7 Great TV Shows About Making Shows!

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of some of your favorite shows? If so, you’re in luck! Some scripted TV shows take the saying "write what you know" to heart in order to give viewers a glimpse at what goes into creating a finished product. If you love getting a behind-the-scenes look into all of the fun, drama, and chaos of show business, here are 5 TV shows about making shows that we think you should watch!

1. "30 Rock" (2006-2013)

Loosely based on Tina Fey’s time as head writer at "Saturday Night Live", "30 Rock" follows the head writer for "The Girlie Show", Liz Lemon (Fey). The series showcases all kinds of behind-the-scenes chaos, from actors with overinflated egos, to last minute problems that need to be solved before the fictional live sketch comedy show airs. With its quick wit, tight writing, and amazingly absurd storylines, "30 Rock" is a masterclass in comedy that any sitcom lover should watch! (Stream on Peacock, Hulu, and Prime Video)

2. "The Curse" (2023)

"The Curse" follows newlywed couple, Whitney (Emma Stone) and Asher Siegel (Nathan Fielder) as they film their HGTV reality show, "Fliplanthropy". The series gives viewers an inside look into how manufactured the events of "Fliplanthropy" actually are, as well as how easily the participants are manipulated by the show’s sleazy producer, Dougie (Benny Safdie). "The Curse" is not a show for the weak! Its painfully realistic interactions paired with its frequent voyeuristic camerawork create a lot of tension that can make it very uncomfortable to watch at times. However, those are also huge parts of what make the show so unique and compelling! This show is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark satires with complex characters! (Stream on Paramount+ with Showtime)

3. "Smash" (2012-2013)

Rather than following the making of a fictional TV show, "Smash" follows the making of a fictional Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, Bombshell. Viewers get to watch an idea become reality as the team working on Bombshell tries to get the show on a Broadway stage. However, between the intense rivalry of Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Karen (Katharine McPhee) competing to star as Marilyn, as well as the financial struggles the show faces along the way, viewers are left on the edges of their seats wondering whether or not Bombshell will make it to opening night. Filled to the brim with fun, flashy dance numbers and iconic songs, "Smash" is a show that any musical theatre fan is sure to love! (Stream on Peacock and Prime Video)

4. "The Muppets" (2015)

Although it only lasted one season, ABC’s "The Muppets" has since gained somewhat of a cult following. The series follows both the personal and professional lives of the classic Muppets characters as they work to produce the fictional talk show, "Up Late with Miss Piggy". The show takes on a slightly more adult tone than a typical Muppets production, but its wit and chaos are sure to keep you entertained! If you’re looking for a fun workplace mockumentary, be sure to add "The Muppets" to your watchlist! (Stream on Disney+)

5. "Great News" (2017-2018)

"Great News" follows an up-and-coming producer, Katie (Briga Heelan), as she works on the fictional news show "The Breakdown". But to Katie’s surprise, the new intern at the station is none other than her mom, Carol (Andrea Martin)! This show provides lots of laughs as Katie must deal with issues ranging from drama between news anchors, to her romantic tension with the show’s executive producer, Greg (Adam Campbell). As another Tina Fey-produced project, this show’s full of the clever writing and absurd situations that fans of her work will love! (Available on VOD/Digital)

6. "The Morning Show" (2019-)

In the same vein as the previous entry, minus some of the lightheartedness, is "The Morning Show", which focuses on in sometimes devious inner workings of a daily national morning show. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston as rival anchors, the show gives an inside look at how cutthroat the industry can be, and how being someone so cemented in the public eye can be both a blessing and a curse. The series has 27 Emmy nominations and 4 wins under its belt so far, so they must be doing something right! (Stream on Apple TV)

7. "The Studio" (2025-)

Although more focused on the realm of film production, "The Studio" nonetheless earns a spot on this list for its painfully accurate (some would say TOO accurate) portrayal of the chaos involved with getting a movie made. The show centers around the new head of a fictional legacy Hollywood studio, Matt Remick (played by show creator Seth Rogen), who bumbles and stumbles his way through the industry in both hilarious and cringe-inducing ways and features loads of cameos from showbiz heavyweights playing themselves, including Martin Scorsese, Olivia Wilde, Aaron Sorkin, and Charlize Theron. The show is so relatable that they had no choice but to give it ALL of the awards this past Awards Season, including the Emmy and Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series. (Stream on Apple TV)