Thanks to Animal Control, Joel McHale was able to deliver anotherCommunityreunion and pay back a favor to another cast member from nine years ago, Ken Jeong. Created by Dan Harmon,Communitydebuted in 2009 to critical acclaim and a passionate cult following. A considerable amount of the positive response centered aroundCommunity’s cast of characters, which, along with McHale and Jeong, included Donald Glover’s Troy and Danny Pudi’s Abed. With some exceptions, the main cast remained for all six seasons and will return forthe often-prophesized and now-confirmedCommunitymovie.
Forging fast friendships, as well as cult favorite characters, the cast ofCommunityoften found ways to work with each other in the years since. That also extended to the crew. SeveralCommunityalum have found their way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, courtesy of directors The Russo Brothers. Similarly, manyCommunityactors have followed creator Dan Harmon and voiced characters inRick and Morty. Nothing compares, however, to seeing them back on-screen together. And none have reunited more than Jeong and McHale.
Ken Jeong Appeared In Animal Control 9 Years After Joel McHale Appeared In Dr. Ken
Joel McHale And Ken Jeong Honored Their Community Roots
In recent history, Jeong joined McHale in the latter’s new sitcom:Animal Control. As the title suggests, the show revolves around an eclectic group of animal control employees in Seattle. Chief among them, McHale stars as confident stalwart Frank Shaw. As well as dealing with various kinds of critters, they encounter a range of quirky guest stars. Jeong made such an appearance inAnimal Controlseason 2, episode 5, “Dogs and Chickens,” in whichhe played dog whisperer Roman Park. It was a role he would reprise inAnimal Controlseason 3.
Jeong created, wrote, and produced Dr. Ken, which ran for two seasons.
The move could be seen as a return of the favor. After all, Jeong led his own sitcom in the wake ofCommunity’s multiple cancelations.Drawing on his previous experiences as a doctor, Jeong created, wrote, and producedDr. Ken, which ran for two seasons. Among its own guest stars, McHale appeared inDr. Kenseason 1, episode 14, “Dave’s Valentine.” Not dissimilar from hisCommunitycharacter Jeff Winger, McHale played Ross, an unscrupulous lawyer who once sued (and continued to clash with) Jeong’s titular physician.
Why McHale & Jeong Are Such A Great Comedy Duo
Community Continues To Prove It Was A Fertile Training Ground
It’s no secret, to fans and critics alike, thatCommunityfostered a creative environment in which comedic talent could thrive. That’s why, as well-written as it was considered to be (outside ofCommunity’s infamous gas leak year), there was an abundance of ad-libbing that made it into eventhe best episodes ofCommunity. That, no doubt, only grew more frequent as McHale and Jeong grew more comfortable with their characters, confident with their on-screen comedic chops, and more fully understood each other’s style of comedy.
They know exactly how to push each other’s buttons in the funniest way possible.
That was never more apparent than when McHale’s Jeff Winger andJeong’s Ben Changclashed. By the end ofCommunity’s TV run, both were fluent in playing egocentric characters that can go to insane places when needed. That no doubt made it easy when it came to their respective new shows andplaying equally arrogant foils for each other.
McHale and Jeong know exactly how to match each other’s energy and push buttons in the funniest way, adapting to however the other is choosing to play any given scene. As such, they could likely exchange witty barbs in their sleep,though neither could be accused of phoning it in. Hopefully, though, it won’t be another 9 years before we see McHale and Jeong back together — be it in theCommunitymovie or otherwise.
Community
Cast
Community is a comedic television series that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College, a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado. Released in 2009, the show explores the quirky interactions and relationships among the eclectic group navigating their academic and personal challenges.
