Let’s be real here. Having a good relationship with your boss can be a bit difficult sometimes. One minute the two of you are giddily chatting about your weekends over the coffee maker in the office, and the next, they’re scolding you for getting to your desk two minutes late. And we all know that an already mundane day of work becomes even longer when your boss is angry with you. While a Miranda Priestly-type boss may be at the bottom of everyone’s coolest head honcho list, we thought we’d gather 16 office commander-in-chiefs who could make coming to work the least boring thing you do all week.
A million people would kill for these bosses. From Olivia Pope to Michael Scott, you might actually start getting your resume in tip-top shape for one of these!
17. Josh Kaminski, Young & Hungry
It’s not everyday that you get to work for a millionaire tech genius who’s willing to drop a couple grand on your behalf when you really need it. Fortunately, Josh has a heart of gold and treats his personal chef, housekeeper and publicist like they’re his family. And though he’s a teeny bit cocky once in a while, he doesn’t let his success completely brainwash him into being a stuck-up know-it-all. P.S., he may even let you drive his Corvette.
16. Miranda Bailey, Grey’s Anatomy
Aside from being the badass, no-nonsense chief of surgery and Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Dr. Bailey is one of the most caring and diligent bosses that Meredith Grey and her friends could hope for. She doesn’t babysit interns and doesn’t have time to hold their hands, and while she was dubbed “the Nazi” in season one, she’s willing to do what it takes to help struggling interns find their places.
15. Eugene Krabs, Spongebob Squarepants
He may be insanely cheap (don’t expect too many raises from him), but Mr. Krabs always pulls through for Spongebob when he needs him. Remember that episode where Spongebob holds a seance at the Krusty Krab and ends up letting in a bunch of wild ghosts? Mr. K got out of his bed in the middle of the night to chase those ghosts back to where they came from just to save Spongebob. Okay, mostly to save the Krusty Krab, but he still saved our favorite yellow sponge, so he’s alright in our book.
14. Leslie Knope, Parks & Recreation
You’d be pretty hard-pressed to find someone who’s as passionate about her job and giving back to her community as Leslie Knope. She takes the prize for most ambitious boss (hello Madam future President) and she appreciates everyone who helps bring her closer to her goals. Hell, she makes sure to bring up her pals as she rises up. We’d also love to get one of her super unique nicknames.
13. Helen Dubois, Drake & Josh
Okay, we know she’s usually really mean to Josh Nichols but hear us out! Sassy and (sometimes) sweet Helen is the perfect boss for always keeping things fresh and, admittedly, entertaining. She is the manager of The Premiere theatre, after all, so it kind of makes sense. No one likes a wishy-washy pushover, so Helen will always tell it like it is. There will never be a dull moment as long as Helen’s in charge.
12. Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
You’d have no problem getting Lorelai to sit down with you for coffee — she’s pretty much obsessed with caffeine. Aside from being full of espresso and takeout, Lorelai is full of ambition and drive. She worked hard to open up The Dragonfly Inn, and she remembers her own struggles when helping the people around her. Seriously, she even held a funeral at the inn for an employee’s dead dog, and we all know you can’t beat a pup lover.
11. Lena Adams-Foster, The Fosters
When it comes to standing up for what she believes in, Lena doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way. As a school principal, she is a strong advocate for the needs of her students. She was ready to defy the desires of coworkers to protect students from the consequences of their public school becoming private. You know you’ll always have someone on your side with Lena around. Not to mention the fact that she’s insanely sweet and the work-mom you need in your life.
10. Annalise Keating, How To Get Away With Murder
What do you think it’s like to work for the best lawyer in Philadelphia? Well, if you’ve ever seen a single episode of How To Get Away With Murder, you know that it’s a lot of damn work. But Annalise doesn’t get her reputation for being the baddest chick by being an “average” lawyer. She seems cold on the outside, but if she takes you under her wing, she’ll look out for you and guide you down the least illegal and insane path possible. Excitement lovers would definitely enjoy working with this powerhouse.
9. Olivia Pope, Scandal
Olivia is a fixer; it’s what she does. From politician homicides to unfaithful husbands, if you’ve got a problem, Olivia is the one to call when you want to make it go away. So naturally, she’s just as loyal to her employees at Pope & Associates as she is to her clients as long as there’s full transparency. But probably the biggest perk of working for Olivia is finally getting to put on your armor and call yourself a gladiator! We’ve all been waiting for this moment if you couldn’t already tell.
8. Pop Tate, Riverdale
Have you ever had one of those bosses who basically spoils everyone’s mood when they’re feeling rotten themselves? Pop Tate isn’t one of them. He manages to keep a positive attitude no matter what. We were all pretty shocked that he was able to recover from shock so quickly when a gunman busted into his diner and shot the father of one of his most valuable customers. Also, a major job perk is being surrounded by all the milkshakes and burgers you could want!
7. Sue Sylvester, Glee
Loud, aggressive, super snobby Sue Sylvester? Hear us out! Sure, she can be judgy and mean to anyone who isn’t one of her beloved Cheerios, but a headstrong, goal-oriented leader is exactly the kind of boss we need sometimes. And, though we don’t see her sweet side often, she’s actually a major softie for the ones she cares about, like her sister, Jean.
6. Sophia Marlowe, Girlboss
Heading Sophia’s legendary Nasty Gal clothing company is probably every fashionista’s dream. Simply working under Sophia would still be pretty amazing. She’s hands-down the wildest, craziest boss you’d ever have, and no, she’s not sorry. She certainly has had her share of half-baked plans and insane schemes, so she’d be ready to tackle any issues head on. And, we have a feeling she wouldn’t object to having her friends and employees join in on the fun.
5. Nolan Ross, Revenge
If you’ve ever wanted to watch a sitcom instead of going to work, your wish is Nolan’s command. Don’t get us wrong; he’s an insanely brilliant and talented coder who built his entire tech company with what was practically his bare hands. But between Nolan’s arsenal of witty comebacks and his tall frame full of nothing but sass, things around the office could get really entertaining really quickly.
4. Larissa Loughlin, The Carrie Diaries
And the superlative for Boss Most Likely to Take You to Every Wild Party is none other than Larissa! She’s an editor at one of the hottest magazines in Manhattan, and your crazy college roommate, all wrapped in one. When she’s not running back and forth between shoots for the magazine, she’s chugging any alcoholic beverage she can get her hands on, and she looks fabulous while doing it. She also gives great advice and is known for being a mentor figure for Carrie, so you’d be getting the best tips for all things life, including adulting (or not adulting).
3. Michael Scott, The Office
Okay, how great would it be if every day in the office were like this comedy show? Yes, it’s true that Michael’s tendency to be problematic AF wouldn’t fly with you, but with his good intentions and humor, you just might be able to have a good relationship with him (and occassionally knock some sense into him). And you can basically say goodbye to a dull nine-to-five and hello to laughter around every corner — just don’t expect to get any work done.
2. Cookie Lyon, Empire
Okay, first can we just put it out there that Cookie dresses like a major Queen!? She is a self-starter who created her own record label and is the definition of a boss. She seriously doesn’t forget where she came from and everything she went through to get where she is. She worked her ass off and it paid off — and who doesn’t want a boss with the power to inspire? Best of all, there’s nothing more desirable than a boss who cares so fiercely for the people around her. Cookie’s always willing to go to bat for those close to her.
1. Jacqueline Carlyle, The Bold Type
At first, Jacqueline had a total Miranda Priestly vibe going. But as The Bold Type season one continued, it was clear that she’s pretty much a feminist icon who wants to help young women in her field succeed as much as possible. Uhh — yep! We could all use a bit more of that attitude in our industries! Have you ever felt more confident just by being around someone who oozes confidence? That would probably be Jacqueline. She’s the editor in chief of Scarlet magazine, and you better believe that she’s fierce, bold, and tough as nails.