There are some television shows that no matter how many times you watch them, they never get old. They hold up as both individual episodes and as a full story. No shows better fit the title of modern classic better than "The Office," "30 Rock," and "Parks and Recreation."
"The Office" was a break through show at the time, a comedy about ordinary people, at an ordinary job through the lens of a documentary. The show is fantastic, uncomfortable at times, similar to watching your uncle dance or a friend with no game crash and burn as he shamelessly hits on girls, yet it is very watchable for those who are uncomfortable around cringe comedy. I am not usually one of those people, and embarrassing situations make me feel even more uncomfortable because I get uncomfortable when others embarrass themselves. There are many cringe worthy moments in the office, however it grows on you and as the story goes on you come to love the characters and really feel for them. This is especially true due to The Office’s patented “staring into the camera look” to show that they too feel what you feel. You experience the ups, downs, and most of all hilarious pranks seemingly with the cast and that is one of the greatest and defining features of the show. It is a show which was a model for many more shows to come.
"30 Rock," in my eyes one of the greatest shows to ever exist. In a quick synopsis, it is a behind-the-scenes fictional look at an SNL-style variety show, and the audience gets to see the lives and relationships of those involved. The main character is Liz Lemon who is the creator and writer of "The Girly Show, " which then becomes "TGS with Tracy Jordan," however it follows the stories of the writers, actors, executives and even the NBC pages. The show is fun, well balanced, entertaining, and something you can binge watch over and over. Plus you cannot go wrong with Tina Fey as a writer and lead because she is funny, relatable, and basically the Queen of comedy. It is a show rooted in reality with wacky situations that occur. It is a staple in modern day television and if anyone wants to be in show business or wants to atlas be a writer, this is a must watch.
"Parks and Recreations" is the youngest out of all these shows, its final season finished only a year and a half ago. This show had a bit of a bumpy start; its first was almost a chore to watch in its entirety. The second season was better, however, the show really hits its stride when Adam Scott and Rob Lowe join the cast in the penultimate episode of the second season. From that episode on, the show was a true success and a big hit. The story follows a local parks and recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. To some up the overall feel of the show, it is basically a perfect combination of "The Office"
and "30 Rock," which makes a modern classic just like the previous two. This however does not preclude the show from standing on its own merit, it is its own type of show. Amy Poehler, basically the sister Queen of comedy, is a genius in the show and plays her overtly strong and driven character very well. The cast around her however is what truly makes makes this a unique show, almost all have gone on to do great things on their own. Though the first season is awkward and the character of Leslie Knope can serve as a source of annoyance for some audience members, "Parks and Recreation" can certainly join the ranks of other modern day classics.
