a company called Reynholm Industries, where two socially awkward IT guys work. They try their best to answer IT questions for customers, which results in horrible and hilarious situations.

For anyone who has worked in a call center or has been on the end of a terrible IT phone call, you will identify with these characters and their struggles.

As they go about their daily lives, you will laugh at the disasters they get themselves into.

2. "The Mindy Project"

If you are a lover of "The Office" or "Parks and Recreation," you’ll probably love "The Mindy Project." Mindy Kaling stars as the main character, an OBGYN trying to balance her personal and work life in New York City.

Mindy’s love life, paired with the witty writing, is guaranteed to keep you entertained.

You'll follow her as she attempts to get through daily life in the medical field, and goes on her journey to find the right man.

3. "House Of Cards"

"House Of Cards" is an incredibly well-thought-out and intelligent drama. It requires you to pay attention to the details, or else, you will be left in the dust and missing key aspects of the plot.

The story revolves around Frank Underwood, who is a master manipulator and politician.

We follow his self-narrated journey through the political jungle in his attempts to gain power.

The series is a Netflix original, which means you can binge-watch all the seasons in one weekend without being interrupted by pesky commercials.

4. "Mad Men"

There is a subtle elegance to "Mad Men" that adds to its charm.

Although Don Draper may be a relatively despicable person, the character development in the series helps you grow fond of him.

Set in the 1960s, "Mad Men" revolves around an ad agency in New York City.

It tells the story of the era through well-thought-out characters, great costumes and realistic sets. It’s also interesting to see how the characters cope with ever-changing technology.

They struggle with having to dedicate an entire room to a single computer. You'll also feel extra savvy with your bluetooth headset after you see the ones the switchboard operators had to wear back in those days.

If you are looking for a slower and more serious drama, "Mad Men" is for you.

5. "Scrubs"

An oldie but a goodie, "Scrubs" is the quintessential medical comedy.

JD and Turk -- along with their fellow interns -- try to navigate the day-to-day life of working in a hospital.

As they work their way up the ladder at Sacred Heart Hospital, there is never a lack of awkward situations and romantic disasters.

The relatability of the characters and JD’s narration make this show truly great and timeless.

As a bonus, the series is already complete, so you will have no hold up waiting for new seasons.