These are all great examples. I also really like the one where Jason Schwartzman keeps talking about his kids at the party, and Tim keeps making a scene until he loosens up and has a great time. There's a surprising amount of pathos in a lot of this show's sketches, and the amazing thing is that they pull that off well while still making the sketches hilarious. The Claire's one is absolutely tragic but I still laugh every time I watch it.
I try to tell people that this is the best written show on television, usually they'll laugh and dismiss it, but when I find somebody who really appreciates it too I know I've found someone who is high not just in critical thinking, but also empathetic and open minded about quickly being able to jump between other people's perspectives. Every element of this show is expertly crafted, no line is filler and no delivery of any of those lines is anything short of masterful.
Thank you for pulling into the Parti Harrison appreation station. Besides Tim she is easily the best part of the show. Her alcholic shark tank character is hilarious.
I’m glad we have the internet to synthesize our collective feelings about our favorite media, into eloquent, detailed and insightful thoughts. I’m glad we have lvl.1 rock to be that voice. Thank you for putting into words what I have only been able to feel.
My head canon for the Darmine Dog Door sketch was always that Tim's character created the thing and is trying to market it himself, the pig incident influenced him to both quit his previous job that he hated, and design a product that would prevent that from ever happening to him again.
I loved the episode about the doggy door. It was comical but when he started talking about being relieved a pig monster was going to kill him, because he thought "at least i dont have to go to work tomorrow" its funny, but it is so real too, because he poses a question in the end: "what the f*ck are they doing to us?" Meaning most of us have to work and work, sometimes 2, even 3 jobs just to make ends meet and we have no time for anything else but work....it hit hard but was comical at the same time.
I’ve been waiting for a video that analyzes this show like this. It’s so absurd but has kernels of elusive relatable themes that are surprisingly meaningful.
Those two Patti Harrison sketches back to back made me realize it truly is a full circle moment. Making a joke about Christmas coming early in the office and then she’s at an office Christmas party being appreciated. Maybe it was that little interaction with Tim’s character that made her strive to do her best 🥲
Have never rewatched a show more and have never had such an effective show to turn to when I need to get my mind off of things. Anxiety or depression, click this on and you'll laugh your ass off no matter what happened earlier that day
I think another level is getting WAAAAY too into something. Somebody makes a joke at a party or in a semi-friendly social situation and everybody loves it but one guy (usually Tim) just keeps going.
These videos really make my day. You are simply oozing with talent and I can just tell that you are truely passionate for making these videos. Love the work and keep going, we all believe in you❤
I can still remember how I watched that brilliant piece of art getting drawn in by the absurdist humour and came back stayed for the massive amount of heart and wholesomeness. And thank you for this brilliant analysis.
I think the most endearing thing about the show for me, is the level of real human sweetness that shines through almost every character. I wish all humans were like the characters in this show!
A few years ago I was in a really rough place, I had gone through some serious medical trauma and didn’t think I’d ever be okay again. In the midst of a bad depressive episode, I scrolled the Internet for something to occupy my mind. Found I Think You Should Leave. The prank show skit was the first one I watched. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard. As I devoured the entire show (just the first two seasons then), my entire life situation just evaporated in a hail of nonstop laughter. Looking back on it, I think that was the first moment I knew I’d be okay after all. Comedy is not meaningless, folks.
One small pedantic improvement to the video editing, is showing the pyramid graphic here at 1:22 between number 2 and number 1, as I was a little confused whether the emotional sketches were a part of of “dump it”. though you explain a little later at that point I wasn’t focusing on the content but whether we are at number 1 or not
This is honestly a masterpiece- I could never quite articulate why this show both hit me so perfectly but absolutely killed me. Now sending this to people when I introduce it to them.
Another banger of a video from this channel. I've found myself recommending this show to others for its antidepressant qualities too, and you did a good job here of explaining why that descriptor feels accurate. It's not just about it being funny, since plenty of comedies do that effectively but don't quite seem to fit the label. ITYSL feels uniquely deserving of it for those uplifting moments and for how low-stakes and absurd their setups can get. It's just hilarious in a way that's perfect for dark times.
Love this video... I think the one thing that was left out was the HotDog Car.. There was a profound moment in there that had me on his side for a while.
Whilst watching this video I felt a strange sense of familiarity with the concept of sentimental absurdism. Then I realised that familiarity was an anime called space dandy. I know anime is quite quirky at times and tough to get into if you're not used to it. But I really enjoyed your retrospective and would really recommend you check out space dandy. I think you could make a really good video on it! Cheers!
I love the dangerous nights sequence in the "I think the babies thinks people can't change" sketch is so genius cause despite being ridiculous and nonsensical at its core, its a genuine message about how people can change.
I'm obsessed. Looooove Detroiters so much aswell. Sam and Tim are BIG TIME GENIUSES. What did they do to us?! Connor's additions are too good, he brings such chaotic energy, and barely able to keep himself from laughing gives me the giggles every time ❤
sentimental absurdism is exactly it, and I think that's why I love this show as well...I felt like most of the sketches involve an adult acting like a child and using children logic, and then the group dog pile on the "normal" person is funny. I think it's a good social commentary, it's what Reddit is becoming LOL
In the diner sketch, there's something so heartbreaking and simultaneously hilarious about the fact that he can't imagine his life without tragedy even in his wildest dreams.
Yeah, The Office did this to me when i watch it the first time. It was a bad moment in my life but two or three episodes made me feel better and after that show ended i felt like a different person
I think another word for this is metamodernism. Where modernism is about sentimentality and family values (think around the 50s and 60s), and postmodernism is about absurdism and nihilism, completely rejecting the tenets of modernism, metamodernism uses the absurdism of postmodernism but returns to a sentimental conclusion. Everything Everywhere All At Once is also like this.
It actually helped me survive a deep depression. Every time I watch the Coffin flop sketch, I have cramps and I lose my breath because I laugh so much.
This sorta comedy has been around for a long time. It’s situational irony. The opposite of being an asshole is being sentimental so it’s funny when an asshole gets not pity but validation or respect or applauded.
It's like this show is dedicated to people who's mind overthink everything. By showing how absurd it would be if those thoughts were actually grounded in reality, it helps to put their minds at ease..
This is a stellar analysis, but I must say that you're missing a HUGE prevalent comedic tool: Food is funny. I've never figured out why, but it's consistently effective in stand-up and hugely threaded throughout all 88 episodes. Example: Hot Dogs. Either dressed as a hot dog or trying to eat one during a board meeting. Nachos. Either convincing the waiter to speak to his date or choking on them and not letting anyone know. Good comics and good writers know the power of food
In any other show, the "MAGICIANS SUCK!" skit at the beginning of S1E3 would have pissed me off hardcore. A man gets his life ruined by his unforgiving partner misreading a very obvious set of jokes from a magician. But it's the specific wording that makes me lose it every time- from the "baby dick" comment to the scream and lunge at the end of the skit that gets cut off.
There are a lot of misses too. I think the hits are well worth it, but some don’t. It’s just not as consistent as some other shows. But, consistent can be boring and will miss big chances.
I’m glad there are other people out there that appreciate this show - I’m at a point where I want this show playing in the background of whatever I’m doing 😂
I'd never heard of the show before, so reading the title of this video felt not too dissimilar to having a stroke.
Some sketches are not that great but the ones that hit are world class.
@@Taddy_Mason I think you should leave, you are giving me depression.
Same
Uhhhhh, I'm all crossed up!!
I KNEW the show, recognized the guy in the Thumbnail and sill couldn't read the title for the life of me
I GENUINELY LIKE THE GIFTS.
“Swear to fuckin god?”
“Then let my wife eat the receipt”
My nephew cries every time I hold him and now I can't help but wonder if it's because I used to be a huge piece of shit
Slicked back hair? How do you feel about sloppy steaks?
more likely , currently
Used to be !
@@rrrod21I used to be a piece of shit, I used to do drugs. I still do drugs and am a huge piece of shit, but I used to be too.
😂😂😂😂
These are all great examples. I also really like the one where Jason Schwartzman keeps talking about his kids at the party, and Tim keeps making a scene until he loosens up and has a great time.
There's a surprising amount of pathos in a lot of this show's sketches, and the amazing thing is that they pull that off well while still making the sketches hilarious. The Claire's one is absolutely tragic but I still laugh every time I watch it.
Check out Wizards with Guns. They're here on the RUclips.
Shirt Brother is peak sentimental absurdism
The song says, "there are no rules". Do you think that's true? 🥺
I hate that skit but love it. Shirt brother grinds my gears like no other 😂
I try to tell people that this is the best written show on television, usually they'll laugh and dismiss it, but when I find somebody who really appreciates it too I know I've found someone who is high not just in critical thinking, but also empathetic and open minded about quickly being able to jump between other people's perspectives. Every element of this show is expertly crafted, no line is filler and no delivery of any of those lines is anything short of masterful.
"Everyone who likes the thing I like is very smart and cool"
Well, I am smart and cool 😎
*sigh*…. To be fair…
Being negative and cynical is easy they chose the harder comment to write you chose the easiest.@@kjr4946
I'm done...
“I’m not stupid. I’m smarter than you.” Her delivery of that line gets me every time.
we say that OFTEN in my house with that same delivery. it’s absolutely gold 😂
Thank you for pulling into the Parti Harrison appreation station. Besides Tim she is easily the best part of the show. Her alcholic shark tank character is hilarious.
Patti is such an amazing comedic actor. Also her instagram is a riot
I’m glad we have the internet to synthesize our collective feelings about our favorite media, into eloquent, detailed and insightful thoughts. I’m glad we have lvl.1 rock to be that voice. Thank you for putting into words what I have only been able to feel.
Well said my compadre
My head canon for the Darmine Dog Door sketch was always that Tim's character created the thing and is trying to market it himself, the pig incident influenced him to both quit his previous job that he hated, and design a product that would prevent that from ever happening to him again.
It's Simply TOO Good!
level one rock youve quickly become one of my fav channels :)
Agreed
This is the 1st time I've ever felt compelled to give a SUPER THANX 💯
P.S. Eff u Harley Jarvis‼️
I loved the episode about the doggy door. It was comical but when he started talking about being relieved a pig monster was going to kill him, because he thought "at least i dont have to go to work tomorrow" its funny, but it is so real too, because he poses a question in the end: "what the f*ck are they doing to us?" Meaning most of us have to work and work, sometimes 2, even 3 jobs just to make ends meet and we have no time for anything else but work....it hit hard but was comical at the same time.
I’ve been waiting for a video that analyzes this show like this. It’s so absurd but has kernels of elusive relatable themes that are surprisingly meaningful.
"TELL THE KID" one of my favorite lines
I was reeeeaally hoping he'd include the line, "She's GHOOna get better."
I know I've seen an episode before, but in passing never remembered it. Thank you so much, I will now binge
Those two Patti Harrison sketches back to back made me realize it truly is a full circle moment. Making a joke about Christmas coming early in the office and then she’s at an office Christmas party being appreciated. Maybe it was that little interaction with Tim’s character that made her strive to do her best 🥲
I'm so grateful you made this video, I truly needed this today... Now I'm about to start my 4th rewatch, thank you for real man.
Been trying to poison my wife’s mind with this show for a few months now. Still resisting.
Darmine Doggy Door is one of the best sketches of all time. I think it should be required viewing for all humans every couple of weeks.
For 50 seconds I thought there was monsters on the world
I’ve definetly felt like the “santa should have wrapped it” girl at my old job in the office many times. best show
Great video. I hadn't given it much thought before, but these types of sketches are why ITYSL is one of my favorite shows.
Dude have you heard of almost friday tv? I feel like they make similar sketches to these
This video has inspired me to watch the series on netflix now.
Don’t
@@Cosmickskullno, do.
I was actually talking to someone about why I love this show and you did such a better job articulating this stuff. Awesome video dude 🤘
I'm willing to bet that if you took a survey of the ITYSL live shows, the amount of therapy/antidepressant in that audience is pretty heavy
My new friend group recommended I watch this video. Dave has the best friend group for now, but mine will better. It'll be better!
I already really loved this show and you helped me appreciate it on a new level, thanks for that
I think about sloppy steaks almost daily. Fuggin love this dude. SO UNDERRATED!
Have never rewatched a show more and have never had such an effective show to turn to when I need to get my mind off of things. Anxiety or depression, click this on and you'll laugh your ass off no matter what happened earlier that day
This was a great vid but the whole time I was waiting for the ghost tour sketch. That one is absolutely hilarious with the most gut punch ending ever
no matter how many times i've seen that the ending still crushes me.
@@cygmusmandulis7533 ikr😭😭 the music choice is flawless and the old woman is adorable
I think another level is getting WAAAAY too into something. Somebody makes a joke at a party or in a semi-friendly social situation and everybody loves it but one guy (usually Tim) just keeps going.
Is that the joke??? I farted and you didn’t barf up your pretty lunch
This is the best in depth analysis of this comedic art. Amazing work, thumbs up 👍and subscribed. 10\10 video. 🙌✨
These videos really make my day. You are simply oozing with talent and I can just tell that you are truely passionate for making these videos. Love the work and keep going, we all believe in you❤
Such a beautifully crafted video, thank you for this.
I can still remember how I watched that brilliant piece of art getting drawn in by the absurdist humour and came back stayed for the massive amount of heart and wholesomeness. And thank you for this brilliant analysis.
I think the most endearing thing about the show for me, is the level of real human sweetness that shines through almost every character.
I wish all humans were like the characters in this show!
A few years ago I was in a really rough place, I had gone through some serious medical trauma and didn’t think I’d ever be okay again. In the midst of a bad depressive episode, I scrolled the Internet for something to occupy my mind. Found I Think You Should Leave. The prank show skit was the first one I watched. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard. As I devoured the entire show (just the first two seasons then), my entire life situation just evaporated in a hail of nonstop laughter. Looking back on it, I think that was the first moment I knew I’d be okay after all.
Comedy is not meaningless, folks.
this essay legitimately disturbed me, great job
One small pedantic improvement to the video editing, is showing the pyramid graphic here at 1:22 between number 2 and number 1, as I was a little confused whether the emotional sketches were a part of of “dump it”. though you explain a little later at that point I wasn’t focusing on the content but whether we are at number 1 or not
Thank you algorithm for sending me your channel, and thank you for so succinctly articulating exactly why I love ITYSL.
This is honestly a masterpiece- I could never quite articulate why this show both hit me so perfectly but absolutely killed me. Now sending this to people when I introduce it to them.
Another banger of a video from this channel. I've found myself recommending this show to others for its antidepressant qualities too, and you did a good job here of explaining why that descriptor feels accurate. It's not just about it being funny, since plenty of comedies do that effectively but don't quite seem to fit the label. ITYSL feels uniquely deserving of it for those uplifting moments and for how low-stakes and absurd their setups can get. It's just hilarious in a way that's perfect for dark times.
9:12 "you can't tell me that isn't HIGH ART!"!!!!
hahaha this made my LIFE!!!
love the analysis in this vid.
thank you dearly.
favorite show!!
This is absurdist analysis and I love it
2:03 leave it to an Aesop Rock fan to come up with a nice polysyllabic term to pinpoint an overall theme
When the goat drops I watch
some of the funniest skits i've seen
Love this video... I think the one thing that was left out was the HotDog Car.. There was a profound moment in there that had me on his side for a while.
Whilst watching this video I felt a strange sense of familiarity with the concept of sentimental absurdism. Then I realised that familiarity was an anime called space dandy. I know anime is quite quirky at times and tough to get into if you're not used to it. But I really enjoyed your retrospective and would really recommend you check out space dandy. I think you could make a really good video on it!
Cheers!
Gawd! I've been trying to find the words to describe this show to people. This is great. W analysis.
i love this show and this is one of the best breakdowns i've ever seen! great work!
I love the dangerous nights sequence in the "I think the babies thinks people can't change" sketch is so genius cause despite being ridiculous and nonsensical at its core, its a genuine message about how people can change.
this was a really nice video. thanks for making a really nice video. it was really nice.
One of my all-time favorite shows! Def works great on depression!!
What about shirt brothers? I thought that was so touching lol
I have a whole video on that one! lol
I'm obsessed. Looooove Detroiters so much aswell. Sam and Tim are BIG TIME GENIUSES. What did they do to us?! Connor's additions are too good, he brings such chaotic energy, and barely able to keep himself from laughing gives me the giggles every time ❤
This is incredibly good.
How you feel about this show is how I feel about curb your enthusiasm
Brilliant analysis, love it.
Excellent video essay! Well done
You forgot the Haunted House sketch which really almost made me cry at the end
sentimental absurdism is exactly it, and I think that's why I love this show as well...I felt like most of the sketches involve an adult acting like a child and using children logic, and then the group dog pile on the "normal" person is funny. I think it's a good social commentary, it's what Reddit is becoming LOL
I watched all the way up to the printer joke and immediately went to watch the show. That bit of writing alone made me want to check it out.
I have literally never heard of the show. But you make me want to watch it
Amazing video!
Thanks!
Such a great breakdown 👏
Im not ready for lvl 2 rock. This was great
You’re gonna be big on this platform soon man, this was a great video
damn i really need to watch this show already lol
loved this thank you
In the diner sketch, there's something so heartbreaking and simultaneously hilarious about the fact that he can't imagine his life without tragedy even in his wildest dreams.
Yeah, The Office did this to me when i watch it the first time. It was a bad moment in my life but two or three episodes made me feel better and after that show ended i felt like a different person
I think another word for this is metamodernism. Where modernism is about sentimentality and family values (think around the 50s and 60s), and postmodernism is about absurdism and nihilism, completely rejecting the tenets of modernism, metamodernism uses the absurdism of postmodernism but returns to a sentimental conclusion. Everything Everywhere All At Once is also like this.
It actually helped me survive a deep depression. Every time I watch the Coffin flop sketch, I have cramps and I lose my breath because I laugh so much.
You should do a reverse one. Like the Banana Breath.
It is effing hilarious! I am pretty depressed and it helps while you watch it. Have you watched “Detroiters?” So good!
I like your video, guy. You did real good.
That was beautiful.
This sorta comedy has been around for a long time. It’s situational irony. The opposite of being an asshole is being sentimental so it’s funny when an asshole gets not pity but validation or respect or applauded.
I wish so badly I could erase my memory of this show so I could see it for the first time all over again 😅
It's like this show is dedicated to people who's mind overthink everything.
By showing how absurd it would be if those thoughts were actually grounded in reality, it helps to put their minds at ease..
very articulate vid, nice job
The driving crooner could just as easily be knowing when to let go of an idea
great video
Such a concise video, love it
Gonna watch this judt cuz i notice ppl from joe pera in here
I adore this show.
I’m so glad Tim got this platform. Detroiters was great but this is gold.
Darmine ad hits far too close. Quality analysis man. You should give Blue Jam a look.
This was a great video. Bravo.
Best comedy show
This is a stellar analysis, but I must say that you're missing a HUGE prevalent comedic tool:
Food is funny.
I've never figured out why, but it's consistently effective in stand-up and hugely threaded throughout all 88 episodes.
Example:
Hot Dogs. Either dressed as a hot dog or trying to eat one during a board meeting.
Nachos. Either convincing the waiter to speak to his date or choking on them and not letting anyone know.
Good comics and good writers know the power of food
In any other show, the "MAGICIANS SUCK!" skit at the beginning of S1E3 would have pissed me off hardcore. A man gets his life ruined by his unforgiving partner misreading a very obvious set of jokes from a magician. But it's the specific wording that makes me lose it every time- from the "baby dick" comment to the scream and lunge at the end of the skit that gets cut off.
Never heard of this show but now I wanna watch it…..unfortunately it’s only a streaming site I avoid.
There are a lot of misses too. I think the hits are well worth it, but some don’t. It’s just not as consistent as some other shows. But, consistent can be boring and will miss big chances.
Why haven't they made more?! That show is golden
I’m glad there are other people out there that appreciate this show - I’m at a point where I want this show playing in the background of whatever I’m doing 😂
The ending to the ghost-tour sketch caught me super off-guard 😢