Documentary Now!

About Documentary Now!

Documentary Now! is a television series that premiered in 2015 and belongs to the TV Comedies genre. Created by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas, it parodies popular documentary films and series, providing a comedic twist to real-life stories and events.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music

About

Documentary Now! is a mockumentary series that pays homage to acclaimed and iconic documentaries of the past. Each episode parodies a specific documentary style or filmmaker, presenting fictional stories that resemble the tone, structure, and aesthetics of the documentaries they mimic.

The show primarily features a different storyline and setting in each episode, often exploring a different genre or decade of filmmaking. The series cleverly satirizes well-known documentary films and themes, providing a unique and humorous perspective on the genre as a whole.

With its highly accurate and detailed mockumentary format, Documentary Now! effectively captures the essence of the documentaries it lampoons while adding comedic elements to entertain the audience.

Making / Production

Documentary Now! was co-created by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, and Rhys Thomas. The creators, who are all experienced in comedy and television production, collaborated to bring their unique vision to life.

The show was produced by Broadway Video, the production company behind Saturday Night Live, and aired on the IFC network. Each episode of Documentary Now! was meticulously crafted to emulate the style, look, and feel of the documentaries it parodied.

The production team of the show paid close attention to detail and accuracy, working closely with cinematographers, editors, and art departments to recreate the visual authenticity of the documentary genre. The writing and improvisational talents of the cast members, including Armisen and Hader, contributed to the show's comedic brilliance.

Actors

• Fred Armisen - Portrays various characters in each episode, showcasing his versatile comedic skills.
• Bill Hader - Plays multiple roles, demonstrating his range and comedic timing.
• Seth Meyers - Provides voiceover narration and occasionally appears in cameo roles.
• Guest Stars - The show features a wide array of guest stars who bring their comedic talents to different episodes, including Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett, and Jack Black.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show's name is a play on the phrase "documentary now," suggesting a sense of immediacy and relevance.
• Several of the episodes have gained critical acclaim and have been praised for their accurate comedic portrayal of specific documentaries.
• The guest stars often play exaggerated versions of themselves, adding another layer of comedy and parody to the show.
• The show's creators and cast members have a deep admiration for documentary filmmaking, which is evident in the attention to detail and the faithful recreations present in each episode.

Awards

Documentary Now! has received widespread critical acclaim and has been nominated for numerous awards throughout its run. It has won several Primetime Emmy Awards and has been recognized for its outstanding writing, performances, and overall comedic excellence.

Quotes

• "Documentaries are cool, but if you really want to reach people, you've got to rock 'em with a narrative feature." - Fred Armisen
• "Documentary Now! is our loving tribute to the classic documentaries that inspired us and made us laugh." - Bill Hader
• "There's a fine line between mockumentaries and documentaries. We walk that line and then stumble over it for comedic effect." - Seth Meyers

Music

The music in Documentary Now! plays an essential role in capturing the ambiance and mood of each parodied documentary style. The show's composers craft original scores that closely mimic the music of the documentary genre, heightening the authenticity and comedic impact of each episode.

Additionally, the show occasionally features original songs and musical performances that contribute to the overall storytelling and comedic tone of specific episodes.

Documentary Now! is a comedic gem that combines the art of documentary filmmaking with hilarious satire. With its exceptional attention to detail, talented cast, and clever writing, the show is a must-watch for fans of both documentaries and comedy.