Mockumentaries on TV: NBCU's New Releases and Enduring Legacy
The mockumentary genre has been a staple of television for decades, and NBCU is keeping the tradition alive with three new releases: 'Stumble,' 'The Paper,' and 'St. Denis Medical.' But what makes these shows stand out in a crowded market? And how do they reflect the evolution of television comedy?
The Art of Mockumentaries
Twenty years ago, Greg Daniels learned the ins and outs of mockumentaries while directing the fifth episode of 'The Office.' The episode, 'Basketball,' showcased the genre's improvisational nature and the importance of character dynamics. Daniels' close collaboration with camera operators allowed for a natural and chaotic on-screen experience, much like a real basketball game.
Daniels emphasizes the essence of mockumentaries: "The essence of the mockumentary to me is that you don’t have to know exactly what you are going to get when you start. There are character rules and situational rules, but just like a basketball game, you don’t know what is going to happen."
New Releases, Old Masters
NBCU's new mockumentaries showcase a range of styles and themes. 'The Paper' is a comedy about a struggling newspaper and its eccentric staff, set in the world of 'The Office.' 'St. Denis Medical' returns as a hit, and 'Stumble' is a cheerleading competition comedy. These shows join the ranks of other successful mockumentaries like 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Modern Family,' and 'What We Do in the Shadows.'
Preserving the Legacy
Universal TV's executive vice president for comedy development, Jim Donnelly, acknowledges the pressure to maintain the mockumentary's legacy. He says, "We feel pressure to make sure that we’re not the ones who blow it. The worst thing is for people to speak fondly of the olden days but think we’re not doing a good job anymore."
Donnelly emphasizes that Universal's success in the genre relies on the creators and writers' expertise, not just the format itself.
The Evolution of Mockumentaries
Despite their popularity, mockumentaries are constantly evolving. Eric Ledgin, showrunner of 'St. Denis Medical,' aims to steady the cameras on screen, while Daniels wants to return to the stricter form of the genre, where cameras don't intrude on personal spaces.
Ledgin sees the direct-to-camera talking head as an evolution of television comedy, "It’s sort of become the modern laugh track in a way. But I feel like the ‘look to camera’ is a bit of a return to that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing."
Variety and Intimacy
Mockumentaries offer a unique blend of variety and intimacy. Jeff Astrof, co-creator of 'Stumble,' draws inspiration from true crime documentaries, creating a mix of humor and authenticity. Astrof says, "There was a steep learning curve with ‘Trial & Error,’ then I just fell in love with the format because there’s so many jokes you can get in it, and there is an intimacy with the audience because you’re laughing with them."
The Soft Side of Life
'Stumble' takes a softer approach, mirroring the familiar experience of a sports documentary. Co-creator Liz Astrof explains, "What we loved so much about ‘Cheer’ is that everyone watching was standing at the TV like it’s a sporting event."
In conclusion, NBCU's mockumentaries showcase the genre's versatility and evolution, offering a mix of humor, intimacy, and a unique connection to the audience.
