The Detroiters, co-created by Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson, is a comedy series that aired from 2017 to 2018 on Comedy Central. Set in the city of Detroit, the show follows the lives of Sam Duvet and Tim Cramblin, two local ad men with big dreams and questionable success. With its light-hearted humor and relatable characters, the show can serve as an engaging educational tool to teach students about elements of sitcoms, comedy, and cultural appreciation. Here are some ways teachers can incorporate Detroiters into their curriculum.
Lesson 1: Understanding Sitcoms
Begin by introducing students to the concept of a sitcom – short for situation comedy – which generally involves humor based on repeatable characters and situations. Discuss the history of sitcoms, their format, typical elements found in the genre such as laugh tracks, comic catchphrases, and running gags, and how these contribute to the overall appeal of a sitcom.
Ask students to watch a few episodes of The Detroiters to familiarize themselves with its format and style. Initiate a class discussion on how the show adheres to or challenges common sitcom conventions. Encourage students to analyze its use of ensemble casts, episode structure, resolution patterns, and character development.
Lesson 2: Exploring Comedy Styles
Continue the discussion by branching into various comedy styles such as slapstick, parody, satire, farce or black comedy, etc. To showcase these styles in action; the screen selects scenes from Detroiters that represent them distinctly. Engage in guided analysis identifying how each style is executed in terms of timing, context, and delivery.
Encourage students to try their hands at writing or performing short sketches featuring one or more of these comedy styles based on scenarios from Detroiters. This will offer them an opportunity to understand how humor is crafted and enable them to appreciate the skills needed for effective comedic performances.
Lesson 3: Cultural Appreciation
The Detroiters present an insight into the daily lives of people hailing from the titular city, offering a unique opportunity for students to learn about Detroit’s traditions, lifestyle, and environment. Introduce students to the history of Detroit – a city steeped in rich automotive, musical, and cultural heritage while acknowledging its journey through economic challenges.
Discuss how the television show captures various aspects of Detroit life; such as its architecture, perseverance, and resilience of its people, local businesses, and landmarks. Assign projects on Detroit’s cultural context like Motown music, automotive industry, local cuisine, or sports teams drawing parallels or contrasts to the sitcom.
Conclusion:
Integrating television shows like The Detroiters into classroom learning can promote lively discussion, enhance critical thinking skills, and help students appreciate different perspectives on humor and culture. With its engaging content and relatable characters; teaching about the Detroiters sitcom creates a dynamic learning experience that allows students to connect with contemporary media while appreciating the broader cultural context in which it was created.
