The Tale of Community’s Demise
The world of college is an unusual microcosm where individuals from vastly different backgrounds come together to form bonds that often don’t last beyond their academic years. When you look back, especially if you were an anxious 18-year-old just stepping into adulthood, you realize just how peculiar and fragmented those experiences can be. Dan Harmon’s “Community,” which premiered on NBC on September 17, 2009, isn’t your typical comedic take on college life. In fact, as the series progressed, it grew increasingly outlandish and surreal. Yet, this very quality made it resonate with audiences as it depicted the challenges of maturing in an environment rife with stunted growth.
Fifteen years post-debut, “Community” has crafted a legacy that continues to attract both nostalgic fans and new viewers through syndication and streaming platforms. However, its initial run was fraught with struggles, constantly teetering on the brink of cancellation due to dismal ratings. The situation became dire after season five, leading to its eventual revival for a sixth season by the now-defunct Yahoo! Screen. This paradox encapsulates what “Community” was all about. While its niche humor and keen insights into human behavior gave it widespread appeal, the show’s unique quirks, stemming from Harmon’s celebrated yet controversial style, hindered its potential for mainstream success.
Ultimately, the cancellation boiled down to financial realities, a sentiment echoed by the cast and crew alike. The departure of major actors also played a pivotal role. Initially, Chevy Chase was a recognizable name in the cast. However, by the time he exited after season four, his colleagues—Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Alison Brie, Danny Pudi, Jim Rash, and Ken Jeong—had significantly raised their profiles. Despite a strong ensemble for the sixth season, the situation proved to be unsustainable financially. McHale pointed out that with contracts expiring after six years, the escalating salaries of the cast members meant that it was no longer feasible to continue the series. The show’s cult status didn’t compensate for rising production costs, leading to Yahoo! Screen’s struggle, despite their hopes for a successful sixth season. The platform eventually took a massive financial hit on “Community” and other projects before shutting down four years later.
As for the hope of realizing the long-famed promise of “six seasons and a movie,” it’s become something of an inside joke within the fan community. While unlikely comebacks are par for the course for the Greendale study group, the possibility of another installment has never felt more tangible.
