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Despite critical acclaim and pop culture success, 'Community' has never been a ratings star. However, the long hiatus may have helped the show. Before the 'Community' hiatus, and its fans' panicked reactions about potential cancellation, the show was popular amongst a niche group of people. Lots of everyday Americans didn't know it existed. But then the show went on hiatus. And Facebook groups were formed in protest, people tweeted their chagrin, and some even went so far as to wear little fake mustaches (it's a long story). There were protests in front of NBC's Rockefeller headquarters, and mentions of the show on 'The Soup' (which is hosted by 'Community' cast-member Joel McHale).
'Community' focuses on the lives of a misfit group of friends who all attend a community college.
Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) lost his license to practice law because the Bar found out his degree was from Columbia (the country, not the university).
Britta (Gillian Jacobs) is a former activist, and secretly dated Jeff throughout the second season. She often offends people with her outspoken statements. She has recently decided that she wants to become a therapist, a decision that everyone else in the group is very hesitant about.
Annie (Alison Brie), a high-strung, intelligent student who was disgraced at her last school because of her addiction to Adderall. Although Annie was originally romantically paired with Troy, more recently there have been suggestions that she may end up with the older, and significantly more mature, Jeff.
Speaking of Troy (Donald Glover), he attended high school with Annie, but he didn't associate with her there because he was a big-shot football player. His friendship with Abed is an important facet of the show.
Abed (Danny Pudi) is an awkward pop-culture nerd who almost definitely has Aspergers. He enjoys making meta references, which often serve as a spin-off point for some of the show's most interesting episodes. Abed is Palestinian/Polish-American.
Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) attempts to serve as the moral and religious compass of the group. She is mother to three children, including a recent baby who was involved in a paternity scandal. Shirley has now reunited with her husband. She is African-American, and the second-oldest member of the group.
Ben Chang (Ken Jeong) first supervised the group as their Spanish teacher. However, he was disgraced at at the end of season one, when everyone learned that he didn't speak Spanish. For a brief amount of time, it is suspected that he is the father of Shirley's baby. Chang is despised by everyone in the group, although he often asks to join. Each time he is turned down he breaks the fourth-wall, and suggests that he will be the ultimate downfall of the whole group.
Pierce Hawthrone (Chevy Chase) often makes racist comments about Abed and Shirley. He is the oldest member of the group, but also one of the least mature. Pierce is incredibly wealthy, because his father was the founder of Hawthorne Wipes, a moist towelette company.
The group often has visits from the Dean, Craig Pelton (Jim Rash). He loves to dress up in outrageous costumes, and often hosts ridiculous events at the school. He has a not-so-secret crush on Jeff.
'Community' will begin airing again tonight (3/15/12) at its original time slot, 7/8C on NBC. If there are enough viewers, NBC will probably renew the show for a third season: so watch it!
