The Evolution of Mockumentaries: A New Era for Universal Television

Mockumentaries have become a staple of modern television, with shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation" setting a high standard for the genre. As these series celebrate their 20th anniversaries, Universal Television is introducing three new mockumentaries: "The Paper," "St. Denis Medical," and "Stumble." These shows aim to capture the essence of the genre while adapting to contemporary sensibilities.

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Greg Daniels, known for his work on "The Office," co-created "The Paper" with Michael Koman. This new series focuses on the struggles of a dying newspaper and its eclectic staff, echoing the improvisational spirit of its predecessors. Jim Donnelly, Universal TV's executive vice president for comedy development, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the genre's integrity, stating, “We feel pressure to make sure that we’re not the ones who blow it.”

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Daniels and Koman aim to return to a stricter form of mockumentary filmmaking, avoiding the overuse of cameras in private spaces. Daniels notes, “Over the years, people have made life a little easier for themselves, and the mockumentary has gotten less strict.” This approach reflects a shift in how characters perceive themselves on screen, influenced by the rise of reality television and social media.

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Eric Ledgin, showrunner of "St. Denis Medical," highlights the evolving nature of the genre, stating that the direct-to-camera interaction has become a modern equivalent of the laugh track. He believes this connection enhances audience engagement, as viewers feel part of the narrative.

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"Stumble," co-created by Jeff and Liz Astrof, takes a different angle by parodying Netflix's "Cheer." The show follows a community college cheerleading team as they strive for championship glory. Liz Astrof explains, “We want these characters to be ones you care about,” emphasizing the emotional stakes involved in their journey.

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The trio of new mockumentaries reflects a broader trend in television, where creators seek to portray relatable, heartfelt stories. As Jeff Astrof notes, “If mockumentaries are meant to be slices of life — unvarnished in all its funny forms — Universal is steering toward the softer side of what living looks like today.”

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Donnelly asserts that the success of mockumentaries lies in the connection between characters and audiences, stating, “Viewers come to shows like these because they want to be a part of something.” This sentiment is echoed by Koman, who believes that the genre's longevity is tied to its ability to adapt to changing societal norms.

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• “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,” — Greg Daniels, Co-Creator of "The Paper."

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• “What we loved so much about ‘Cheer’ is that everyone watching was standing at the TV like it’s a sporting event,” — Liz Astrof, Co-Creator of "Stumble."

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• “But if you pull it out just a little bit, it’s just a flyover city in a flyover state. That’s what gives these shows their charm. It’s how much people care about something. I think people want to watch people care about something.” — Jeff Astrof, Co-Creator of "Stumble."

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As Universal Television launches its new mockumentaries, the genre continues to evolve, reflecting contemporary issues while maintaining its comedic roots. With a focus on character-driven narratives, these shows aim to resonate with audiences in a way that honors the legacy of their predecessors while paving the way for future innovations in television comedy.

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