Mike Schur devised a mostly foolproof formula for the perfect modern workplace sitcom that began with “The Office” and steadily evolved through “Parks and Recreation” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Watching enough of his shows and you'll notice a repeating pattern of types, starting with the well-meaning but weird protagonist who is good at his job but takes some effort to fall for. Every episode after the pilot is a courtship between that character and the audience, facilitated by the wingmen and wingwomen surrounding them.
Those are familiar personalities too – the stardard-bearer for normalcy (like Rashida Jones’ Ann Perkins in “Parks and Rec”), the skilled weirdo (Dwight Schrute in “The Office”), the lovable dim bulb (Manny Jacinto’s Jason in “The Good Place").
