When Does Community Get Good?
Fans of Community argue that the show has a fairly good first season, but season two and three are major highlights for a series that, despite a few dips (season four especially), had a good run. For most fans, they argue the entire series is worth watching, but many first-time viewers will likely notice a drop off in alter seasons.
What Fans Say
Fans of Community love its clever humor, creative narrative style, and meta-commentary on television tropes. The show’s appeal lies in its quick-witted dialogue, genre-parody episodes, and willingness to take risks with storytelling. Viewers are especially attached to the unique, quirky ensemble cast, which brings together a diverse group of community college students. Fan-favorite episodes like “Modern Warfare” (paintball), “Remedial Chaos Theory” (alternate timelines), and “Pillows and Blankets” (mockumentary) showcase the show’s originality and willingness to play with form, securing its cult status and devoted fanbase.
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What Haters Say
Some critics argue that Community leans too heavily on self-referential humor and abstract concepts, which can be off-putting for viewers who prefer straightforward storytelling. Others feel the humor sometimes lacks subtlety, becoming a little too niche and meta, making it challenging for new viewers to jump in without context. The later seasons, particularly after the departure of series creator Dan Harmon, are criticized for lacking the magic and cohesion that made earlier seasons so special, with some considering the shift in tone and quality a reason to lose interest in the series.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Yes, many fans and critics agree that Community experiences a noticeable decline in quality in its later seasons. Dan Harmon’s departure before Season 4 (the so-called “gas leak year”) is often pointed to as a major factor. Season 4 struggled with fan reception, and although Harmon returned in Season 5, the tone and cohesion of earlier seasons were harder to recapture. Season 6, aired exclusively on Yahoo! Screen, marked another shift. Although it showed some return to form, many fans agree that the series lost some of its original charm and consistency after its initial seasons.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 91% | 8.4 |
| 2 | 100% | 8.8 |
| 3 | 93% | 8.6 |
| 4 | 63% | 7.4 |
| 5 | 94% | 8.5 |
| 6 | 89% | 8.5 |
Community received critical praise for its innovative approach to sitcoms, pushing boundaries and creating lasting pop culture moments. Critics commend Dan Harmon’s commitment to genre parodies, exploring everything from mafia dramas to anime to post-apocalyptic action in an ingenious way. The show’s satirical take on sitcom norms and its ability to juggle surreal comedy with heartfelt moments earned it a devoted following and positive reviews. However, criticism centers on later seasons, with reviews indicating a drop in quality after Harmon’s exit, only partly recovered when he returned. The show’s final season saw mixed responses, as it sought to recapture early magic on a different platform.
Overview of Community
Community aired from 2009 to 2015 and followed a diverse group of students at Greendale Community College. The story kicks off when Jeff Winger, a disbarred lawyer, enrolls at Greendale after it’s discovered his degree is invalid. Looking for an easy way to pass Spanish, Jeff forms a study group, which soon expands to include eccentric millionaire Pierce Hawthorne, activist Britta Perry, former football star Troy Barnes, film enthusiast Abed Nadir, single mother Shirley Bennett, and overachiever Annie Edison.
Each character in the study group brings unique quirks, with the group forming an unlikely bond as they navigate Greendale’s chaotic, offbeat campus life. The series quickly breaks away from traditional sitcom structures, utilizing genre parodies, experimental storytelling, and meta-humor that resonate deeply with audiences looking for something unique.
As the group faces various academic and personal challenges, the episodes blend social commentary, pop culture references, and humor in a way that feels fresh and original. The show evolves beyond typical sitcom themes, diving into identity, friendship, and the bizarre ways that people form connections. Throughout six seasons, Community built a loyal fanbase, culminating in a devoted campaign for #sixseasonsandamovie—a fan rallying cry that has since gained near-mythical status in television pop culture.
Season Breakdown
Season 1 (2009–2010):
Season 1 establishes Greendale’s world and introduces the study group dynamics. Jeff’s goal to woo Britta is quickly overshadowed by his unexpected connection with the rest of the group. Highlights include Abed’s film class project, a Goodfellas homage, and the first paintball episode, “Modern Warfare,” which cemented the series as a unique blend of parody and heartfelt comedy.
Season 2 (2010–2011):
Season 2 embraces more experimental episodes and dives into genre parodies, with iconic episodes like the Halloween “zombie” episode, “Epidemiology,” and the stop-motion Christmas special, “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas.” The group dynamic deepens, and we start to see character growth that goes beyond surface-level quirks. The season ends with another paintball two-parter, heightening the stakes and building on the show’s legacy of innovative storytelling.
Season 3 (2011–2012):
Season 3 continues the trend of genre-bending with episodes like “Remedial Chaos Theory,” which explores alternate timelines, and “Pillows and Blankets,” a Ken Burns-style mockumentary. This season leans more into meta-humor and character development. Troy and Abed’s friendship becomes a central plotline, and the group’s bond strengthens, although tension begins to arise, particularly between Jeff and other group members as they struggle with their futures.
Season 4 (2013):
Season 4, often called the “gas leak year” by fans, saw the departure of Dan Harmon. While some episodes still hold value, many fans felt the humor and heart had diminished. Episodes like “Intro to Felt Surrogacy,” which uses puppets, aimed to capture the experimental spirit but lacked the signature wit. Without Harmon’s voice, the season missed the depth and intricate character dynamics that had previously defined the show, leading to its weakest critical reception.
Season 5 (2014):
Dan Harmon’s return marked an improvement, bringing back much of the show’s original charm. Season 5 features a mix of humor and darker themes, as Jeff becomes a teacher at Greendale. “Geothermal Escapism” serves as a touching farewell to Troy, and “App Development and Condiments” parodies dystopian society with a social media app. Harmon’s return revitalizes the narrative, although the absence of certain characters becomes more noticeable.
Season 6 (2015):
Airing on Yahoo! Screen, Season 6 reintroduces some of the series’ cleverness but feels different due to cast changes and budget constraints. Episodes like “Wedding Videography” and “Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television” explore character arcs in creative ways, giving the series a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion. Although not all fans felt it captured the show’s early brilliance, it wrapped up the series in a way that honored the study group’s journey.
Similar Shows
- Arrested Development – Like Community, this series is known for its fast-paced, self-referential humor and eccentric characters.
- Parks and Recreation – This workplace comedy shares Community‘s quirky character ensemble and heartfelt moments.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – A police procedural comedy that balances absurdity with character-driven moments, appealing to fans of Community‘s humor.
- Scrubs – A hospital comedy-drama that similarly mixes slapstick, surreal humor with genuine emotional depth.
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Known for its chaotic humor and morally ambiguous characters, this show has a similarly devoted fanbase and shares Community‘s irreverent style.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Community
- The Office (US) – With its unique character ensemble and humor, The Office offers quirky character-driven stories that Community fans might appreciate.
- 30 Rock – For fans of meta-humor and sharp satire, 30 Rock delivers a fast-paced comedic experience similar to Community.
- Happy Endings – A friendship-centered sitcom with rapid-fire jokes and offbeat characters, Happy Endings offers a mix of humor and heart that Community fans might enjoy.
- Rick and Morty – Co-created by Dan Harmon, this animated series takes meta-humor and sci-fi storytelling to the extreme, appealing to fans of Community’s genre-bending episodes.