Why does Abed like Cougar Town?

Abed Nadir, the pop culture-obsessed character from Community, is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of television and his unique way of interpreting the world through pop culture references. His passion for the medium extends far beyond simple entertainment — it’s a lens through which he understands life. One of his more unexpected obsessions is Cougar Town, a sitcom starring Courteney Cox that evolved from a show about middle-aged dating into a quirky ensemble comedy. But why does Abed like Cougar Town so much? Let's break down some possible reasons.

Real-world connections

Perhaps the most straightforward reason behind Abed's love for Cougar Town is the real-world link between the two shows. No, Cougar Town isn’t a fictional reference concocted solely for the Community universe — it’s an actual sitcom created by Bill Lawrence, who also gave us Scrubs. Not only is Bill Lawrence friends with Dan Harmon, the creator of Community, but several producers from Community previously worked on Scrubs: Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan. These connections suggest that Abed's love for Cougar Town is somewhat of an inside joke and a playful nod to a friend's show.

It's worth noting that Cougar Town struggled in the ratings and was often on the verge of cancellation, mirroring Community's own precarious existence and adding a layer of meta-commentary. Beyond these external reasons, however, there are also plenty of in-universe reasons why Abed would be a fan of Cougar Town.

Cougar Town is actually... good?

The running joke may be that Cougar Town is an obscure show with a funny name (and that's not wrong), but the truth is that it's actually a pretty decent sitcom. The name is misleading, as the show underwent a significant shift midway through the first season, abandoning the "cougar" premise and evolving into a genuinely funny ensemble comedy. If you can get past the initial episodes, you'll find a show with heart, humor, and surprisingly well-developed characters. Abed, with his discerning taste for television, would likely appreciate this evolution. Think of it as a hidden gem he discovered.

Meta-humor and self-awareness

Community is renowned for its meta-humor, constantly deconstructing and playing with sitcom conventions. While Cougar Town isn't as overtly meta, it does possess a degree of self-awareness, particularly in its later seasons. It acknowledges its own shifting premise and often uses self-referential humor, most notably in how it openly pokes fun at the ridiculousness of its title. This subtle meta-commentary would resonate with Abed, who thrives on genre awareness and appreciates shows that acknowledge their own artificiality.

Comfort and predictability

Cougar Town is, at its core, a comfortable and predictable sitcom. It follows a familiar formula, offering viewers a sense of stability and reassurance. This predictability could be particularly appealing to Abed, who often struggles with social interactions and finds solace in the structured world of television. The show's lighthearted tone and emphasis on humor provide a sense of escapism, allowing Abed to relax and enjoy the antics of the characters without overthinking the plot or social implications.

The found family trope

Cougar Town quickly evolved into a show about a close-knit group of friends who support and care for each other. This "found family" trope is a common theme in sitcoms, and it's one that resonates deeply with Abed. He values the connections he has with his own group of friends in Community, and he would likely appreciate the camaraderie and acceptance depicted in Cougar Town. The show's emphasis on friendship and belonging speaks to Abed's own desire for connection and understanding.

Fun fact

Abed's actor, Danny Pudi, once made a cameo appearance on Cougar Town, in-character as Abed. This playful crossover was actually foreshadowed in Community, when Abed told Jeff that he had appeared on Cougar Town as an extra.

Final thoughts

Abed’s fondness for Cougar Town isn’t a random quirk: it’s a reflection of his appreciation for television as both an art form and a source of comfort. Although the real root of Abed's love for Cougar Town likely lies in the show's connection with Community, Cougar Town embodies many of the qualities that Abed values in his favorite medium. Its meta-humor, predictable structure, and heartfelt character dynamics create a perfect match for a character who sees the world through the lens of television.

Thinking about rewatching Community? Try our Community random episode generator. Curious about Cougar Town? Jump in with a random Cougar Town episode. And if you enjoyed this article, check out some of our other articles like the best Community episodes or the best Friends episodes.