10 Shows and Movies Like 30 Rock (2006)

Description: Both '30 Rock' and 'Arrested Development' feature rapid-fire, densely layered jokes and absurdist humor. They share a similar satirical tone and often break the fourth wall. Both shows also feature dysfunctional families of sorts - the Bluths in 'Arrested Development' and the TGS staff in '30 Rock'.

Fact: The show was initially canceled due to low ratings but gained a cult following. Ron Howard was not originally intended to be the narrator. The banana stand was inspired by a real frozen banana stand in Newport Beach.

Description: Like '30 Rock', 'It's Always Sunny' features absurd humor, eccentric characters, and satirical takes on social issues. Both shows have a similar fast-paced, joke-heavy style and often break conventional storytelling rules.

Fact: The show was originally rejected by several networks. Danny DeVito joined the cast in season The gang never learns from their mistakes.

Description: Like '30 Rock', 'Parks and Recreation' is a workplace comedy with a strong ensemble cast and witty, fast-paced dialogue. Both shows are known for their satirical take on bureaucracy and politics, albeit in different settings. The shows share a similar mockumentary style and a blend of absurd humor with heartfelt moments.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real-life libertarian who worked in local government. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which was written into the show. The show was initially criticized for being too similar to 'The Office', but it quickly found its own voice.

Description: 'Community' shares '30 Rock's' meta-humor, pop culture references, and willingness to experiment with format. Both shows feature eccentric characters in an institutional setting and blend surreal humor with emotional depth. The shows also share several writers and directors.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Chevy Chase's return to television. The 'Paintball' episodes were inspired by action movies. Donald Glover wrote many of Troy's funniest lines.

Description: Like '30 Rock', 'Veep' is a sharp political satire with fast-paced, witty dialogue. Both shows feature strong female leads navigating male-dominated workplaces. The shows share a similar cynical yet hilarious take on power and ambition.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role. The show was originally set in the White House but was changed to the Vice President's office. Many lines were improvised by the cast.

Description: 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' shares '30 Rock's' sharp, joke-a-minute writing style and workplace comedy setting. Both shows feature a diverse cast of quirky characters and balance absurd humor with genuine emotional moments. The shows also share a similar visual style and pacing.

Fact: Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, had never done comedy before this role. The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. The Halloween heist episodes became a fan-favorite tradition.

Description: 'Silicon Valley' shares '30 Rock's' satirical take on a specific industry (tech vs. television). Both shows feature eccentric characters, rapid-fire jokes, and absurd situations. The shows also share a similar visual style and pacing.

Fact: Many tech CEOs are fans of the show. The show's tech advisor was a real Silicon Valley veteran. The 'middle-out' compression algorithm was based on real math.

Description: 'Schitt's Creek' shares '30 Rock's' sharp wit, eccentric characters, and heartwarming moments. Both shows feature fish-out-of-water scenarios and blend absurd humor with genuine emotion. The shows also share a similar visual style and pacing.

Fact: The show was created by Eugene Levy and his son Daniel. The Rose family was originally going to lose their money in a Ponzi scheme. Catherine O'Hara created Moira's unique accent and vocabulary.

Description: Like '30 Rock', 'Superstore' is a workplace comedy with a diverse ensemble cast and satirical take on corporate culture. Both shows feature absurd humor mixed with social commentary and have a similar visual style with cutaway gags.

Fact: Many of the show's writers had retail experience. The show was inspired by America Ferrera's mother's work in retail. The background customers often do strange things in the store.

Description: 'The Good Place' shares '30 Rock's' clever writing, philosophical themes, and absurd humor. Both shows feature quirky characters in unusual settings and blend comedy with deeper questions about life. The shows also share a similar visual style and pacing.

Fact: The show's philosophy consultant was a real Harvard professor. The twist at the end of season 1 was kept secret from the cast. The show was originally conceived as a miniseries.