Two recent events that happened almost simultaneously caused reactions that were almost polar opposites. At some point over the past two weeks, we all learned Netflix had cut a deal to air new episodes of “Arrested Development,” and that NBC removed “Community” from its midseason Thursday night lineup.
When the news broke regarding “Community,” fans of the show (myself included) were outraged. The quirky show, currently in its third season, has managed to build a loyal, albeit small, fan base by combining witty dialogue with original, and at times complex, content. On the other hand, Netflix’s announcement regarding a new season of “Arrested Development” exclusive to the subscription service was applauded almost universally on the web. Fans of that show (again, myself included) have been waiting for the narrator to tell us “On the next ‘Arrested Development'” for quite some time.
With the announcement of the Netflix and “Arrested Development” deal, I can’t help but wonder if Netflix would do the same with “Community.” It’s not uncommon for shows that never clicked during their run on a network to eventually become cult classics via DVD and/or Netflix. Plus, we all know Netflix can use all the good will it can get after a rocky 2011. (The lesson? Massive price hikes never go over well with customers.)
For me, though, these two events happening at the same time is a fascinating coincidence… and a reason for hope. Could “Community” join “Arrested” on Netflix if NBC decides to cut it for good? The shows, while far from identical, do share some similarities – both on and off the screen. Let’s take a closer look.
First, each show features a large ensemble cast. On “Community,” the audience follows a seven-member study group at Greendale Community College, the fictional campus setting for the series. The study group is racially diverse and includes men and women of various ages. The show also incorporates several recurring characters who are part of the central story some weeks, while simply there to provide or punctuate punch lines in other weeks.
“Arrested Development” had quite the copious cast itself, as viewers followed the Bluth family’s four siblings, parents, in-laws and children each week. Again, recurring guest roles, such as Henry Winkler or Scott Baio’s stints as the family’s attorney, are highlighted more heavily in some episodes than in others.
Off the screen, both shows have done well with critics. In December 2010, Emily Nussbaum, with the “New York Times” ranked “Community” as the best show on TV , as did Heather Havrilesky of “Salon.” The fact that the show was never nominated for an Emmy drew the ire of many, some going as far as to say the show’s absence was the biggest snub in 2011.
“Arrested Development” received even more praise from the critics. Time Magazine called it one of the 100 top shows of all time. Not to mention, it won six Emmys in its first two season (five in season one).
Unfortunately the most glaring similarity between the two shows is low ratings. Even after cleaning up at the Emmys, “Arrested” never seemed to click with the American public, and after three seasons it got the axe from the Fox Network. “Community,” in its third season (sort of ironic, right?), has been pulled from NBC’s Thursday night mid-season lineup. Its future, and whether the remaining episodes will make it back into the rotation, is up in the air. The fate of the current season may be unknown, but what is known is “Community” was not doing well in Nielsen’s book.
Why the shows were never as popular as they seemed destined to be is up for debate. Some like to point out that people are, well, dumb, and just don’t have the intellectual capacity to keep up with comedy writing that’s not cliché and predictable (for the last time, myself included). Another argument, and the one that is probably closer to being the truth, is that the shows were poorly promoted – the networks never pushed them onto the public as much as the show’s deserved to be.
Since we’re talking about promotion and the biz, there is a quasi-positive note for “Community.” Many believe that since it is produced by Sony Pictures, it may eventually be picked up for a fourth season and air enough episodes to make it to syndication. Apparently, Sony has a reputation of keeping shows that are doing poorly in the ratings on the air long enough to make it to syndication. Obviously, this all hinges on what NBC does with the remainder of season three’s episodes.
The upcoming weeks are sure to be vital to the short and long term future of “Community.” I’m still a little sick about the present, and don’t think I’ll be cured any time in the near future, but the fact that Netflix is willing to gamble on one great show has me optimistic that it might do it again some day.
So let’s cross our fingers (toes, arms, legs, eyes… wait until you finish reading, first) that “Arrested Development” does well on Netflix in 2013, and helps the struggling company do a little better financially (that is ultimately what matters), and a lot better in the court of public opinion.
With that said, I might even subscribe purely out of hope.
Pop! Pop!
