Following relentless enthusing from the renowned raconteur and man-about-town Campfire Burning, I decided to spend part of the Christmas Amazon voucher from my brother on the Season 1 DVD of Community.

I knew nothing about the show going in, not even the premise. I’m pleased to report that it is, by far, one of the best pieces of television I’ve ever seen. Granted, I am but ten or so episodes into the run, but if it continues to be of this high quality throughout, then I will be very happy indeed.

For those unfamiliar with the show, it’s set at a community college where a series of “dropouts” from all walks of life have showed up in an attempt to better themselves and get their life back on track. Throughout the course of the show, we learn bits and pieces about these colourful characters’ backgrounds — what brought them to Greendale Community College, what it was that happened in their past life to make them hit “rock bottom” and how they put a positive outlook on their respective positions.

It’s strong character-based comedy-drama, with an emphasis on the “character” and “comedy” side of things. Every single member of the cast is a strong character in their own right, each with their own quirks, foibles and immediately identifiable idiosyncrasies. This even extends to the fact that each one is immediately visually identifiable, too, with their own unique “looks” allowing you to learn more about them even when they’re not speaking.

But it’s their interactions with one another where the show shines. There are a number of clashing personalities in the little group, and the way they learn to deal with each other is what the show is all about. Sometimes they get it very, very wrong, with hilarious consequences. And sometimes they get it right, leading to some very touching moments.

By the time the first episode is over, you’re fully invested in these characters and their futures. They may all have their own flaws, but this makes them both believable and likeable. Not one of them is “perfect”, and while each one of them has their own obvious “signature” quirk written into their role, they remain believable enough to be characters that you’d want to spend time with, to find out more about.

Take our leading man Jeff Winger: ex-lawyer, smooth talker and a man used to getting what he wants. Jeff’s character could very easily have tipped over into “obnoxious” territory, but his character displays sufficient depth to make us root for him in spite of the moments when he acts like a complete asshole. His interactions with the group he finds himself attached to lead him to learn a number of things about himself — and in turn, the other members of the group figure out things about themselves, too.

I shan’t give specifics as part of the joy of the show is discovering what makes these people tick, and seeing what they’ll get up to next. Also, at slightly less than halfway through the season, I can’t say what will happen next. But suffice to say, what I have seen so far has been exemplary television — entertaining, funny, touching and never outstaying its welcome. I recommend it without hesitation to anyone who wants to see something a bit different from the usual American sitcom. (I will also say that the post-episode skits over the credits are some of the funniest things I’ve ever seen, too.)

So what are you waiting for, hmm? GET!