10 Shows & Movies Like Ordinary Lies

Description: A medical comedy-drama that mixes humor with heartfelt moments, focusing on the lives of hospital staff and their personal and professional challenges.

Fact: The show's unique narrative style often included surreal daydreams and fantasies. Many medical scenarios were vetted by real doctors for accuracy.

Description: A sitcom about a dysfunctional family navigating absurd situations, featuring witty dialogue and a unique narrative style with frequent callbacks.

Fact: The show's intricate jokes and running gags were designed to reward repeat viewers. It was one of the first shows to use a single-camera format without a laugh track.

Description: A mockumentary-style sitcom that explores the everyday lives of office employees, blending humor with relatable workplace dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Fact: The show was originally based on the UK version created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Many scenes were improvised by the cast to enhance authenticity.

Description: A workplace comedy centered around the misadventures of an IT department in a large corporation, blending geek culture with office humor.

Fact: The show's iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural catchphrase. It was created by Graham Linehan, who also wrote for 'Father Ted.'

Description: A meta-comedy about the behind-the-scenes chaos of a live sketch show, blending absurd humor with workplace dynamics and creative struggles.

Fact: The show was loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences at 'Saturday Night Live.' Many celebrity cameos were unscripted and improvised.

Description: A workplace comedy set in a local government office, focusing on the quirky employees and their often absurd yet heartfelt efforts to serve their community.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real-life libertarian who worked in local government. The show's fictional town, Pawnee, is known for its absurd historical events.

Description: A political satire that delves into the chaotic world of American politics, featuring sharp wit and dysfunctional workplace relationships.

Fact: The show's rapid-fire dialogue required actors to memorize lengthy scripts with precision. It was created by Armando Iannucci, who also worked on 'The Thick of It.'

Description: A police procedural comedy that balances humor with the challenges of law enforcement, featuring a diverse ensemble cast and workplace camaraderie.

Fact: The show was revived by NBC after being canceled by Fox, thanks to a massive fan campaign. The iconic 'Nine-Nine!' chant was improvised by the cast.

Description: A satirical look at the tech industry, focusing on a group of programmers navigating the cutthroat world of startups and venture capital.

Fact: Many of the show's tech scenarios were inspired by real-life Silicon Valley events. The fictional company 'Pied Piper' was named after a real medieval legend.

Description: A sitcom set in a big-box retail store, highlighting the absurdities of retail life and the bonds formed among employees from different backgrounds.

Fact: The show often included real-life customer complaints and stories from retail workers. The fictional Cloud 9 store was designed to resemble a real Walmart.