Mock documentaries, or “mockumentaries,” have been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years. The format for these shows is different than most programs on television, as the characters talk directly to the audience as if it was a reality program. The characters, however, are all fictitious.
The events are also fabricated but are presented in the form of a documentary. There are no laugh tracks or music during scene transitions. The shows depend primarily on the writing of the script and the actors’ mannerisms to portray their characters.
The three biggest programs currently airing are “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Modern Family.” All three have a huge cult following, but some viewers don’t quite understand the unique type of humor of the shows.
“The Office” is the longest running show of the three, with its eighth season set to premiere later this month. Jim, Pam, Dwight and the rest of the office employees go about their routine lives at the wacky workplace. Then, they privately surrender all of their secrecies and comment on the days’ events to the camera. With Steve Carrell’s character now being merely a figment of Dunder Mifflin’s memory, the other primary characters are now stepping up with new co-stars to keep the show interesting.
Similar to “The Office” is “Parks and Recreation,” starring Saturday Night Live alumna Amy Poehler as a small-scale politician in a fictitious suburb in Indiana. With the single-camera filming style of “Parks and Recreation” based on that of “The Office,” the two shows have many similarities in presentation. Leslie Knope (Poehler) adds her own witty, clueless spin on a great script, with her supporting actors being some of the funniest in current television.
“Modern Family” starts its third season this fall, and the show is in its prime. The series follows the Dunphy-Pritchett clan — three families all interrelated through Jay Pritchett and his two adult children, Claire and Mitchell. “Modern Family” has received excellent reviews for its unique humor and storylines. The characters are lovable and interesting to watch, with the show truly entailing all aspects of the modern age of family.
No matter which way they’re presented, the format of these “mockumentaries” will undoubtedly sound more boring than they actually are. For those who crave dry humor and witty comedy, this style of television is the way to go, and it’s never too late to get in the loop.
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