Summary

Meta TV shows , a distinctive and forward-looking musical style of television , engage audiences with a unique coming to storytelling . Likethe most meta film of all time , meta TV showsuse sure narrative devices to acknowledge its own existence . lesson of what makes a show meta include character kick downstairs the fourth wall to speak to TV audience , gags and jokes that recognise the show , and even parodying the movie and video manufacture .

Some ofthe good TV show of all timeare also meta , and usually , a labor ’s success advance its writers to reference the popularity of its plotlines or characters . By film over the lines between fact and fiction , meta TV shows can put up an entertaining and interesting twist on overdrive stories and repeated tropes . Although sight of TV shows have factors that are consider meta , only a survival of the fittest is unfeignedly and completely meta to the center .

tough sci - fi is categorized by its adherence to scientific accuracy and realism . There are n’t many TV appearance that are able to pull it off .

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15Community

2009–2015

Community ’s 6 - time of year run is meta from commencement to finale , especially because of all of the unremitting quaternary - bulwark - breaking and self - referential jokes the show makes . However , Community ’s most meta quality is the character of Abed . Abed ’s aspirations of being a theater director lead to some hilarious plotlines , such as his Christian motion picture or recreatingMy Dinner With Andrefor his birthday . His reference to “ Six seasons and a picture ” is finally coming rightful , too , with the upcomingCommunitymoviedue to start tear in the near time to come .

His consumption of tonic refinement references also ties the real world into theCommunityuniverse , such as the Nicolas Cage film class in the episode “ intro to Teaching . ”

The others eventually embrace Abed ’s metaness in individual episode as well . Some ofCommunity ’s good episodespay homage to various genres and formats , let in mockumentaries , action moving picture , and video recording games . As a whole , Communitydoes an incredible job of deconstruct distinctive sitcom and television conventions , packed with denotation to flick , TV appearance , and other element of blanket broadcast medium .

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Community is a comedic television serial that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College , a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado . Released in 2009 , the show research the quirky fundamental interaction and relationship among the eclectic radical navigating their academic and personal challenge .

14Black Mirror

2011–

Black Mirroris so meta that it ’s become the television set industriousness ’s defining title . The show ’s name is often used to consult to a dystopian work that uses an eerie toneand makes a commentary on a real societal trouble . Each sequence of one of thegreatest anthology tv set show of all timetackles a new story with unique characters , but the theme of each installment differs . Black Mirror ’s best episodescover topics browse from political corruption , the dangers of quad travelling , and the complications of intricate technology and social spiritualist .

Although each episode is a standalone storey , it allowsBlack Mirrorto use a variation of genres without committing to one . Particular episodes are more meta than others , however , because of how ego - referential they are . For example , “ Nosedive ” pore on a mobile app that scab humanity based on how their worth is valued in a fictional points system , and “ Be powerful Back ” delves into the power of AI in the modernistic world and the construct of it realise sensory faculty .

Even thoughBlack Mirroris an anthology , there are a few instances in which it ’s intimate that each sequence assume part in the same universe of discourse . “Black Museum ” has several easter eggs and references to former episode that are display as artifacts in the titular archive . Overall , the show ’s central theme is the benefits and hindrances of applied science , which is present throughBlack Mirror ’s ability to get audience to ruminate on themselves , company ’s progression , and the melodic theme of free will .

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Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and heavy wallop of modern technology on society . premier in 2011 , it examines various scenario where technological advancements intersect with human nature , creating opinion - provoking narratives about modern-day and succeeding issues .

13BoJack Horseman

2014–2020

One of thebest invigorate TV shows ever , BoJack Horseman , is meta through its primary plot line , which focalise on the titular character , a rinse - up sitcom ace who is plagued by his past mistake , substance abuse , and the loved ones he repeatedly lets down . BoJack Horsemanis tremendously satiric of Hollywoodand the entertainment industry in several ways . From beginning to finish , the show critiques and mock celebrity culture and the nature of renown through the highs and lows of BoJack ’s career , which sees plenty of peaks and valleys .

There are many references to real - spirit popular cultivation inBoJack Horseman , and the character Mr. Peanutbutter is a perfect example . Mr. Peanutbutter , who is BoJack ’s admirer and former sitcom rival , frequently postulate , “ What is this , a crossover episode ? ! ” whenever any two citizenry from unlike areas of his biography cross paths . He is also the ex - married man of Jessica Biel , one of many celebrities who come out as themselves in the show . However , the show secure a lowering focus on the dark side of Hollywood , too .

Several episodes inall 6 season ofBoJack Horsemanexamine the media and its impact on society . Multiple storylines turn over into complex subject , such as the king dynamics between an older male and a younger female , addiction , mental health , and the manufacture ’s approach to social upshot . BoJack ’s demonstrate “ Horsin ’ Around ” and “ Philbert ” provide a meta - comment on the world of celebrity . Although BoJack is n’t the most sympathetic fibre , this is also a part of the show ’s meta - ness and shows the harsh realities of stardom .

Phoebe Waller Bridge as Fleabag from Fleabag, Joel McHale as Jeff Winger from Community, and Rick and Morty.

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Once the famous star of a hit sitcom , BoJack Horseman has fall on tough times . Stuck in a major career drop-off and yearning to live over his glory days , BoJack essay to once more become relevant in an diligence that has long since turned its back on him . With a few dysfunctional friends at his side , BoJack begins his long - overdue career comeback .

12Rick And Morty

2013–

Rick and Morty ’s meta definition is clean-cut from its cowcatcher . The first sequence wrapper up with demented genius scientist Rick Sanchez drift about his future adventures with his grandson , Morty . The show is almost permanently self - referential , with core moments standing out for acknowledge its beingness and fourth - wall fracture . For good example , Rick talks about “ Szechuan sauce ” repeatedly in the installment “ The Rickshank Rickdemption , ” a acknowledgment to McDonald ’s 1998 promotion for the movieMulan . This gag lead to the dealership actually contribute the dipping sauce back for a limited time in 2017 .

Another example of the show ’s meta commentary is inRick and Morty ’s anthology episode , notably the interdimensional cablegram story . These episodes are full of reference to TV and movies , often joking about the cobwebby absurdity of the industry . Rick and Mortyis also meta through its narratives . For good example , the episodes " Never Ricking Morty " and " Full Meta Jackrick " focus on the “ meta reality”and the conception that the nominal characters are also fictional figures in the show ’s universe , too , with Morty purchasing a toy found on the two of them at the Citadel of Ricks .

Another contributing agent toRick and Morty ’s metaness comes from the role speaking about their development as masses , discussing themselves as if they are aware of their function within a fictional story . The show explores experiential and philosophical concepts , examine into the fundamental questions surrounding the purpose of sprightliness , autonomy , and the essence of world . Morty and Rick ’s dangerous undertaking sometimes sends them across multiple universes that travesty or reference real life , like when Rick gives his family a twain of goggles that have them see their substitute selves live other lives .

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Community is a comedic television series that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College, a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado. Released in 2009, the show explores the quirky interactions and relationships among the eclectic group navigating their academic and personal challenges.

Rick and Morty is an animated science fabrication serial that follows the flakey scientist Rick Sanchez and his waxy grandson Morty Smith as they venture on precarious escapade across space and alternate dimensions . The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty ’s tumultuous menage life and personal challenges .

11Fleabag

2016–2019

Although manyTV show part break the fourth bulwark , none do it as much asFleabag . The hit British drollery drama follows the nominal character as she grieve for her honorable friend , struggles with a strained relationship with her sister , and lead a local London coffee bar . In every installment , Fleabag fill the interview in on important plot of ground details or her opinion , which adds an interesting stratum to an already complex narrative . The demarcation between Fleabag ’s interaction with others and her directly acknowledge viewers take a crap her a fascinating personality .

Unlike the other characters , Fleabag ’s monologues and comment provide a singular linear perspective that allow audiences to infer her as a person better . As the show progress , Fleabag ’s family relationship with the other side of the camera change along with her . Fleabag ’s character development as the truth about Boo ’s expiry is revealed , her chemical bond with Claire get better and worse again , and meeting the Priest impacts her mental attitude and reactions to life . However , the show also use its meta factor to comment on present-day problem in society .

Fleabag ’s hilarious approach to the mankind bear witness how important these issues are , yet treat them in such a mode that it mock how ridiculous it is that they ’re being talk over in the first place .

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Multiple installment ofFleabaghighlight topics like gender roles , relationships , and societal expectations . Fleabag ’s uproarious approaching to the humankind proves how important these issues are , yet treats them in such a mode that it mocks how nonsensical it is that they ’re being discussed in the first place . Fleabagis deeply meta because it constantly pursue with the hearing through a blending of humor and introspectionbut with a narrative that is light - hearted , profound , and philosophical all at the same time .

create by and starring Pheobe Waller - Bridge , Fleabag follows its titular independent character through her life in modern - 24-hour interval London . After the death of her practiced friend and the imminent demise of their joint business venture , the show treat with Fleabag ’s grief over the exit , her conflict to keep up the business , and her complicated relationships with her immediate family . The show is known for its use of the fourth - wall intermission and is establish on Waller - Bridge ’s awarding - get ahead one - woman show which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013 .

10Supernatural

2005–2020

Although the assumption ofSupernaturaldoesn’t instantly set the show up to be meta , over clip , it slips into the category . Episodes in recent season of the show are explicitly meta , such as “ The French Mistake . ” In this episode , Sam and Dean Winchester are pulled into another attribute whereSupernaturalis a TV show , and they are duplicates of their worker , Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki . Padalecki is even questioned by his actual - life wife Genevive , who portrays Ruby in the show .

Throughout many episodes ofevery time of year ofSupernatural , there are several ego - referential trick . For example , in another meta episode of the show “ Changing Channels , ” Sam and Dean are trapped in various video show mockery . This episode alternate between multiple telecasting genres , including an ‘ eighty sitcom , a aesculapian drama , and an over - the - top , camp Japanese plot show . Another coreSupernaturalarc that is meta is Chuck ’s books , which he uses to falsify the Winchesters ’ lives . This storyline leads to other episodes that explore the concept of conventions , fan fiction , and theSupernaturalfandom itself .

AlthoughSupernaturalisn’t a sci - fi TV show by definition , its enjoyment of substitute reality and other universes allows for an interesting transformation in its story . Considering that it ’s one ofthe longest - running video show ever , it makes sense thatSupernaturalbecomes so meta . The combination of layered mythological elements and its characters ’ awareness of its fancied position is often complicatedand can be difficult to follow at times , but it also makes the lore ofSupernaturalvery soft to enthrone in .

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create by Eric Kripke , Supernatural is a fantasy / drama serial publication that premiered in 2005 . The series accompany the adventure of Dean and Sam Winchester - two men wronged by supernatural beings as children who now pass their days investigate and hunting demons , ghosts , and monsters across the United States .

930 Rock

2006–2013

30 Rock , one ofthe well sitcoms of all clip , brilliantly reflects on Tina Fey ’s time atSaturday Night Liveand supply a screaming commentary on the pressure of live TV.The show is prepare in the topsy-turvyness of a resilient sketch funniness show that parodiesSNL , and Fey portray its fagged and disorganized school principal writer , Liz Lemon.30 Rockheavily feature a fictionalized rendering of NBC , and the show frequently jest about the ship’s company ’s actual - living controversy , bomb projects , and its corporate parent , General Electric .

The show incorporates factual event from chronicle into its storylines , such as Mitt Romney ’s 2012 presidential campaign . There are also other literal - life issues that30 Rockreferences , like when Avery is stuck in North Korea in season 6 . However , a sight of30 Rock ’s metaness come from its role . NBC page Kenneth is a persona that perfectly encapsulate through gags about him never aging and his love for boob tube output , for illustration , and Jenna and Tracey are both caricatures of striking and petty Hollywood maven who always find employment despite their lack of tact .

30 Rockloves to joke about its cast within the show , too . There are multiple muzzle throughout30 Rockthat reference work Fey ’s resemblance to Lemon and Alec Baldwin ’s film calling , which summate another meta stratum to an already self - referential show . Some plot line follow a alike pattern as well , mocking the industry and its pop design in general , such as when Jack crap the TGS writers ' room incorporate product placement into sketches .

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Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.

Tina Fey ’s absurdist comedy serial follow Liz Lemon , the head writer of a fictional live sketch comedy show maneuver out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza , which is where the show derives its name . generally based on Fey ’s experiences as a writer on Saturday Night Live , 30 Rock ran for seven seasons with a support cast that included Alec Baldwin , Tracy Morgan , Jane Krakowski , and Jack McBrayer .

8Arrested Development

2003–2019

Arrested Developmentis a groundbreaking title in the sitcom music genre because of its unique formatting . Ron Howard ’s narration gives audiences further contingent onthe Bluth folk inArrested Developmentand those around them , name each character well - rounded and interesting . In later seasons of the show , Howard becomes a big persona as Michael tries to make a TV show base on events of his past and date stamp his daughter . astonishingly , incorporating Howard as a fictitious character while continuing with his comment reach the show even more meta .

What ’s so intriguing aboutArrested Developmentis how these meta storylines are blended into the character ' lives . In season 5 , there is a series of flashback that show the Bluth siblings as children and the effect that lead to Buster accidentally belt down his nanna . These scenes from the past are afterward revealed to be recreations for Buster ’s trial . catch Developmentknows how to bemock itself and the wide cosmos brilliantly , which is why it ’s so meta .

7The Rehearsal

2022–

Nathan Fielder ’s screaming meta show beg the enquiry : IsThe Rehearsalreal?The HBO show be Fielder , who helps masses prepare for existent - life site by recreating creepily accurate environments and outlining every potential reception and chemical reaction they may face . Throughout the show , it ’s hard to determine exactly whetherThe Rehearsalis fact or fiction because of its film expressive style and Fielder ’s approach shot . The premise blurs the phone line between reality and execution , an incredibly meta quality for the show to possess .

fieldsman ofttimes acknowledgesThe Rehearsal ’s constructed nature , but his self - awareness is too endearing at points that it makes the show come along to be still false . The show ’s elaborate setup and the amour of doer to play substantial hoi polloi within the rehearsal are untamed , but the fact thatThe Rehearsaldoesn’t fit within a individual music genre make it even more meta . The show uses fragments of infotainment and reality TV shows to march its focus on performance in daily lifetime .

The Rehearsal is a television series produce by Nathan Fielder , in which he attend to individuals in cook for substantial life events through punctilious simulations . Each episode explores the intricate and often humourous process of refining these rehearsal , highlighting the complexities and unexpected outcome inherent in the pursuit of flawlessness . The show blends written and unscripted elements , offer a singular take on human behavior and the lengths people will go to so as to achieve their goals .

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6South Park

1997–

South Parkis a show that never pause to tackle a real - animation upshot as before long as possible , using savage and bemock humor to remark on society . In fact , severalepisodes ofSouth Parkare bannedbecause the show takes thing too far , but its willingness to speak out is one of the reasons why it ’s so successful . Although a sight ofSouth Park ’s funniness ab initio seems to be simple and stupefied , the show is actually very healthy because of how satirical it is .

South Parkintroduces real celebrity figures as character reference , either immediately or through other ridiculous agency . For example , Elon Musk , Elton John , and Meat Loaf all genius inSouth Parkas themselves , but pop artist Lorde appears as Randy Marsh ’s melodic alter - ego . South Parkalso recognizes its similarities and differences with other alive television shows , likeFamily Guy , which is criticized in a scene that implies its writers are a group of manatees .

South Parkmay take meta to the extreme in some path , there ’s no doubt that it uses its power to critique the wider world bright .

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The show often references itself and its characters , and evenSouth Parkcreators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are mentioned in the episodes . For example , there are a few instances in whichSouth Parkdiscusses the audience ’s reception to sure disceptation , such as Chef ’s net episode , which is full of laugh about Isaac Hayes and Scientology . AlthoughSouth Parkmay take meta to the extreme in some ways , there ’s no doubt that it use its power to critique the wider worldly concern bright .

South Park follow the irreverent misadventure of four grade - schoolers — Stan , Kyle , Cartman , and Kenny — that take place in the still , nonadaptive townsfolk of South Park , Colorado . The animated serial explore various societal and political issue through its characters ' humorous and often derisory escapades .

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Once the famous star of a hit sitcom, BoJack Horseman has fallen on tough times. Stuck in a major career slump and longing to relive his glory days, BoJack attempts to once more become relevant in an industry that has long since turned its back on him. With a few dysfunctional friends at his side, BoJack begins his long-overdue career comeback.

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Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction series that follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his impressionable grandson Morty Smith as they embark on perilous adventures across space and alternate dimensions. The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty’s tumultuous family life and personal challenges.

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Fleabag TV Poster

Created by and starring Pheobe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag follows its titular main character through her life in modern-day London. After the death of her best friend and the imminent demise of their joint business venture, the show deals with Fleabag’s grief over the loss, her struggle to maintain the business, and her complicated relationships with her immediate family. The show is known for its use of the fourth-wall break and is based on Waller-Bridge’s award-winning one-woman show which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013.

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Supernatural TV Series Poster

Created by Eric Kripke, Supernatural is a fantasy/drama series that premiered in 2005. The series follows the adventures of Dean and Sam Winchester - two men wronged by supernatural beings as children who now spend their days investigating and hunting demons, ghosts, and monsters across the United States.

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30 Rock TV Poster

Tina Fey’s absurdist comedy series follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictional live sketch comedy show operating out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which is where the show derives its name. Loosely based on Fey’s experiences as a writer on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock ran for seven seasons with a supporting cast that included Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer.

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The rehearsal key poster

The Rehearsal is a television series created by Nathan Fielder, in which he assists individuals in preparing for significant life events through meticulous simulations. Each episode explores the intricate and often humorous process of refining these rehearsals, highlighting the complexities and unexpected outcomes inherent in the pursuit of perfection. The show blends scripted and unscripted elements, offering a unique take on human behavior and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve their goals.

Headshot oF Nathan Fielder

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South Park follows the irreverent misadventures of four grade-schoolers—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—that take place in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado. The animated series explores various social and political issues through its characters' humorous and often absurd escapades.

Headshot Of Matt Stone