Everyone who loves both comedy and Netflix has what seems to be a nearly endless selection of things to choose from. These choices include countless stand up routines, all the rom-coms your little heart could desire, Netflix originals and shows like "The Office" and "Parks & Recreation" which are absolute comedic gold. All of these are great, but what about comedy for those of us who love sarcasm? What about wit? What about dry humor? In a Netflix full of drama and Kevin Hart's incredibly mediocre stand-up specials there is one show that stands out above the rest. That show is "Portlandia" and here are nine reasons why it is the best show you aren't watching on Netflix.
1. Fred Armisen
Fred Armisen has been one of my favorite comedic minds for years. He embraces his individuality and awkwardness and he is capable of both impressions and creating original characters of his own. I first became familiar with him while watching "Saturday Night Live" as a teenager. He held many recurring roles on "SNL" and has the second most sketch appearances in the show's 41 seasons. He began working on "Portlandia" in 2011 and officially left the "SNL" cast in 2013. Aside from being a comedian Armisen is also a talented writer, director, actor, voice actor, singer and musician. He is also the lead drummer and head of the 8G Band which performs on "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
2. Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein is an incredibly interesting person. She has fronted multiple punk rock and indie rock bands. She is a talented writer, remarkable actress, and a great comedian in her own right. She and Fred Armisen both write for "Portlandia" along with others who also write for "SNL" and "The Colbert Report." She and Fred star in every sketch on "Portlandia." If you want to check out some of her music she has been in three bands but is known best for her role on guitar in the punk rock band Excuse 17.
3. "Portlandia" values individualism
"Portlandia" is not shy about being unique and individualistic. There are tons of characters and topics that address different styles, social movements, ways of life and so much more. There are reversed gender roles, male roles played by females, female roles played by men, feminist bookstore owners, punks, hipsters, political activists, parents, married couples, entrepreneurs, geeks and tons of other character types. "Portlandia" takes the stereotypes that are given to all kinds of different people, brings out the humorous aspects of those stereotypes and just runs with it without being overtly offensive or insulting to anyone. The way the show portrays individualism encourages people to not be ashamed of who they are regardless of what others think of them. If any show on Netflix has embraced individualism better than "Portlandia," I have yet to hear about it.
4. There is no commitment
That's right, I'm talking to you binge watchers! The beautiful thing about sketch comedy is that you don't have to commit to watching every episode in the exact order that they appear while being totally committed to "Portlandia" and nothing else. This means that when you get a little too emotionally attached to Jim and Pam circa-season 7 of "The Office" or you've had enough medical drama on "Grey's Anatomy" you can set aside 22 minutes of your life to laugh at any selection of sketches from the show's first five seasons. I encourage you to jump around and enjoy everything since very little of the shows sketches require you to have knowledge of a past episode. It's all connected but it requires no commitment.
5. "Portlandia" makes fun of you, and you will love it!
Have you ever been watching a show and suddenly thought "OMG, that's me!"? I guarantee you that you will say this watching "Portlandia." So many of the sketches are so exaggerated in order to pull the humor from every situation that you won't just be laughing at how ridiculous the sketches are but also how much of yourself you see in the sketches. Whether you're indecisive, individualistic, a hipster, a punk or super quirky this show has characters that will bring humor to these different parts of your life through the characters who are often just like you. One of my favorite things about "Portlandia" is just how much of me I see in all of the characters.
6. The Dream of the 90s is Alive in Portland
The very first episode of "Portlandia" begins with a music video sketch in which Fred's character explains to Carrie that Portland is the place where the 90s never ended. Portland is the place where young people go to retire, flannels are still cool, putting a bird on something makes it art, you're accepted no matter what and all the hot girls wear glasses. It explains the whole reason that the show revolves around the unique and diverse atmosphere that is Portland, Oregon.
7. The Dream of the 1890s is also Alive in Portland
In similar fashion there is also another music video about the dream of the 1890s continuing in Portland as well. It pokes fun at the hipster in all of us and provides yet more reason to love the atmosphere of Portland.
8. It is super quotable
Like all shows, "Portlandia" is full incredibly quotable sayings and phrases. Some of my favorites include:
"Hello, 911? How are you?"
"Ay-Oh River!"
"Shell art is over!"
"I'm not being indecisive, I just can't decide!"
"I gotta eat all the time! I feel great when I eat!"
"I had to take a sick day, I'm sick of these people."
"Well, well, well, look what the government dragged in!"
"I was sad for myself for knowing you."
and "So, was Sir Mix A Lot in the Wu Tang Clang?"
The list of quotable moments from the show is huge and everything deserves a solid laugh.
9. It doesn't take itself too seriously
The thing that makes "Portlandia" so great is that like "The Office" and "Parks & Recreation" it does not take itself too seriously. The writers are not pushing a political or social agenda, they are writing the show to entertain. It is one of those very rare shows that makes you remember what you love about television. It is what those who make it love to do and because of that they put themselves into their work. It is a show that I believe to be in a league all its own.
With these points in mind you should check "Portlandia" out the next time you need a breath of fresh air between Netflix marathons. Enjoy!
