‘The Office,’ ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ & 7 More Mockumentaries to Watch
Mockumentaries, or fictional shows that mimic reality TV, have made a killing in the last 20 years of television.
Shows like NBC’s The Office and Parks and Recreation, ABC’s Modern Family, and even Netflix’s absurd Canadian cult classic Trailer Park Boys have paved the way for scripted comedies that poke fun at real life.
Fourth wall breaks, one-on-one interviews, and tons of room for candid improv are just a handful of the best things about these shows.
Scroll down for the top nine mockumentaries to watch.
Parks and Recreation
An NBC giant, Amy Poehler stars in this political satire that revolves around the small town government of Pawnee. Often going toe to toe in comparison with NBC’s other hit workplace mockumentary The Office, this show brings its own uniqueness with a star studded cast, quirky monologues, and ridiculous scenarios.
Available on Netflix
The Office (UK)
You can’t call yourself a fan of NBC’s The Office without paying homage to where it all began. Follow David Brent (Ricky Gervais) and his coworkers at Wernham Hogg, where he manages them in bizarre fashion and tries to win them over in odd and unsuccessful ways.
Available on Hulu
American Vandal
This Netflix mockumentary pokes fun at the true crime documentary genre that has seen a rise in popularity. It follows two high school students who investigate pranks and incidents at their school and one nearby. It does a great job as a satirical show, yet it also provides a good mystery drama.
Available on Netflix
Arrested Development
Originally a Fox show, Netflix revived Arrested Development, a mockumentary film-styled sitcom that centers around the Bluths, a dysfunctional family trying to navigate their expensive lifestyle even amidst losing their money. With a cast consisting of the likes of Jason Bateman, Michael Cera and Will Arnett, you are definitely in for some laughs with this show.
Available on Netflix
Documentary Now!
SNL greats Seth Meyers, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen give us a chaotic cluster of documentary parodies in this series. Various guest stars highlight this show, as each episode is a different comedic satire of different documentary styles. Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix while you wait for the next season.
Available on Netflix
What We Do In The Shadows
The newest series on the list, this FX comedy horror centers around a group of vampires in Staten Island who are trying to live in modern society. Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) is a member of the group who is able to walk around during the day, and while he works in the office, he literally drains others of energy just by boring them. The series will return for a third season.
Available on Hulu
Modern Family
This ABC comedy success centers around Jay Pritchett’s (Ed O’Neill) large family. Premiering in 2009, the show wrapped its run in April 2020 and does a great job at showing diverse family dynamics with humor and dysfunctional bonding. This show will truly be missed.
Available on Hulu and the ABC app
Trailer Park Boys
This truly mind numbing show originates from Canada and follows three Nova Scotia trailer park residents and their friends and foes as they work up schemes that are rarely legal to make money. Originally aired by Showcase in 2001, Netflix picked up the cult classic in 2014, bringing it to a larger audience. It already has 12 seasons and has been accompanied by specials and even an animated series.
Available on Netflix
The Office (U.S.)
The nine-season NBC comedy was wildly successful during and after its run, dominating Netflix as one of its most streamed series. It follows Michael Scott (Steve Carell), the regional manager of the paper company Dunder Mifflin, who makes it his mission to be liked by his employees at any cost. Much like its UK predecessor, this show is full of laughs and relatable (and un-relatable) characters.
Available on Netflix
