For years, NBC's The Office has been the gold standard for workplace comedies, showing us that even the most mundane office is brimming with quirky characters and heartfelt moments. But while Dunder Mifflin captured our hearts, HBO's Veep took the genre to its most extreme, blending political satire with the everyday absurdities of a workplace. With seven seasons and 65 episodes, Veep delivered chaos on a global scale, and it's time it got the same recognition as its network TV counterpart.
Of course, The Office had a head start. It aired on NBC, making it accessible to a wide audience long before streaming became the norm. Veep, on the other hand, was on HBO, which required a premium subscription. But in today's streaming era, the tables have turned. HBO Max has made Veep just as easy to watch as any network sitcom, and its shorter seasons feel like a breath of fresh air compared to the 20-plus episode network format. If both shows premiered today, Veep might just steal the spotlight.
Building on a Winning Formula
Veep stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States. The show follows her and her team, including Chief of Staff Amy Brookheimer (Anna Chlumsky), personal aide Gary Walsh (Tony Hale), and communications director Mike McLintock (Matt Walsh), as they navigate the treacherous waters of Washington, D.C. It's a workplace comedy at its core, but with stakes that affect the entire nation.
While The Office inspired a wave of copycats like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Veep stood out by taking the format to a different network and giving it a sharper edge. The premium production values of HBO only enhanced the show's distinct voice, even if the shorter seasons meant fewer episodes per year.
Just as Steve Carell's Michael Scott defined The Office, Louis-Dreyfus's Selina Meyer was the heart of Veep. She brought the same chaotic energy to the role, but also humanized Selina, making her both hilarious and oddly relatable. Her portrayal also offered a powerful example of a woman in politics, a representation that resonates even more today.
Critical Acclaim Without the Binge-Watch Label
Veep was a critical darling, winning 17 Emmy Awards, with Louis-Dreyfus taking home a record-breaking six for her performance. It consistently landed on lists of the greatest sitcoms of all time and maintained strong ratings throughout its run. Yet, it never achieved the same binge-watch status as The Office, which has become a comfort show for millions.
But that's starting to change. With streaming leveling the playing field, Veep's 65 episodes are now just as accessible as any network sitcom. It may not have the same cozy, rewatchable vibe as The Office, but it deserves a spot in your rotation. If you're a fan of workplace comedies, Veep offers a darker, more cynical take that's just as rewarding.
So, the next time you're looking for a show to binge, consider giving Veep a chance. Selina Meyer might not be as lovable as Michael Scott, but her journey is just as entertaining. And who knows? You might find yourself rooting for her all the way to the top.
For more on the best comedy shows of the year, check out our ranking of 2026's top comedies. And if you're in the mood for something new, Amy Poehler and Hugh Laurie's latest project might be worth a look.
