10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Detectorists (2014)

Description: 'Spaced' and 'Detectorists' both celebrate the quirks of their characters and the humor found in their everyday lives. While 'Spaced' is more surreal and fast-paced, both shows share a love for pop culture references and a focus on the bonds between friends. The shows' unique visual styles and offbeat humor make them stand out in the comedy genre.

Fact: The show was the first collaboration between Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes, and Edgar Wright. Many of the show's visual gags were inspired by classic films and video games. The show was initially rejected by the BBC before being picked up by Channel

Description: 'Black Books' and 'Detectorists' both feature eccentric, lovable characters and a dry, British sense of humor. The shows share a focus on the quirks of their protagonists and the humor found in their interactions. The warm, offbeat tone of 'Black Books' resonates with the gentle, character-driven comedy of 'Detectorists'.

Fact: Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey improvised many of their scenes together. The show was created by Moran and Graham Linehan, who also co-created 'Father Ted'. The bookstore set was so small that the crew had to shoot scenes in sections.

Description: 'Peep Show' and 'Detectorists' both offer a deeply personal look at their characters' lives, though 'Peep Show' does so with a more cynical edge. Both shows use a unique visual style—'Peep Show' with its first-person perspective and 'Detectorists' with its serene, pastoral cinematography—to immerse viewers in their worlds. The shows share a dry, British humor and a focus on the awkwardness of human relationships.

Fact: The first-person perspective was chosen to make the audience feel complicit in the characters' actions. David Mitchell and Robert Webb had been performing together for years before 'Peep Show'. The show was initially rejected by the BBC before being picked up by Channel

Description: 'Green Wing' and 'Detectorists' both excel in creating a unique, surreal world filled with eccentric characters. While 'Green Wing' is more chaotic and fast-paced, both shows share a love for offbeat humor and a focus on the quirks of their characters. The shows' distinctive visual styles and ensemble casts make them memorable entries in the comedy genre.

Fact: The show was shot in a documentary style, with handheld cameras and no laugh track. Many of the show's surreal moments were improvised by the cast. The character of Dr. Alan Statham was originally intended to be a minor role but became a fan favorite.

Description: While 'The Thick of It' is more politically charged and fast-paced than 'Detectorists', both shows share a sharp, witty script and a keen eye for the absurdities of human behavior. The shows excel in creating memorable, idiosyncratic characters and finding humor in their interactions. The British sensibility and satirical edge of 'The Thick of It' find a gentler counterpart in 'Detectorists'.

Fact: The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created 'Veep'. Many of the show's most famous insults were improvised by the actors. The character of Malcolm Tucker was inspired by real-life political spin doctors.

Description: 'The IT Crowd' shares with 'Detectorists' a love for eccentric characters and a dry, British sense of humor. Both shows find comedy in the minutiae of everyday life and the peculiarities of their protagonists. The camaraderie among the IT department staff echoes the friendship between Andy and Lance in 'Detectorists', highlighting the humor and tenderness in unlikely friendships.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also co-created 'Father Ted'. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line was ad-libbed by Chris O'Dowd. The show was initially rejected by Channel 4 but was later picked up after a successful pilot.

Description: Like 'Detectorists', 'Parks and Recreation' is a comedy series that thrives on the charm of its quirky characters and their mundane yet heartfelt pursuits. Both shows celebrate the beauty of ordinary lives and the bonds formed through shared passions—whether it's metal detecting or local government. The gentle humor and optimistic tone of 'Parks and Recreation' mirror the warmth and subtle wit of 'Detectorists'.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real-life libertarian who worked in local government. Amy Poehler improvised many of Leslie Knope's lines. The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office' but evolved into its own unique entity.

Description: While 'Fleabag' is more acerbic and raw than 'Detectorists', both series excel in blending humor with deep emotional resonance. They explore themes of loneliness, human connection, and the search for meaning, albeit in very different tones. The sharp, observational comedy in 'Fleabag' finds a gentler counterpart in 'Detectorists', but both shows are masterclasses in character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote the first draft of 'Fleabag' in just three weeks. The 'Hot Priest' character was originally written as a more conventional love interest. The show was inspired by Waller-Bridge's one-woman play of the same name.

Description: 'Gavin & Stacey' and 'Detectorists' both celebrate the charm of ordinary people and the humor found in their everyday lives. The shows share a warm, affectionate tone and a focus on the bonds between characters. The gentle, character-driven comedy in 'Gavin & Stacey' mirrors the understated humor and emotional depth of 'Detectorists'.

Fact: James Corden and Ruth Jones wrote the show together, often in Jones' kitchen. The character of Nessa was inspired by a real-life friend of Jones. The show was originally intended to be a one-off drama before being developed into a series.

Description: 'Friday Night Dinner' and 'Detectorists' both revel in the humor of everyday British life, with a focus on family dynamics and the quirks of their characters. The shows share a similar pacing and a knack for finding comedy in the mundane. The affectionate portrayal of familial and social bonds in 'Friday Night Dinner' resonates with the camaraderie in 'Detectorists'.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Robert Popper's own family dinners. Jim, the eccentric neighbor, was originally intended to appear in only one episode. The series was almost called 'Jewish Mum' before the title was changed.