Before the Wet Hot American Summer Netflix series, comedians David Wain and Michael Showalter conceived of the 2001 feature film. Considered a cult classic, Wet Hot American Summer is a parody of 70s and 80s summer camp specials and films. It centers around a camp in Maine called Camp Firewood. The ensemble comedy stars many familiar faces: Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo, Molly Shannon, and Amy Poehler.
When it was released, Wet Hot American Summer had limited distribution. The film's cult status led to the revival of the story on Netflix via two miniseries. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp debuted in 2015 and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later followed suit in 2017. For those who enjoy the parodic, moronic humor found in this franchise, here are 10 related shows to watch next.
Michael & Michael Have Issues (2009)
This short-lived Comedy Central series stars Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, who both star in the Wet Hot American Summer franchise. The Michaels are frequent collaborators who started off as cast members of the MTV sketch comedy series The State.
Michael & Michael Have Issues sees the pair playing fictionalized versions of themselves. A meta-sketch comedy of sorts, the series showcases the Michaels' unique brand of humor, replete with endless sarcasm and absurdity.
Burning Love (2012 - 2013)
A spoof of The Bachelor, Burning Love pokes fun at reality television in all the best ways. Michael Ian Black plays the host Bill Tundle, who navigates a single person through finding his or her "soulmate" in each season -- of which there are three.
In season one, Wet Hot American Summer actor Ken Marino plays the bachelor, Mark Orlando. June Diane Raphael plays the bachelorette in season two. Each season features cameos from well-known comedians and celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, Michael Cera, and Kristen Bell.
Newsreaders (2013 - 2015)
A show like Newsreaders can only exist on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block. David Wain -- who co-created and directed Wet Hot American Summer -- worked on this show, alongside Rob Corddry and Jonathan Stern.
Newsreaders ran for two seasons. A fictional news program, the series covers various headlines in hilarious ways. Mather Zickel hosts season one, and Alan Tudyk hosts season two. Correspondents and commentators include Silicon Valley's Kumail Nanjiani and Twin Peaks' Ray Wise.
Strangers With Candy (1999 - 2000)
Strangers With Candy is a classic Comedy Central live-action series. This parody of high school sitcoms stars four alums of Chicago's Second City: current Late Show host Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, and Greg Hollimon. Needless to say, any fan of contemporary American comedy needs to check it out.
Sedaris stars as Jerri Blank, a former drug addict and sex worker who returns to high school at 46. Strangers With Candy is known for its surrealistic, nonsensical humor, as well as for its exaggerated interpretation of sitcom drama.
Jon Benjamin Has A Van (2011)
H. Jon Benjamin is the anti-comedy comic. He eschews genre trends, forging his own unique path in the industry. In Wet Hot American Summer, he voices a controversial can of vegetables. His series Jon Benjamin Has a Van proves he's much more than a voice actor for a sex-obsessed tin.
In Jon Benjamin Has a Van, Benjamin plays a reporter who travels around in his van delivering boring news. Combining improv with scripted scenes, the series provides plenty of laughs. Unfortunately, it only lasted one season on Comedy Central. It features guest appearances from David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Richter, Jon Glaser, and many more.
Stella (2005)
Stella -- like many series on this list -- is an underappreciated gem canceled too soon. It stars Wet Hot American Summer folks Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain. Named after the trio's comedy troupe, Stella follows the three men as they explore life as a triad of incompetent imbeciles living in New York City.
The humor in Stella is as ridiculous as its plot. For those who enjoy strange and bizarre comedy, Stella is the series for you.
Reno 911! (2003 - 2009 & 2020)
David Wain, Michael Showalter, and Michael Ian Black started on MTV's sketch comedy The State. Three other stars of The State -- Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Robert Ben Garant -- went on to create Comedy Central's long-standing cop comedy, Reno 911!
At its core, Reno 911! is a sketch comedy slash mockumentary about the Reno, Nevada, Sheriff's Department. What's amazing about this series is the sketches are mostly improvised. Although it ended its run on Comedy Central in 2009, Reno 911! is currently experiencing a revival on the new streaming platform, Quibi.
The Greatest Event In Television History (2012 - 2014)
Adam Scott -- who appears in Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later -- and his wife, Naomi, created the Adult Swim mockumentary The Greatest Event In Television History. Each episode follows a group of actors as they attempt to recreate different opening title sequences from various 80s sitcoms.
Over its two year run, four episodes of the show were released. Scott works with everyone from Paul Rudd and director Gus Van Sant to Catherine O'Hara to bring the project to life. The results are hilarious.
Search Party (2016 - )
Michael Showalter is a co-creator of this unique neo-noir dark comedy. Search Party follows a group of friends who become involved in the search for a missing woman. Alia Shawkat from Arrested Development stars as Dory, a woman who hates her job and feels unhappy with her relationship.
When Dory's college friend Chantal goes missing, she decides to help find her. A lot of mayhem, and a lot of comedy, ensues.
Party Down (2009 - 2010)
Since it's cancelation after two perfect seasons, Party Down remains one of the most loved comedies of the new millennium. This Starz series tells the story of a group of caterers in Los Angeles who all aspire to "make it" in Hollywood.
Ken Marino, Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, and Jane Lynch star as members of the catering crew. Party Down was critically acclaimed, but it's low Nielsen ratings compelled Starz to give it the boot.