One of the best things about Community was its ability to showcase characters with actual flaws, and lots of them. Not everyone on the show was a typical sitcom character trope, they had a lot of depth and emotional baggage. As much as fans rooted for the characters, they also rooted against them, which made the viewing experience even more fun.
The men of Community were an oddball group of guys who ranged from fake lawyers to fake teachers to aspiring filmmakers and former high school football players. No two characters were anything alike, in both their morals and their motives, and would all bring different things to the table when it comes to romantic relationships.
Pierce Hawthorne
Not only was Pierce mean-spirited 90% of the time, but he was also racist, homophobic, and sexist.
There was a reason Pierce was alone for so much of his life: he was just plain unlikeable. The study group hardly put up with him, and only somewhat mourned his eventual death. Pierce would be difficult to be friends with, let alone in a relationship with, which makes him the worst Community man to date.
Professor Ian Duncan
The pros of dating Professor Ian Duncan would be that he is played by the delightful John Oliver, and that he’s a professor, so he’s at least somewhat knowledgeable about psychology.
Otherwise, though, Duncan is kind of a loser. He and Jeff have a history of bonding over cheating the law, and he isn’t a very reliable friend or teacher (“What is anthropology?”). Duncan would be far too self-involved in a romantic relationship and might psychoanalyze you to the point of resentment.
Vaughn Miller
Musician and hacky sack player extraordinaire, Vaughn ended up dating both Britta and Annie during his time at Greendale.
However, he wasn’t a very good boyfriend to either of them and ended up writing a scathing song about Britta after their breakup. Sure, “Gettin’ Rid of Britta” was a catchy tune, but it was definitely more fun to watch than it would be to personally endure. There’s no telling what kind of breakup song Vaughn could write next.
Ben Chang
Chang went through a lot over six seasons of Community. He was a Spanish teacher, then a student, then a security guard, and then a student again.
Chang’s personal and romantic relationships never panned out well, and that was due to his total lack of loyalty. He wasn’t a good friend and was always willing to sacrifice others for his own gain. Chang was caring only when he thought he fathered Shirley’s third child, but after that, all of his growth regressed yet again.
Jeff Winger
Jeff may have been the spokesperson and leader of the study group, but he was not a good romantic partner at all. He and Britta had a volatile will-they-won’t-they relationship, and his and Annie’s horrendous age gap couldn’t be overlooked despite all of their chemistry.
When it comes down to it, much like the other men on Community, Jeff was selfish and entitled, and could never handle a long-term commitment. He would find some way to either self-sabotage any chance at love, and finale Jeff put it best when he admitted that he might just be at Greendale on his lonesome, forever.
Buzz Hickey
Initially, a tough nut to crack, Buzz Hickey became a beacon of light after the departure of Troy Barnes from the study group in Season 5.
Hickey could come off as intimidating and standoffish, but the criminology professor really just needed some friends in his life. A relationship with Hickey would include him doodling duck cartoons for you, but don’t try to invite his son over for a game of Dungeons and Dragons.
Elroy Patashnik
Elroy and his RV were a complete package deal, which makes him an outstanding romantic partner. Elroy’s interests are unique with him being a scientist and specializing in virtual reality technology. Mr. Patashnik would always bring the laughs, even when he doesn’t necessarily mean to, and would financially and emotionally support you, no matter what.
The only drawback with Elroy would be his strong ability to do the “Irish Goodbye,” which would be the absolute worst way to end a relationship with someone as sweet as him.
Dean Craig Pelton
All the Dean of Greendale ever wanted was love, but he was looking for it in all of the wrong places. His crush on Jeff was never requited and left him lonely for most of the series.
Craig would be a great partner because of his devotedness to those he cares for and his love for himself. He was always his truest, most authentic self and would never settle for anything less than he deserved. Sure, he could come on a bit strong at times, but at the end of the day he had so much love to give and just wanted a sliver of it in return.
Abed Nadir
Abed and Rachel’s short-lived relationship was one of the best of the entire show, proving that despite his emotional-distance Abed was able to be romantic. His friendship with Troy also showed his ability to love and care for others and have more loyalty than anyone else in the group.
Abed would let his imagination run wild in a relationship, and would always be honest about how he was feeling. One might have to tell him to stop making a movie out of every moment or conflict, but other than that he’d be a perfect man to be with long-term.
Troy Barnes
Troy Barnes was the human equivalent to a golden retriever. He was a great friend, a kind soul, and was always willing to learn and grow as a person.
His relationship with Britta may have been a bust, but there was definitely someone out there for Troy that would allow him to be his fun-loving self at all times. Troy was the life of the party, the voice of reason, and an all-around good guy. It doesn’t get much better than him, even if he isn’t quite sure which year he was born.
