mockumentary

American  

[mok-yuh-men-tuh-ree, ‑tree] / ˌmɒk yəˈmɛn tə ri, ‑tri /

noun

Movies,

1. a movie or television show depicting fictional events but presented as a documentary.

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mockumentary British  

/ ˌmɒkjʊˈmɛntərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. a satirical television or radio programme in the form of a parody of a documentary

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Etymology

Origin of mockumentary

mock + (doc)umentary

Example Sentences

Plaza, who’s become Hollywood’s favorite weirdo since splashing onto the scene as April Ludgate in the mockumentary sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” met Abbott when they worked together in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Her new number one arrived on the same day that the Brit Award winner saw the cinematic release her Aidan Zamiri-directed mockumentary, The Moment.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Make that four leads, since director and co-writer Matt Johnson and his composer-best friend Jay McCarrol each play themselves twice, thanks to archival footage presented in this zippy mockumentary as evidence of time travel.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

That’s the meta concept behind “The Moment,” the feature-length film co-developed by Charli and her friend and director, Aidan Zamiri, that plays like a mockumentary from an alternate reality.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

His output included classic films like 1984's rock music mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap," fantasy gem "The Princess Bride" from 1987, and seminal coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me."

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025