Top Ten Comedies That Spoke to Us - Literally
Breaking the fourth wall isn’t new. It’s a technique that dates back centuries to the theatre and has been used in TV and film almost since their inception. It’s a quickfire way to get inside a character’s head, even if they weren't always a reliable narrator. Comedy, in particular, has used this to brilliant effect.
Here’s my list of ten shows that spoke to us, whether we wanted them to or not. (In chronological order.)
1. It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (1986–1990)
The older I get, the more I forget, but I still remember the theme song—because that was the joke. "This is the theme to Garry’s show..." etc.
The late Garry Shandling’s meta sitcom featured Garry living his life in front of a live audience, fully aware he was in a TV show. It was groundbreaking, self-aware, and most importantly, very funny.
The UK even had its own spin on the concept with the late Sean Hughes’ Sean’s Show. "It’s Seany’s show, do do do do..."
2. Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Carrie Bradshaw seemed to have it all. Loyal friends, a dream writing job, an enviable wardrobe, and a beautiful New York apartment, yet she mostly talked about how terrible dating was. (To be fair, she did have some truly awful boyfriends).
Carrie broke the fourth wall with her voiceover narration, but the show also featured "real" New Yorkers talking directly to camera about love and relationships. Dated? Sure. Iconic? Absolutely.
3. The Office (UK 2001–2003 / US 2005–2013)
Much imitated, never bettered—at least if you ask UK fans. David Brent (Ricky Gervais) and Michael Scott (Steve Carell) mugged for the documentary cameras, desperate for attention and approval.
The mockumentary style made the cameras characters in their own right, allowing even a simple reaction shot to deliver a punchline.
4. Arrested Development (2003–2006, revived 2013–2019)
No direct fourth-wall breaks here, but Arrested Development used narration to incredible effect. Ron Howard, playing a tongue-in-cheek version of himself, narrated the Bluth family's chaos with deadpan brilliance.
The show’s layered jokes often winked at the audience (yes, Henry Winkler’s Barry Zuckerkorn literally jumps a shark), and there were frequent pleas to fans to "save our Bluths" before the original cancellation. (Netflix did eventually revive it, though the magic never quite fully returned).
5. Peep Show (2003–2015)
Instead of the characters talking to us, Peep Show forced us to see through them. Shot almost entirely from the characters’ points of view, with inner thoughts narrated in voiceover, it was more than a gimmick. Sharp writing and inventive camerawork turned it into a nine-series success story.
6. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
I said The Office was never bettered, but maybe it was. Leslie Knope is arguably a far more believable, lovable, and well-rounded character than Michael Scott.
Parks and Rec, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, took the mockumentary format and gave it a sunnier, more optimistic spin.
My only question: Who exactly were they talking to? In The Office, it eventually made sense; here, not so much. But it didn’t matter. We were happy to listen.
7. Modern Family (2009–2020)
After The Office, Modern Family was the natural next step: mockumentary meets family sitcom.
The three very different family units often spoke directly to camera, giving us insight into their side of the story, but again, without any real explanation of who the documentary crew was. (Maybe they just really needed therapy).
8. Fleabag (2016–2019)
Leaving Fleabag off this list would be unforgivable. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brilliant creation used the fourth wall as a confessional booth.
At first, Fleabag shares knowing looks and private jokes with us. But when the "hot priest" notices her slipping away to talk to us, it’s a stunning moment. We are her crutch - and when she finally lets go, we know she’s healed. Heartbreaking and hilarious all at once.
9. What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024)
Based on the 2014 film, the TV version follows four vampires living in Staten Island. The mockumentary crew is very much present—and often very much at risk.
Every deadpan aside, awkward glance, and tragedy that befalls the poor documentary team adds to the hilarity. (No spoilers, but the final episode really leans into it).
10. Abbott Elementary (2021–present)
A love letter to teachers everywhere, Abbott Elementary follows a group of underfunded but determined Philadelphia educators—and one amazingly self-absorbed principal.
Using the documentary format again, the characters regularly break the fourth wall to deliver side-eyes, asides, and occasional full-blown rants. Old school sitcom energy, fresh voice.
There are so many more shows that could have made this list, but that just means there's time for a Part Two.
Part Two- the best scenes and storylines that were written as a wink to the audience?
Who would you have included? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you!
