10 Must-See Mockumentary TV Shows To Binge Right Now

The mockumentary format has breathed new life into TV comedy, giving us fictional stories through documentary-style filming that catches all those awkward, real-life moments we can’t look away from. With shaky handheld cameras, those signature talking-head interviews, and a noticeable lack of background music, these shows pull you in with a viewing experience that somehow feels both completely real and totally absurd at the same time.

From mind-numbing office jobs to vampire roommates trying to pay rent, mockumentaries have grown way beyond their humble beginnings. They now cover pretty much every aspect of life—making it all hilariously fictional while keeping a straight face that just makes everything funnier. What started as quirky cult shows have become mainstream hits, and with streaming platforms everywhere, it’s never been easier to dive into these cleverly crafted worlds where characters keep glancing knowingly at the cameras following them around.

10Jury Duty

This wildly innovative series features a premise that pushes the mockumentary format to new places—regular guy Ronald Gladden thinks he’s serving on a real jury trial, completely unaware that everyone else involved (including the defendant, lawyers, and fellow jurors) are actors creating a fake legal proceeding around him. The show’s comedy comes from Gladden’s genuine reactions to increasingly bizarre courtroom situations, creating a fascinating social experiment that doubles as entertainment. What makes Jury Duty so fresh is how it plays with reality for laughs while somehow maintaining narrative tension. Unlike traditional mockumentaries where everyone’s in on the joke, Jury Duty blends reality TV with scripted comedy, pushing the boundaries of the format while delivering both laughs and surprisingly heartfelt moments of human connection that no writer could have planned.It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime with a highly anticipated season 2 on the way.

9Reno 911!

This hilarious send-up of cops shows follows the hopelessly incompetent officers of the Reno Sheriff’s Department as they try to keep the peace while usually making everything worse. Created by Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, and Kerri Kenney-Silver, Reno 911! (2003-2009, with later comebacks) uses the mockumentary format to highlight just how ridiculous these self-important “crime fighters” really are. Unlike COPS, which it so lovingly parodies, the series deliberately showcases the officers’ complete lack of ability, finding humor in their spectacular failures at basic policing. The show stands out for leaning heavily on improv, with many scenes featuring off-the-cuff dialogue that creates magic comedic moments you couldn’t script. With its unique take on law enforcement comedy, Reno 911! has kept fans coming back across multiple platforms and revivals. All 8 seasons are currently streaming on Paramount+.

8Curb Your Enthusiasm

Larry David’s masterpiece Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024) might be the most unique mockumentary television has ever seen. The largely improvised show captures David’s singular comic vision as he plays a fictionalized version of himself navigating social rules and everyday irritations in Los Angeles. Unlike other shows in the genre, Curb doesn’t explicitly acknowledge the documentary format but uses similar filming techniques to achieve its hyper-realistic style. What makes the show so special is its commitment to improvisation—actors don’t get scripts, just outline notes, creating genuine reactions and lightning-in-a-bottle comedic moments. Throughout its incredible 12-season run, the show maintained its distinctive voice while fearlessly tackling social taboos and uncomfortable situations with David’s trademark blend of cringe comedy and razor-sharp social observation. It is currently streaming on Max.

7Trailer Park Boys

This scrappy Canadian series, which first appeared in 2001, follows the misadventures of Ricky, Bubbles, and Julian in a Nova Scotia trailer park as they cook up half-baked schemes to make money through petty crimes while ducking their nemesis, the trailer park supervisor. Mike Clattenburg’s creation has built a cult following for its rough-around-the-edges charm and humor despite (or maybe because of) its shoestring budget. The show cleverly incorporates the camera crew into its storylines, leaning into an intentionally ridiculous tone that clicks with fans of off-the-wall comedy. What really sets this series apart is how much of it is just made up on the spot—tons of scenes feature unscripted dialogue that creates genuine reactions between characters. Through multiple revivals and platform changes, the series has kept its core appeal while building an intensely loyal fan base that can’t get enough of the boys’ misguided schemes. All 12 seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.

6American Vandal

Dropping in 2017, American Vandal brilliantly spoofs true crime documentaries by investigating high school vandalism with the dead-serious approach usually reserved for murder cases. The show follows student filmmakers as they dive deep into mysteries like who drew 27 penises on faculty cars and who spiked the lemonade with laxatives during a school assembly, using all the documentary tricks to mock our obsession with sensationalism and rush to judgment. What makes American Vandal special isn’t just the laughs—it’s how the show sneaks in surprising emotional depth, growing from a simple parody into a smart look at high school social hierarchies and the damage of snap judgments. Through its spot-on recreation of true crime techniques—melodramatic reenactments, evidence boards, and earnest expert interviews—the show crafts a perfect satire that makes you laugh while also making you think about how we consume media. The first two seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.

5Abbott Elementary

Quinta Brunson’s creation Abbott Elementary (2021-present) follows a group of dedicated teachers grinding away at an underfunded Philadelphia public school. Through its mockumentary lens, the show manages to roast the American education system while still celebrating the passion of teachers working with almost nothing. The series packs sharp humor and standout performances that showcase the daily struggles and tiny victories teachers experience, especially in communities that don’t get enough resources. As a recent critical darling, Abbott Elementary hits that sweet spot between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine warmth while focusing on the chaotic world of education. The documentary style perfectly captures both the frustrations of dealing with a broken system and the real love teachers have for their students, creating a show that balances meaningful commentary with workplace hijinks. The first four seasons are currently streaming on Hulu.

4Modern Family

4Modern Family completely changed how we see families on TV through its clever mockumentary approach. Since hitting screens in 2009, the series has tracked three interconnected families, exploring everything from marriage and diversity to generational gaps through sharp humor and snappy dialogue. Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan’s creation snagged over 20 Emmy Awards during its impressive 11-season run, cementing its place as comedy royalty. The mockumentary style lets characters break the fourth wall with those classic side-glances and confessionals, adding extra layers to family situations that might otherwise feel ordinary. By showcasing various family setups—traditional households, blended families, and same-sex couples—Modern Family embraced diversity while finding universal laughs in the chaos of family life, becoming one of the most influential comedies of our time. All 11 seasons are currently streaming on Hulu.

3Parks and Recreation

Though it started life as a potential Office spin-off, Parks and Recreation (2009-2015) quickly found its own groove through lovable characters and a surprisingly optimistic outlook. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the show follows the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, led by the relentlessly enthusiastic Leslie Knope. The series uses its documentary style to poke fun at government red tape while diving into themes of friendship, public service, and small-town politics. With a dream team cast including Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, and a pre-superstardom Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation mixes laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine heart and sly social commentary. The documentary approach lets viewers connect with the characters through their direct-to-camera confessionals and unguarded moments, making even the most ridiculous situations feel somehow grounded. Over seven seasons, the show evolved from a simple office comedy into a beloved series that actually made government work seem kind of… inspiring? All seven seasons are currently streaming on Peacock.

2What We Do in the Shadows

Building on the 2014 cult film, What We Do in the Shadows follows a bunch of vampire roommates trying to figure out modern life in Staten Island. The show brilliantly mashes up horror with comedy, taking vampire myths and running them through the mundane filter of everyday immortal existence. Jemaine Clement’s creation (2019-2024) features a killer ensemble cast playing centuries-old bloodsuckers dealing with today’s problems while a documentary crew somehow captures their supernatural shenanigans. The mockumentary style is perfect for the premise—there’s nothing funnier than watching ancient beings struggle with paying bills or trying to understand Twitter. The show’s clever take on supernatural tropes alongside regular human problems has made it stand out from the pack, earning critical love for breathing fresh life into vampire stories. All six seasons are currently streaming on Hulu.

1 The Office

As the gold standard of workplace mockumentaries, The Office completely changed the TV comedy game by zooming in on the boring yet hilarious lives of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company employees. Throughout its nine-season run (2005-2013), the show turned those painful silent moments and cringe-worthy interactions into comedy gold, largely thanks to its documentary approach. Greg Daniels’ creation features knockout performances and writing that built unforgettable character stories while sucking viewers into the absolute madness of everyday office life. With characters like Michael Scott being… well, Michael Scott, and the slow-burn romance between Jim and Pam, The Office has become the measuring stick for comedy TV, evolving from its British roots into something with episodes that fans can quote word for word. Its staying power has made it the show that every other mockumentary gets compared to—fair or not. All nine seasons are currently streaming on Peacock.