Imagine if your trip to the DMV was over in just 22 minutes—wouldn’t that be a dream? Well, CBS’s new single-camera comedy ‘DMV’ turns that fantasy into a hilarious reality, but with a twist: it’s the employees who are in for the wild ride. Premiering Monday, the series dives into the chaotic world of an East Hollywood DMV office, where underpaid workers face off against perpetually frustrated customers. (And yes, it’s as relatable as it sounds.) Harriet Dyer (known for Colin From Accounts) stars as Colette, a driving examiner with a heart of gold but a serious case of boundary issues. She’s joined by Tim Meadows as Gregg, a cynical ex-English teacher who’d rather be anywhere else, and Tony Cavalero as Vic, a former bouncer who takes no prisoners—especially not bad drivers. Leading the pack is their newly promoted boss, Barbara (Molly Kearney), who’s still finding her footing in the role. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a workplace comedy set in the most dreaded government office actually make us laugh—or will it just remind us of our own DMV nightmares?
In the pilot, the team faces a looming government shutdown that threatens to shut down their location permanently. Consultants swoop in to slash budgets, and Barb learns a bombshell: one of Hollywood’s four DMVs will be fully automated. If theirs is chosen, the impact will be massive. (Cue the dramatic music!) Meanwhile, Colette spends most of the episode crushing hard on her new coworker, Noa (Alex Tarrant), a laid-back surfer type who’s inexplicably kind to even the rudest customers. Vic teases her for ‘eye-banging’ Noa, but Colette denies it—all while secretly devouring his shirtless Instagram pics. Her attempts to win him over are cringe-worthy, to say the least: she accidentally shows him a photo of her foot, makes overly personal comments based on his social media, and fails to notice a menstrual pad stuck to her skirt. Ouch.
Things go from bad to worse when Colette, trying to escape embarrassment, gets stuck in the bathroom window. She strips off her sweater to free herself, only to be discovered by her coworker Kristen—who promptly calls in the entire office, consultants included. By the episode’s end, Noa rescues Colette, but the real drama unfolds when the team learns the consultants are there to evaluate their branch for closure. And the kicker? The consultants are sticking around for a whole year. Talk about stress! As the crew heads to the bar, Colette begs them not to embarrass her in front of Noa—unaware that she’s got another pad stuck to her skirt. Classic.
But here’s the real question: Does ‘DMV’ deserve a green light, or is it just another workplace comedy spinning its wheels? The pilot blends humor with a dash of heart, but it’s the characters’ quirks and the high-stakes office drama that keep you hooked. Is this the fresh take on workplace comedy we’ve been waiting for, or is it just another detour on the road to laughter? Grade the premiere below and let us know—do you think ‘DMV’ has what it takes to stay in the fast lane, or will it end up stuck in neutral? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the debate!
