The Z-Suite: A Hilarious Blend of Generational Chaos and Workplace Shenanigans
For those who haven’t yet been introduced to The Z-Suite, imagine a show that captures the comedic charm of The Sex Lives of College Girls and the professional ambition of The Bold Type, but with a modern twist. The series is sprinkled with TikTok-inspired slang and social media colloquialisms that feel both timely and slightly over-the-top. Three episodes in, the initial generational novelty starts to fade, but the performances and character dynamics remain engaging enough to keep viewers hooked. The show’s balance of humor and relatable workplace struggles makes it a must-watch for anyone who’s ever navigated the chaos of a modern office—or just loves watching others do it.
The story follows Kriska, a young and inexperienced CEO who’s struggling to take her new role seriously. After a disastrous silent disco event, she’s called out for neglecting her responsibilities, including ignoring clients and falling behind on campaigns. Desperate for a solution, she appoints Elliot as the new CFO (or “Cute Financial Officer,” as he prefers) and Clem as the COO, or “Charismatic Operations Officer,” because Clem insists he’s naturally in charge of “rizz” (for the uninitiated, that’s TikTok slang for charisma or flirtation). As the trio dives into their roles, it quickly becomes clear that no one has a clue what they’re doing. Elliot, for instance, has no idea how to budget, not because he’s incompetent, but because he’s always been too broke to need one. Clem, meanwhile, uses Zoom glitches as an excuse to avoid awkward interdepartmental meetings. The three are tasked with pitching a campaign for an erectile dysfunction drug, but when they hit a creative wall, they resort to stealing a pitch deck from Monica and Doug—a decision that Kriska later feels guilty about, even though her team insists they put their own spin on it. The episode culminates in a hilariously successful pitch, complete with Clem acapella-singing a suggestive rendition of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” (“Don’t know why I didn’t come” gets a very different meaning in this context). Despite their antics, it seems like the Z-suite team might finally be finding their footing.
Meanwhile, Monica, the former CEO of Atelier, is dealing with her own set of problems. She’s in the midst of a public relations crisis after a campaign scandal went viral, and the backlash has left her reeling. The episode shows her in what can only be described as the depression stage of grief—eating cheese puffs, giving existential monologues about wine, and rocking sweatpants with a drawstring. While the social media fallout is bad enough, it’s the personal attacks that sting the most. Doug, her partner in crime, fares even worse, with trolls comparing him to “The Very Hungry Caterpillar with the face of Kim Jong Un.” (Doug’s indignant “I’m not even Korean!” is a highlight of the episode.) Monica, however, isn’t one to stay down for long. With her bravado slowly returning, she sets out to restore her reputation by consulting a publicist. The first step? A public apology—because, as the publicist ominously puts it, “God doesn’t absolve you of your sins anymore. TikTok does.” But when Doug accidentally livestreams the apology instead of ending the video, Monica’s attempt to make amends goes spectacularly wrong. She doubles down on her controversial views about Gen Z, leaving the world to watch in real-time as she digs herself deeper into the hole.
When the publicist’s next suggestion—therapy—backfires (Monica gets kicked out for being uncooperative), the two are left with one final option: lay low and wait for the public to forget. But staying under the radar isn’t an option for Monica, especially when she’s got a “networking event” to attend—a bat mitzvah for the daughter of an advertising mogul who previously snubbed her after the infamous Vibezz incident. In a bold (and slightly cringeworthy) move, Monica crashes the stage and delivers a impassioned speech about double standards in the industry. Her argument? If a man had created the same ad she did, he wouldn’t have been canceled the same way. Whether you agree with her or not, it’s hard not to admire her audacity.
As the episode wraps up, it becomes clear that Monica’s next move is going to be a big one. Enter Bennet Buffy, a sleazy businessman played by Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords), who approaches her after her public meltdown. Despite Doug’s reservations, Monica sees an opportunity. “I’ve been stepping over less competent men my whole career,” she declares. “I can do it again.” The two start brainstorming plans for their own agency—and if there’s one thing Monica knows how to do, it’s how to make an entrance.
One of the show’s strengths is its refusal to paint any of its characters as outright heroes or villains. Everyone thinks they’re in the right, even if their methods are questionable. This is especially true when it comes to the generational divide between Monica and Kriska. In an interview, showrunner Katie O’Brien hinted that Monica will eventually see a version of herself in Kriska—a moment that could mark a turning point for both characters. With Kriska’s boss, Oliver, making increasingly questionable decisions (like putting a 24-and-a-half-year-old in charge with no formal training), it’s only a matter of time before she jumps ship to join Monica’s new venture.
Not every character is equally compelling, however. Minnesota Matt, for example, feels more like a caricature than a fully fleshed-out person. His desperation to impress those in power is admirable, but his habit of forcing the secretary to print photos of him in Dungeons and Dragons costumes is more annoying than funny. Clem, on the other hand, has some standout one-liners, but his character teeters on the edge of becoming a cartoonish Gen Z stereotype. Still, with the show’s focus on character development and intergenerational dynamics, there’s plenty of potential for growth.
In short, The Z-Suite is a wildly entertaining ride that combines witty humor, chaotic workplace shenanigans, and a healthy dose of TikTok culture. With new episodes dropping every Thursday on Tubi, it’s the perfect show to binge if you’re looking for something lighthearted and relatable. Whether you’re a Gen Zer navigating the challenges of adulthood or a more seasoned professional like Monica, there’s something in this series that will make you laugh—and maybe even nod your head in recognition.
