Community season 3

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The third season of the television comedy series Community premiered on September 22, 2011, and concluded on May 17, 2012, on NBC. The season consists of 22 episodes and aired on Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET as part of the network's "Comedy Night Done Right" programming block.^[1]

Community
Season 3
DVD cover
Starring	Joel McHale Gillian Jacobs Danny Pudi Yvette Nicole Brown Alison Brie Donald Glover Jim Rash Ken Jeong Chevy Chase
No. of episodes	22
Release
Original network	NBC
Original release	September 22, 2011 – May 17, 2012
Season chronology
← Previous Season 2 Next → Season 4
List of episodes

Richard Erdman as Leonard Briggs
Erik Charles Nielsen as Garrett Lambert
Dino Stamatopoulos as Alex "Star-Burns" Osbourne
John Goodman as Vice Dean Robert Laybourne
Danielle Kaplowitz as Vicki Jenkins
Luke Youngblood as Magnitude
Dan Bakkedahl as Murray the AC Repairman
Charley Koontz as Neil
J. P. Manoux as Faux-by
Mel Rodriguez as Sgt. Nunez
Michael K. Williams as Biology Professor Marshall Kane
Jerry Minor as Jerry the Janitor
Eddie Pepitone as Crazy Schmidt
David Neher as Todd Jacobson
Larry Cedar as Cornelius Hawthorne
Craig Cackowski as Officer Cackowski
Wil Garret as Harry Jefferson

Rob Corddry as Alan Connor ("Introduction to Finality")
Keith David as Narrator ("Pillows and Blankets")
Giancarlo Esposito as Gilbert Lawson ("Digital Estate Planning")
Kirk Fox as Blade, Britta's carnie ex-boyfriend ("Origins of Vampire Mythology")
Irene Choi as Annie Kim ("Geography of Global Conflict")
Jeff Garlin as himself ("Documentary Filmmaking: Redux")
Luis Guzmán as himself ("Documentary Filmmaking: Redux")
Leslie Hendrix as Botanist ("Basic Lupine Urology"), a play on her role as a medical examiner in the Law & Order franchise the episode is styled upon
John Hodgman as Dr. Heidi ("Curriculum Unavailable")
Michael Ironside as Colonel Archwood ("Basic Lupine Urology")
David St. James as Professor Albrecht ("Curriculum Unavailable")
Taran Killam as Cory "Mr. Rad" Radison ("Regional Holiday Music")
Marcy McCusker as Quendra ("Basic Lupine Urology")
Meggie McFadden as Linda Greene ("Digital Exploration of Interior Design" uncredited cameo)
Dominik Musiol as Pavel Iwaszkiewicz ("Documentary Filmmaking: Redux")
D.J. "Shangela" Pierce as Miss Urbana Champaign ("Advanced Gay")
DC Pierson as Mark Millot ("Digital Exploration of Interior Design" uncredited cameo)
Travis Schuldt as Subway / Rick ("Digital Exploration of Interior Design")
Martin Starr as Professor Cligoris ("Geography of Global Conflict")
French Stewart as Vinnie, a former French Stewart look-alike ("Contemporary Impressionists")
Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Andre Bennett ("Urban Matrimony and the Sandwich Arts")

The series was renewed for a third season on March 17, 2011.^[24] Filming for the season began on July 25, 2011.^[25] Jim Rash, who portrays Dean Pelton, was promoted to a series regular after having a recurring role throughout the first two seasons.^[26] Michael K. Williams was cast as the study group's new biology professor, who is described as a deeply intense character.^[27] John Goodman appears in a multi-episode arc as Vice Dean Laybourne, the head of Greendale's air conditioning repair school, and is a foe for Dean Pelton.^[28] Martin Starr guest starred in the second episode of the season as a political science professor and project advisor when the study group take a Model UN class; with Starr possibly returning later in the season.^[29] Larry Cedar appeared in the sixth episode as Cornelius Hawthorne, the patriarch of the Hawthorne family and Pierce's father.^[30] In the same episode, Jerry Minor returned as the Greendale custodian who previously appeared in "English as a Second Language" and "For a Few Paintballs More".^[30] The season's Christmas-themed episode is a musical featuring all original music, with the storyline being the study group having to fill in for the school's glee club. The episode also features a guest appearance by Saturday Night Live cast member Taran Killam.^[31] Giancarlo Esposito appeared in "Digital Estate Planning" as Gilbert, a man who Pierce is surprised to learn was a longtime employee for his late, very racist father, and the study group needs to work with Gilbert and Pierce on an issue regarding Cornelius' Hawthorne's last will and testament.^[32] The character of Star-Burns is killed off in episode 17 of the season, as portrayer of the character Dino Stamatopoulos simply asked for it to happen. Stamatopoulos also serves as a consulting producer and writer for the series, so he wanted to focus on his main job, as he explained "I'm not an actor". Series creator Dan Harmon explained Star-Burns' death is "not just thrown away", but "triggers the rest of the entire season.^[33] Filming of the season concluded in mid-February 2012.^[34]

Dan Harmon planned on making the third season more cohesive than the previous, with more connectivity between the storylines of the episodes, as well as to make the show more grounded, with somewhat fewer themed episodes. Harmon also planned out the characters' storylines for the entire season.^[35] Explaining the theme of the third season, and Jeff's journey for the season, Harmon says, "Season 3 is about the price that you pay when you figure out that you love a group of people. That's it in a nutshell. It's about the high cost of valuing people other than yourself, and that's the path that Jeff has been on. The third chapter for him is going to be the toughest of all. When you love people, their pain is your pain. Nobody likes having to deal with hassles more than Jeff Winger, and nobody's going to have to deal with more this year."^[35]

On November 14, 2011, NBC announced that they were removing Community from their mid-season schedule to make room for 30 Rock, which returned to Thursday nights.^[36] On February 21, 2012, it was announced that the series would return on March 15, 2012.^[37]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 92% with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 24 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "The Greendale study group take some of their boldest swings – though not all connect – in this freewheeling third season that nevertheless continues Community's streak as the gold standard for fiendishly clever television."^[38]

The third season was released on DVD in region 1 on August 14, 2012,^[39] in region 2 on September 2, 2013,^[40] and in region 4 on September 21, 2012.^[41]

^ ^a ^b The episode listing is the broadcast order. Episodes 3 and 4, and 11 and 12 were switched around in their original broadcast but appear in production order on home media releases.^[5]

^ Rice, Lynette (July 6, 2011). "NBC announces fall premiere dates". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
^ "Community". Writers Guild of America. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^ Seidman, Robert (September 23, 2011). "Thursday Finals: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation' and 'Whitney' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
^ Gorman, Bill (September 30, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office' & 'The Secret Circle,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
^ Lacey, Gord (August 14, 2012). "Community – The Complete 3rd Season Review". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
^ Seidman, Robert (October 6, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office,' 'Person of Interest,' 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
^ Gorman, Bill (October 14, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'X Factor' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
^ Gorman, Bill (October 28, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: World Series Game 6 Finals + 'Big Bang,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Office,' 'Person,' Adjusted Up; 'Rules,' 'Secret Circle,' 'Whitney,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 29, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
^ Seidman, Robert (November 4, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation,' 'The Office,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
^ Seidman, Robert (November 11, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Up; 'Bones,' 'Rules,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 13, 2011. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
^ Gorman, Bill (November 19, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Up; 'Bones' Adjusted Down; 'Beneath The Blue' Evaporates". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 22, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
^ Seidman, Robert (December 2, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: No Adjustment for 'Community,' 'Bones' or Any Thursday Original". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 5, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
^ Gorman, Bill (December 9, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Big Bang,' 'Rules,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'X Factor,' 'Bones' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 16, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'The Office', 'Missing' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down + NCAA Game Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
^ Seidman, Robert (March 23, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Touch,' '30 Rock,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 30, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Missing' and 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up, 'Rules' and 'Touch' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
^ Bibel, Sara (April 6, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Person of Interest', 'Missing', 'Up All Night' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 8, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
^ Bibel, Sara (April 13, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Office' and 'American Idol' Up; 'Scandal' Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 20, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Awake' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 27, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Mentalist' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 30, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 4, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Secret Circle', 'The Mentalist', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 7, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 11, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Office', 'Secret Circle', 'Grey's' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 13, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
^ ^a ^b ^c Bibel, Sara (May 18, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', '30 Rock' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 22, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
^ Ausiello, Michael (March 17, 2011). "Breaking: NBC Renews The Office, Community and Parks and Recreation". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
^ Goldberg, Matt (July 25, 2011). "Filming on Season 3 of Community Begins Today with a Nice Welcome for the Cast and Crew". Collider. Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
^ Adalian, Josef (July 22, 2011). "Community Creator Dan Harmon on What's in Store for Next Season". NY Mag. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
^ Bryant, Adam (July 23, 2011). "Community Taps The Wire's Michael K. Williams to Teach Biology". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 14, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
^ Abrams, Natalie (July 25, 2011). "John Goodman Signs on As Dean of Community". TV Guide. Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
^ Masters, Megan (July 28, 2011). "Community Exclusive: Party Down Fan Fave Schools the Greendale Study Group". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 29, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
^ ^a ^b Masters, Megan (September 9, 2011). "Exclusive: Community Casts Deadwood Actor 12 Years Chevy Chase's Junior as Pierce's Dad". TV Line. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
^ Masters, Megan (October 20, 2011). "Exclusive: Community Staging Christmas-Themed Musical Episode!". TV Line. Archived from the original on October 22, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
^ Kronke, David (February 17, 2012). "Exclusive: Giancarlo Esposito Talks About His Community Guest Shot". TV Guide. Archived from the original on February 19, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
^ Snierson, Dan (April 27, 2012). "'Community' mourns the death of a character". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 1, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
^ Radish, Christina (March 14, 2012). "Joel McHale and Gillian Jacobs Talk COMMUNITY Season 3, the Hiatus, Possibility of Season 4 and More". Collider. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
^ ^a ^b Bryant, Adam (July 22, 2011). "Community Season 3 Spoilers: Annie's Rival, Jeff's Father and Chang's... Rise to Power?". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
^ Goldberg, Lesley; Ng, Philiana (November 14, 2011). "'Prime Suspect' Future Uncertain, 'Community' Will Be Back on NBC". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
^ Hibberd, James (February 21, 2012). "'Community' gets return date! Here's NBC's comedy plan". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
^ "Community: Season 3". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on November 28, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
^ Lambert, David (June 25, 2012). "Community – Sony's Formal Press Release, Finalized Package Art for 'The Complete 3rd Season'". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
^ "Community – Season 3 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
^ "Community – The Complete 3rd Season". EzyDVD.com. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.

Community at IMDb