I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson has secured its reputation as not only one of the greatest sketch comedy shows but also as one of the most entertaining series currently available on television. Tim Robinson, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live, may not have found immediate fame in that iconic ensemble, but he has truly flourished with his unique brand of humor through this Netflix series. The sketches produced in I Think You Should Leave embrace a level of absurdity that would often seem out of place in conventional sketch comedy, yet the series succeeds in delivering these bizarre moments with exceptional flair.
The show revolves around relatable social scenarios that escalate into hilariously awkward situations, often due to misunderstandings or blatant misreads of the context. From parodies of reality dating shows to humorous takes on the mundane—like driver’s education classes and courtroom antics—the breadth of topics tackled is vast. Among the multitude of sketches that showcase the show’s creativity, a few have emerged as quintessential examples of its comedic genius.
10 “Diner Wink”- Season 2, Episode 2
An Innocent Lie Between Strangers Spirals Out of Control
Before Bob Odenkirk became a household name for his dramatic roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, he made significant contributions to the sketch comedy scene. In a standout segment of I Think You Should Leave, Odenkirk joins Robinson, who plays a father dining with his daughter. When he fabricates an innocuous story about an ice cream shop being closed, he enlists a stranger (portrayed by Odenkirk) to back him up, inadvertently drawing him into a convoluted fantasy.
The brilliance of this sketch lies in how it portrays deeply flawed characters with humor. Odenkirk’s character takes the simple lie about the ice cream shop and spirals it into an elaborate fantasy involving luxury cars and an idealized spouse, making his desperate longing for an alternate life painfully funny.
9 “Corncob TV”- Season 2, Episode 1
A TV Announcer Defends a Controversial Show
The joy of I Think You Should Leave often lies in its unpredictable nature. A sketch may commence with an already humorous premise before veering off into unexpected territory. Such is the case with “Coffin Flop,”which starts as a promo for a show on Corncob TV, highlighting footage of dead bodies unpredictably tumbling from poorly constructed coffins.
The slapstick humor blended with dark themes makes “Coffin Flop”a memorable segment. What begins as absurdity morphs into a fervent defense of the show by its creator (played by Tim Robinson), who is vehement in asserting its authenticity. The comedic intensity with which he champions “Coffin Flop”is remarkable.
8 “Summer Loving”- Season 3, Episode 1
A Dating Show Participant Has Ulterior Motives
I Think You Should Leave cleverly navigates this premise with a fresh perspective. In this sketch, two contestants on a Bachelorette-like show face dismissal, leading to a humorous exchange between the bachelorette and Robinson’s character, who is accused of being more interested in a pool zipline than in forming genuine connections.
The setup proves brilliant as the zipline becomes the unexpected centerpiece of the sketch, quickly evolving from a background detail to a source of uproarious hilarity, emphasized by Robinson’s intense determination as he rides the zipline over and over again.
7 “Driver’s Ed”- Season 2, Episode 6
Students Are Confused by a Classroom Video
In “Driver’s Ed,”Tim Robinson masterfully showcases how minor details can completely derail a situation. He plays an instructor at a driving school, whose instruction to the students is clear: “I don’t want any questions about the tables!”Despite this warning, the video he presents becomes an overwhelming focus for the students.
Various elements contribute to the humor of this sketch, particularly the absurd intensity with which Robinson’s character approaches the table storyline. Patti Harrison shines as she delivers high drama, heightening the comedic stakes. The sketch encapsulates a perfect blend of absurdity and relatability.
6 “Brooks Brothers”- Season 1, Episode 5
An Accident Leaves One Man Looking Very Guilty
“Brooks Brothers”marks the early sketches that captured significant online attention for I Think You Should Leave. Set in a Brooks Brothers store where a hotdog-shaped vehicle crashes through the entrance, chaos ensues as patrons assess responsibility. Robinson’s character, sporting a hotdog costume, becomes a prime suspect.
This sketch has emerged as a meme-worthy favorite, symbolizing individuals who significantly sidestep accountability. Robinson’s portrayal of a character oblivious to the obviousness of his guilt is both surreal and hilarious. The sketch culminates with a monologue critiquing societal negligence in taking responsibility, showcasing Robinson’s knack for blending humor with social commentary.
5 “Focus Group”- Season 1, Episode 3
A Man Tries to Stand Out in a Focus Group
Tim Robinson’s transition from SNL to I Think You Should Leave has been remarkable, showcasing his capacity to allow ensemble members to shine as they share the comedic spotlight. In this sketch, he leads a focus group on enhancing a new car, only for Ruben Rabasa to deliver a standout performance.
The eccentricity of Rabasa’s character resonates throughout the sketch, transforming him into an endearing figure amidst absurdity. This sketch epitomizes how the show skillfully showcases eccentric characters while allowing them a moment to shine.
4 “Baby Cries”- Season 2, Episode 2
A Crying Baby Makes a Man Relive His Troubled Past
This poignant sketch exemplifies how I Think You Should Leave brilliantly transforms relatable social scenarios into complex narratives. Tim Robinson’s character finds himself at a friend’s baby shower, only to have the baby cry upon being held. Amid laughter, he spirals into a self-reflective crisis, convinced the infant perceives his flawed past.
The sketch escalates humorously as Robinson delves deeper into his history, revealing the extent of his past mistakes. The concept of “sloppy steaks”emerges, highlighting the show’s talent for integrating absurdity into its humor, leading to some of the most memorable quotes from I Think You Should Leave.
3 “The Day Robert Palins Murdered Me”- Season 1, Episode 5
Two Band Members Take Their Songs in Very Different Directions
This sketch captures the essence of humor through its clever homage to the biopic genre. An aspiring folk artist struggles to gain traction with his gospel tunes before pivoting to a darker outlaw country song. Robinson’s character, the bass player, attempts to inject his unique lyrical flair into his bandmate’s creation.
The unconventional narrative choices reveal how I Think You Should Leave deviates from typical sketch formulas. Instead of simply parroting well-known tropes, the show focuses on delivering nuanced and outrageous content that keeps the audience guessing.
2 “Prank Show”- Season 2, Episode 1
Heavy Prosthetics Cause Issues
Another delightful sketch explores the straightforward premise of a prank show, yet I Think You Should Leave focuses on a singular detail that turns the scenario comedic. In this sketch, Tim Robinson plays the host wearing elaborate prosthetics to portray an elderly character named Karl Havoc.
While the audience anticipates traditional prank setups, the focus shifts to Robinson’s challenges with the cumbersome makeup. His increasingly frantic yet humorously understated performance ultimately delivers one of the most memorable laughs in the series.
1 “Qualstarr Trial”- Season 2, Episode 3
A Trial Becomes About a Misguided Fashion Choice
Most sketch comedies often rush through setups to reach punchlines quickly. However, I Think You Should Leave has the confidence to build anticipation, culminating in a sketch that exemplifies this tactic perfectly. The “Qualstarr Trial”opens with a courtroom drama, where a prosecutor dissects incriminating text messages about two accused individuals. In a twist, the texts largely center around mockery of Robinson’s character and his questionable hat choice.
The slow-burning setup yields spectacular humor when Robinson’s character is revealed in court, unnervingly enduring the public scrutiny of his fashion faux pas. The unfolding revelation of how his hat disrupted corporate meetings amplifies the humor, especially when delivered in the prosecutor’s dry tone, showcasing the series’ mastery of timing and delivery.
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