Ranking NBC's Workplace Comedies: From American Auto To The Office

NBC may as well be the king of workplace comedies based on its success in the TV subgenre over the years. Some of the most influential sitcoms and mockumentaries premiered on NBC or Peacock, all of which focus on the ups and downs in the workplace.

NBC has a consistent formula for its workplace comedies, as it routinely connects with viewers. There are out-of-touch and awkward bosses, workplace rivalries, and warm humor created by employees who view each other as family members. Time and time again, NBC nails its shows based on various careers.

From The Office to Brooklyn Nine-Nine to more recent releases like St. Denis Medical, each comedy varies from the next, but they each have specific tones and storylines that make them special.

11 American Auto (2021-2022)

In 2021, sitcom guru Justin Spitzer created the comedy American Auto. The series followed the inner workings of Payne Motors, an auto-repair shop, after a new CEO took over the business, despite having no prior experience in the automotive industry.

Starring Ana Gasteyer and Harriet Dyer, American Auto was canceled after two seasons. However, the series didn’t necessarily fail because it was another poorly written sitcom. It was unsuccessful because the series was too realistic.

Unlike other workplace comedies, issues with storylines (like corporate greed) were too relatable. It lacked the combination of satire and an emotional pull, which is why American Auto isn't lower on the list.

10 The Paper (2025-Present)

The Paper is one of Peacock’s newer mockumentaries, serving as a spinoff of The Office, and follows those working at a struggling Midwestern newspaper in Toledo. It’s the same documentary crew that followed those at the Scranton branch years prior, with Dunder Mifflin’s Oscar Martinez still working in the accounting department.

The Paper has the same creator as The Office and has the same tone, comedic timing, and general theme. There’s genuine emotion, painfully awkward employees, and pressure from the outside in a paperless world.

Although The Paper was renewed for season 2 before the show even debuted on Peacock, there are better NBC sitcoms that precede it.

9 Night Court (2023-2025)

Starring Melissa Rauch and John Larroquette, Night Court is a revival of the '80s series of the same name. The sitcom shows Judge Abby Stone, who does the night shift at Manhattan Criminal Court. Joining her for the night shift is a group of eccentric characters who defend each other.

The series has a nostalgic feel to the original, with Larroquette re-joining the revival. What makes it one of NBC's best workplace sitcoms is the optimistic and upbeat feel to the well-known setting. The chemistry among the cast members was also notable.

Unfortunately, the Night Court revival was canceled after three seasons. While the series was well-received, there were too many comparisons to the original.

8 Superstore (2015-2021)

Another Justin Spitzer original, Superstore, ran for six seasons and starred America Ferrera. The sitcom followed those working at the fictional superstore Cloud 9, which doesn’t have great benefits or perks, but offers the workers some stability.

The series offered hilarious and relatable moments in a familiar setting. Between the shoppers, workers, and corporate bigwigs, storylines were a mix of chaos and warm emotions, which struck a chord with viewers.

The series was well-received, and a spinoff was in the works after the series ended, but it has since been canceled. Superstore had great character arcs and compelling storylines, but the arcs weren't as addictive as those of other NBC sitcoms.

7 St. Denis Medical (2024-)

The mockumentary St. Denis Medical ​​​​​​is a hilarious take on life for those working at the fictional St. Denis Regional Medical Center. The series is severely underrated, having already completed two seasons. Starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Allison Tolman, and Josh Lawson, the mockumentary shows the healthcare workers putting their own sanity aside to help others.

Poorly funded and understaffed, the hospital could use some serious updates. However, it's the underdog trope that works for the series. Dedicated, funny, and charming, it's hard not to root for the chaotic and messy staff at St. Denis.

Because of the family-like dynamic at the hospital, it's a feel-good mockumentary to lighten the mood. The second season premiered in late 2025, and a third season is pending with the network.

6 Scrubs (2001-2009)

With so many medical dramas in the TV world, Scrubs was a refreshing take on NBC. The medical comedy followed those who worked at Sacred Heart Hospital. Starring Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison, the threesome made a career for themselves because of their on-screen chemistry.

Known for its fast-paced humor, the series was narrated by Dr. John Michael "J.D." Dorian for eight seasons and showcased many exaggerated daydreams throughout his shifts at the hospital.

The series was praised for its sense of humor and casting, and with 17 Emmy nominations, it quickly became one of NBC's most beloved sitcoms. The sitcom eventually moved to ABC, starting with season 8 before ending with season 9 in 2010. However, a Scrubs reboot is on the way in 2026.

5 Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine originally aired on Fox before moving to NBC for season 6. Starring Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Cruz, the ensemble cast is part of what makes the series a fan-favorite. The colorful cast of characters works at Brooklyn's 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department.

The series mainly follows Samberg's Jake Peralta, a detective who is known for his ridiculous antics while on duty. He and his colleagues take their time getting to know their new commanding officer, Captain Raymond Holt.

What makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine such a refreshing and successful sitcom is the deadpan sense of humor and emotional pull from the characters. Its recurring bits and multiple puns became a source of comfort for viewers who continuously binge-watch the series.

4 Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Parks and Recreation saw Amy Poehler as its leading lady, as the cameras followed her and her colleagues across the fictional Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department. Created by the same man who wrote The Office (Greg Daniels), Parks and Rec had a similar blueprint and tone.

Parks and Rec season 1 was so much like The Office that it shifted gears for season 2 to give it more identity. After a few kinks, Leslie Knope became one of the most inspiring and optimistic characters on TV. She was quick, witty, smart, and inspired those around her to chase their dreams.

Aside from the inspiring optimism, Parks and Rec is critically acclaimed because of the family-like dynamic in the workplace. Although there are rivalries and disagreements, there's love between the characters, and they make a gloomy place like Pawnee seem desirable because of the community.

Seven seasons later, Parks and Rec found its stride and easily became one of the best sitcoms of all time. However, it's not NBC's best mockumentary of all time.

3 Night Court (1984-1992)

The original Night Court ranks high on the NBC sitcoms list. At the time, the series was unique for its eccentric premise, with an off-the-cuff judge and wild defendants. Like the revival, Harold "Harry" T. Stone starred as the night shift judge. The writing was smart, the reactions were witty, and the storylines were unlikely, although hilarious.

Many reviewed Night Court as "Cheers adjacent" because of the unconventional and recurring characters in the workplace. The recurring defendants, in particular, were a notable running gag. The series wasn't afraid to be outlandishly goofy or theatrical.

Night Court ran for nine seasons and is known as one of NBC's great comedies, hence the revival decades later. The physical comedy, character vulnerability, and witty punchlines are what make it a top NBC show.

2 Cheers (1982-1983)

Cheers is arguably one of the best NBC shows of all time, spanning 11 seasons. The sitcom took place at a Boston bar, Cheers, where regulars would go to drink and vent about their day-to-day lives.

The series created famous fictional characters like Sam Malone, Diane Chambers, and Carla Tortelli, who all worked at the beloved local bar. Cheers had a lackluster first season before shocking network metrics and becoming one of the most-watched sitcoms. In fact, the finale alone became the most-watched single TV episode of the 1990s.

The premise wasn't complicated, proving that a simple show about people gathering at their local watering hole was relatable for viewers. Cheers was a safe place for the locals and, later, became a comfort show for many.

The balanced comedy made Cheers one of the greatest sitcoms in NBC's history, but there was another sitcom that broke the mold in terms of storytelling.