What to Watch If You Like Parks and Recreation

Summary

Parks and Recreation is a beloved mockumentary with an impressive cast, offering heartwarming tales of community improvement.
Schitt’s Creek gained popularity on Netflix, focusing on a wealthy family adjusting to life in a small town.
What We Do in the Shadows, inspired by a film, showcases chaotic vampire shenanigans in a mockumentary style.

One of the key mockumentaries from the 2010s, “Parks and Recreation,” emerged as a significant player in the comedy genre, offering an alternative to series like “The Office.” This show, much loved for its talented cast who have since achieved great success, focuses on Leslie Knope, the Parks Department manager, and her quirky team. Together they strive to improve their local communities within the small town of Pawnee, Indiana.

Showcasing quirky comedic scenes thanks to its talented cast, “Parks and Rec” provided seven seasons of heartwarming TV that inspired future generations. Similar to “Parks and Rec”, many other shows emulate its style and spirit, masterfully capturing the humorous tone that turned “Parks and Rec” into a timeless TV gem.

1. Schitt’s Creek

Canadian Sitcom That Sees A Flamboyant Family Learn To Love Their New Town

Originally a small-scale Canadian comedy, “Schitt’s Creek” gained massive popularity almost instantly after being added to Netflix. The series, centered around the Rose family who, due to their embezzlement activities, lose all their wealth and are left with only a small town named Schitt’s Creek as an asset, went on to win international acclaim. Featuring comedy veterans Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, the Rose family’s journey of adapting to life in this quaint town alongside its residents is filled with unexpected events as their wealth, baggage, and peculiarities become a significant part of Schitt’s Creek’s community.

As Schitt’s Creek’s story progresses from season to season, the heartwarming plotlines that show the family growing closer to their town and its people are similar to the journeys of Leslie and her team, who work tirelessly to help their community despite their sometimes dominating personalities.

2. What We Do In The Shadows

Gothic Mockumentary That Follows Vampires Engaging In Mundane Activities

In the vein of Taika Waititi’s movie, What We Do in the Shadows stands out as one of the less-acknowledged mockumentaries from the last ten years. It expands on its precursor’s groundbreaking style and inventive approach by exploring vampire folklore and aesthetics in a television setting. The series primarily focuses on four vampires living in an apartment in New York, as they navigate their supernatural existence amidst human life and attempt to adapt to a world that is alien to them.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that this bloodsucking tale, with its outlandish vampire dynamics, bears an uncanny resemblance to the humorously chaotic world of “Parks and Recreation.” However, it cranks up the mayhem a notch as our fanged friends struggle to accomplish everyday tasks outside their comfort zones. This results in a deluge of laughs, with Matt Berry and his fellow actors stealing the show with their outrageous performances.

3. 30 Rock

All-Star Cast That Sees The Ups And Downs Of The Production Of A Sketch Show

30 Rock, modeled after Tina Fey’s time on Saturday Night Live, emerged as a marquee series for NBC throughout its broadcast, earning numerous Emmys due to its exceptional cast and insightful portrayal of the glamorous world of show business. With a mix of divas, compulsive organizers, and ordinary individuals striving to make ends meet, 30 Rock follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of the sketch show, as she navigates the turbulent production while finding comedy in the chaos that ensues.

30 Rock frequently took jabs at its own broadcasting network, NBC. With quick-witted writing laden with pop culture nods and intriguing character dynamics, the show became a significant fixture of comedic television in the 21st century, much like Parks and Recreation.

4. Community

Unlikely Group Of Individuals Become Involved In Shenanigans At A Community College

During their time on NBC, shows like “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “30 Rock” were extremely popular. However, “Community” stood out as something of an underdog, attracting a dedicated fan base with its unique and side-splitting cast, as they navigated the antics that took place within a community college setting. The series focuses on a diverse group of students from various backgrounds attending Greendale Community College, creating comedic dynamics centered around the eccentricities and daily mishaps at this institution.

The absurd fluctuations in the episodes of “Community,” from campus-wide paintball battles to pillow fights involving blankets, showcased the outlandish fun and wildness that the series offered. Despite characters departing at various stages throughout the show, the most contagious aspect of “Community” was the unique bond between Troy and Abed – a TV pairing unrivaled in sitcoms, largely because of their electrifying chemistry and peculiar antics, which played a significant role in making “Community” the cult television phenomenon it became.

5. The Good Place

Parks And Recreation Creator’s Follow-Up Set In The Afterlife

Following the finale of “Parks and Recreation,” its mastermind, Michael Schur, delved into creating another hit sitcom, titled “The Good Place.” This new series showcases Adam Scott in a fresh context, distinct from his role in “Parks and Rec.” Although there are comedic similarities, the settings are different.

In “The Good Place,” I find myself captivated by the storyline revolving around its heroine, Eleanor, a woman who has just passed away and is mistakenly admitted to an ethereal realm called the Good Place. As the narrative unfolds, it’s disclosed that Eleanor was inadvertently placed in heaven instead of hell. This predicament leads her on a journey to hide her true nature while under the watchful eye of Michael, the overseer of the Good Place.

Strengthened by its unique concept, Eleanor’s character arc focused on personal recovery unfolded in a series known for its sharp wit and unexpected turns, making it a successful sitcom during the latter part of the 2010s.

6. Abbott Elementary

Modern Hit That Examines School Teachers And Their Relationships

In the 2020s, it’s clear that “Abbott Elementary,” a sitcom created by Quinta Brunson, has become the most prominent mockumentary on TV. This show has made quite an impact since its debut season and shares similarities with “The Office.” Unlike “The Office,” however, “Abbott Elementary” focuses on the daily lives of teachers at Abbott Elementary, a school primarily serving the Black community, which grapples with limited funding.

As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that I find myself deeply immersed in the world of Abbott Elementary. This show doesn’t just succeed because of its exceptional writing and performances; it’s the delicate blend of everyday moments, diverse characters, and insightful exploration of our education system – an issue we all grapple with in one way or another – that has propelled it to become a cultural phenomenon.

7. The Office

Workplace Comedy That Sparked The Mockumentary Boom In The 21st Century

In North America, the mockumentary comedy genre found its birth in The Office, a US adaptation of Ricky Gervais’ original British show. This series took off like wildfire when it debuted. It centers around the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, a paper company, where Steve Carell masterfully portrays Michael Scott, the office manager. His character, a blend of detachment and mind-boggling confusion, quickly became a captivating spectacle for viewers, winning hearts almost instantly.

Apart from being known for its awkwardly humorous moments, The Office also excels at crafting engaging storylines that encourage viewers to connect with the series and its characters deeply. One notable example is the gradual romantic development of Jim and Pam within the office setting, which has cemented their place among television’s most iconic couples alongside Leslie and Ben from Parks and Rec.

2025-03-30 22:14