I love when shows get meta on you and feature a made-up TV show within the series’ world. It’s actually shocking how many examples there are of this – which is where this list of the best TV shows within a show comes in.
Kind of lowkey wish they’d make some of these in real life…
The Justice Friends (Dexter’s Laboratory)
This is a recurring joke from the kids’ TV series Dexter’s Laboratory. It’s Dexter’s favorite show about a team of superheroes that doesn’t just fight evil, but has to learn to live together. Kind of like Teen Titans, if we’re being honest.
Albi the Racist Dragon (Flight of the Conchords)
If you haven’t seen Flight of the Conchords you’re missing out on some serious musical comedy. One of their most hilarious bits, though, was the children’s TV show within the show called Albi the Racist Dragon. Yes, he does sing.
The Itchy and Scratchy Show (The Simpsons)
Technically a show within a show within a show (it airs during Kursty the Clown), The Itchy and Scratchy Show is probably the most iconic TV pick on this list.
Hypnotoad, All My Circuits, the Scary Door, or Single Female Lawyer (Futurama)
Fururama had so many funny shows shown or referenced within it that it’s impossible to choose the best one.
HypnoToad ’s concept is just hilarious (it’s just a toad hypnotizing the viewer… And is obviously the #1 show) and All My Circuits comes up a lot because it’s a popular robot soap opera the characters enjoy.
Seen less often, though, The Scary Door is the most popular show on Earth in the series and is a parody of The Twilight Zone, while Single Female Lawyer is a parody of Ali McBeal.
Sick Sad World (Daria)
This one is pretty apt for Daria’s cynical style based on the title, but we never really see much of the show (outside of promotions) during the series.
MILF Island, Los Amantes Clandestinos, and Others (30 Rock)
Since 30 Rock is set in a fictionalized version of the NBC studio plenty of hilarious made up TV shows are being filmed at the office.
Two of the funniest are MILF Island, a “hit” reality TV show that’s shown heavily in episode 11 of season 2 and Los Amantes Clandestinos , a telenova that serves as a major plot point during an episode in season 3.
Powdered Toast Man (Ren and Stimpy)
Just looking at Powdered Toast Man is enough to see why this one is so funny. He’s a recurring character from a show within the show and we see glimpses of the cartoon while Ren and Stimpy watch.
Moody’s Point (The Amanda Show)
Moody’s Point was one of the recurring sketches on The Amanda Show. It was a parody of popular teen drama shows at the time, especially Dawson’s Creek .
Ya Heard? With Perd! (Parks and Recreation)
A fake talk show on Pawnee’s NBC affiliate channel, Ya Heard? With Perd! comes up several times as a plot device in the show. Leslie Knope even goes on it!
Troy and Abed in the Morning! (Community)
If you’re not singing this title as a jingle you really need to go watch Community. Seriously though, I’d watch this.
Fightin’ Round the World With Russell Crowe or Terence and Philip (South Park)
These are just two great examples of the many, many parodies we see in South Park. The Russel Crowe one is just really funny, but Terrance and Phillip comes up frequently throughout the series.
Fun fact: Terrance and Phillip actually came about as a response to critics saying South Park was nothing but juvenile fart jokes.
Hollywoo Stars and Celebrities: What Do They Know? Do They Know Things?? Let’s Find Out! (Bojack Horseman)
Now that’s a mouthful! Add this to the list of shows I’d watch, the premise is simple: the host asks celebrities questions to see if they know the answer. When it appears in the show (BoJack goes on it) it actually stars real-life celebrities as themselves, too.
Interdimensional Cable (Rick and Morty)
Far, far too many to list here but there are so many bangers whenever they show the Interdimensional Cable shows on Rick and Morty . My personal favorite is the Plumbus: How They Do It that parodies How it’s Made and Gazorpazorpfield, but it really is hard to pick the best one.
Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy (Spongebob Squarepants)
You thought we’d forget this classic? It’s about two elderly superheroes who are living together in a retirement home. They’re seen often throughout the series, both on the TV in through various merchandise around Bikini Bottom.
The Manny (This Is Us)
A lot of folks forget about this one since This is Us is more drama than comedy, but The Manny is a major plot point in the show. Basically a really bad sit com about a muscular man looking after a baby and it’s the reason why Kevin (who stars in it) is super wealthy in the series.
8 Netflix Shows You’ve Never Heard Of That Are Actually Amazing
Bored? Craving something new and interesting to watch, like Stranger Things or The Watcher– but you have already watched them. Here are some shows to binge!
8 Netflix Shows You’ve Never Heard Of That Are Actually Amazing
21 HBO Originals That Are So Good, You’ll Binge-Watch Them All in One Weekend
What do you get when you combine exceptional storytelling, top-notch production values, and a lineup of talented actors? The answer lies in HBO’s extensive library of TV shows. The question: what is the best HBO TV show of all time?
21 HBO Originals That Are So Good, You’ll Binge-Watch Them All in One Weekend
The 13 All-Time Best Netflix Original Series You Must Watch Right Now
Look for something awesome to watch right now on Netflix? Here are some great Netflix original series that you can binge-watch today!
The 13 All-Time Best Netflix Original Series You Must Watch Right Now
No More Cliffhangers: 21 Shows on Netflix That Actually Finish Their Stories
Are you in the mood for a lazy day and some binge-watching? There’s nothing better than winding down with a couple episodes of your favorite television show. But with so many options out there, where should you start?
No More Cliffhangers: 21 Shows on Netflix That Actually Finish Their Stories
13 Netflix Movies That Totally Flew Under the Radar But Are Actually Worth Your Time
Are you looking for a movie to watch on Netflix that hasn’t been recommended a million times? Here are some of the most awesome and niche movie recommendations.
These movies totally flew under the radar and, for some reason, aren’t recommended so often, but they should be!
13 Netflix Movies That Totally Flew Under the Radar But Are Actually Worth Your Time
Source.