Detroiters

Detroiters is an American television comedy series, a brainchild of resilient comic minds broadcasted on Comedy Central from 2017 to 2018. Stunningly created by Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Joe Kelly, and Zach Kanin, the series emerges from the vibrant landscapes of Detroit, marking the city’s enduring spirit and unique culture. The charming ensemble captures the stories of two best friends and their journeys to make a name for themselves in America’s notoriously competitive advertising industry.

The double act of Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson, who also happen to be real-life best friends, offer an exuberant and heartwarming portrayal of two ambitious Detroit natives. Richardson's character, Sam Duvet, is compassionate and enthusiastic, while Robinson portrays Tim Cramblin, who is equally charismatic but slightly more bumbling. This dynamic duo runs the fictitious Cramblin Duvet advertising agency, a small, local company they inherited from Tim's father. Their unified vision is to revitalize the business and turn it into a prosperous venture in the city they love so dearly.

The premise of the show centers around the duo's attempts to create ads that will resonate with the people of Detroit, soliciting business from local companies to stay afloat while dreaming of landing a big account that would solidify their place on the advertising map. Their enduring friendship and infectious ambition form the crux of the story, filling it with humor, warmth and an oftentimes derailing drive for success.

The city serves as the backdrop to their shared dreams and aspirations, becoming a character on its own. The show brilliantly and respectfully depicts Detroit without relying on tired clichés. It offsets the city’s historical struggles with a focus on the resilient spirit of its people and the beauty and culture that thrive beneath the surface, ultimately bringing Detroit’s vibrant energy to life.

Detroiters is charmingly comedic, embedding spontaneous humor and surrealism into episodes that portray the duo’s everyday lives and career challenges. The humor thrives on the brilliantly-written scripts that gracefully combine elements of friendship, familial ties, and even romance, while effortlessly playing on the comedic chemistry between Richardson and Tim.

Throughout the series, audiences are introduced to several delightful secondary characters. The equally endearing and eccentric office assistant Lea (Lailani Ledesma), and the gruff, no-nonsense Sheila, who is played with perfect hilarity by real-life Detroit local, Pat Vern Harris, specifically warrant mention. Adding to the authenticity, each episode is peppered with cameo appearances from real-life Detroit celebrities, media personalities, and local folks.

Through its vibrant characters and rich storytelling, Detroiters not only offers an uproariously authentic comedy series, but also succeeds in shining a new, comically affirming light on an otherwise overlooked part of American culture: the city of Detroit. Ultimately, it’s the absolute love for the city that translates on-screen and draws viewers toward its uniquely loving and humorous portrayal.

The production values of Detroiters are noteworthy, creating a visual tribute to the city. The theme song, an infectious tune that exudes the soul of Detroit, perfectly sets the tone for the unwavering love of the city that the show embodies.

In conclusion, Detroiters is a comedy series infused with warm, endearing humor and a profound appreciation for friendship and home. It’s about the struggles and successes, trials and tribulations of two best friends trying to make it in the advertising industry, all while paying homage to the heart and soul of the city they deeply love. For anyone seeking a feel-good comedy filled with wit, charm, and heart, Detroiters is a vibrant series that delivers on all fronts. It's an extraordinary show that keeps audiences laughing while leaving them with a newfound appreciation for Detroit and its people.