Detroiters (TV series)

Detroiters is an American television comedy series created by Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Zach Kanin and Joe Kelly. The series, filmed on location in Detroit, starred native Michiganders Sam Richardson (of Detroit) and Tim Robinson (of Clarkston).[1] The series premiered on Comedy Central on February 7, 2017[2][3] and ran for two seasons. On December 11, 2018, Comedy Central canceled the series.[4]

Detroiters
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	Sam Richardson Tim Robinson Zach Kanin Joe Kelly
Starring	Sam Richardson Tim Robinson
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	20
Production
Executive producers	Sam Richardson Tim Robinson Zach Kanin Joe Kelly Lorne Michaels Jason Sudeikis
Running time	22 minutes
Production companies	Broadway Video Central Productions
Release
Original network	Comedy Central
Picture format	16:9 HDTV
Original release	February 7, 2017 – August 16, 2018
External links
Website

Premise

Best friends and next-door neighbors Sam Duvet (Richardson) and Tim Cramblin (Robinson) work together as creatives at Tim's family's advertising agency in Detroit (which Tim took over after his father stepped down), producing low-budget TV commercials for local businesses.[5]

Cast

• Sam Richardson as Sam Duvet
• Tim Robinson as Tim Cramblin

Recurring

• Pat Vern Harris as Sheila Portnadi, the secretary at Cramblin Advertising
• Lailani Ledesma as Lea, an intern at Cramblin Advertising
• Mort Crim as Himself
• Shawntay Dalon as Chrissy Cramblin, Tim's wife and Sam's sister; she works on an automotive assembly line[6]
• Andre Belue as Tommy Pencils, an employee at Cramblin Advertising
• Quintin Hicks as Quintin the Bartender
• Jason Sudeikis as Carter Grant, a Chrysler executive[6]
• Christopher Powell as Ned, a security guard for the building where Cramblin Advertising is located
• Carolette Phillips as Rhonda Devereux

Guest stars

• Kevin Nash as "Big Hank" Cramblin
• Chris Redd
• Keegan-Michael Key
• Cecily Strong
• Michael Che
• Malcolm-Jamal Warner
• Rick Mahorn as Himself
• Steve Higgins as Eddie Champagne
• Tim Meadows
• George Wallace as Freddie "Motown" Brown
• Wendy Raquel Robinson as Councilwoman Gwinett
• Conner O'Malley as Trevor, Sam's brother

Series overview

Season		Episodes		Originally aired
				First aired	Last aired
	1	10		February 7, 2017	April 11, 2017
	2	10		June 21, 2018	August 16, 2018

Episodes

Season 1 (2017)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Prod. code	US viewers (millions)
1	1	"Pilot"	John Solomon	Zach Kanin, Joe Kelly, Sam Richardson & Tim Robinson	February 7, 2017	101	0.447[7]
2	2	"Hog Riders"	Nicholas Jasenovec	Christopher Powell & Chip Hall	February 14, 2017	102	0.388[8]
3	3	"Sam the Man"	Osmany Rodriguez	Sam Richardson	February 21, 2017	103	0.366[9]
4	4	"Devereux Wigs"	Bill Benz	Zach Kanin	February 28, 2017	104	0.368[10]
5	5	"Happy Birthday Mr. Duvet"	Becky Martin	Amber Ruffin	March 7, 2017	105	0.288[11]
6	6	"3rd Floor"	Bill Benz	Zach Kanin	March 14, 2017	106	0.426[12]
7	7	"Smilin' Jack"	Nicholas Jasenovec	Tim Robinson	March 21, 2017	107	0.336[13]
8	8	"Dream Cruise"	Becky Martin	Michael Che	March 28, 2017	108	0.355[14]
9	9	"Husky Boys"	Nicholas Jasenovec	Joe Kelly	April 4, 2017	109	0.341[15]
10	10	"Quick Rick Mahorn in Dearborn"	Osmany Rodriguez	Joe Kelly	April 11, 2017	110	0.345[16]

Season 2 (2018)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Prod. code	US viewers (millions)
11	1	"April in the D"	Andrew Gaynord	Zach Kanin	June 21, 2018	201	0.264[17]
12	2	"Jefferson Porger"	Stephanie Laing	Joe Kelly	June 21, 2018	202	0.233[17]
13	3	"Duvet Family Reunion"	Stephanie Laing	Amber Ruffin	June 28, 2018	203	0.247[18]
14	4	"Trevor"	Dale Stern	Tim Robinson	July 5, 2018	204	0.314[19]
15	5	"Farmer Zack"	Alexander Buono	Amber Ruffin	July 12, 2018	205	0.254[20]
16	6	"Mort Crim"	Dale Stern	Christopher Powell & Chip Hall	July 19, 2018	206	0.255[21]
17	7	"Lois"	Dale Stern	Sam Richardson	July 26, 2018	207	0.316[22]
18	8	"Hark Motors"	Andrew Gaynord	Zach Kanin	August 2, 2018	208	0.274[23]
19	9	"Little Caesars"	Dale Stern	Joe Kelly	August 9, 2018	209	0.279[24]
20	10	"Royals"	Alexander Buono	Leila Strachan	August 16, 2018	210	0.239[25]

Production

Robinson and Richardson, both raised in Michigan, performed improv comedy together first at Hamtramck's Planet Ant Theatre, and later at Chicago's Second City.[26] They became close friends and conceptualized the idea of Detroiters. In an interview with the Metro Times, Robinson stated that they sought to depict Detroit as it really is and to avoid the overtly negative light in which the city is typically shown.[26]

Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video produced the show, and Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Zach Kanin were executive producers. Robinson and Richardson also wrote for the show.[27]

Cast and filming

Detroiters was shot on-location in Detroit; filming locations included Belle Isle, Hamtramck, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the headquarters of Little Caesars. Many of the commercials shown throughout the series are based on actual spots that showed in the 1990s in the area.[26][28]

The show hired over 200 people from Detroit, including cast members Lailani Ledesma, Christopher Powell, and Shawntay Dalon.[26][28] The theme song was written by local artist and shoe entrepreneur Rick Williams.[28]

Release

Season 1 of Detroiters premiered on February 7, 2017 on Comedy Central.[26] The show was renewed and season 2 premiered on June 21, 2018.[29]

Cancellation

On December 11, 2018, it was announced that Comedy Central had chosen not to pick up the show for a third season.[27] Along with the announcement, Richardson tweeted, "Maybe it will find a home elsewhere, who knows?" Comedian Seth Meyers wrote an op-ed for Vulture where he advocated for another network to pick up the show.[30]

Broadcast

Internationally, the series premiered in Australia on The Comedy Channel on February 13, 2017.[31]

Reception

Detroiters received positive reviews from television critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 88%, based on 16 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Proudly stupid yet surprisingly soulful, Detroiters showcases an impressive level of commitment from its charming, well-matched leads – and balances its goofy humor with an equal helping of heart."[32] On Metacritic, the first season holds a score of 75 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews."[33]

The second season received a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.[34]

References

1. Hinds, Julie (January 21, 2016). "'Detroiters' sitcom will film in Detroit". Detroit Free Press.
2. Andreeva, Nellie (October 20, 2015). "Comedy Central Picks Up 'Detroiters' From Jason Sudeikis To Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
3. Saraiya, Sonia (February 4, 2017). "TV Review: Comedy Central's 'Detroiters'". Variety. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
4. Porter, Rick (December 11, 2018). "'Detroiters' Canceled at Comedy Central After 2 Seasons". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
5. Chaney, Jen (February 7, 2017). "Comedy Central's Detroiters Is Pretty Damn Funny". Vulture. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
6. Hinds, Julie (February 3, 2017). "'Detroiters' gets Motor City details (and buddy-comedy bonding) right". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
7. Metcalf, Mitch (February 7, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.7.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
8. Metcalf, Mitch (February 15, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.14.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
9. Metcalf, Mitch (February 23, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.21.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
10. Metcalf, Mitch (March 1, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.28.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
11. Metcalf, Mitch (March 8, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.7.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
12. Metcalf, Mitch (March 16, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.14.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
13. Metcalf, Mitch (March 22, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.21.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
14. Metcalf, Mitch (March 29, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.28.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
15. Metcalf, Mitch (April 5, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.4.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
16. Metcalf, Mitch (April 12, 2017). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.11.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
17. Metcalf, Mitch (June 22, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.21.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
18. Metcalf, Mitch (June 29, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.28.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
19. Metcalf, Mitch (July 6, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.5.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
20. Metcalf, Mitch (July 13, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.12.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
21. Metcalf, Mitch (July 20, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.19.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
22. Metcalf, Mitch (July 27, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.26.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
23. Metcalf, Mitch (August 3, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.2.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
24. Metcalf, Mitch (August 10, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.9.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
25. Metcalf, Mitch (August 17, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Thursday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.16.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
26. Roskopp, Jack. "How Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson made 'Detroiters,' a TV comedy about Detroit, for Detroit". Metro Times. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
27. Petski, Denise (December 11, 2018). "'Detroiters' Canceled After Two Seasons On Comedy Central". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
28. Angelo, Megan (January 20, 2017). "The Motor City? If 'Detroiters' Is Evidence, Try Comic City". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
29. Schwindt, Oriana (March 20, 2017). "Comedy Central Renews 'Detroiters' for Season 2". Variety. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
30. Baysinger, Tim (December 15, 2018). "Seth Meyers Pleads to Save Canceled Comedy Central Series 'Detroiters'". TheWrap. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
31. Purcell, Charles (February 9, 2017). "New This Week (Feb 13): The Walking Dead, Girls, Gogglebox, Grammy Awards and live sport". The Green Room. Foxtel. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
32. "Detroiters". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
33. "Detroiters - Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
34. Detroiters: Season 2, retrieved 2020-07-19

External links

• Official website
• Detroiters at IMDb
• Detroiters at TV.com