Documentary Now!

Brilliant and hilarious show that takes just the right amount of details from real docs. Wish we had more Bill Hader in later episodes!

I love this sense of humour based on characters having a great consideration for themselves, looking ridiculous from the viewer's perspective, with a pinch of cruelty and tons of nonsense. In short: the character doesn't know he's in a comedy. It isn't common in US comedy, more frequent in GB. This sense of humour requires a perfect execution in the filming and acting and I think that this series has brilliantly achieved it. I'm not an easy laugher and I'm usually the guy with the poker face in the cinema when everyone is exulting. But watching this show, I think I've disturbed my neighbours with my unpracticed heavy laugh. I particularly appreciate the introductions.

It baffles me that a show this funny can remain so underground, with less than a "cult classic" following. However I understand why many have looked over this show. The concept is not only very "out there" but the writing is very smart. In a similar way that the UK version of "The Office" is often overlooked by US fans for being "too smart", this show is closer to dry, British humor than classic American humor. But, through and through, this show is brilliant. The attention to detail is astounding to the point where the original documentaries look worse than their versions. Mulany, Meyers, Hader and Armisen pour so much passion into this show. This is not a cash grab, it's not a money maker, it's a passion project shared by 4 brilliant comedians and that can be seen in every episode. Please support this show, brilliant direction, writing and acting such as this should be rewarded and unfortunately this show is being overlooked.

Some episodes were very good. "Batsh*t Valley", "Searching for Mr. Larson", "Gentle and Soft" are some of the good ones. "Original Cast album" and "Waiting for the Artist" are painfully unwatchable. I'm sure there are some who like that kind of thing, but it was a major chore to get through those episodes. "Final Transition" and "Any given Saturday Afternoon" were reasonably OK. Armison is great, and some of the guest stars make it interesting. Overall, it balances out to about a 6.

I never saw any of the documentaries that they spoof but every episode was still funny to me.