10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Cedar Rapids (2011)

Description: Both 'Arrested Development' and 'Cedar Rapids' are comedies about dysfunctional groups of people trying to navigate absurd situations. Both shows feature fast-paced, joke-heavy scripts and eccentric characters. They also share a similar tone of humor, blending slapstick with more subtle, character-driven jokes.

Fact: The show was created by Mitchell Hurwitz, who previously worked on 'The Golden Girls'. The show's narration by Ron Howard was a last-minute addition to help explain the complex plot. The show was canceled after three seasons but was revived by Netflix due to its cult following.

Description: '30 Rock' and 'Cedar Rapids' both excel in satirizing their respective settings—a TV show and an insurance convention—with sharp, witty humor. Both feature eccentric characters and fast-paced, joke-heavy scripts. The shows also share a similar tone of absurdity mixed with genuine affection for their characters.

Fact: The show is loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences as head writer at 'Saturday Night Live'. Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy, was initially supposed to appear in only a few episodes but became a series regular due to his popularity. The show won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: Like 'Cedar Rapids', 'Parks and Recreation' is a comedy that thrives on the quirks and eccentricities of its characters, set against the backdrop of small-town bureaucracy. Both highlight the absurdity and charm of everyday life in a close-knit community, with a strong emphasis on character-driven humor and heartwarming moments.

Fact: The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office' but evolved into its own unique series. Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, was inspired by real-life female politicians. The fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, is known for its absurd town hall meetings and bizarre local history.

Description: 'Community' and 'Cedar Rapids' both feature ensemble casts of quirky, lovable characters who form unlikely bonds. Both shows blend humor with heartfelt moments, and both are known for their clever writing and unique comedic style. 'Community' also shares 'Cedar Rapids''s small-town, underdog vibe.

Fact: The show was created by Dan Harmon, who later went on to create 'Rick and Morty'. The show is famous for its meta-humor and genre-bending episodes, like the paintball episodes. The phrase 'six seasons and a movie' became a fan rallying cry after being mentioned in the show.

Description: 'Veep' and 'Cedar Rapids' both explore the absurdities of bureaucracy and the people who navigate it. While 'Veep' is more cynical and politically sharp, both shows use humor to highlight the incompetence and pettiness of their characters, all while maintaining a fast-paced, joke-heavy style.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as Selina Meyer. The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created the British political satire 'The Thick of It'. The dialogue was largely improvised, giving the show a more natural, chaotic feel.

Description: Both 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'Cedar Rapids' are workplace comedies that balance humor with heartfelt moments. They feature ensemble casts with distinct, lovable characters who grow and develop over time. The shows also share a similar tone, blending slapstick comedy with more subtle, character-driven jokes.

Fact: The show was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur, the latter of whom also worked on 'Parks and Recreation'. Andre Braugher's deadpan delivery as Captain Holt became one of the show's most beloved aspects. The show was famously canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry.

Description: Like 'Cedar Rapids', 'Silicon Valley' is a comedy about a group of misfits trying to succeed in a world that doesn't quite understand them. Both shows use humor to explore themes of ambition, failure, and the often ridiculous nature of their respective industries—insurance and tech.

Fact: The show was created by Mike Judge, who also created 'Beavis and Butt-Head' and 'King of the Hill'. Many of the show's absurd tech scenarios were inspired by real-life Silicon Valley stories. The show's theme music, 'Pied Piper', was composed by electronic music duo Daft Punk.

Description: 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Cedar Rapids' both focus on characters who are fish out of water in small-town settings. Both shows use humor to explore themes of personal growth and community, and both feature heartwarming moments amidst the comedy. The shows also share a similar tone of warmth and optimism.

Fact: The show was created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy. The show's title was inspired by the phrase 'a different kettle of fish'. The show won multiple Emmy Awards in its final season, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: 'Superstore' shares with 'Cedar Rapids' a workplace comedy setting where ordinary people navigate the absurdities of their jobs and personal lives. Both films use humor to explore themes of camaraderie, small-town life, and the struggles of the working class, all while maintaining a light-hearted and optimistic tone.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's experiences working at a big-box store. America Ferrera, who plays Amy, also served as an executive producer. The show often includes surreal cutaway gags showing the bizarre things that happen in the store when no one is looking.

Description: While 'The Good Place' is more philosophical and high-concept than 'Cedar Rapids', both shows share a focus on personal growth and redemption. They use humor to explore deeper themes about morality and human nature, and both feature characters who are flawed but ultimately good-hearted.

Fact: The show's unique premise was inspired by creator Michael Schur's interest in moral philosophy. Ted Danson had never done a multi-camera sitcom before 'The Good Place'. The show's twist at the end of the first season is considered one of the best in television history.