Oh look, another TV comedy where they talk to the camera

[Bad Bishop]

I tried the new comedy Modern Family (ABC, Wednesday). It's funny, more or less, but I was immediately put off by the "mockumentary" device--characters sit down and speak to the camera.

Such faux interviews are pitch-perfect for The Office (still great as it enters Season 6). But it's just embarrassing to see Modern Family blatantly steal this idea from a hit show on another network. BTW, NBC doesn't get any points for using this idea in Parks and Recreation either.

 

[Broccoli]

The Office didn't invent the concept of mockumentaries. Implying other shows shouldn't do it because it's The Office's thing, is like saying that other shows shouldn't use a laugh track because another show had already done it.

 

[Starbreaker]

Shows like Flash/Forward and Clarissa Explains it All had characters talking to the camera when I was growing up. It's nothing new.

 

[Davros]

I feel Trailer Park Boys is the best show in this style.

 

[bigdaddy]

Malcolm in the Middle also talked to the camera.

 

[Kelthaz]

Zack from Saved by the Bell talked to the camera often too.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

So did the entire cast of The Red Green Show, but that makes sense, since that is literally a show about a show. So it makes perfect sense that Red, Harold, etc. would talk to the camera - they're talking to the home audience just like they should.

It's like what Home Improvement would have been, if the entire show had been "Tool Time".

 

[Bad Bishop]

The Office didn't invent the concept of mockumentaries. Implying other shows shouldn't do it because it's The Office's thing, is like saying that other shows shouldn't use a laugh track because another show had already done it.

The Office didn't invent it. The Office is only the the most successful recent show with a certain style that Modern Family is ripping off.

The Office's "film crew" never goes away, and it appears that the Belgian film crew in Modern Family will be conveniently omnipresent as well. You don't think this is calculated? ABC should be thrilled that viewers like you are generously giving them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Broccoli]

The Office didn't invent the concept of mockumentaries. Implying other shows shouldn't do it because it's The Office's thing, is like saying that other shows shouldn't use a laugh track because another show had already done it.

The Office didn't invent it. The Office is only the the most successful recent show with a certain style that Modern Family is ripping off.

The Office's "film crew" never goes away, and it appears that the Belgian film crew in Modern Family will be conveniently omnipresent as well. You don't think this is calculated? ABC should be thrilled that viewers like you are generously giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Arrested Development had an omnipresent film crew that never went away. Does that mean The Office ripped them off? By your logic, it does.

Because a show makes something popular, that means that no other show should do it? The mockumentary style seems to be a growing genre within comedy. If a creator thinks his/her show can work well in that format, then why not let him/her do it? As others have pointed out, other shows have done this.

Also, lets not forget that The Office isn't that original to begin with considering that it is a remake of another show.

 

[thedude]

I thought Modern Family was great. Ed O'neil was great as usual, and the writing was very sharp. I agree with it's comparisons to The Office and Arrested Development. We'll see if it continues.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

It's older than you think. George Burns was doing it on the Burns and Allen show in the 50's.

 

[Vendikarr]

It's older than you think. George Burns was doing it on the Burns and Allen show in the 50's.

Now that was a great show.

 

[FordSVT]

I think it's important to make the distinction between a show that features a "mockumentary" style and one that uses asides in the narration. One is relatively new, the other is as old as drama itself.

Some shows have an in-world camera crew that is recognized by the characters. For one reason or another they are being filmed or documented and the characters realize this. Sometimes the camera crew is even seen in the production. The Office and The Trailer Park Boys are like this.

Shows that use asides are slightly different as typically the only one aware of the audience interaction is the character making the address. Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Saved By the Bell had Will and Zach making frequent asides. Not sure why those were the first examples I thought of.

 

[gh4chiefs]

I thought Modern Family was great. Ed O'neil was great as usual, and the writing was very sharp. I agree with it's comparisons to The Office and Arrested Development. We'll see if it continues.

I had kind of the opposite reaction, but then I don't see the humor in "The Office" so I guess that style is just not my thing. I tuned in mainly to see Ed O'Neil and it was a little startling to see him growing older. (A reminder of my own mortality I guess).

His wife on the show, what a hottie. I'm remember seeing her some years ago in another ABC short-lived sitcom co-starring with Gail O'Grady. Been over her ever since.

 

[Dark Gilligan]

ABC should be thrilled that viewers like you are generously giving them the benefit of the doubt.

It's only aired once. Why not give them the benefit of the doubt?

 

[Tom Hendricks]

Don't forget about "Better Off Ted." I love this show and the main character talks to the camera all the time.

 

[Nerdius Maximus]

The Office didn't invent the concept of mockumentaries. Implying other shows shouldn't do it because it's The Office's thing, is like saying that other shows shouldn't use a laugh track because another show had already done it.

There's no excuse for using a laugh track in any case in this day and age.

 

[Broccoli]

The Office didn't invent the concept of mockumentaries. Implying other shows shouldn't do it because it's The Office's thing, is like saying that other shows shouldn't use a laugh track because another show had already done it.

There's no excuse for using a laugh track in any case in this day and age.

That's for sure.

 

[Showdown]

Don't forget Bernie Mac and Titus.

 

[thedude]

I thought Modern Family was great. Ed O'neil was great as usual, and the writing was very sharp. I agree with it's comparisons to The Office and Arrested Development. We'll see if it continues.

I had kind of the opposite reaction, but then I don't see the humor in "The Office" so I guess that style is just not my thing. I tuned in mainly to see Ed O'Neil and it was a little startling to see him growing older. (A reminder of my own mortality I guess).

His wife on the show, what a hottie. I'm remember seeing her some years ago in another ABC short-lived sitcom co-starring with Gail O'Grady. Been over her ever since.

Ed certainly has aged a bit... and he seems to have plumped up a bit, especially since Married with Children and Wayne's World (his best role). Hopefully they don't completely ruin that character because I will definitely tune in again to see him.