The new comedyFriendshipfrom writer/directorAndrew DeYoungis a new, laugh-out-loud classic, thanks in large part to leading manTim Robinsonand his pitch-perfect line deliveries and physical comedy. The film isa hilarious exploration of how much men long for platonic connection with other men, as Robinson’s Craig Waterman, an off-putting, awkward guy, tries desperately to make friends with his neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd).
If you’re in the mood for another Tim Robinson comedy all about male friendship, check out hisComedy CentralsitcomDetroiters, which is currently available to stream on either Netflix or Paramount+.Detroitersfeels like an alternate universe version ofFriendship’s Craig successfully finding a guy who matches his freakto build a beautifully, painfully codependent bromance. Robinson co-stars in the series he co-created with his own real-life friend,Sam Richardson.
‘Detroiters’ Is a Depiction of Bizarre, Co-Dependent Buddy Love
If you love the weird yet endearing scenes inFriendshipwhere buddies do things like bursting into an R&B ballad to encourage their bro when he’s feeling down,Detroitersis an entire series made up of sweet, strange moments between male besties. The show features bizarre depictions of buddy love, like a scene when Tim interrupts Sam while he’s trying to flirt (“my friend can’t poop unless I rub his belly”), or a moment when Tim intensely says that he and Sam plan to die at the exact same minute. The show puts forth a simple question: Can a friendship be so endearing and sweet that it starts to veer towardstoocodependent and creepy? That question is answered in scenes like the one where Tim tries to initiate a sexy roleplay with his wife Chrissy (Shawntay Dalon), but the only name he can come up with for himself is Sam’s.
‘Detroiters’ Deserves Its Own Revival Movie With Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson
Bring on all the dips and hot dog bowls.
‘Detroiters’ Features a Terrific Supporting Cast
Dalon, who’s also appeared on Robinson’s cringe-comedy sketch seriesI Think You Should Leave, rounds out the cast ofDetroitersas Tim’s wife Chrissy… who also happens to be Sam’s sister. LikeKate Mara’s Tami Waterman inFriendship, Chrissy never reaches the level of absurdity ofDetroiters' main duo, mostly adopting the role of straight man opposite Tim and Sam’s over-the-top antics, but she still earns some terrific comedic moments of her own. In one scene, Chrissy gets ridiculously over-the-top as she fawns over how sexy Elliot Spitzer is (“he looks like Skeletor with his skin on”).
Detroitersalso boasts guest appearances from actors likeJason Sudeikis(who also serves as an executive producer on the show),Kate McKinnon,Cecily Strong,Amber Ruffin, andConner O’Malley, who is arguably the biggest scene-stealer inFriendship.HisDetroitersepisode is a highlight of the show, as O’Malley and Robinson scream at each other in their own signature styles. As Tim’s directionless, hard-to-get-along-with brother, Trevor, O’Malley’s bizarre one-liners rival even hisbrilliantFriendshipcameo — and, just like inFriendship, there’s something for any Slipknot fans watching. The resolution of O’Malley’s episode, as Tim tries to take Trevor under his wing, highlights what’s so great aboutDetroiters. Mixed in with the absurd comedy, there are moments of real sweetness and connection between the show’s characters.
If you need more Tim Robinson after seeingFriendshipmultiple times in theaters and binging episodes ofI Think You Should Leave,Detroitersis the perfect show to tune into. Even though there are still comically unexpected moments, like a plot that culminates with Tim and Sam accidentally hitting a guy with their car on the way to a pitch meeting,the show offers an ultimately sweet portrayal of platonic lovethat more series could benefit from including today.
Detroiters
Detroiters: Best friends and partners Sam and Tim run a small advertising agency in Detroit, striving to achieve success while navigating the unique challenges of their industry. Their often humorous attempts to secure big clients and elevate their business highlight their relentless optimism and deep friendship amidst the backdrop of the city’s vibrant culture.
