TV’s favorite everyman is finally back where he belongs—on your shelf and in your digital library. The Drew Carey Show: The Complete Series is now available on DVD and Digital, bringing all nine seasons of workplace hijinks, absurdist humor, and unforgettable characters together in one long-awaited collection. For those of us who came home from school and tuned in religiously, this is a nostalgic trip worth taking.
From the iconic theme songs like “Moon Over Parma” and “Five O’Clock World” to the memorable back-and-forths between Drew and his nemesis Mimi, this show was more than just a sitcom—it was a cultural touchstone. It captured that everyman spirit in a way that few shows ever have. The chemistry between Drew Carey, Diedrich Bader, Ryan Stiles, Christa Miller, Kathy Kinney, and the rest of the gang remains a highlight. Whether it was Oswald delivering a suspicious package to the airport (“It’s their problem now”) or Lewis and Drew getting tangled up in office misadventures, the laughs came fast and often.
This release is being touted as a “complete series,” and while it mostly lives up to that name, there are a few caveats. Four music-heavy specials didn’t make the cut due to licensing restrictions: Drew’s Dance Party Special, Drew Carey’s Back-to-School Rock ‘n’ Roll Comedy Hour (Parts 1 & 2), and What’s Love Got to Do with It? Additionally, some episodes feature altered or replaced music, again due to rights issues. While disappointing, it’s understandable—music licensing has delayed or limited releases of other beloved shows like WKRP in Cincinnati in the past. This is about as close to complete as we’re likely to get.
The visual presentation is solid. Seasons 1 through 6 are letterboxed with black bars, as originally aired, while seasons 7 through 9 are presented in full widescreen—something that most syndicated airings skip. The picture and sound quality are clean and consistent, and it’s nice to finally see these episodes with this level of clarity.
As for the packaging, there’s room for improvement. The discs come in clamshell holders that require stacking, making them difficult to remove and easy to scratch if you’re not careful. It’s not the most user-friendly design, especially for a collector’s set, and it’s a bit of a letdown for such a highly anticipated release.
Alongside the DVD release, a new Official YouTube Channel has launched, featuring classic clips and favorite episodes—a great way to relive quick bursts of Drew Carey-style chaos or introduce newcomers to the show.
This is a show that knew how to balance grounded, relatable characters with surreal comedy. Whether it was the wild musical numbers, Kate beating up everyone in sight, or the cast trying to hold back laughter during improvised moments, The Drew Carey Show carved out a space all its own in the sitcom world. And yes, it’s still crazy to think that Drew Carey ended up hosting The Price is Right after Bob Barker. Talk about a glow-up.
In spite of some licensing hiccups and packaging flaws, this release delivers what fans have been asking for over two decades. For anyone who remembers gathering around the TV or quoting Oswald and Lewis in the breakroom the next day, this collection is more than just a box of discs—it’s a long-overdue reunion.
Jessie Hobson