Nathan for You (Season One)

What makes the “cringe humor” found in “Nathan for You” work while “The Office” routinely fell on its face attempting similar vibes? For one thing, “people being put in uncomfortable situations with no punchline” doesn’t work in fiction as that merely represents bad writing. For another, the insanity and ludicrous situations seen through Fielder’s lens couldn’t hoped to be scripted as some of the most uproarious moments come from his supporting cast—he’s visibly trying to hold back laughter when one conversation in a gas station takes an odd turn. “You” works wonders as argument for the merits of cringe.

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