Why they are Community's most interesting relationship 

Both were raised by TV. Abed became a character. Jeff became an actor.

as much as Troy plays the nerdy card more often, no one understands Abed's references better than Jeff

Jeff is always the one telling Abed to shut up when he makes a reference, and that's because Jeff is the only one who gets them all. In Abed's words to Jeff when they shared a dorm, "you're a huge nerd."

as much as i love troy and abed, their relationship is so based in natural chemistry and common interests that it has less interesting confrontations like jeff and abed

I always think about the moment in Cooperative Calligraphy when Abed keeps saying "This is a bottle episode" and Jeff seems to be the one to fully understand what he means, telling Abed to shut up even before he says it and then gives in and ends up saying himself that they are doing the bottle episode.

I read somewhere that Dan Harmon viewed both Jeff and Abed’s characters as different parts of himself, so it makes sense that they have a unique relationship, they have the first interaction of the series, and Jeff hugs him twice in the finale. That second hug always makes me tear up a bit 🥺

If you look at the fact that both Jeff and Abed had breakdown episodes that impacted the medium they were in (Abed's stopmotion Christmas and Jeff's GI Joe animation birthday), it seems to be that both of them are made of the same stuff, but they came out of the oven with different outside traits. Put them together and they're a complete person, so to speak. This show was always about these two finding a community that they had never had before, and through it sharing their growth.

I never understood why Jeff and Abed's goodbye felt so much more painful than anyone else's. It was right there the whole time, but now you've made me see it

The beginning and end of the first episode always gets me! "I see your value now" "Thats the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me" They truly are 2 sides of the same coin

"While this episode calls for suspension of disbelief on what is normal for a college campus." I mean... that statement could apply for pretty much EVERY episode of Community.

If you think about it.... Jeff always turned to Annie whenever he needed his conscience activated. Abed was always the one to drag his two feet into reality whenever needed. Pierce was the one who frequently, albeit involuntarily, scared him into evolving as a person, serving as a deterrent for whom he could become otherwise. Meanwhile Britta basically acted as his comfortzone. Annie and Abed leaving him behind at the end, with only Britta remaining from the original group.... It feels kinda dark.

Jeff can relate to Abed because he grew up with TV just like Abed, but also because Jeff is good at understanding people like you said earlier in the video. He understand him on a realistic, but also personal level, like no one else is able to.

I also liked how Jeff always got Abed's references. Though Troy said "No one gets Abed", I felt there were times he was actually understood by Jeff. There was an unsaid understanding/connection they had. Jeff's graduation episode, for example. I loved how the darkest timeline became a thing for Jeff even though it was not something the group talked about or even aware of.

The show begins with Jeff and Abed, and ends with Abed and Jeff. Those 2 ultimately grew the most, and really hadn't had a true "community" before. All other characters may have felt lonely, but they had other peer groups to fall back at some point (Annie's over achieving clubs, Troy and sports, Britta and her "anarchists"/liberal activists, Shirley her family & PTA). Peirce is a kind of monkey wrench because his character was also a facet of the same Abed/Jeff loneliness. His character writing went downhill when work relationships soured, but Pierce ultimately refused to learn from or acknowledge change. He tended to alienate a 'community' that consistently accepted his flaws. He is a kind of cautionary tale. I think you nailed it; the relationship between Jeff and Abed is the most rewarding for them (and us!!!). So excited movie officially announced today!!!

OMG, I thought I was the only one who noticed this! Community to me had always been about Jeff and Abed, not Troy and Abed. That's why the changing cast from seasons 5 to 6 never bothered me because both Jeff and Abed are still there and why it was bittersweet when Abed eventually left. The two of them were what made Community, well, Community.

While Abed obviously wants to be Jeff with his relationships and understanding of others, Jeff subconsciously wants to be Abed, secure about himself, lovable with flaws and still part of everything, we rarely see Abed struggle with the group outside of a few instances that solve themselves, however, Jeff is always trying to keep the group together or bitter about someone.

Jeff hugging Abed twice always makes me tear up just thinking about because I always saw it as Jeff knowing this is the last time he’ll see the Abed he knows and the life he’s come to know with him, which they openly showed him fearing losing in the last season (not just Abed, but you know) But I never thought about the trope subversion purely for Abed’s sake. The way Jeff pauses always felt deliberate and like a command almost towards Abed of “I need you to recognize this.” And you do see the look change on Abed’s face. I think you’re right that it was Jeff’s way of breaking the traditional goodbye hug into an “No, Abed. Seriously. I mean it. I’m going to miss you very, very much.” and because his connection with Jeff was always a safety net, he fell into it immediately and understood that Jeff loved him and would miss him. Abed was getting on a boat and maybe, probably, maybe never coming back again.

The moment I saw the thumbnail I was like "it's jeff and abed isn't it?" It's nice to see I was right.

Community was such a good character study, none of the characters got to be a trope, they all used tropes, but ultimately they extended themselves through those ideas at every opportunity. It's such a good show, I can't wait to see how it converts to the big screen.

"Five seasons of incredible T.V." Sooo casually *vicious* to the people who worked on the Gas Leak Year 😲

As someone who sees myself in Abed and Jeff, I agree with two sides of the same coin, I am a late diagnosed autistic and have been called "an asshole" too many times while growing, there was so much insecurities in the mask I used, it was very much like Jeff, in season 1, but I loved the person who I was when by myself, and slowly shifting into a mix of both, after so much growth, I'm still learning, but I agree with everything in this video, congrats.

That hug in the finale never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

For some reason, Jeff Winger is one of my favourite fictional characters ever. And watching him grow so much at his age, thanks to Abed, always makes me emotional - seeing their first interaction and then their hug one after another is crazy, Abed really helped this adult grow up without really noticing. I love most of the characters and relationships in Community, but their relationship I will always hold dear to my heart. They might not understand I’m the beginning, but they *are* the most important person in the other’s development throughout the 6 years. You can also see how Jeff’s life is falling apart because of Abed leaving, when in the last ep Jeff’s season 7 pitch is strangling him and then he just leaves to go back where it all began. Gotta admit that I adore the Jeff&Annie relationship and it was right to have Annie come to the study room, because they deserved their ending too. But, like you said, the hug in the end might be the most important scene in the show, Abed finally sees Jeff up and realizes that he’d understood him for quite some time. And Jeff realized that he’d made it, he’d become a different and better person (mostly thanks to Abed) and had grown up to stand on his own again. Their final hug is acceptance of both of them going on with their lives but also so full of love and appreciation, and they both know. I am so excited if they will have a deeper look at this friendship in the movie that might be one day, I would really love to see them meeting again all grown up, being their own people who were shaped by this study group. Loved your video, thank you :)

Five seasons... So are we forgetting season 4 or 6?

Its a shame that they dont interact more after the first season. Its kind of like they forgot how connected both of these characters are and how similar they can be in favour of Jeff-Annie and Troy-Abed (which are still great)

When I saw the hug at the end I was honestly punched in my feels so hard, so happy there is a full 8 minutes video talking about that one moment.

There's an incredible compilation (I think it's called "the evolution of Jeff and Abed") that shows the way that that they play off of and interact with each other throughout the entirety of the show and it's absolutely wonderful. After watching that compilation I came to realize that while Community is obviously about the whole group, it is also majorly informed by the relationship between the two of them, as everything else happening in the show are mostly catalysts for the development of Jeff and Abed, with the two juxtaposing each other and essentially acting as their foils (think Macbeth and Malcolm but with a happier ending lol)

All I saw was the title and I immediately knew this would be about Jeff and Abed. Their final hug(s) get me so emotional every time I watch the finale

This was an incredible video and analysis, Jeff and Abed's relationship is absolutely my favorite and truly deserving of the tittle of most interesting in the show. I'm glad other people see the value their friendship has.

Here's how I describe it: Every show has a sequence of rings that characters fall into. In the center at level one there's usually a single protagonist (Hawkeye/Jeff). At level two you have the "inner circle" (Trapper/BJ/Britta). Then the outer circle (Troy/Annie/Potter/Radar). And finally there's the "other" (Burns, Winchester, many versions of Chang). But Abed is the only character I can think of that fits into this model at level 0. If Jeff is superficially an avatar of Harmon, Abed is the conduit to what's going on inside Harmon's mind. He's "meta" because he actually has a direct conduit to the "mind of the creator".

As a person with a neurodiversity seeing these interactions with other people is really difficult. Thank you for bringing these kinds of links to my attention I think this actually helped me to grow as a person.

One of my favorite lines in regards to their relations ship is in the second to last episode. At the beginning as Abed is filming Garrett proposing, he's talking to Jeff and Abed makes a comment about how his facial expression changes, to which Jeff replies "Oh you're noticing faces now?" I think this goes unnoticed a lot but it's a really telling glimpse to their understanding of each other and how Abed has grown over the years in many ways thanks to Jeff and the group. Great video, also personal critique, try slowing your speech down a bit, was hard to understand at times, otherwise fantastic breakdown.

Jeff and Abed are definitely one of my favourite friendships in this show! It's really nice seeing a video focusing on their relationship, it's not something that many people talk about. This video is really entertaining, informative, well made, and helped remind me why community is my favourite show. Thank you!

The relationships of community were beautiful and so rich

These 2 are the main reason I love season 6, they are definitely the core of the show

I like that you pointed out how Jeff is so media literate and how that helps him relate to Abed, because I also think this impacts both of their relationships with Troy as well. Troy is deeply insecure, but envies Jeff's ability to be outwardly cool and in charge. Couple that with Troy's best friend being someone who he can't fully relate to both due to Abed's eccentricities and his deeper knowledge and appreciation for media, and you get a Troy that envies Jeff at a real core level, in a way that basically defines their relationship. Troy and Jeff could never be as close as Abed and Jeff, because they were each looking for the same thing and couldn't provide it for each other. They played into each others' insecurities, and Abed conflicted with them.

jeff and abed is one of my favorite relationships in the series. some other ones i feel aren't talked about enough are jeff/pierce, jeff/shirley, shirley/britta, and pierce/annie. seasons 5 and 6 gave us hickey/annie, hickey/abed, frankie/annie, frankie/abed, and elroy/abed which i found thoroughly enjoyable as well.

Thanks for the vid! To me, Jeff and Abed were the two main characters of the show. Abed needed to take charge like Jeff. And Jeff needed to learn to let his nerd flag fly, and to have joy in his friendships, just like Abed.

The RU-vid algorithm working wonders today. I was just thinking about this the other day; and what do I find? A great video about it. I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Sometimes, I feel drowned out by the “Annie/Jeff is greatest” and “Troy/Abed is greatest” groups. Not that they’re bad, but the Jeff/Abed relationship always felt the most real, and relatable, to me. Thanks for making this!

Can't believe this 8 minute video essay made me cry. Such a lovely encapsulation of their relationship.

Yep, I always considered Abed to be Jeff’s best friend in the series while Troy was Abed’s best friend

Probably my favorite episode in the whole series is Contemporary American Poultry due to the relationship and understanding Jeff and Abed build between each other in the episode. They realize they aren't so different.

I knew it'd be these two before I even clicked on the video. I didn't fully appreciate how amazing this duo is before rewatching the show for the first time but their moments have been highlights for me ever since. After today's announcement I'm pretty excited to see what they've got in store for us!

Great analysis! This is something that I’ve felt, but never consciously noticed. I’m so excited to rewatch Community with the context of Jeff and Abed’s relationship at the forefront!

Jeff and abed are the only two characters who understand each other. Both have family trauma. Jeff understands all of Abed’s references, and understands him by comparison. Abed understands all of Jeff based off movie and television tropes.

I can’t recall the last time I’ve ever seen a first video on a RU-vid channel that was THIS professional, insightful, well-edited and RU-vid-ready. Idk where you went after 3 months ago, but I’d love to see more content from you 👏

I love how much this show is able to be so incredibly heartfelt. I feel like that’s not something a lot of comedy shows are able to do

I have watched Community since the pilot came out, rewatched it over and over. It's one of my favourite shows. But I did not know how much I needed to see this analysis of Geoff and Abed's friendship. It makes so much sense. Their friendship is one of the finest aspects of the series, and seeing it pointed out, I finally get it. I am so glad I watched this video. It helped me appreciate one of my very favourite pieces of media in a way I'd never before managed

Great video! I never really thought about each person’s relationship to each other and what it meant for them. This video made me more appreciative of Jeff and Abed as individuals and their friendship at the same time. Keep doing your thing!

i absolutely love video essays like this, filled with passion for a media im also passionate about. this made me tear up and look at characters i love in a different leans. thanks! (also sorry for the earlier rant lol)

I’m on my nth rewatch (seriously, I’ve lost count), and this show is the gift that keeps on giving.

I think you're right. It's certainly Community's most touching relationship to watch develop. I got a bit choked up when they said goodbye.

i've seen the whole show countless times, (was introduced to it in 2011), and everytime i burst out crying when they hug that second time.. including now when you talk about it

You hit the nail on the head, man. Great breakdown of their relationship and the characters themselves. Bravo!

What I love abt the double hug scene l, and how I read it, is that in the 1st hug Jeff sees himself as Abed's mentor/big brother/father figure etc. He's assuring Abed that he will be ok. But on his second hug Jeff becomes the one that needs comfort, reflecting his fears from season 6 abt being left behind by all his younger friends. The 2nd hug feels like someone who is seeking comfort, not giving it.

your double hug analysis choked me up.

I've loved Community for years but I have only just now realized this. I'm so thankful for creators like you that continue to make the Community...well, community, much richer. It makes me love the show even more

I’m so glad you made this video because I’ve been thinking a lot on their relationship but couldn’t quite explain it in the detail you have. Thank you!

Ooh 😲 You explained it in a rather epic fashion, I hadn't noticed how meaningful that last hug is. Thats soo cool 😁

I've loved Community for years and I wanted to thank you for putting this into words so well. I had never really thought about it before, and the way you describe it makes perfect sense. Thank you for adding yet more to my appreciation for what was already my favorite show of all time.

This is all stuff I’ve picked up on but you broke it down in a way I never could. Great video, I love Community and hope to see more content like this

You should do a video on Pierce and Troy! "Do you know that you have the greatest gift life can give you? The heart of a hero. And that it is your duty to not waste it like I did" That line alone is worth an entire video of analysis

You just made me reconsider a show I’ve watched 15+ times, amazing

I knew there was something deeper to that second hug but I couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks, great video!

Jeff and Abed's relationship is why the chicken fingers episode is one of my favourites. They're so opposite yet because they share those key histories, they cut deeper into each other than anyone else

Haha I love it "5 seasons" the casual season 4 roast was perfectly placed!

season 4 has one of the best episodes of Abed’s growth though: Basic Human Anatomy. The TV bit is initiated by Troy but Abed understands Troy needs it and joins. By experiencing Jeff accept Abed’s TV tropes, it gives Abed the space to be on the receiving end and embrace someone else’s TV trope to help that person.

This hug was the one thing in the finale that really made me start crying. Great analysis.

Their relationship has always been one of the most genuine parts of the show :)

This is really well done and well said. I do want to add, it is hard to see, but Jeff is saying something to Abed in this hug according to the director, Rob Schrab. Joel made it up, and we have no idea what was said.

The last hug is the proof of everything you said in this video. It's a silent "thank you so much" and it never fails to make me cry.

they both have a special place in my heart. jeff and abed see eachother on a deep level that i dont see with other characters on the show

One of my fav Jeff and Abed episodes and one of my favorites in general is the Chicken Fingers episode. Their final convo is just so interesting

I'm so glad to see someone eloquently explain why this relationship is so much more important and meaningful than any other in Community. Next time I try to explain this to someone I'll just refer them to this video. Great work!

Thanks!!! I never really thought about their relationship until now. You really opened my eyes to all of the thought and intricacy that went into writing the show.

Not even ten seconds in and we're already dunking on season 4 xD genius

Thank you for this video, I've always been overwhelmed by the end of Community to be able to see it through this, this recontextualization put tears in my eyes, good job cutie 😭

I’m so glad that this video popped up on my feed. I enjoyed your deep dive into the relationship between Abed and Jeff. I hope that in the movie we can see that relationship come back. Great job, keep up the great work!

"5 seasons of incredible TV" Audibly busted out laughing 😂

I always really loved that hug. It feels like a full circle moment because Abed was his first connection at Greendale, the one who brought the whole group together, the one that really changed Jeff's life.

those two were always so special to me, great job on the essay!

You can’t just be using the mark rober theme like that! 😂 awesome video, I love community and this is a great analysis

Wow. that was.. beautiful. I knew this all but you put it in a way that is so beautiful, I thank you.

This is awesome! I've never thought of Jeff and Abed this way. Thank you for the new perspective!

Damn that was a great eye opening video. I've watched every S of community like over 1k times it's my show I fall asleep to to have noise in the background and comforts me so much! I've always known that relationship was there and interesting but I didn't realize just how interesting it truly was until I watched this video and I can appreciate this show even more than I already do! Thank you!

i love how more and more people realize the best dynamic between any two characters on community was jeff and abed.

I felt the EXACT same way watching this show. Every single thing you said. I could've made this essay. Perfect. 10/10. Instant sub.

Not only do I think they have the deepest and most profound relationship between each other in the show, but they are the two characters who have the most interesting relationships with the others in the group, like Jeff and Shirley, Abed and Annie.

Abed is like the rest button, everything there's a problem or issue, his observations are the ones to fix it, even if he's not actively involved in the problem

This was actually an amazing analysis of something I could never really put into words. Congrats on making a great and successful video

That hug was definitely one of my favourite moments

God damn, man. I'm at work. you can't get me teared up like that.

This was a great watch and a phenomenal take! Would love to see more from you!

hey nice video man! i have watched community countless times but only caught glimpses of what you say in this video. thanks!

This is a grand observation, great video.

This was a good video - please make more.

Great insight and reflection on how one small scene encapsulates a huge part of this show.

Dang it, you just made me cry!!! I love every moment of this video. Thank you!!! And now, we have reason to celebrate because we are finally getting our #Community #AndAMovie! 🤗🥰🙌🏽

Community is an often misunderstood show, but you get it. Great video

"five seasons of incredible tv" 😂😂