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Why 'Detroiters' is a must-watch show, especially if you're from Michigan

November 9, 2021
<p>&quot;Detroiters&quot; illustration. </p>

"Detroiters" illustration.

Photo by Madison Echlin | The State News

I stumbled upon "Detroiters" in what can only be described as a “happy accident.”

I was scrolling through the channels when I saw a commercial for April in the D, referring to the month in which three of Detroit’s sports teams — the Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons — all play. I was very confused why there was a Detroit commercial playing on Comedy Central before realizing it was a fake ad for one of their shows called "Detroiters." Curious as to what the show was about, I kept watching, and from there I was hooked.

The show stars Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson as Sam Duvet and Tim Cramblin, two beginner advertisers trying to make it as they take over for a Detroit-based advertising company owned by Tim’s dad. They’re joined by their secretary Sheila, intern Lea and employee Tommy on their quests to take on new clients around the city. 

As soon as I discovered this masterpiece of a show, I introduced it to my dad, and it soon became our weekly watch. It was instantly relatable for him, as he works in Detroit and has an advertising degree, and the city's cultural references such as the infamous Detroit pedal pubs and drinking Vernors to cure illness made both of us laugh.

I watch a lot of comedy shows — probably too many to name — but rarely are they ever set in Michigan and oftentimes don’t portray Detroit in a positive light. The show puts the city’s beauty on display and has references to major cultural events, such as the Woodward Dream Cruise which Sam and Tim participate in to beat traffic. 

In addition to Michigan cultural references, the show is downright one of the funniest works of entertainment I’ve ever seen. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that it was produced by "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels and alum Jason Sudeikis, who also guest-starred in the show. Richardson and Robinson are a dynamic duo that play extremely well off each other during scenes, and I’m glad to see they’re still doing comedy together. 

The supporting cast also had perfect comedic timing. I think Ned the security guard, played by Christopher Powell, and Sheila Portnadi, played by Pat Vern Harris, absolutely killed their roles and stole the show whenever they were on screen. Ned liked to pitch ad ideas to Sam and Tim, but was always shot down due to the fact that they often broke every FCC regulation, and Sheila made audiences laugh by acting much younger than she actually is and being the blunt voice of reason in the office. 

Everything about this show was perfect, except that it ended after two seasons. Granted, the show had a perfect ending, showing Tim and Sam sharing a beer at their favorite bar, but I wanted to see more of them. I want to see them become the ad kings of Detroit like they dreamed of. However, it’s never too late for a third season to be revived, and if Richardson and Robinson ever decide to write and star in it, you can guarantee I’ll be watching.



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