Surreal image of alcohol consumption during a business meeting.

Is Workplace Drinking on TV Setting a Bad Example? What You Need to Know

Theo Raines in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how TV dramas portray alcohol consumption at work, and the implications for real-world attitudes and behaviors."

From Don Draper's old-fashioned in "Mad Men" to the celebratory champagne toasts in "Suits," alcohol has long been a fixture in workplace dramas on television. But how does this constant presence of alcohol influence our perceptions of workplace culture? A recent study published in Mass Communication and Society dives deep into this question, analyzing the portrayal of alcohol in popular workplace-related TV series.

The study, conducted by researchers Mira Mayrhofer and Jörg Matthes, scrutinized the extent and context of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage appearances in shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "The Good Wife," and "House of Cards." By applying social cognitive theory, the researchers explored motivations for drinking, character interactions with alcohol, and the outcomes associated with its consumption.

The findings are eye-opening, suggesting that these TV dramas often convey an image of alcohol as ubiquitous, socially accepted, and largely consequence-free in the workplace. Let's break down the key findings and explore what they mean for our understanding of alcohol's role in the professional world.

The Alarming Frequency of Alcohol Depiction: Is TV Normalizing Workplace Drinking?

Surreal image of alcohol consumption during a business meeting.

One of the most striking findings of the study is the sheer prevalence of alcohol in workplace TV dramas. A whopping 92.5% of the analyzed episodes featured depictions or references to alcohol. While this might seem like a reflection of reality, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of such frequent exposure on viewers, particularly younger audiences. As highlighted in the study, "alcohol on entertainment television acts as an 'alcohol educator,'" shaping audience perceptions of acceptable drinking patterns and situations.

The study revealed that nearly half (48.4%) of all scenes in the analyzed episodes were alcohol-related. This high percentage suggests that alcohol is not just an occasional feature, but a consistent backdrop in these workplace narratives. Further, the researchers noted that while less alcohol was portrayed at the workplace compared to other locations, still nearly a third of all consumed beverages at work were alcoholic.

Grey's Anatomy: Known for its dramatic storylines and intense medical cases, "Grey's Anatomy" also frequently features characters unwinding with drinks after a long shift.
The Good Wife: Set in the high-stakes world of law, "The Good Wife" showcases characters often using alcohol to cope with stress and celebrate victories.
House of Cards: Politics and power go hand-in-hand with alcohol in "House of Cards," where characters frequently engage in strategic drinking and social maneuvering.

This normalization of alcohol consumption in professional settings can be particularly concerning, especially when coupled with other findings related to motivations and outcomes.

Time for a Reality Check?

The study's findings serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the potential influence of TV dramas on our perceptions of alcohol consumption in the workplace. By understanding how these shows portray alcohol, we can become more aware of the subtle messages they convey and their potential impact on societal norms. Perhaps it's time for a more balanced and realistic depiction of alcohol's role in the professional world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/15205436.2017.1362441, Alternate LINK

Title: Drinking At Work: The Portrayal Of Alcohol In Workplace-Related Tv Dramas

Subject: Communication

Journal: Mass Communication and Society

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Mira Mayrhofer, Jörg Matthes

Published: 2017-08-30

Everything You Need To Know

What did the study by Mira Mayrhofer and Jörg Matthes reveal about alcohol portrayal in workplace TV dramas?

The study, conducted by Mira Mayrhofer and Jörg Matthes, revealed that workplace TV dramas frequently portray alcohol consumption. A significant 92.5% of the analyzed episodes included depictions or references to alcohol. The research also found that nearly half of all scenes were alcohol-related, with a substantial portion of beverages consumed at work being alcoholic. The study applied social cognitive theory to analyze motivations for drinking, character interactions with alcohol, and the outcomes associated with its consumption. This suggests that these shows often present alcohol as commonplace, socially accepted, and largely without negative consequences in a professional context, potentially influencing viewers' perceptions of workplace culture.

How does the frequency of alcohol depiction in shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "The Good Wife," and "House of Cards" impact viewers, especially younger audiences?

The frequent depiction of alcohol in workplace dramas such as "Grey's Anatomy," "The Good Wife," and "House of Cards" can significantly impact viewers, particularly younger audiences, by normalizing alcohol consumption in professional settings. The study indicates that entertainment television serves as an "alcohol educator," shaping audience perceptions of acceptable drinking patterns and situations. This repeated exposure could lead viewers to perceive alcohol as a regular part of workplace culture and potentially underestimate its risks or consequences.

Can you explain the significance of alcohol's presence in "Grey's Anatomy," "The Good Wife," and "House of Cards" as highlighted in the study?

"Grey's Anatomy" often portrays characters unwinding with drinks after demanding shifts, while "The Good Wife" showcases characters using alcohol to cope with stress and celebrate victories in a high-stakes legal environment. In "House of Cards," alcohol frequently accompanies strategic drinking and social maneuvering. These examples illustrate the diverse ways alcohol is integrated into the narratives of these shows, often associating it with stress relief, celebration, or social dynamics within professional settings. The cumulative effect normalizes alcohol consumption and can influence viewers' perceptions of acceptable behaviors in the workplace.

What specific aspects of alcohol portrayal were analyzed in the study conducted by Mira Mayrhofer and Jörg Matthes?

The study scrutinized the extent and context of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage appearances in workplace TV series. Researchers Mira Mayrhofer and Jörg Matthes analyzed the motivations behind alcohol consumption, how characters interacted with alcohol, and the outcomes associated with its use, applying social cognitive theory to understand audience perception. This included examining the prevalence of alcohol, the settings in which it was consumed, and the behaviors associated with drinking, providing a comprehensive view of how these dramas depict alcohol's role in professional environments.

Why is it important to be aware of how TV dramas depict alcohol in the workplace, as highlighted by the study?

Being aware of how TV dramas depict alcohol in the workplace is crucial because these portrayals can influence our perceptions of alcohol consumption and its implications in real-world professional settings. The study's findings indicate that these shows often present alcohol as ubiquitous and consequence-free, potentially shaping societal norms and influencing viewers' attitudes. Understanding the subtle messages conveyed by these dramas can help individuals critically evaluate the role of alcohol in the workplace and promote more realistic and balanced perspectives on its use and potential impact.