Abbott Elementary launched its first episode with a simple carpet representing Janine Teagues’ determination. She collaborates with her coworkers at a poorly funded Philadelphia school to fight for essential resources, like new carpets, challenging her superior in the process. Thus, Abbott establishes itself not as a series about a comically inept boss, even though Principal Ava (Janelle James) starts off on shaky ground, and the episode is helmed by Office alumni Randall Einhorn. It’s more about the community that its educators build. The premiere, which earned creator Quinta Brunson an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy, instantly pulled viewers into a feel-good sitcom. Now in its fifth season, ABC’s acclaimed series has rejuvenated the genre of workplace mockumentaries, prompting NBC to revisit the format that it once popularized in the early 2000s.

Before its 2021 premiere, TV’s mockumentaries were mostly known for the sardonic humor of 2005’s The Office. Greg Daniels’ U.S. version of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s British original initially sought to replicate its sharp wit with mixed early results. Introduced in 2009, Parks and Recreation, another Daniels project with Michael Schur, started similarly. These series, dissecting day-to-day office life, initially played up social awkwardness and vicarious embarrassment for humor. However, they eventually embraced a warmer tone through genuine interpersonal relationships, slow-developing romances, and significant character growth, transforming their trademark cringe into enduring comfort.

Abbott Elementary quickly captured a feel-good vibe that resonated with viewers, launching during a particularly challenging global pandemic. It highlights the struggles teachers endure within the chaotic American educational system. In a The A.V. Club interview during its first season, Brunson emphasized that “characters like Janine represent the very best of teachers,” aiming to connect with educators whether they’re novices or veterans. Abbott signaled a shift toward kinder, more relatable American mockumentaries, a trend also seen in NBC’s St. Denis Medical, Stumble, and Peacock’s The Paper. These shows offer a stark contrast to the biting What We Do In The Shadows and American Vandal, aligning more closely with the pleasant tones of Jury Duty.

St. Denis Medical, created by Superstore‘s Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin, finds humor in the chaos of an emergency room. Despite its lighthearted approach, the sitcom still addresses real issues such as resource shortages, difficult patients, and the juggle of work-life balance. Even its more challenging characters, like Joyce (Wendi McLendon-Covey) in the season two episode “I Left A Woman On The Table,” reveal the daily pressures that lead to significant insights when she takes on an ER shift to prove a point about staffing.

The Paper, a spin-off of The Office, also adopts a gentle tone. New editor-in-chief Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) of the Toledo Truth-Teller aims to rejuvenate the newspaper’s image amidst today’s challenging media climate dominated by AI, misinformation, and dwindling trust in journalism. Co-created by The Office‘s Daniels and Nathan For You‘s Michael Koman, The Paper provides comforting humor that respects its setting without completely sanitizing it, taking cues from how Parks and Recreation portrayed its public servants.

Then there’s Stumble, from siblings Jeff and Liz Astroff. With a broader comedic approach than the previously mentioned shows, this NBC series remains endearing and impactful. The narrative follows a spirited cheerleading coach who, after being dismissed from her Texas school, finds a new beginning at Oklahoma’s financially struggling Headltston State Junior College. Despite numerous challenges, including a leaky gym and no funds for uniforms, coach Courteney Potter (Jenn Lyon) is determined to lead her team to victory. Drawing inspiration from Netflix’s Cheer, Stumble features strong performances by its cast, including guest appearances by Jeff Hiller and Busy Phillips, and presents relatable scenarios that enhance its welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of Abbott Elementary.

While these new series follow in Abbott Elementary‘s footsteps, only the ABC show has achieved high viewership. The Paper received modest ratings despite a renewal for a second season, and both St. Denis Medical and Stumble have struggled to establish a firm audience, likely due to their less favorable airing times. However, this reflects more on the state of network television than the quality of the shows themselves. Hopefully, they will be given the opportunity to grow and connect with viewers who have shown a clear preference for this kind of mockumentary.

Saloni Gajjar is The A.V. Club’s TV critic.