One of the reasons why we love television so much is because we can relate to the characters and their situations. More often than not, we can relate to the characters who work in offices. There are the typical archetypes that we can all recognize, but in the end it’s always nice to watch stories unfold in the workplace that isn’t our own. This weekend enjoy not working in your office by wasting it watching other people dredge through the cubicle maze. Waste this weekend with office comedies.

Still Going Strong – The Office (American) – 2005 – Present

When the British import came across the pond back in 2005, I had my doubts. There are countless examples of great UK-based shows that are completely butchered as studio networks try to “North-Americanize,” them.

But The Office stands out in that it didn’t change the feel of the original show, it only added to it. Where the original Ricky Gervais created show played up the awkward feelings to the max, the NBC version has really built on this. The Office‘s mockumentary style, themes and even general plot remain the same as the original as it follows a group of employees working at a paper factory in middle America. Their boss cares for his employees, but does so in a way that will make you shoot milk from your nose. It also helps that comedic genius Steve Carell‘s rendition of boss-man Michael Scott is absolutely gut busting. Throw in the bored, yet talented character of Jim, the evil, yet hilarious character of Dwight, the self righteous Pam and a slew of others and The Office will have you chuckling through the weekend.

Going, But Not Gone – Better Off Ted – 2009 – Present

Better Off Ted was an absolute diamond in the rough in 2009. Although it hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves, the half-hour comedy about office life in a bustling technology company will keep you entertained all weekend. Following the lead character of Ted, the office’s project manager that liaises between the big bosses and the R & D department, the show touches on some of the more hilarious office and work related subjects including sexual harassment, working a side job, the separation between work life and real life and how to complete a project involving conflicting personalities. Ted and his comrades Lem, Phil and Linda all work for a fictional technology company called Veridian Dynamics and their boss Veronica (played by a stunning Portia de Rossi) makes the big decisions. Not only is the gang hilarious in their own lives, but every time they are all put in the same room, nothing but great comedy ensues. Better Off Ted has yet to be picked up for another season, but we’re all keeping our fingers crossed.

Gone But Not Forgotten – Dilbert – 1999 – 2000

The comic strip turned animated television show Dilbert only lasted two full seasons on the now defunct UPN, but during its time on the air it gave viewers a glimpse into a ridiculous office lifestyle. Following the main character of Dilbert, an engineer with a sarcastic outlook on life, the animated program showed the life cycle of a project from idea through testing and completion. Along the way, Dilbert and his office coworkers Carol, Wally and his dog Dogbert struggle with everything from the naming of their product to the testing phase that always results in disaster. They encounter situations that include annoying new co-workers and a boss who doesn’t seem to understand anything. Dilbert is probably one of the better office comedies ever produced, not for the realistic situations, but for the hyperbolic characters it includes.