Documentary Now!

:

Season 1
  • Network: IFC
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 20, 2015
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 5 out of 25
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User Reviews

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  1. Knighthawk81
    Aug 21, 2015
    6
    Bill Hader and Fred Armisen are incredibly talented, and this comedy series lends itself to mocking some of the familiar tropes in documentaries. The pilot episode had a funny twist on "Grey Gardens," and the second episode (Available on YouTube) is a funny take on some of the overly aggressive reporting in hostile territory that seems to happen all the time. This is breezy, light-heartedBill Hader and Fred Armisen are incredibly talented, and this comedy series lends itself to mocking some of the familiar tropes in documentaries. The pilot episode had a funny twist on "Grey Gardens," and the second episode (Available on YouTube) is a funny take on some of the overly aggressive reporting in hostile territory that seems to happen all the time. This is breezy, light-hearted entertainment.… Expand
  2. Scraper
    Oct 21, 2016
    5
    Documentary Now is a well-produced show with mostly punchless jokes. This concept has been done so well in the past so the bar was set high (Spinal Tap, Best In Show). Mostly the scripts spend too much time with the details of each episode, which are done amazingly. It seems the dialogue is hoping to be carried by the sets and costumes. The jokes are often simple nods to the situationsDocumentary Now is a well-produced show with mostly punchless jokes. This concept has been done so well in the past so the bar was set high (Spinal Tap, Best In Show). Mostly the scripts spend too much time with the details of each episode, which are done amazingly. It seems the dialogue is hoping to be carried by the sets and costumes. The jokes are often simple nods to the situations they're in. Very neo-SNL to try and let the concept carry the sketch itself. It's frustrating because these are two funny, dedicated guys that would have been really well served by some edginess.… Expand
  3. debbie13410
    Oct 10, 2015
    8
    Very well crafted mockumentary. Attention to detail, styling, film technique. These are not punch line jokes but the humor is in the satire. I think my favorite is Kunuk and how it makes fun of the original in all the right places.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Tim Grierson
    Aug 20, 2015
    80
    Documentary Now! is so wonderfully silly it may take viewers a moment to recognize just how smart it is, too.
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  2. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Hays Davis
    Aug 20, 2015
    80
    Not only are the fake documentaries of Documentary Now! hilarious, but doc fans are sure to embrace (while laughing) these studiously crafted pieces from creators Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Seth Myers for their loving attention to detail.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Margaret Lyons
    Aug 20, 2015
    50
    Each episode parodies a famous documentary, sometimes with exacting precision and sometimes with not-so-exacting precision.
    Read full review
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