7 Best Mockumentary Shows Released Since ‘The Office’

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I still remember discovering The Office when it first aired on NBC back on March 25, 2005. It quickly became one of my all-time favorite comedies! While it wasn’t the very first show to use the mockumentary style – Arrested Development and Trailer Park Boys had already paved the way – The Office really perfected it, and I think it became the gold standard for how to do a mockumentary series on TV.

For nine seasons, The Office consistently delivered clever writing, unforgettable characters, and storylines that fans still talk about today. Many remember the hilarious “Fun Run” sparked by Michael Scott accidentally hitting Meredith with his car. Then there was Dwight’s unusual fire drill, which famously caused Stanley to have a heart attack. And, of course, the romance between Jim and Pam is considered one of the best love stories on television in the last two decades.

Since The Office premiered in 2003, any comedy trying the mockumentary style has faced a high bar. To stand out, these shows have really had to go above and beyond. Seven comedies, in particular, have made a strong effort to create their own lasting impression on television. While some haven’t quite reached the same level of success as The Office, others are genuinely comparable, as you’ll see below.

7
‘The Paper’ (2025 – Present)


Peacock

When Greg Daniels revealed plans for a new show related to The Office after almost twenty years, fans were both excited and worried. Could he recreate the success of the original with a similar style, but featuring a new cast and different stories?

I have to say, while The Paper hasn’t quite exploded onto the scene yet, it’s a really good show. What I love most is that it still has that same dry, clever humor that made The Office so hilarious. But what’s brilliant is that it doesn’t just try to recreate those old characters. They didn’t try to find a ‘new Dwight’ or a ‘new Michael’ – and that’s a good thing! It really feels like The Paper is forging its own path, and it’s not just a copycat. That makes all the difference.

Although The Paper only has one season so far, fans are hoping the characters will be developed more fully in the next season of this mockumentary. Currently, Sabrina Impacciatore’s Esmerelda Grand is the most standout character, and it would be great to see the others become just as memorable. Because of this, and the fact that only ten episodes are currently available, The Paper doesn’t rank higher on our list.

6
‘St. Denis Medical’ (2024 – Present)


NBC

I’m really enjoying St. Denis Medical – it’s one of the newer shows out right now, and it’s already standing out! We’ve got so many serious medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, Brilliant Minds, and Chicago Med, so it’s refreshing to see St. Denis Medical bring some comedy to the hospital setting. It’s a nice change of pace!

What really makes this series work is the fantastic cast. You’ve got comedy veterans like David Alan Grier, who I loved on In Living Color, and Wendi McLendon-Covey, who just kills it – no surprise there, since she was hilarious in Reno 911! long before The Office. But it’s not just them! A lot of these actors clearly know how to deliver that dry, sarcastic humor that NBC sitcoms are famous for. I recognized Josh Lawson and Kaliko Kauahi from Superstore, Allison Tolman from Why Women Kill, and even Mekki Leeper who was brilliant in Jury Duty. All that experience really shows, and the timing between these actors is just spot-on, making St. Denis Medical consistently funny.

When it first aired, NBC reported that St. Denis Medical was the most-watched scripted show that evening. It currently has an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is very close to the score of the popular medical comedy Scrubs.

5
‘Jury Duty’ (2023 – Present)


Amazon Freevee

I really loved Jury Duty, and it almost made my top shows list! It’s just so disappointing knowing we probably won’t see the same cast and setting again. I’m excited there’s a second season coming, but it won’t be the same watching someone else go through the jury experience with all those hilarious pranks pulled on Ronald Gladden. That original setup was just perfect!

What made Jury Duty so special was how genuinely surprised Gladden was by everything. It’s unlike any other mockumentary out there. The show captures his immediate reactions as he navigates the strange situation, trying to manage James Marsden’s over-the-top character, deal with Jeannie’s quirky personality, and cope with Judge Rosen’s handling of the increasingly bizarre trial. It’s no surprise the series was nominated for four Emmys – it might have even won if it hadn’t been up against the critically acclaimed drama The Bear.

4
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019 – 2024)


FX

The comedy series What We Do in the Shadows is unique because of its unusual concept – a mockumentary focused on vampires. While critically acclaimed with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, six seasons, and Emmy awards, the show surprisingly didn’t reach massive mainstream viewership, averaging in the hundreds of thousands compared to shows like The Office which had millions of weekly viewers. This is likely because it aired on the FX cable network, rather than a more widely accessible platform, despite being a favorite among fans and critics.

The show’s captivating stories prove how talented the writing team is. They successfully set the series in a realistic New York City, avoiding an over-the-top or cheesy feel. A lot of the show’s success also comes down to the actors Kayvan Novak and Harvey Guillen, who have great chemistry playing Nandor and Guillermo. Their comedic timing together is fantastic, and their scenes are often highlights of each episode.

3
‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009 – 2015)


NBC

The debate over which show is better – Parks and Recreation or The Office – is a classic one. Critics actually favor Parks and Recreation, giving it a higher score on Rotten Tomatoes (93%) compared to The Office (81%). However, The Office won five Emmy Awards, while Parks and Recreation didn’t win any of its nominations. When it comes to fan base, The Office is clearly more popular. So, while both are funny, The Office seems to have a slight edge overall. That said, Parks and Recreation is still a fantastic comedy.

Amy Poehler is fantastic as Leslie Knope, the relentlessly positive politician at the heart of the show. The series cleverly explores the frustrating realities of local politics, and Poehler’s cheerful personality and drive often lead to hilarious situations, particularly when she clashes with more cynical characters. She’s supported by a brilliant cast – including Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, and Retta – each of whom brings a unique comedic energy. This strong ensemble meant the show wasn’t solely dependent on Poehler’s background on SNL for its humor.

2
‘Modern Family’ (2009 – 2020)


ABC

It’s no surprise that Modern Family is considered one of the best TV shows. The ABC series connected with a huge audience by portraying a truly diverse family – showcasing different cultures, ages, and sexual orientations over its 250 episodes. Its unique mockumentary style made it a standout hit.

The show’s cast was truly exceptional. Actors like Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet became instantly recognizable as their characters, creating personalities that resonated with audiences throughout the series and continue to be memorable. From Vergara’s playfully loud interactions with O’Neill, to Stonestreet’s attempts to get Ferguson to relax, and Bowen’s tolerance of Burrell’s often-awkward comments, the cast delivered countless hilarious moments over eleven seasons. It’s no surprise each actor received multiple Emmy nominations for their work.

As a huge fan, I have to say the writers of Modern Family really deserve a ton of praise. Eleven seasons is a long run for any show, but they somehow kept things feeling new and exciting. The stories never felt like rehashes of old ideas, the characters grew in believable ways, and honestly, the humor just kept improving. There was always something fresh happening with the family, whether it was a new problem or a crazy plan to fix it. It’s a genuinely special show, and I really think Modern Family is in a league of its own.

1
‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021 – Present)


ABC

I truly believe Abbott Elementary deserves the top spot on this list! Quinta Brunson has created something special – it’s been consistently fantastic since it premiered in 2021. What I especially love is how it’s taken the mockumentary style and really made it its own, pushing boundaries in a way we haven’t seen before.

The show’s strength lies in its characters, each with a unique and memorable sense of humor. From Janine’s optimistic nature and Jacob’s social awkwardness to Ava’s self-absorption, every character consistently delivers laughs. Importantly, even as they grow and change throughout the series, they never lose what makes them funny.

Beyond its charming characters, Abbott Elementary truly shines thanks to its writing. The show consistently delivers some of the best cold openings on television, even surpassing The Office – the season 4 episode “Ringworm” and its iconic “Wild Wild West” line dance is a perfect example and endlessly rewatchable. The writing also feels remarkably insightful and relevant, especially when portraying Philadelphia’s culture. Episodes often feel like quick dives into Philly slang, sports, and everyday life. And for those unfamiliar with the world of education, Abbott Elementary offers a funny, yet honest look at the challenges faced by teachers and students today.

Critics absolutely love Abbott Elementary. The comedy boasts a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has won four Emmys and three Golden Globes, along with a Peabody Award and many other accolades. Fans are hoping the show, led by creator and star Quinta Brunson, will stay on the air for many years to come.

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2025-11-13 05:06