10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Cuckoo (2024)

Description: This anarchic comedy shares 'Cuckoo's' rebellious spirit and surreal humor. Both shows break conventional sitcom rules, featuring chaotic characters and unpredictable storylines.

Fact: It was the first British sitcom to use a live studio audience of students. The show featured real punk bands performing. The cast frequently broke character and addressed the camera.

Description: Like 'Cuckoo', this show features a dysfunctional friendship at its core, with exaggerated physical comedy and absurd situations. Both find humor in the characters' inability to function normally in society.

Fact: The stage shows were even more violent than the TV series. Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson performed many stunts themselves. The show was originally going to be called 'Your Bottom'.

Description: Like 'Cuckoo', this show finds humor in confined settings and eccentric characters. Both feature absurd situations arising from personality clashes, with a similar blend of clever writing and physical comedy.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a radio series. The iconic 'Kicking Bishop Brennan up the arse' episode was almost banned. Dermot Morgan died the day after filming the final episode.

Description: This cult classic, like 'Cuckoo', blends surreal humor with relatable characters. Both shows feature quirky friendships and pop culture references, with a similar energy and visual inventiveness.

Fact: It launched the careers of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright. Many scenes parody famous films like 'The Shining' and 'Dawn of the Dead'. The show was initially commissioned as a vehicle for Jessica Hynes.

Description: Sharing 'Cuckoo's' absurdist humor and eccentric characters, 'Black Books' similarly finds comedy in social misfits. Both shows feature hilarious yet oddly touching friendships and a distinctive visual style.

Fact: Dylan Moran wrote much of the show while drunk. The bookshop set was so realistic customers tried to buy books. Bill Bailey improvised many of his musical moments.

Description: 'Peep Show' shares with 'Cuckoo' a unique perspective on everyday life through its first-person camera technique, creating an intimate and often uncomfortable viewing experience. Both shows excel in portraying the awkwardness of human interactions.

Fact: It's one of Channel 4's longest-running sitcoms. The show's distinctive point-of-view shots were inspired by a Dutch film called 'The Vanishing'. David Mitchell and Robert Webb had been performing together for years before the show.

Description: Sharing 'Cuckoo's' offbeat humor and workplace comedy elements, 'The IT Crowd' similarly features socially awkward characters navigating bizarre situations. Both shows have a distinctive visual style and quotable dialogue.

Fact: The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line was almost cut. Richard Ayoade directed several episodes. The show was initially rejected by the BBC.

Description: Like 'Cuckoo' (2024), 'The Inbetweeners' is a British comedy that revolves around awkward social situations and the humor derived from them. Both shows feature young protagonists navigating life's absurdities, with a mix of cringe and heartwarming moments.

Fact: The show was initially rejected by the BBC before being picked up by EThe cast had to re-audition for their roles in the movie adaptations. The infamous 'briefcase wanker' scene was improvised.

Description: Like 'Cuckoo', this show finds humor in family dynamics and generational clashes. Both feature eccentric family members and the comedy that arises from their interactions, with a similar balance of absurdity and warmth.

Fact: The character of Jim was originally written as a one-off appearance. The show's creator based it on his own family's Friday night dinners. Mark Heap improvised many of Jim's awkward moments.

Description: This university-set comedy shares 'Cuckoo's' focus on young adults in transitional life stages, blending humor with poignant moments about growing up. Both shows feature eccentric characters and explore themes of friendship and self-discovery.

Fact: Jack Whitehall based his character on people he knew at university. The show was created by the same team behind 'Peep Show'. Many scenes were filmed at Manchester Metropolitan University.