Why they are Community's most interesting relationship

Thank you for watching. #sixseasonsandamovie
Community is one of the best and funniest tv show sitcoms to watch on Netflix. Abed Nadir and Jeff Winger are two of the funny and best characters and the way Dan Harmon and the writers of this show at Greendale Community College write their relationship is incredibly interesting and amazing. This video essay is a breakdown and deep dive into their friendship.
(Thanks for enduring my keyword-stuffed description)
Music by Blue Wednesday, Epidemic Sound, Eric Godlow Beats, and Somnium with permission.
Footage from NBC and Yahoo TV, all rights to them.
#community #abed #jeffwinger #greendale #danharmon #videoessay #netflix #tvshow #writing

[@philbattiste9649]

Jeff is always the one telling Abed to shut up when he makes a reference, and that's because Jeff is the only one who gets them all. In Abed's words to Jeff when they shared a dorm, "you're a huge nerd."

[@thewritersroom6509]

Exactly. He actually felt comfortable with Abed more than others so he could voice his thoughts toward him. And while troy also was extremely comfortable, Troy and Jeff are different in how their brains work as compared to Abed, which leads to more moments like these between Jeff and Abed.

[@MRF-bq7kq]

Everytime he tells Abed to "shut up" or something mean he is telling himself that, reassuring himself to be the cool one and not to be a stupid nerd

[@ejc2064]

@@MRF-bq7kq also jeff gets the reference and it isn't always a nice one. But only jeff truly understands how insulting rude or belittling abed is being. Abed lets troy be who he wasnt allowed to be and relive his childhood, for jeff abed has someone he can speak to while hiding what he means to others. Because Jeff understands him the best, and in a way abed understand jeff the best as well. Abed is a reflection of a child he could of been and jeff is the reflection of the child abed could of been and knowing and learning how damaged both of them are giving having the exact opposite relationship with their parents makes them accept themselves a little bit more. They both see each others value and that value is giving them the ability to truly see and accept themselves as who they truly are and need to be.

[@igormachado2194]

as much as Troy plays the nerdy card more often, no one understands Abed's references better than Jeff

[@thewritersroom6509]

Which is something so cool that the writers do bc they let us think that Jeff is too cool, and Troy is a nerd. And then slowly they show us that Jeff is a nerd through subtle lines and moments

[@thewritersroom6509]

The writers are too good

[@anthonygoldstein2584]

@@thewritersroom6509 im pretty sure theres a moment in season 1 where jeff is yelling at some guy about his spider-man comic while at abeds dorm also i have a theory that jeff gets all of abeds references but just pretends he doesn’t to seem cool

[@haileys5224]

@@anthonygoldstein2584 a lot of times he acknowledges the references but just can’t drop the armor so he comes across as apathetic and cool.

[@stackhat8624]

"I'll be your Morgan Freeman" "Like in the Bucket List" "The what?"

[@Dikarika]

Both were raised by TV. Abed became a character. Jeff became an actor.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Oooh great thought.

[@natratcritter]

Abed really became the writer, producer, cameraman, editor and Redditer who analyzed the film afterwards

[@evai9949]

I really love the irony of the fact that even though jeff calls out abed for not being able to tell the difference between reality and fiction in that one ep, it’s really jeff who’s really never able to stop wanting to live up to this ideal fiction of being the cool guy leading man that he grew up idolising. Abed loves to dabble with playing characters, but at the end of the day he knows who he is and can still come back to that. Like the halloween episode shows (and the ‘someone has a crush on abed’ episode) Abed really is the most well adjusted person out of the study group

[@NWBwana]

​@@evai9949great insight

[@alexanderrojas4546]

I always think about the moment in Cooperative Calligraphy when Abed keeps saying "This is a bottle episode" and Jeff seems to be the one to fully understand what he means, telling Abed to shut up even before he says it and then gives in and ends up saying himself that they are doing the bottle episode.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Yes exactly, Jeff truly understands him

[@introverse7167]

I fell in love with the show at that scene. I enjoyed the show even before that. That scene in Modern Warfare where Jeff gets up in his car and walks out to the post apocalyptic Greendale, certainly made me flabbergasted. But this scene is where I had a mental orgasm and rewinded several times to re-watch Jeff giving into the Bottle episode. A true masterpiece.

[@doineedanid]

as much as i love troy and abed, their relationship is so based in natural chemistry and common interests that it has less interesting confrontations like jeff and abed

[@doineedanid]

also i feel like they are opposite sides of the same spectrum, jeff seems to get people really well, while abed can’t connect with them. but as the story progresses it kind off turns the other way around. abed tries to see people in a much more humane way, while jeff has learned to look at them as pawns he can manipulate. and as the show goes by they end up effecting each other with their differences and surprising alikeness

[@thewritersroom6509]

Dude that’s well said. The writing on them is so deep and intentional and self reflective and it’s just so cool to think about.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Absolutely. Troy and abed are so awesome, but there’s such a layer of depth in Jeff and abed that we don’t get with Troy that makes this relationship wildly interesting

[@bumblerbree]

jeff and abed have a more adult relationship, i think. they don't have to hang out all that much for them to still have a special connection when they are together, whereas troy and abed probably couldn't go a day without each other. jeff and abed are like childhood best friends who, despite growing apart, know each other better than anyone

[@moxxy3565]

I think you meant connotations 🤓

[@snehithabraham9907]

If you look at the fact that both Jeff and Abed had breakdown episodes that impacted the medium they were in (Abed's stopmotion Christmas and Jeff's GI Joe animation birthday), it seems to be that both of them are made of the same stuff, but they came out of the oven with different outside traits. Put them together and they're a complete person, so to speak. This show was always about these two finding a community that they had never had before, and through it sharing their growth.

[@thewritersroom6509]

WOAH THIS IS GOOD Wow, I’ve never realized that their breakdown episodes were homages to their favorite childhood tv memories. That’s such a good catch dude. And to add on to your comment about them making a complete person, Dan Harmon himself has said that Jeff and abed are his two halves and then final hug is him making peace with himself through the show. (The part about the hug may be theory actually, don’t wanna mislead you but I think he said it, he for sure said the part about his two halves though.) anyway, great stuff man thanks for the comment

[@awnaur0no919]

tha clip discusses how they was both raised on tv as kids, but it dont mention how, interestingly, jeff lost his dad & abed lost his mom

[@spencergsmith]

I read somewhere that Dan Harmon viewed both Jeff and Abed’s characters as different parts of himself, so it makes sense that they have a unique relationship, they have the first interaction of the series, and Jeff hugs him twice in the finale. That second hug always makes me tear up a bit 🥺

[@thewritersroom6509]

I LOVE that theory about them. It makes rewatching interesting and the progression they have as they start to understand and value each other way cooler. And yes, the double hug is too good. It’s my favorite show finale and that hug is the nail in the coffin for choosing this finale as my favorite.

[@zyaicob]

The way that intimate powerful second hugs goes with the swell of the song absolutely destroys me

[@cruelcumber5317]

@@thewritersroom6509 It's not just a theory, while I don't know if it's been explicitly phrased how OP puts it, Harmon has been very open with how Jeff was a pseudo self insert (mainly in regards to learning to care about others more and be more sincere then being a cool guy) and how doing research into autism to create an accurate portrayal for Abed led to Harmon learning he had undiagnosed autism.

[@xbigsoup]

@@thewritersroom6509 Not really a theory, Dan Harmon has confirmed it several times.

[@lyricbot8513]

The second hug always makes me cry, too

[@47jakobi]

I never understood why Jeff and Abed's goodbye felt so much more painful than anyone else's. It was right there the whole time, but now you've made me see it

[@thewritersroom6509]

Such a nice comment. Thank you. The moments during my research for this video where it finally hit me why that hug is so good were amazing. I absolutely love this topic and realizing these things for myself were some great moments as a fan.

[@47jakobi]

@@thewritersroom6509 You did a great job on it as a writer and as a fan. Thank you right back

[@allyjay2214]

The beginning and end of the first episode always gets me! "I see your value now" "Thats the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me" They truly are 2 sides of the same coin

[@diywrites8703]

"While this episode calls for suspension of disbelief on what is normal for a college campus." I mean... that statement could apply for pretty much EVERY episode of Community.

[@ultranoodles]

Those are the words of someone who never went to community college

[@chase_saddy]

@@ultranoodles what does this mean? Community college was a crappy place for me. The show doesn’t represent it. How does it for you?

[@ultranoodles]

@@chase_saddy Just a ton of weirdos doing weird shit. The part I was referencing was when they were playing pool in less and less clothes till they were naked

[@christopherthompson5400]

@@chase_saddy not to speak for someone else, but compared to the much more strict environment that was highschool, or the even more stressful high stakes environment that is uni, I think they just mean that community college can foster an environment for weirder much more goofy antics. Not that that's ever a guarantee, or even really that anybody at community college is getting up to the same level of shenanigans as characters in this show. They probably are just being a bit cheeky.

[@stackhat8624]

But you're forgetting the reason Jeff chose Greendale - it had a reputation for low standards. The state board suspended Jeff's law license until he went and got an undergraduate bachelor's degree which he faked (not his law degree which a lot of people make the mistake). That was the only stipulation by the state board. A bachelor degree. Any bachelor degree would do, even one just passing. So Jeff looked for the worst/easiest community college and found Greendale.

[@Strato_Casterrr9898]

OMG, I thought I was the only one who noticed this! Community to me had always been about Jeff and Abed, not Troy and Abed. That's why the changing cast from seasons 5 to 6 never bothered me because both Jeff and Abed are still there and why it was bittersweet when Abed eventually left. The two of them were what made Community, well, Community.

[@thewritersroom6509]

WOAH this is such a good thought, I’ve never thought about like this! You’re right, imagine if Abed left early S5, or if Jeff left? The show would lose so much of it’s depth because these two characters give the show depth as the writers peel back their layers.

[@Strato_Casterrr9898]

@@thewritersroom6509 Exactly! Seasons 5 and 6 would never feel like community again without Jeff or Abed

[@stackhat8624]

Yeah and a lot of people miss that. Thats why I always say that Troy leaving the show during season 5 was nowhere near as bad as people make out. Now, losing Donald Glover's comedic talent was a huge blow in terms of jokes and laughter but the character of Troy Barnes had turned into nothing but Abed's sidekick and had no real reason to be at Greendale in season 5.

[@Strato_Casterrr9898]

@@stackhat8624 I honestly feel the same way. People just blew Troy leaving out of proportion. To me, he started feeling like Abed's sidekick/handler even back in season 3. I think that's the weakness of making a character too attached to another. Somewhere down the line, the character's original purpose will fade.

[@mxpd09]

I believe the original intention was to have Pierce and Troy be besties, but the chemistry between Troy/Donald and Abed/Danny took it to a different direction.

[@ink_ling]

I also liked how Jeff always got Abed's references. Though Troy said "No one gets Abed", I felt there were times he was actually understood by Jeff. There was an unsaid understanding/connection they had. Jeff's graduation episode, for example. I loved how the darkest timeline became a thing for Jeff even though it was not something the group talked about or even aware of.

[@thewritersroom6509]

That’s such a great point about the darkest timeline. Yes, they truly both understood each other.

[@ink_ling]

@@thewritersroom6509 Good video, btw. Hoping for more such content. 😀

[@Grayson.P]

Agreed. While Jeff actually understood Abed. Troy was able to connect with Abed without needing to know why. Both relationships were good, BUT Jeff was actually able to help ground Abed in reality while Troy provided an easy means of escape when necessary.

[@TheProbots]

Jeff can relate to Abed because he grew up with TV just like Abed, but also because Jeff is good at understanding people like you said earlier in the video. He understand him on a realistic, but also personal level, like no one else is able to.

[@thewritersroom6509]

It's such a special relationship, and I think it's so cool that Jeff pauses to actually help Abed. I think this comes from Abed's help for Jeff, idk, it's just brilliantly written

[@kohlcooke8789]

That also could be another trait they share, because abed is shown time and again to be very observant and good at understanding people just like Jeff, albeit under a different lense. But unlike abed, Jeff can both understand people and be (more so than abed) easily understood, so I think they both help each other in that regard. This video made me legit tear up, it’s such a sweet relationship.

[@byjackieolivia]

The show begins with Jeff and Abed, and ends with Abed and Jeff. Those 2 ultimately grew the most, and really hadn't had a true "community" before. All other characters may have felt lonely, but they had other peer groups to fall back at some point (Annie's over achieving clubs, Troy and sports, Britta and her "anarchists"/liberal activists, Shirley her family & PTA). Peirce is a kind of monkey wrench because his character was also a facet of the same Abed/Jeff loneliness. His character writing went downhill when work relationships soured, but Pierce ultimately refused to learn from or acknowledge change. He tended to alienate a 'community' that consistently accepted his flaws. He is a kind of cautionary tale. I think you nailed it; the relationship between Jeff and Abed is the most rewarding for them (and us!!!). So excited movie officially announced today!!!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Very well said, thank you for making this comment section better with your thoughts.

[@sass5112]

❤​@@thewritersroom6509

[@galactic85]

The moment I saw the thumbnail I was like "it's jeff and abed isn't it?" It's nice to see I was right.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Haha I love that the thumbnail engaged your brain, and that you’re that big of a fan that you instantly knew the answer

[@lyricbot8513]

@@thewritersroom6509 i clicked on the video like 'if it's not Jeff and Abed, we riot!'

[@uhkingdom]

Jeff hugging Abed twice always makes me tear up just thinking about because I always saw it as Jeff knowing this is the last time he’ll see the Abed he knows and the life he’s come to know with him, which they openly showed him fearing losing in the last season (not just Abed, but you know) But I never thought about the trope subversion purely for Abed’s sake. The way Jeff pauses always felt deliberate and like a command almost towards Abed of “I need you to recognize this.” And you do see the look change on Abed’s face. I think you’re right that it was Jeff’s way of breaking the traditional goodbye hug into an “No, Abed. Seriously. I mean it. I’m going to miss you very, very much.” and because his connection with Jeff was always a safety net, he fell into it immediately and understood that Jeff loved him and would miss him. Abed was getting on a boat and maybe, probably, maybe never coming back again.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Wow this is seriously really well said. Would you be interested in writing for this channel?

[@QuietMan81]

"Five seasons of incredible T.V." Sooo casually *vicious* to the people who worked on the Gas Leak Year 😲

[@thewritersroom6509]

Had to do it to them😂 No but for real I want to make a video on the gas leak year, because those writers deserve a lot of credit for what they had to do. They had it TOUGH with the amount of writers that comprised the heart of the show leaving after season 3.

[@QuietMan81]

@@thewritersroom6509 Sounds really interesting. I actually missed that year completely because I was still enraged from Intro to Finality (the Very Special Episode they *specifically promised* never to make).

[@RobertJW]

@@thewritersroom6509 Five seasons of incredible TV and one season that underwhelms in comparison to the rest, but is probably still better than almost everything anyone else broadcast that year.

[@joaquinceriani5033]

While Abed obviously wants to be Jeff with his relationships and understanding of others, Jeff subconsciously wants to be Abed, secure about himself, lovable with flaws and still part of everything, we rarely see Abed struggle with the group outside of a few instances that solve themselves, however, Jeff is always trying to keep the group together or bitter about someone.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Exactly. They nail this struggle for both of them so well. It makes me wonder if they knew what they were doing with their relationship from the beginning or if it came about naturally as they saw how well Chicken Fingers episode and other's worked out.

[@SmiggzYh]

Community was such a good character study, none of the characters got to be a trope, they all used tropes, but ultimately they extended themselves through those ideas at every opportunity. It's such a good show, I can't wait to see how it converts to the big screen.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Oh man me too, I'm so excited to see how it turns out! And yes I agree, I love how Community uses tropes in almost inverted way to build it's characters.

[@Simon-A.-Tan]

If you think about it.... Jeff always turned to Annie whenever he needed his conscience activated. Abed was always the one to drag his two feet into reality whenever needed. Pierce was the one who frequently, albeit involuntarily, scared him into evolving as a person, serving as a deterrent for whom he could become otherwise. Meanwhile Britta basically acted as his comfortzone. Annie and Abed leaving him behind at the end, with only Britta remaining from the original group.... It feels kinda dark.

[@mikanviola]

I mean, it’s a little dark, but I also think it’s more a sign that they’ve helped him and he’s able to keep his comfort zone (which didn’t really change him over time) and takes the information and love from Annie and Abed and is able to use it in the future. He’s a better person now and doesn’t need to rely on them (although I do think they’d still be friends haha).

[@RankedThreeGuys]

I put a blue streak in my hair and everything

[@ohithur]

That hug in the finale never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Exactly, it’s so good.

[@b0ne_fiend]

This was an incredible video and analysis, Jeff and Abed's relationship is absolutely my favorite and truly deserving of the tittle of most interesting in the show. I'm glad other people see the value their friendship has.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Dude thank you. I appreciate the compliment and ya I couldn’t agree more. It’s interesting because I think Community gets a knock for not treating it’s characters well and yet the writers are so brilliant with this relationship. Such a valuable friendship

[@clarita294]

For some reason, Jeff Winger is one of my favourite fictional characters ever. And watching him grow so much at his age, thanks to Abed, always makes me emotional - seeing their first interaction and then their hug one after another is crazy, Abed really helped this adult grow up without really noticing. I love most of the characters and relationships in Community, but their relationship I will always hold dear to my heart. They might not understand I’m the beginning, but they *are* the most important person in the other’s development throughout the 6 years. You can also see how Jeff’s life is falling apart because of Abed leaving, when in the last ep Jeff’s season 7 pitch is strangling him and then he just leaves to go back where it all began. Gotta admit that I adore the Jeff&Annie relationship and it was right to have Annie come to the study room, because they deserved their ending too. But, like you said, the hug in the end might be the most important scene in the show, Abed finally sees Jeff up and realizes that he’d understood him for quite some time. And Jeff realized that he’d made it, he’d become a different and better person (mostly thanks to Abed) and had grown up to stand on his own again. Their final hug is acceptance of both of them going on with their lives but also so full of love and appreciation, and they both know. I am so excited if they will have a deeper look at this friendship in the movie that might be one day, I would really love to see them meeting again all grown up, being their own people who were shaped by this study group. Loved your video, thank you :)

[@thewritersroom6509]

Such a good comment, thank you for your thoughts! I love the passion we get to share for these characters and the brilliance of their writing. Thank you for making this comment section better!

[@leftenantthunder]

Its a shame that they dont interact more after the first season. Its kind of like they forgot how connected both of these characters are and how similar they can be in favour of Jeff-Annie and Troy-Abed (which are still great)

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree. Abed even says it to Jeff’s face in Critical Film Studies, “you and I hung out more last year”. I think part of the beauty of their relationship is that they aren’t best friends, but I do wish the writers would have given them a little more just because their friendship is so rich.

[@justinblair9661]

That was part of what frustrated me about the show. At some points, the writers were all to willing to bend to the audience’s wants. Other times, they’d openly defy them. It felt rare that they told the story THEY wanted, and let us decide if we wanted to stay on the ride.

[@abehambino]

@@thewritersroom6509 that wouldn’t depend on how you define best friend. I think I’d consider them best friends. They are friends who don’t need to be at each other’s sides to maintain a connection. They seem perfectly able to pick where they left off and grow together when they find themselves together.

[@terezafrankova8724]

When I saw the hug at the end I was honestly punched in my feels so hard, so happy there is a full 8 minutes video talking about that one moment.

[@thewritersroom6509]

It was such an enjoyable thing to flesh out why that hug hits us so hard. When I first saw it, you’re right, it’s a punch. And then rewatching and seeing the impact they have on each other that leads to it, man, such good writing and so wonderful that it concludes with one specific moment

[@knavehart]

Five seasons... So are we forgetting season 4 or 6?

[@thewritersroom6509]

Hahaha, you noticed! I prefer forgetting season 4

[@thewritersroom6509]

What's your forgettable season of choice?

[@mysticsaxophone4181]

@@thewritersroom6509 Definitely 4. Six is not that bad, the last three episodes are great and there's good stuff here and there throughout.

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree so much. I absolutely love wedding videography (that's actually my job right now haha), and I think intro to recycled cinema is wayyyyy underrated (would love to somehow make a video on this episode) and then the finale, easily my favorite finale from any tv show I've seen, it's just so brilliant. A great season

[@oldbacde7957]

there's a 4th season? i smell gas...

[@idrewagiraffe]

Jeff and Abed are definitely one of my favourite friendships in this show! It's really nice seeing a video focusing on their relationship, it's not something that many people talk about. This video is really entertaining, informative, well made, and helped remind me why community is my favourite show. Thank you!

[@thewritersroom6509]

These comments make me so happy, thank you so much for your kind words. When starting I found a few Reddit posts about their relationship and I was just so fascinated like you were, so making a video on them was such a good time. Thank you for your encouragement, it truly means a lot.

[@darter101]

One of my favorite lines in regards to their relations ship is in the second to last episode. At the beginning as Abed is filming Garrett proposing, he's talking to Jeff and Abed makes a comment about how his facial expression changes, to which Jeff replies "Oh you're noticing faces now?" I think this goes unnoticed a lot but it's a really telling glimpse to their understanding of each other and how Abed has grown over the years in many ways thanks to Jeff and the group. Great video, also personal critique, try slowing your speech down a bit, was hard to understand at times, otherwise fantastic breakdown.

[@thewritersroom6509]

That’s such a good catch. That interaction is so good, especially because we know it’s at the end so it makes us think about how far they’ve come. Thank you for your comment!

[@jonathanpatch5281]

Here's how I describe it: Every show has a sequence of rings that characters fall into. In the center at level one there's usually a single protagonist (Hawkeye/Jeff). At level two you have the "inner circle" (Trapper/BJ/Britta). Then the outer circle (Troy/Annie/Potter/Radar). And finally there's the "other" (Burns, Winchester, many versions of Chang). But Abed is the only character I can think of that fits into this model at level 0. If Jeff is superficially an avatar of Harmon, Abed is the conduit to what's going on inside Harmon's mind. He's "meta" because he actually has a direct conduit to the "mind of the creator".

[@thewritersroom6509]

Woah. This actually makes a lot of sense. What a brilliant piece of insight. I might mention this comment in a future video as I hope to dive deeper into Community!

[@miloc9900]

There's an incredible compilation (I think it's called "the evolution of Jeff and Abed") that shows the way that that they play off of and interact with each other throughout the entirety of the show and it's absolutely wonderful. After watching that compilation I came to realize that while Community is obviously about the whole group, it is also majorly informed by the relationship between the two of them, as everything else happening in the show are mostly catalysts for the development of Jeff and Abed, with the two juxtaposing each other and essentially acting as their foils (think Macbeth and Malcolm but with a happier ending lol)

[@thewritersroom6509]

Oh man I have to watch that now, thanks for the recommendation. Great thoughts, I appreciate this comment.

[@andreaswong8829]

All I saw was the title and I immediately knew this would be about Jeff and Abed. Their final hug(s) get me so emotional every time I watch the finale

[@thewritersroom6509]

Absolutely. It’s just such a good scene

[@esavvysavokiii1277]

jeff and abed is one of my favorite relationships in the series. some other ones i feel aren't talked about enough are jeff/pierce, jeff/shirley, shirley/britta, and pierce/annie. seasons 5 and 6 gave us hickey/annie, hickey/abed, frankie/annie, frankie/abed, and elroy/abed which i found thoroughly enjoyable as well.

[@thewritersroom6509]

I’ll have to remember your list because I’d love to keep them in mind and see what I notice for them on my next rewatch

[@dps8629]

As a person with a neurodiversity seeing these interactions with other people is really difficult. Thank you for bringing these kinds of links to my attention I think this actually helped me to grow as a person.

[@wakkawakkagaming3710]

I like that you pointed out how Jeff is so media literate and how that helps him relate to Abed, because I also think this impacts both of their relationships with Troy as well. Troy is deeply insecure, but envies Jeff's ability to be outwardly cool and in charge. Couple that with Troy's best friend being someone who he can't fully relate to both due to Abed's eccentricities and his deeper knowledge and appreciation for media, and you get a Troy that envies Jeff at a real core level, in a way that basically defines their relationship. Troy and Jeff could never be as close as Abed and Jeff, because they were each looking for the same thing and couldn't provide it for each other. They played into each others' insecurities, and Abed conflicted with them.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Woah. Brilliant thought. I love this.

[@rachelj4348]

Can't believe this 8 minute video essay made me cry. Such a lovely encapsulation of their relationship.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you so much. This really means a lot to me. Cheers, Cole

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Thanks for the vid! To me, Jeff and Abed were the two main characters of the show. Abed needed to take charge like Jeff. And Jeff needed to learn to let his nerd flag fly, and to have joy in his friendships, just like Abed.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Well said! They just constantly balance each other out

[@justinblair9661]

The KZbin algorithm working wonders today. I was just thinking about this the other day; and what do I find? A great video about it. I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Sometimes, I feel drowned out by the “Annie/Jeff is greatest” and “Troy/Abed is greatest” groups. Not that they’re bad, but the Jeff/Abed relationship always felt the most real, and relatable, to me. Thanks for making this!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Yes! It’s the most real I think too

[@grantgingrich325]

Great analysis! This is something that I’ve felt, but never consciously noticed. I’m so excited to rewatch Community with the context of Jeff and Abed’s relationship at the forefront!

[@thewritersroom6509]

This is the best kind of comment. I love it when good discussions about shows make you want to go rewatch and enjoy and fall in love with it again. Thank you for the kind words

[@sihaooo]

What I love abt the double hug scene l, and how I read it, is that in the 1st hug Jeff sees himself as Abed's mentor/big brother/father figure etc. He's assuring Abed that he will be ok. But on his second hug Jeff becomes the one that needs comfort, reflecting his fears from season 6 abt being left behind by all his younger friends. The 2nd hug feels like someone who is seeking comfort, not giving it.

[@awes5893]

I knew it'd be these two before I even clicked on the video. I didn't fully appreciate how amazing this duo is before rewatching the show for the first time but their moments have been highlights for me ever since. After today's announcement I'm pretty excited to see what they've got in store for us!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Me too! I can't wait.

[@dh3913]

These 2 are the main reason I love season 6, they are definitely the core of the show

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree. I think if there was no season 5&6 there could be a small argument that they aren’t the center of the show but those two seasons just cement it even further how critical they are to the show.

[@Sam-0827]

The relationships of community were beautiful and so rich

[@doineedanid]

i absolutely love video essays like this, filled with passion for a media im also passionate about. this made me tear up and look at characters i love in a different leans. thanks! (also sorry for the earlier rant lol)

[@thewritersroom6509]

This is my favorite comment yet. That’s my goal, to bring about interesting things about our favorite shows to help us fall in love with them even more. Thank you for watching.

[@doineedanid]

@@thewritersroom6509 ❤

[@jaden6672]

Great video! I never really thought about each person’s relationship to each other and what it meant for them. This video made me more appreciative of Jeff and Abed as individuals and their friendship at the same time. Keep doing your thing!

[@thewritersroom6509]

I appreciate it! Ya I love thinking about individual character pairings. Michael Scott and Pam are so so interesting, can’t wait to do a video on them. And then Parks and Rec does their platonic relationships really well, they’re great to dive into. Thank you!

[@Lwhale.3797]

I can’t recall the last time I’ve ever seen a first video on a KZbin channel that was THIS professional, insightful, well-edited and KZbin-ready. Idk where you went after 3 months ago, but I’d love to see more content from you 👏

[@thewritersroom6509]

Dude thank you. I genuinely really appreciate you taking the time to write a comment that really has a positive impact on me. This makes me super happy, thank you very much for your encouragement

[@indianajones4321]

Yep, I always considered Abed to be Jeff’s best friend in the series while Troy was Abed’s best friend

[@thewritersroom6509]

Very true. And I’ve heard it said that it’s like they are old friends, to where they don’t need that day to day interaction like Troy and abed

[@GreenOnTheScene0]

Probably my favorite episode in the whole series is Contemporary American Poultry due to the relationship and understanding Jeff and Abed build between each other in the episode. They realize they aren't so different.

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree! I think it’s Community at it’s best. Brilliant homage with a foundation of deep relationship moments. So so good.

[@benfulfer3260]

This is all stuff I’ve picked up on but you broke it down in a way I never could. Great video, I love Community and hope to see more content like this

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you so much! I hope to bring more like this as well, it’s a cool thing to be a part of

[@Silkymud]

I’m so glad you made this video because I’ve been thinking a lot on their relationship but couldn’t quite explain it in the detail you have. Thank you!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Well thank you for this comment! I appreciate it. I am with you too, I always loved their relationship but it took some time digging and reading and thinking about them to finally figure out why it makes sense and it was extremely gratifying.

[@Coconut_Prrson]

You should do a video on Pierce and Troy! "Do you know that you have the greatest gift life can give you? The heart of a hero. And that it is your duty to not waste it like I did" That line alone is worth an entire video of analysis

[@thewritersroom6509]

Oh my you are dead right. That would be such a good deep dive. I would love to figure out how to make that video heartfelt and meaningful, it would be more difficult than this one because I can't slap the "best relationship in the show" label on them, so it requires more thought which is super exciting! Thank you for the idea.

[@Baconfiend]

I agree! I always enjoy the episodes where they are roommates, and when Pierce teaches Troy how to sneeze, it really brings out his humanity.

[@StephaniedeBritoLeal]

Teared up a bit watching your video 🥹💕 love me the recognition of Abed and Jeff's friendship

[@fudalefu1]

Jeff and abed are the only two characters who understand each other. Both have family trauma. Jeff understands all of Abed’s references, and understands him by comparison. Abed understands all of Jeff based off movie and television tropes.

[@connor6505]

You hit the nail on the head, man. Great breakdown of their relationship and the characters themselves. Bravo!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thanks mate, appreciate this a lot.

[@FervLastname]

Fantastic video! Been trying to put my thoughts on these twos relationship into words for ages now and I think you explained it perfectly! Looking forward to seeing all your future videos (should you choose to make more. No pressure ofc 💜)

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you! I really appreciate this comment. This gives me lots of encouragement, thank you.

[@classicrocksd]

I've loved Community for years and I wanted to thank you for putting this into words so well. I had never really thought about it before, and the way you describe it makes perfect sense. Thank you for adding yet more to my appreciation for what was already my favorite show of all time.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Man thank you so much for saying this! This is exactly the kind of comment that I love to read. My goal for these videos is to make us as fans fall more in love with our favorite shows and it makes me happy to hear that this did that for you.

[@the603]

season 4 has one of the best episodes of Abed’s growth though: Basic Human Anatomy. The TV bit is initiated by Troy but Abed understands Troy needs it and joins. By experiencing Jeff accept Abed’s TV tropes, it gives Abed the space to be on the receiving end and embrace someone else’s TV trope to help that person.

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree. This is my favorite episode from the season and I truly enjoy watching it. It’s so interesting and thoughtful.

[@Communiess]

This is really well done and well said. I do want to add, it is hard to see, but Jeff is saying something to Abed in this hug according to the director, Rob Schrab. Joel made it up, and we have no idea what was said.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you very much. I've never noticed that! I do wonder what it is. Reminds me of the Office in Michael and Pam's goodbye how Jenna Fischer talks about how the words she was saying during their hug were just her talking to her friend Steve, and how much their friendship meant.

[@franciscofarias6385]

Community is an often misunderstood show, but you get it. Great video

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you.

[@ryanhoward8694]

I’m on my nth rewatch (seriously, I’ve lost count), and this show is the gift that keeps on giving.

[@thewritersroom6509]

It's so true.

[@dariaobrien]

ENTP/INTP dynamics at its finest

[@thewritersroom6509]

Haha for real

[@GraeHall]

I have watched Community since the pilot came out, rewatched it over and over. It's one of my favourite shows. But I did not know how much I needed to see this analysis of Geoff and Abed's friendship. It makes so much sense. Their friendship is one of the finest aspects of the series, and seeing it pointed out, I finally get it. I am so glad I watched this video. It helped me appreciate one of my very favourite pieces of media in a way I'd never before managed

[@Sootielove]

Jeff and Abed's relationship is why the chicken fingers episode is one of my favourites. They're so opposite yet because they share those key histories, they cut deeper into each other than anyone else

[@thewritersroom6509]

Yessssss, this episode is so good. It's the first homage and then it's also a jeff/abed episode. Top 20 for sure for me.

[@ami5968]

I've loved Community for years but I have only just now realized this. I'm so thankful for creators like you that continue to make the Community...well, community, much richer. It makes me love the show even more

[@thewritersroom6509]

Wow. Thank you so much for this comment, I love that that’s what this video is able to do. Have a really good day!

[@lycorisrad]

Great video. 6 seasons and a movie

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you! Appreciate it. Six seasons and a movie🫡

[@SeiMaxwell]

Ooh 😲 You explained it in a rather epic fashion, I hadn't noticed how meaningful that last hug is. Thats soo cool 😁

[@ToaPohatuNuva]

"While this episode calls for a bit of suspended disbelief on what is normal for a college campus" Which episode were you referring to again?

[@thewritersroom6509]

To be fair that could apply to a large number of Community episodes, but in specific I was talking about in Physical Education when Jeff and the Pool Teacher strip to end their match

[@ToaPohatuNuva]

@@thewritersroom6509 :) I just thought it was a funny line that perfectly encapsulated the show. Great vid btw, I don't usually consider Jeff and Abed's relationship, and you did a great job encapsulating it here

[@thewritersroom6509]

Community does such a good job of having such deep, realistic takes on relationships and inner self but then it does it in an environment that literally needs suspended disbelief in some cases. It’s so cool. I love how to juggles that. Thank you for the kind words!

[@gilhuberman261]

i've seen the whole show countless times, (was introduced to it in 2011), and everytime i burst out crying when they hug that second time.. including now when you talk about it

[@thewritersroom6509]

This is the best kind of comment, that’s my absolute goal with this channel. To educate through the foundation of our love for the show. Thank you for your comment

[@tessasantoli5093]

Not only do I think they have the deepest and most profound relationship between each other in the show, but they are the two characters who have the most interesting relationships with the others in the group, like Jeff and Shirley, Abed and Annie.

[@thewritersroom6509]

So true. If there was a list of character relationships deep dives that I want to do, most of them have either Jeff or Abed in the pairing (Except for pierce troy and maybe pierce Annie)

[@oscardelgado3581]

I'm so glad to see someone eloquently explain why this relationship is so much more important and meaningful than any other in Community. Next time I try to explain this to someone I'll just refer them to this video. Great work!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Dude this is such a wonderful comment, thank you so much! I really appreciate this.

[@bwalker77]

The most impressive thing about this relationship is that it wasn't really planned that way. The character that was supposed to make Jeff grow initially was Britta. But when Harmon realized that a) the character didn't work, and b) Gillian Jacobs is a genius at playing silly characters, he had to change his plans.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Which just shows how brilliant Dan Harmon is

[@DanielFair]

You just made me reconsider a show I’ve watched 15+ times, amazing

[@FTBains]

Must also point out that the hug(s) are set to a really emotional and great song in the show. God I love that finale. One of my favorite episodes by far.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Oh my gosh I agree. It’s my favorite finale across all sitcoms I’ve seen. I am so excited to do a deep dive video into and flesh out why it’s so amazing, why it hits so hard and why we love it so much

[@FTBains]

@@thewritersroom6509 exciting! I just hit the sub button to see it when it comes in. 🎉 For me, I think it’s the Washington of my Mt. Rushmore of great finales: Scrubs (great decision by Bill to not try and go for a ninth season), Roseanne (that theme song reprise slaps so hard), Parks & Rec and Community. Hard for me to put it above, but it’s easily the 1a of the best in my head.

[@AtotheDamn]

your double hug analysis choked me up.

[@charmacden]

im 2 stoned i might cry

[@thewritersroom6509]

let em flow buddy

[@spage0]

You can’t just be using the mark rober theme like that! 😂 awesome video, I love community and this is a great analysis

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you! Haha sorry to use his tune, it's just too good. Maybe next time i'll just use daybreak.

[@doineedanid]

0:50 (the coin being dan harmon lol)

[@thewritersroom6509]

There’s some great stuff on Reddit about how Jeff and abed are Dan’s two halves. Worth the read.

[@doineedanid]

@@thewritersroom6509 will do!!

[@Brave_Tsubasa]

I love how much this show is able to be so incredibly heartfelt. I feel like that’s not something a lot of comedy shows are able to do

[@rayonlinee]

this is also why i was soooo shocked and confused by the slap that happened in the last season..? i hated it and it was out of character and it didn’t make sense so i’ll just pretend it never happened actually

[@thewritersroom6509]

If I’m honest that’s why I have a harder time with Community and don’t put it as my #1 show. It doesn’t treat it’s characters the best, and often does weird, one-off moments that feel out of character. I agree, sometimes I just pretend it didn’t happen

[@-Scrapper-]

That's so american of you to not watch a TV show because the protagonist seems to be unlikeable

[@thewritersroom6509]

Nah it just didn’t make me super happy or feel like home while watching. That’s usually the indicator for me if I wanna keep watching, how it makes me feel. That’s why Parks and Rec is my all time favorite show and even though I firmly believe the Office is a much better show, it’s #2 on my list because of how parks simply makes me feel. I think it’s one valid explanation for why season 4 is hard to watch too. We love 1,2,3 so much and they make us feel good and feel like home, so when season 4 comes around it feels like an off version of what we hold dear, so it’s hard to continue. Not that it’s that bad, I think it’s hard because it doesn’t hold the same heart connection we’re familiar with with the show. What show’s make y’all feel the most like home?

[@-Scrapper-]

@@thewritersroom6509 I know the feeling I get it while watching community , friends, freaks and geeks and even big bang theory but for some reason park and rec is probably the only sitcom type comedy show I didn't felt it.

[@thewritersroom6509]

That’s super interesting. I’ve found people who don’t love Parks generally like “edgier” shows like the office and it’s always sunny, most of the time they don’t Iove “lighter” shows like friends or BBT. That’s interesting! Anyway. To each their own for sure. Thanks for the discussion!

[@thebobbrom7176]

@@thewritersroom6509 Not American but honestly I have a similar feeling when I watch TV. I usually joke that I have a rule "If no one smiles in the first episode I don't watch the rest" At the end of the day watching TV is something I do in my spare time to relax. While obviously I want something intelligent and well written I'm not interested in something that makes me feel crappy despite how well it's written. Honestly this is the reason I gave up on BoJack Horseman. The episodes were amazingly artistic and really captured what it meant. But after every season I realised I just ended up feeling shitty and honestly I don't want that. Sorry that was a little long. Great first episode first time I subscribed after just one episode. Hope you make more

[@zeiphos]

@@thewritersroom6509 ​ The friend who made me start watching community showed me some scenes of the first paintball episode. I liked the goofiness of the situation merged with the seriousness of how the characters lived it. Without that "hook" I think I would have stopped after the first episode too. What made me love the show though was the relationship between the characters, it just felt like hanging with a group of flawed but cool friends

[@genrecritical]

those two were always so special to me, great job on the essay!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you very much!

[@moonwalker.v]

Troy and Abed is the best ship in the history of gayness

[@thewritersroom6509]

Laughs in Jeff and Dean

[@01seb83]

I knew there was something deeper to that second hug but I couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks, great video!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you! Appreciate it. The community writers are just too good

[@michaelmackenzie3114]

Haha I love it "5 seasons" the casual season 4 roast was perfectly placed!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Haha gottem

[@MaymayMakesThings]

Thank you for this video, I've always been overwhelmed by the end of Community to be able to see it through this, this recontextualization put tears in my eyes, good job cutie 😭

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you so much, I too was brought to tears after I read several Reddit posts that lead to this thought. Community is brilliant. Cheers, Cole

[@305Independent]

"5 seasons of incredible TV" Audibly busted out laughing 😂

[@alwaysfallingshort]

I felt the EXACT same way watching this show. Every single thing you said. I could've made this essay. Perfect. 10/10. Instant sub.

[@alwaysfallingshort]

I think these characters are both reflections of Dan Harmon, and men of a certain age, too. Dan was a well appreciated writer and capable in his circles, but is also an autistic nerd outcast. The two are absolutely two sides of the same coin, and I think it speaks to a lot of masculinity in general. Love love love this show.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

Dang it, you just made me cry!!! I love every moment of this video. Thank you!!! And now, we have reason to celebrate because we are finally getting our #Community #AndAMovie! 🤗🥰🙌🏽

[@thewritersroom6509]

Ah thank you! Your words make me super happy. Thank you so much for the encouragement. YAY MOVIE. It's so exciting.

[@Nclovedme]

This hug was the one thing in the finale that really made me start crying. Great analysis.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Absolutely. It's so good. Thank you!

[@caspiansfriend]

Thanks!!! I never really thought about their relationship until now. You really opened my eyes to all of the thought and intricacy that went into writing the show.

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you for saying this!

[@Spudcore]

I think you're right. It's certainly Community's most touching relationship to watch develop. I got a bit choked up when they said goodbye.

[@kermit9817]

this is a fantastic video. i just may shed a tear

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you very much. Please feel free to shed a tear that I we’ve all shed:)

[@emhaggsart]

One of my fav Jeff and Abed episodes and one of my favorites in general is the Chicken Fingers episode. Their final convo is just so interesting

[@thewritersroom6509]

I agree. That episode is so wonderful because in normal community fashion, it does an excellent homage throughout it’s length. And then in the end, instead of hammering home the homage with a song montage from the genre or something like that, it drops the bit entirely and focuses on the relationship, because ultimately that’s what that episode was about. This is one of the best homage episodes in my opinion because of how it chooses to have this super interesting conversation in the end

[@tnijoo5109]

I loved this analysis. ❤ really insightful

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you very much.

[@BuddyFknHolly]

Damn that was a great eye opening video. I've watched every S of community like over 1k times it's my show I fall asleep to to have noise in the background and comforts me so much! I've always known that relationship was there and interesting but I didn't realize just how interesting it truly was until I watched this video and I can appreciate this show even more than I already do! Thank you!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Wow! Oh man thank you for this comment. This means a lot to an aspiring creator like me. Thank you Cheers! Cole

[@robertotellez3142]

Great video man, such an interesting perspective

[@thewritersroom6509]

I appreciate you saying this.

[@RECTmetal]

That was a top notch analysis!

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@BigfootBeliever51]

I wanted to add to this comment section at the amazing work you did in this video essay. Truly amazing and moreover your first video. Can't wait to see more of thus channel and YOUR hard work

[@thewritersroom6509]

Thank you so much for writing this, it's incredibly encouraging. Thank you.

[@eatyourbrainss]

they both have a special place in my heart. jeff and abed see eachother on a deep level that i dont see with other characters on the show

[@thewritersroom6509]

Exactly. They give the show so so much depth that actually get's fleshed out and then felt by us.

[@australiankappa8123]

Wow. that was.. beautiful. I knew this all but you put it in a way that is so beautiful, I thank you.

[@jeremy812]

Thanks for the content. That was really great

[@thewritersroom6509]

I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you very much!