Review: Welcome to the “Community” Fandom: “You’re Already Accepted”

By Ethan Ainley

     Next time you go to look for a new show to watch, it’s time you choose the underrated sitcom “Community”. This overlooked show is perfect for any college student looking for a new binge-worthy comedy to quote and reference. 

     “Community” is full of pop culture references and meta-humor. It is a show that is smartly written and very self-aware while also having a tremendous heart.

     The setting of the show is fictional Greendale Community College and the show is focused on a study group of misfit students. “Community” expands on this with episodes that deconstruct sitcom and genre tropes.   

     It is in these episodes, called “concept” episodes, where the show truly shines. “Community” has brilliantly mocked every medium from westerns, zombies, “Law and Order”, and video games. 

     In season 1 episode 21, titled “Contemporary American Poultry”, the show spoofs gangster films. This episode revolves around the characters cornering the market on the illegal dealings of the only good cafeteria food, chicken tenders. You will be hard-pressed to find many tv shows as unique as “Community”. 

     These wacky plotlines are connected by featuring unforgettable characters you will come to know and love. Characters that are just as memorable and quotable as the characters on mainstream sitcoms like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”. 

     “Community” was overshadowed by these more mainstream sitcoms which aired during its run on NBC. However, streaming is now giving it a second life and giving the fans hope of fulfilling the promise of #SixSeasonsAndAMovie. 

     All six seasons of “Community” are currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu.