The mockumentary format of filmmaking, specifically for sitcom television, is one of the most popular and quickly growing. It’s been around for quite some time, but gained extreme popularity through smash-hit shows likeThe OfficeandParks and Recreation. The mockumentary style has become super beloved. For comedy specifically, the format helps people feel a bit more connected and believe in the content a bit more.
Mockumentary grounds whatever it’s showcasing in reality—even when what’s on-screen doesn’t happen in real life. The style attempts to showcase what’s being depicted as if it’s a documentary on real life events. This helps bring audiences into new environments, and they are able to buy into them a lot easier than otherwise. The characters feel a lot more genuine, as well. All reasons why mockumentaries are so abundantly popular.
10’Cunk on Earth' (2022)
Created by Charlie Brooker
Historical documentaries are the most famous and well-known documentaries out there.Cunk on Earthtakes this concept and absolutely makes fun of it through the wonderful performance byDiane Morgan. Covering real-world historical events like the fall of the Roman Empire and the Dark Agesin a comedic documentary.
What makesCunk on Eartheven funnier is the fact that when they’re performing these hysterical interviews,they’re interviewing actual experts on the topics they’re covering.This makes Cunk asking her absurdist questions even better, because who would ask these kinds of things to real experts on things like the Roman Empire? Cunk. Cunk would.
Cunk on Earth
9’Nathan for You' (2013–2017)
Created by Nathan Fielder and Michael Koman
There’s no man who can do a deadpan performance quite likeNathan Fielder(mainly because there’s no beatingAubrey PlazaandJenna Ortega). Unlike YouTube pranksters,Nathan for Youputs Fielder in front of real people to pull off his performances, which makes his bits even funnier. He has some absurd schemes that are so comical that they actually sometimes work, which not only adds to hilarity, but is genuinely impressive.
Nathan for Youhas some absolutely iconic episodesacross its four-year run. But not only is it humorous,but some of his pranks and bits act as subtle social commentary on things like capitalism and gullibilityin the general populous. The series (and Nathan Fielder himself) expertly raises the stakes and makes things continuously more ridiculous as they move forward.
Nathan for You
8’Abbott Elementary' (2021–)
Created by Quinta Brunson
One of the most recent mockumentaries,Abbott Elementary, has completely taken over the television space in the last few years. Following the lives of teachers at the titular elementary school,Abbott Elementarydepicts the hilarity and ridiculousness that occurs when one becomes an elementary school teacher across its seasons.
While the events of the series are fictional, the conflicts and events within the series are very real. Being a teacher is not easy and while this is an absolutely hilarious comedy, it’s also a love letter to teachers everywhere. They’re raising the next generation of children, and this leads to some of the best moments in the show as it comments on and makes fun of real things, like when they commented on kids picking up social trends inAbbott ElementarySeason 1, episode 11, “Desking.”
Abbott Elementary
7’Arrested Development' (2003–2019)
Created by Mitchell Hurwitz
Alongside the obvious contenders ofThe OfficeandParks and Recreation,Arrested Developmentis one of the most popular mockumentaries out there.Arrested Developmentsets itself apart, however, by not following a lot of the typical tropes found in a mockumentary. Normally, a series in this style commonly cuts to interview segments within the episode, butArrested Developmentopts not to do this.
While it’s not formatted like a typical mockumentary,it finds itself being one because the characters within it commonly acknowledge that they are being filmed, and they’re on a television show. Many consider this to be one ofthe best shows of the last few decadesand for very good reason. The writing is exceptional and with performances from the likes ofJason Batemanand others, it’s excellent.
Arrested Development
6’Modern Family' (2009–2020)
Created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan
Families are troublesome. Everyone can easily attest to this statement in some way, shape, or form. Together,Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan brought a series to life that depicts the ridiculous nature of all types of families—the nuclear family, mixed families, and families led by a gay relationship. Its first few seasons were critically praised all-around for the exceptional episodes it brought forth.
The writing forModern Familyis sharp, witty, and smart. A huge part of this is because co-creator Christopher Lloyd got his start by writing on the critically acclaimedGolden Girls. Over the course of its run, it won over 20 Emmys and was highly noted for its wonderful cast and their great performances.
Modern Family
5’Parks and Recreation' (2009–2015)
Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur
The common debate among the mockumentary fan base is whetherThe OfficeorParks and Recreationis the best of the best. This is a very valid debate, as this 2009 series is simply one ofthe best of the 2000s. Much like its rival, it has one of the best casts on television with the likes ofAmy Poehler,Nick Offerman,Aziz Ansari,Rashida Jones,Chris Pratt,Adam Scott, and genuinely so many more that either got their big start here or had a career-defining role.
Following the escapades of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana.What’s fun about this show is that audiences know that what’s being depicted is at least a little accurate, as the creators of the series actually studied local politics and even interviewed local politicians and government workers to ensure what they were making had authenticity to it.
Parks and Recreation
4’What We Do in the Shadows' (2019–2024)
Created by Jemaine Clement
What We Do in the Shadowsis a hilarious supernatural mockumentary that follows vampire roommates Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), and their familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillén). Tasked with conquering the New World—an assignment they’ve entirely forgotten—they go through modern life in Staten Island and deal with everything from awkward city council meetings to supernatural turf wars with werewolves, witches, and ghosts.
Over six riotous seasons, the FX show became a fan favorite thanks to the funny dynamic between its main characters.Satirizing both supernatural lore and the mundanity of being human, it expands on the world and original concept of the eponymous 2014 New Zealand film.What We Do in the Shadowsis now a modern classic that concluded with a bittersweet finale that captures how it can strike both a humorous and heartfelt note.
What We Do in the Shadows
3’Trailer Park Boys' (2001–2018)
Created by Mike Clattenburg
Trailer Park Boysis easily considered one ofthe best mockumentary sitcomsof all time. The reasoning for this bold claim is largely because of the charm brought forth through its lower budget.Trailer Park Boysis a series that is known for being primarily improvised with its dialogue. This led to some of the funniest interactions on 2000s television.
It’s packed to the brim withrecurring gags, surprisingly deep storytelling, and somehow stayed super unchanging in its quality over its entire runfrom 2001 to 2007. The fact that this show could have such a low budget and stand up against and even above most mockumentaries is astounding and proof of its caliber.
Trailer Park Boys
2’The Office' (2005–2013)
Created by Greg Daniels
The Officeis known as one of the best of the best because it genuinely revolutionized and redefined the entire mockumentary format. It threw its cast members onto a grand stage,stayed consistently superb, had amazing performances, spectacular screenwriting, and cast chemistry unlike any other.
What makesThe Officeeven better is the fact that each character has a defined and true character arc amidst the absurdities at play. So, not only does it end up being an incredibly funny show, but people truly grew emotionally invested inThe Office’s likable characters. This not only kept them engaged through hilarity, but because they wanted to see where these people would go with their lives.
1’Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2000–2024)
Created by Larry David
Curb Your Enthusiasmis bothLarry Davidand the mockumentary format’s magnum opus. There hasn’t been a show quite likeCurb Your Enthusiasmto this day. Larry David knows how to do good comedy and, if that wasn’t proven by his work onSeinfeld,Curb Your Enthusiasmis the perfect example of his comedic prowess.
What makesCurb Your Enthusiasmdifferent from other improv-heavy mockumentaries is the fact that it is an almost fully improvised show.Scenes are merely outlined, and the actors take them from there. Larry David takes this concept and absolutely runs with it. This has led to some of television’s funniest moments of all time.
