The mockumentary subgenre seems to have found its home in television sitcoms, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Though excellent mockumentary movies like This Is Spinal Tap will always be iconic, the intimacy we have with the characters through their confessionals lends itself to long-form storytelling.
Since most mockumentary sitcoms are single-camera and have no laugh track, our enjoyment of the show’s humor comes entirely from these witty confessionals and looks to the camera from “straight man” characters who serve as the voice of the audience. And nothing on TV nails the mockumentary format like these 10 excellent shows.
Summer Heights High (2007)
Summer Heights High was an Australian mockumentary created by comedian Chris Lilley. The series centered on different figures at the titular fictional school, but the kicker was that Lilley starred as each primary character. His characters, Ja’mie King and Jonah Takalau, received their own respective spinoffs, Ja’mie: Private School Girl and Jonah from Tonga, though the latter was highly controversial.
The series only lasted one season because it was only ever meant to be a short-term series, as it followed the lives of students for a single semester. It’s hard to tell such a complete story in only eight episodes, but Lilley pulled it off. Today, the series is so well-crafted that it’s still one of the best mockumentaries to date.
In April 2025, Lilley teased on social media that his character, Mr. G, is set to make a comeback. This time, however, in the form of a podcast (via The Daily Mail).
Reno 911! (2003-2009)
Comedy Central’s Reno 911! is a hilarious mockumentary spoofing shows like Cops. Starring comedy greats like Niecy Nash-Betts, Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, and Kerri Kenney-Silver, the series went on for eight seasons. The parody centers on a camera crew following police officers on duty. The eccentric deputies at the Reno Sheriff’s Department are off-the-wall and often misinterpret crimes.
What makes Reno 911! one of the best mockumentaries of all time is that most of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. The reactions and responses are so off-the-cuff that viewers don’t know what jokes to expect the way they might in a scripted show.
St. Denis Medical (2024-Present)
St. Denis Medical debuted on NBC in 2024 and continues going strong in season 2, which premiered in November 2025. The cast of St. Denis Medical is led by Wendi McLendon-Covey, Allison Tolman, and Josh Lawson as doctors and nurses at the fictional St. Denis Regional Medical Center.
St. Denis Medical is unique because it’s not just the main characters who have moments with the camera; it’s the patients as well. The existence of the camera crew is undeniable in a hospital setting, making real-life medical situations more chaotic and humorous. While fictional and dramatized, those in the medical field have praised St. Denis Medical for its realistic depictions of healthcare workers, despite the deadpan humor.
Jury Duty (2023-Present)
Jury Duty is blissfully distinctive and smart. The mockumentary follows a juror (Ronald Gladden) who is unaware that the trial he’s a part of isn’t real — the rest of the jury, judge, and inner workings of the courtroom are fictionalized. Everyone in the room is in on the joke, except for Gladden, which only adds to the hilarity.
While most of the cast is made up of relatively unknown actors, veteran star James Marsden plays a parody version of himself, and struck such a chord that he was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Jury Duty was greenlit for a second season and was moved from Amazon Freevee to Amazon Prime Video after the discontinuation of the former streaming platform.
What We Do In The Shadows (2019-2024)
Image via Hulu
What We Do in the Shadows is another mockumentary that deserves its flowers. The FX fantasy-comedy stars Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, and Kristen Joy Schaal, to name a few, and follows a fantasy that follows vampires trying to live like normal people on Staten Island.
As expected, the vampires do not get along with human beings and other supernatural creatures that come their way. The mockumentary is unlike any other, combining the lore of fantasy, horror, and comedy into one perfect series.
What We Do in the Shadows is based on the 2014 film of the same name, written by famed writers and actors Jemaine Clement and
Taika Waititi. Both Waititi and Clement teamed up for the mockumentary to make sure the absurdity of dark and dry humor continues. The series ran for six seasons with critical acclaim.
The Rehearsal (2022-Present)
Image via Max
Created, written by, and starring the king of cringe, Nathan Fielder, HBO’s The Rehearsal has a unique premise, with Fielder preparing people for difficult conversations. With the use of props, sets, and hired actors, Fielder rehearses tough life events and discussions with his clients so that they are prepared for the real thing.
The docu-comedy’s storylines vary from something minor to something life-changing. All the while, hilarious moments and reactions ensue. Although The Rehearsal is a standout on HBO, there is nothing official for a third season as of this writing.
Parks & Recreation (2009-2015, 2020)
Starring the always brilliant Amy Poehler, Parks and Rec follows the daily workings of those at the titular department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Poehler is supported by the likes of Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, Aubrey Plaza, and Nick Offerman, to name a few, and the colorful cast gives a hilarious inside look at government jobs while dealing with their personal lives in a small town.
Because of the all-star cast and endearing writing, Parks and Rec. is one of the best mockumentaries of all time. It showed mundane life in the most relatable and comical way. The Emmy-nominated show went on for seven seasons before wrapping up. In 2020, a short reunion episode aired, revolving around the pandemic.
Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)
Abbott Elementary is one of the newer mockumentaries that have taken network television by storm. The series follows the hardworking and dedicated teachers at the poorly funded titular Philadelphia school. Series creator Quinta Brunson plays protagonist Janine Teagues, a teacher aiming to make an impact on her students and the city.
The humor and realistic portrayal of Philadelphia is duly noted and appreciated by fans. Moreso, it’s the writing that’s made the series such a standout. The quick remarks and optimism make the show heartwarming and hilarious. Abbott Elementary is currently on season 5, and is projected to be renewed for another season. It quickly became one of ABC’s top shows among all streaming platforms and the network.
Modern Family (2009-2020)
Modern Family is one of those feel-good mockumentaries that’s truly fun for the whole family. The series followed the daily lives of three families related to one another. Filming for 11 seasons, viewers watched the children grow up in front of the cameras. Just as the families were emotional over growth and the inevitability of time, so were the fans watching the series.
Starring Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, and Ty Burrell, each episode had hilariously unbelievable storylines. A problem was usually had at the beginning of the episode, but by the end, there was love and understanding from the family.
The bond between actors was so deep that it could be felt off-screen. Modern Family went on to win 22 Primetime Emmy Awards and reminded viewers that The Office wasn’t the only amazing mockumentary.
The Office (2005-2013)
Debuting in 2005, The Office remains the crown jewel of mockumentaries. The series popularized the style, showing the daily workings of the Scranton, Pennsylvania paper company, Dunder Mifflin. Starring Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Jenna Fischer, The Office was the start of many of the cast’s careers.
While countless fans want an Office reboot, many of the stars have been open about it not working in this current climate, as humor has changed so much since the show’s premiere. However, instead of a reboot, Peacock released a spinoff in 2025 called The Paper. There are new faces, a new company, and new storylines, but the mockumentary style (and dry humor) remains.
