‘Oh, That Hurt’: Joel McHale Reveals A Savage Review Community Received Early Into Its Run

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During the late 2000s, numerous sitcoms emerged that are now widely regarded as some of the finest television comedy series today. However, when these shows initially debuted, including Community, they were yet to earn such acclaim. Despite a dedicated fan base who appreciated the college-centered humor, critics held mixed opinions about Community. Joel McHale, one of the show’s main cast members, remembered an especially harsh critique early on that had a personal impact.

Despite Community concluding years ago on television, McHale has appeared in numerous shows since then, including Animal Control and Yellowjackets. However, during an interview with Collider, Community continues to be a significant topic of discussion. The comedian shared that he focused on transitioning from hosting The Soup to acting, but was uncertain about public reception. He remembered that critics were initially unkind towards Community, much like Andy Richter’s experience, before it gained widespread popularity.

One critic essentially said that the show would be great if it wasn’t for him. This comment left a lasting impression on me, as I recall his name.” Andy Richter had a similar experience when Conan O’Brien’s show first started. Many people thought it wouldn’t last more than a week or two and criticized it harshly. However, Richter kept all of the negative reviews, and years later, whenever people praised the show, he would pull out those old articles to remind them of the early criticism.

ouch! That’s harsh, but it appeared to be a regular occurrence back then, as Richter went through a similar ordeal. Novel and unconventional individuals and projects often faced such critically analytical reviews. I must say, it’s fascinating that McHale recognized how his comedic counterpart saved those criticisms for the very critics who later softened their stance.

We’re doing just fine!

I can’t help but notice our ratings – they’re quite impressive! It seems audiences enjoy what we’re doing because they keep coming back for more. At Comic-Con, when I saw the entire hall filled to capacity, that was the moment I truly understood the show’s popularity. I was simply amazed, thinking, “Wow, people are tuning in!

Isn’t it thrilling to savor underdog narratives? I can only imagine how exhilarating it must have been when the Community cast managed to pack a whole room at Comic-Con for the first time, especially given their popularity following The Office and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Parks and Recreation. However, with Dan Harmon leading the charge and an exceptional ensemble, the show was bound to excel.

Looking forward to the forthcoming Community film (although probably not for release in 2026), I’m guessing McHale and company are prepping for its broadcast. This time, though, we may not see reviews as intensely personal as those directed at the Jeff Winger actor. It appears that people generally appreciated his performance in the 2025 film California King. Moreover, with McHale’s excitement about joining Scream 7, it seems another outstanding portrayal is on the horizon for us.

I’m hoping the Community actor will refrain from any further harsh criticisms about himself. If he can tone down his intense portrayal of the dissatisfied lawyer character amidst the fantastic Troy and Abed scenes, I don’t see anything that needs to be addressed or discussed in my view.

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2025-08-08 05:13