Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
College comedy's wit trumps some stereotyping.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Community
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 85 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a hilarious and unique comedy that explores the lives and friendships of a diverse group of community college students. However, many reviews advise parental supervision for younger viewers due to frequent sexual innuendos, mild language, and character flaws that may not serve as good role models.
- mature content
- diverse characters
- great humor
- parental guidance
- character growth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
COMMUNITY centers on Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), a sharp-witted lawyer who finds himself at Greendale Community College after his degree gets revoked. Hoping to attract the attention of fellow student Britta (Gillian Jacobs) while scoring some easy As, Jeff forms a Spanish study group that unexpectedly brings together an eclectic group of students -- including pop-culture junkie Abed (Danny Pudi), hippie-turned-businessman Pierce (Chevy Chase), middle-aged divorcee Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown), neurotic perfectionist Annie (Alison Brie), and former high school jock Troy (Donald Glover). Things tend to get a little crazy, especially when the group goes up against Chang (Ken Jeong). But as Jeff learns that street smarts don't replace book smarts, he also finds himself getting a social education.
Is It Any Good?
Created by the directors of Arrested Development, this well-written series successfully mixes traditional sitcom humor with some of the quirky social interactions made famous in The Breakfast Club. It's also mildly edgy thanks to the way the humor plays off of stereotypes associated with community colleges, the professors who teach there, and the people who attend them.
The members of the study group are far from perfect, but buried within the jokes is a positive message about the importance of getting an education at any age, as well as the importance of friendship. It's definitely funny, and ultimately, Community manages to score high marks.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether it's ever appropriate to use stereotypes to create humor. Why or why not? How are stereotypes used in Community?
Would you consider the characters role models? Are their relationships realistic? How do they change over the course of the series? What do they learn?
What's the difference between a community college and a university? What are the benefits of attending one or the other? Disadvantages?
How do the characters on Community demonstrate communication, self-control, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 17, 2009
- Cast : Alison Brie , Chevy Chase , Donald Glover , Gillian Jacobs , Joel McHale
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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