Books Like Welcome To Pawnee
Sitcoms have been a staple of television since the early days and have kept viewers tuning in regularly thanks to witty humor, good chemistry between characters, and relatable situations. Although each episode is short, they tend to be binge-worthy, and viewers usually get hooked on the trials and tribulations of their favorite characters. Some of the most popular sitcoms stayed on the air for years and amassed quite a following. Due to the number of characters, situations, and lore, these shows build-up, viewers are often also very interested in finding out more, leading to the popularity of books that take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most popular sitcoms. For example, Welcome to Pawnee by Jim O'Heir offers fans a heartfelt look at never-before-told stories featuring the cast and crew of Parks and Recreation, one of America's most beloved sitcoms. For more books aimed at fans of sitcoms, check out the following books similar to Welcome to Pawnee.
The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History
By Andy Greene
Andy Greene's The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s features behind-the-scenes tales of the iconic television series as told by its creators, writers, and actors. Although the series finale aired in 2013, it still has legions of fans who regularly rewatch the episodes, prompting Rolling Stone writer Andy Green to write this book. It covers everything from the show's origins on the BBC to its nine-season run on American television. The book also looks at dramas, such as the show almost being pulled after only six episodes and failed attempts to replace Steve Carell with James Gandolfini. The Office is frequently credited with changing the face of television, and this book is a hilarious, heartwarming, and revelatory companion for fans.
Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything
By Jennifer Armstrong
Seinfeld is one of the most unlikely success stories in television sitcom history, and Jennifer Armstrong's Seinfeldia examines how the show "about nothing" became such a cultural phenomenon. The creators, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld were two comedians who never thought anyone would watch a sitcom about a comedian in New York sitting around talking to his friends, but the show succeeded against all odds. Seinfeldia is filled with details, show trivia, and insights into its most famous episodes.
I'll Be There For You: The One About Friends
By Kelsey Miller
I'll Be There For You by Kelsey Miller is a deep dive into the history and lore of Friends, one of the most iconic '90s sitcoms. The book covers everything from the show's unlikely origins to the societal conditions responsible for amplifying its success. The author, Kelsey Miller, is a journalist and pop culture expert who takes readers behind the scenes for insights into the rise of fame experienced by the cast as well as the complex relationships between them and their characters. In addition to being the definite retrospective for Friends fans, I'll Be There For You is also great for readers wondering what it is about this show and sitcoms in general that resonate so much with viewers.
The 30 Rock Book: Inside the ICONIC Show, from Blerg to EGOT
By Mike Roe
The 30 Rock Book by Mike Roe is about the cult classic hit show 30 Rock, created by Saturday Night Live writer Tina Fey. Despite a perilous start in the early 2000s, which saw the show come very close to being a flop, it lasted for 138 episodes across seven seasons. The show is also credited with resurrecting Alec Baldwin's career and making a star out of Tina Fey. The 30 Rock book features more than fifty original interviews with cast, crew, critics, and more as it examines the show's history from its inception to becoming an all-time classic.
Frasier: A Culturual History
By Joseph J. Darowski & Kate Darowski
Before becoming the star of his own sitcom, Frasier Crane was a regular on another popular sitcom, Cheers. However, after returning to Seattle, the pompous radio Psychiatrist had to deal with his blue-collar ex-cop father, Martin, and younger brother, Niles. The show was a resounding success and lasted for eleven seasons, netting 37 primetime Emmy wins in the process. Frasier: A Cultural History examines the series as a whole by looking at things like set designs, class issues, gender roles, and opinionated reviews of all the episodes. This makes the book appealing to fans of the show as well as any scholars of media, television, and popular culture.
Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television's Groundbreaking Sitcoms
By Marc Freeman
Modern Family, which premiered in 2009, is one of the few sitcoms to win five Emmy Awards in a row and 22 in total. Modern Family: The Untold Oral History by Marc Freeman explores everything about this sitcom as told by those who created it. It features input from more than seventy people, including the cast, crew, creators, and various guest stars. It answers questions such as how the idea for the show came up, where the cast was found, and what happened behind the scenes. It is one of the few books that capture the complete story of the entire series, making it a must-read for fans.
The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series
By Jessica Radloff
Jessica Radloff's The Big Bang Theory examines how the sitcom went from a failed pilot to a global sensation. It was written with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Pradly, along with executive producers and cast members. The author has written over 150 articles on the series and had a cameo in the finale, meaning fans can expect an in-depth and fascinating look at this television phenomenon.