If you've been missing the quirky, heartfelt chaos of the New Girl loft, Hulu has a new comedy that might just fill that void. Not Suitable for Work is a nine-episode series that follows five New York neighbors as they juggle careers, love lives, and the messy entanglements that come with living—and working—too close together. Created by Mindy Kaling, the show brings a fresh, modern twist to the classic sitcom formula, making it a perfect weekend binge for anyone who adored Jess, Nick, Schmidt, and Winston.
What Is 'Not Suitable for Work' About?
The series kicks off when AJ (Ella Hunt) moves to the city with her best friend Abby (Avantika Vandanapu) to start a new job. They quickly clash with their neighbor Josh (Jack Martin), who wanted the same apartment for himself. The rivalry only deepens when Josh's roommates, Davis (Will Angus) and Kel (Nicholas Duvernay), develop crushes on AJ and Abby, respectively. As if that weren't enough, all five characters find themselves romantically involved with someone at work—hence the title. The show explores the risks and rewards of workplace romance, all while keeping the humor sharp and the characters relatable.
Why 'Not Suitable for Work' Feels Like 'New Girl'
Fans of New Girl will immediately notice the similarities. Both shows thrive on an unlikely group of friends with wildly different personalities who somehow make it work. Like Nick, Schmidt, and Winston, the guys in Not Suitable for Work—Davis, Josh, and Kel—each have distinct quirks but always have each other's backs. Meanwhile, AJ and Abby's friendship echoes the bond between Jess and Cece. While the characters aren't carbon copies, they share that same endearing, messy quality that makes you root for them.
That said, Not Suitable for Work has its own identity. It's less goofy than New Girl, which leaned into absurd running gags like Nick's moonwalk or Schmidt's obsession with puzzles. Instead, Kaling's signature witty dialogue and the chaotic situations the characters land in create a different kind of comedy—one that feels more grounded but no less entertaining.
A Modern Take on a Classic Formula
While New Girl was a product of its time, Not Suitable for Work updates the formula for today's audience. The characters are ambitious and career-driven: Abby tries to make it in fashion, Kel defies his parents to become an actor, Josh chases his dream job, and AJ and Davis end up working together, immediately clashing with their boss Bill (Jay Ellis). The show balances workplace drama with personal relationships, creating a layered narrative that keeps you hooked.
If you're looking for more great Hulu content, check out Why 'Runaways' Is the X-Men-Inspired Hulu Series You Need to Binge. And for those who love a good binge-watch, Why Jason Momoa's Apple TV+ Series 'See' Is Your Perfect Weekend Binge might be your next obsession.
Final Verdict
Not Suitable for Work isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to. It takes the beloved New Girl blueprint and gives it a modern, workplace-centric spin that feels fresh and relevant. With only nine episodes, it's an easy, addictive watch that will leave you wanting more. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to meet your new favorite dysfunctional neighbors.
Not Suitable for Work is streaming now on Hulu in the U.S.
