At the recent New York Comic Con, Joel McHale, renowned actor and game show host, shared his fond memories and insights about the beloved sitcom *Community*. The show, which aired from 2009 until 2015, enjoyed a devoted fan base and continues to resonate with audiences today. McHale participated in a panel discussion alongside former cast members Danny Pudi, Ken Jeong, and Jim Rash, where they reminisced about their time on the series and their enduring camaraderie.
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During the panel held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 10, McHale expressed appreciation for the chemistry among the *Community* cast. “I know this sounds like such a cliché, but we got so f—ing lucky that the cast gets along as well as we do,” he remarked in an exclusive conversation with *PEOPLE*. This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the show, which revolved around a mismatched study group navigating their way through the complexities of community college.
The reunion not only highlighted the show’s charm but also stirred nostalgia for some of their absent co-stars, including Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Alison Brie. Jeong took a moment to reflect on Jacobs, who he believes would always bring an element of surprise to the gatherings. “When you’re with Gillian, something random is going to happen,” he quipped, adding that her unique perspectives often led to interesting discussions.
Pudi fondly echoed these sentiments, recalling Jacobs’ educational contributions to their dynamic. He noted, “She’d teach you,” before shifting to speak of Alison Brie. “If Alison was here, we’d probably end up doing a weird song or she’d remember something we were doing at like 2 in the morning,” he said, illustrating the light-hearted energy she brought to their interactions.
Rash also highlighted the importance of Yvette Nicole Brown, who he described as the group’s anchor. “Yvette would rally us and keep us focused,” he stated, a sentiment McHale supported, acknowledging her ability to ensure they remained on task during filming.
The panel also served as a platform to hark back to *Community’s* significant impact on television. Created by Dan Harmon and produced by Joe and Anthony Russo, the series starred a diverse ensemble cast including Donald Glover and Chevy Chase. Celebrated for its inventive storytelling and witty dialogue, *Community* recently earned a spot on The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Shows of the 21st Century, ranking at number 97. The show’s acclaim was further solidified when it won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2011.
As fans eagerly await news of the forthcoming *Community* movie, which is currently in the works but has yet to commence filming, McHale shared his thoughts on the original pilot script. He recalled reading it for the first time and feeling an immediate connection. “When I read the script the first time, I thought this was the best pilot script I had read,” he said, noting the strong desire he had to join the project. “I fought very hard to be in it.”
In a separate interaction with *PEOPLE*, Alison Brie reflected on her continued relationship with her former castmates, stating, “We text each other all the time. It’s the whole main gang.” She mentioned that their communications often revolve around celebrations, including birthday wishes and congratulatory messages for new endeavours. “Every so often, we send funny memes or pictures of ourselves when we run into each other or hang out,” Brie added.
The panel discussion at New York Comic Con not only reminded fans of the show’s legacy but also showcased the enduring friendships formed during its production. As time goes on, it is clear that the spirit of *Community* endures, both through the memories of its cast and the unwavering support from its audience. With a movie on the horizon, fans of the series will undoubtedly continue to cherish the unique bond shared by its cast and the beloved characters they portrayed.