5 of the most amusing office comedies

Great British workplace sitcoms that will make your office life seem simple

The It Crowd

You can’t beat a British workplace sitcom. The claustrophobic surrounds of the office and the interrelationship between the trapped characters provide the perfect backdrop for skilled scriptwriters to weave their magic. From Fawlty Towers to Fleabag, there’s a rich seam of comedy to discover and stream. Here are five favourites to work your way through…

The IT Crowd

Cult classic penned by Father Ted writer Graham Linehan centred on a trio of oddball tech support workers holed up in the basement of the fictional Reynholm Industries.

Series 1-4, All 4

The Office

The Office (BBC)

From Brent’s wince-worthy management faux pas to Tim and Dawn’s will they/won’t they romance, the mockumentary masterpiece that launched Ricky Gervais is the benchmark of observational comedy.

Series 1 and 2, Netflix

Lee and Dean

Lee and Dean

Mockumentary about Stevenage builders, the titular best mates since childhood, and their on-the-job scrapes. Believable characters, bittersweet moments and a superb cast.

Series 1, All 4

Green Wing

Green Wing

Woefully underappreciated hospital-based comedy boasting a stellar cast, surreal storylines, fantastic editing and eccentric characters, including the perennially scene-stealing Sue White (Michelle Gomez).

Series 1 and 2, All 4

The Thick Of It

The Thick Of It (BBC/Des Willie) (BBC)

From the razor sharp wit of Armando Iannucci, a skewered look behind the scenes at the machinations of British government, led by the potty-mouthed Malcolm Tucker.

Series 1-4, Netflix

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