While TV characters often experience dramatic adventures, they also enjoy simple pleasures like watching television themselves. The shows they watch on screen are usually made up, avoiding any legal issues with real programs, and often result in some surprisingly funny and creative content.
We often enjoy made-up bands, imaginary brands, and commercials for products that don’t exist. Now, let’s appreciate fictional TV shows that could be just as entertaining as the ones we actually watch.
Married…With Children – “Psycho Dad”
Despite being surprisingly violent for a show that aired on PBS and later Fox, ‘The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.’ – described as a straightforward story of a man causing trouble in the Old West – became popular, even inspiring a spin-off called ‘Psycho Mom’.
Gravity Falls – “Duck-tective”
With a waddle and a knack for solving mysteries, it’s hard to believe Duck-tective isn’t a real detective! This feathered sleuth stars in the show *Gravity Falls*, a series full of silly puns and intentionally cheesy special effects – a throwback to the fun, low-budget shows of the ’80s and ’90s.
Community – “Inspector Spacetime”
Although Abed from *Community* once wore a *Doctor Who* shirt, his favorite sci-fi show is *Inspector Spacetime* – a clear parody of the classic British series *Doctor Who*. (A later American adaptation featured Luke Perry.) I think *Inspector Spacetime* actually has more detailed history and lore than most fictional shows within a show, giving fans plenty of background to explore.
South Park – “The Terrance And Phillip Show”
Among the most famous characters on *South Park* who aren’t based on real people are Sir Phillip Niles Argyle and Sir Terrance Henry Stoot, better known as Terrance and Phillip. This Canadian comedy duo has their own TV show that’s famously hilarious, often featuring their signature flatulence.
Extras – “When The Whistle Blows”
What makes Ricky Gervais’s send-up of BBC sitcoms in *Extras* so funny is that it doesn’t feel like a parody at all. It’s surprisingly realistic, with the kind of simple, often cheesy jokes you’d actually see on TV. The show, and especially the catchphrase “Are you ‘avin’ a laugh?”, perfectly captures those moments you love to hate in television.
Saturday Night Live – “TV Funhouse”
Throughout its history, *Saturday Night Live* has presented many humorous fake trailers, songs, and TV shows. But one sketch that truly stood out and eventually became its own series was “TV Funhouse,” created by Robert Smigel. Originally appearing on *SNL*, and later as a standalone show on Comedy Central, it gave us memorable characters like the Ambiguously Gay Duo and the parody trailer for “Bambi 2002,” becoming a beloved part of the show’s history from the 1990s and 2000s.
The Big Bang Theory – “Professor Proton”
If Sheldon Cooper from *The Big Bang Theory* were a real person, he’d probably be a big fan of classic science shows like *Mr. Wizard’s World* or *Beakman’s World*. His favorite TV scientist was Professor Proton, played by the hilarious Bob Newhart, which is why the character was so beloved by viewers. And who could forget Professor Proton’s sidekick, the puppet Gino the Neutrino – though it’s best not to dwell on the person who operated him.
Parks And Recreation – “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show”
Chris Pratt first played Johnny Karate as a guitarist at kids’ parties. But that wasn’t quite exciting enough, so the character evolved into his own motivational TV show. While Johnny might seem silly, his more composed alter ego, Jonathan Karate, is actually very put-together.
Rocko’s Modern LIfe – “Meet The Fatheads”
In *Rocko’s Modern Life*, the Bigheads were parodied as *The Fatheads*, a sitcom family known for being unpleasant and stereotypical. Interestingly, the *Static Cling* revival special also included a fictional revival of *The Fatheads* show, which proved to be divisive among viewers.
Home Improvement – “Tool Time”
Tim Taylor, the hilariously accident-prone host of “Tool Time,” was famous for constantly breaking things on TV. It’s amazing he kept his job, and even more surprising that his co-host, Al Borland, managed to stay safe and keep working with him all those years!
Only Murders In The Building – “Brazzos”
Charles-Haden Savage, the actor from *Only Murders in the Building*, probably remembers the detective show “Brazzos” better than anyone – he famously wore the hat during its surprisingly lengthy run. (His stunt double, Sazz, might have equally fond memories!) But it’s hard to believe anyone else could have turned such an ordinary line – “This sends the investigation into a whole new direction” – into a somewhat memorable catchphrase. It seemed like that show was always heading in ‘a whole new direction’!
Rugrats – “Oodles The Talking Poodle”
Growing up watching classic Nicktoons like *Rugrats*, I haven’t heard the word “poodle” in over 30 years without immediately remembering the theme song for Oodles the Talking Poodle, complete with its little “ding!” sound effect. It’s amazing that no one has made a movie about Oodles yet!
Stargate SG-1 – “Wormhole X-Treme”
As a huge fan of *Stargate SG-1*, I always appreciated its subtle humor, but the 100th episode, “Wormhole X-Treme,” was just brilliant. It was a full-on parody of the kind of action-packed sci-fi shows *within* the show, and it absolutely nailed it. Honestly, I wish all my favorite series had a parody episode as loving and enjoyable as this one. It really felt made *for* the fans.
The Simpsons – “The Krusty The Clown Show”
Without Krusty the Clown’s often-poorly-made variety show, Bart, Lisa, and fans of *The Simpsons* might never have discovered the extremely violent “Itchy and Scratchy Show.” Surprisingly, “Itchy and Scratchy” became more popular than Krusty himself, and even helped Krusty’s former assistant, Sideshow Bob, become more famous.
Murderbot – “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon”
It’s not surprising that Alexander Skarsgård’s character just wants to binge-watch all 397 episodes of the soapy space drama, “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.” With strong actors like John Cho, Clark Gregg, and DeWanda Wise leading the cast of this show – which feels similar to *How to Get Away with Murder* – it’s definitely deserving of its own spin-off series to keep audiences hooked.
Young Justice – “Hello, Megan!”
It’s surprising to see superheroes in a show as ordinary as “Hello, Megan!” This classic sitcom from the late 70s and early 80s focuses on a typical family – a popular cheerleader, her best friend, her boyfriend, and her parents – dealing with everyday issues, like looking after the class pet. Honestly, it’s easy to see why people love it!
Channel Zero – “Candle Cove”
We can probably all agree that the most unsettling TV shows are the ones that leave you feeling genuinely disturbed after watching them. The first season of the horror series *Channel Zero* is a prime example. It centers around “Candle Cove,” a creepy puppet show about pirates that might not even be real-it could all be happening in the viewers’ heads. Just be warned: watch out for The Skin-Taker.
Steven Universe – Crying Breakfast Friends
If you haven’t seen “Crying Breakfast Friends,” don’t bring it up around Steven Universe. He’s a huge fan and gets really emotional watching it – he cries happy tears and sad tears! Honestly, those little breakfast foods – like Glum Glass and Weeping Egg Cup – just hit different.
Supernatural – “Ghostfacers”
The show *Supernatural* was known for its fun, sometimes goofy approach to paranormal investigations – it even did a crossover with the *Scooby-Doo* gang! Within the show, the Ghostfacers, a pair of ghost hunters clearly inspired by the *Ghostbusters*, became recurring characters. They were so popular, they even starred in their own online short series.
BoJack Horseman – “Horsin’ Around”
Despite how dark and sad *BoJack Horseman* could become, the show-within-a-show, *Horsin’ Around* – a sitcom about three kids adopted by a horse – was intentionally silly and cheesy. It’s comparable to shows like *Punky Brewster*, filled with predictably bad jokes, like the pun, “Now, that’s a horse of a different…crueller.”
Twin Peaks – “Invitation To Love”
It’s fascinating to imagine what David Lynch was thinking while creating “Invitation to Love,” the soap opera featured in *Twin Peaks*. The show’s connection to the characters’ lives within the town adds another layer of intrigue.
Seinfeld – “Jerry”
Though the *Seinfeld* show-within-a-show, “Jerry,” only ever made it to a pilot episode, its bizarre storyline is surprisingly memorable. The plot – where Jerry gets into a car accident with an uninsured driver who then becomes his butler – leads to the hilariously accurate catchphrase, “Because he’s MY butler.”
Family Guy – “Jolly Farm Revue”
Stewie Griffin became completely fixated on “Jolly Farm Revue,” a fake British children’s show on *Family Guy* that looked like a mix of *Teletubbies* and other gentle kids’ programs. He genuinely believed the show’s characters were real, which was ironic considering he knew his teddy bear, Rupert, wasn’t. Personally, I think the American version of the show is better, especially with Karina Smirnoff in it.
Arrested Development – “Mock Trial With J. Reinhold”
The show *Arrested Development* was known for its unique and often bizarre humor, perfectly illustrated by a scene where Michael Bluth’s legal case was held as part of a fake reality courtroom show. The show featured Judge Reinhold – who wasn’t actually a judge – and a live theme song performed by William Hung with a band. While the idea was a bit strange, and similar to a joke from *Clerks: the Animated Series*, it totally worked – and you could even say it ‘should have’ become its own series!
SpongeBob SquarePants – “Mermaid Man And Barnacle Boy”
The “Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy” series wasn’t just a funny part of *SpongeBob SquarePants*; the characters themselves were delightful. The show featured incredible voice talent, including Ernest Bornine and Tim Conway originally, and later Adam West and Burt Ward – who famously played Batman and Robin in the 1960s – as the heroes and sidekick.
30 Rock – “MILF Island”
The fictional TV show *30 Rock* once proposed a reality dating show called *MILF Island*, which was advertised with the unsettling slogan, “25 Super-Hot Moms, 50 Eighth Grade Boys, No Rules.” It’s probably a good thing this idea stayed locked away back in 2008.
Lost – “Exposé”
The show *Lost* was famous for its complex timelines, jumping not only between the past, future, and alternate realities, but also *within* the show itself. We briefly saw episodes of *Exposé*, a fictional 1970s action series starring Kiele Sanchez as Nikki (with Billy Dee Williams as the main character). These glimpses were intriguing, but the characters of Nikki and Paolo (played by Rodrigo Santoro) were unpopular with viewers and were quickly killed off during their first season.
DuckTales – “Ottoman Empire”
Okay, so I just watched this TV parody called *DuckTales*’ “Ottoman Empire,” and honestly, it’s a bit of a strange experience. The premise? Two rooster twins, Johnny and Randy, who are basically ottoman-making artisans. It feels *very* close to shows like *Property Brothers*, but with a goofy title and, well, the fact that the hosts are birds. It’s trying to be funny, but it’s so similar to the real thing that the humor doesn’t always quite land. It’s a pun-filled take on the home renovation genre, and it’s certainly…unique.
Drake And Josh – “Drew And Jerry”
In the second season of *Drake & Josh*, the show introduced a funny parallel storyline: Drake and Josh had a falling out and each became friends with someone who acted just like the other. Eventually, Drake and Josh reconciled, but their new friends ended up with their own show that was essentially a copy of *Drake & Josh*. It seems likely that new show will also feature a similar plot twist in its second season.
My Name Is Earl – “Estrada Or Nada”
Reality game shows have become pretty over-the-top, but the “Estrada or Nada” segment from the show *My Name Is Earl* remains uniquely entertaining. People could challenge actor Erik Estrada to just about anything – from sports like basketball to eating contests, or even impersonation challenges.
Futurama – “Everybody Loves Hynotoad”
Hypnotoad is universally loved! It’s a fantastic show, and everyone seems to agree.
Garfield & Friends – “The Binky Show”
Remember watching TV really early in the morning? For a lot of kids, nothing seemed to blast through the quiet quite like Binky the Clown from *Garfield & Friends*. It felt like his show was always on, and it was surprisingly well-made, which probably explains why it was broadcast so often.
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2025-09-21 20:44