What’s more fun than unscripted television? Scripted “mockumentaries” that mimic docudramas, break the fourth wall, and bring us original characters and great performances. Here are 13 mockumentary television shows that should not be missed!
“The Office”
The original UK version of “The Office” debuted in 2001 and is largely credited with popularizing the mockumentary form. The BBC show also made a household name of star Ricky Gervais (who was a co-creator and co-writer), and made way for the wildly popular U.S. adaptation that ran for nine seasons on NBC and gave Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Mindy Kaling and many others their breakout roles. The show’s single-camera format imitates a real-life documentary about office life, and deadpan on-camera interviews reveal characters’ true motivations, inner thoughts, and occasional shortcomings—with hilarious results.
“Modern Family”
This beloved ABC sitcom "Modern Family" follows three “different, but related” Los Angeles families through the ups and downs of their personal lives. Audiences have grown to love Jay and Gloria, Cameron and Mitchell, and Claire and Phil Dunphy not only through their over-the-top family antics, but also through their frequent and revealing direct-to-camera documentary-style interviews.
“Parks and Recreation”
A fantastic execution of the mockumentary form, “Parks and Rec” ran for seven seasons before ending in 2015. The show follows passionate small-town parks department employee Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) through her leadership’s (hilarious) trials and tribulations, and winks at the audience with its earnest character commentary.
“Trailer Park Boys”
Shortly before the British version of “The Office” there was “Trailer Park Boys,” a screwball mockumentary cult hit that ran from 2001–2007 on BBC America, and was resurrected by Netflix a full seven years later. The Canadian show follows a group of trailer park-dwelling friends through oddball money-making schemes and more, and uses documentary-style footage and interviews to bring the story to life.
“Summer Heights High”
Chris Lilley stars as multiple characters in this Australian mockumentary series about high school life, told from the vantage points of drama teacher Mr. G, private school popular girl Ja’mie, and rebellious Tongan teen Jonah (all played by Lilley). Fans love the show for its silly premises, original characters, and hilariously true-to-life deadpan performances.
“Party Down”
Though cancelled after only two seasons, this very funny Starz mockumentary is a must-watch for actors. The show follows a team of reluctant Los Angeles cater waiters as they work their survival jobs and pursue big dreams in Hollywood. Sound familiar? In addition to a killer premise, the show features an all-star cast including Jane Lynch, Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, and Megan Mullally.
“Reno 911!”
This fantastic Comedy Central mockumentary about Reno area police officers parodies popular trash television show “Cops,” features a hilarious cast, and showcases largely improvised dialogue. The (very) politically incorrect and less-than-professional officers are played by top comedians including members of MTV show “The State,” where the idea for “Reno 911!” was originally conceived.
“Death Valley”
Another faux-documentary about law enforcement (of sorts), MTV’s “Death Valley” depicts the Undead Task Force, a special ops group dedicated to ridding San Fernando Valley of zombies, werewolves, and vampires. The show follows a television news crew as they chronicle the UTF’s bloody trials and tribulations, and, unlike the numerous mockumentary comedies on this list, grabs viewers through suspense, horror, and gore.
“Derek”
Gervais returned to the mockumentary form with British series “Derek,” a bittersweet dramedy that takes an inside look at the lives of nursing home caretakers. The show originally ran on UK’s Channel 4, but was re-comissioned by Netflix for a second season in 2014. The series follows a documentary crew inside an elderly care home as they study the facility’s oddball (but loveable) characters.
“The Comeback”
Lisa Kudrow co-created, co-writes, and stars in this HBO mock-reality show about fading sitcom actor Valerie Cherish grasping for a renewed career in Hollywood. The history of Valerie hints at the actor’s own life. Kudrow remained (relatively) out of the spotlight after “Friends” ended, but her quirky (and flawed) Valerie is purely fictional. “The Comeback” had only one season when it premiered in 2005, but made its own comeback (see what we did there) when HBO revived it nine years later.
“Arrested Development”
This popular faux-documentary imitates bad reality television complete with handheld cameras to chronicle the ups and downs of the dysfunctional Bluth family. Wacky characters include cold matriarch Lucille (Jessica Walter), fugitive patriarch George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), and their adult children Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), Buster (Tony Hale), and GOB (Will Arnett), and Michael (Jason Bateman). The show ran for three seasons on Fox and was resurrected by Netflix in 2013.
“Family Tree”
Who better than Christopher Guest to bring a mockumentary-style show to HBO? Chris O’Dowd stars as a man with little to lose in this sweet series from the mind of Guest. O’Dowd’s character sets out on a quest to unearth his family history after receiving a box of heirlooms from his Great Aunt. The show was cancelled after only one season, but is worth checking out for its quirky characters and charming take on an innovative storytelling format.
“Real Husbands of Hollywood”
This Kevin Hart-starring comedy series was conceived from a sketch written for the BET Awards, and is now in its fourth season on the network. The faux-reality show depicts Hart and his crew as over-the-top versions of themselves, and includes all of the catfights, backstabbing, and snarky confessionals that we love to hate on trash TV. As a bonus, the show also features a regular roster of guest stars who never hesitate to make fun of themselves, including Rihanna, Chris Rock, and Snoop Dogg.
