11 Sitcom Moments That Were Just Awkward

Sitcoms are known for their awkward humor, but some moments push cringe to a whole new level. From David Brent’s disastrous motivational speech to Michael Scott’s excruciatingly bad diversity training session, these scenes are legendary for all the wrong reasons. These sitcom moments are so cringe-worthy that they make you wonder how the characters got through the day without a total meltdown.

The Office (U. K.)

Image Credit: BBC

In episode 4 of the second season, the manager of the paper company, David Brent, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, goes on his only paid public speaking engagement. His complex analogies of choosing death over being limbless, then a feeble attempt at clapping to Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ bewilder his audience and paint the picture for cringeworthy comedy.

Seinfeld

Image Credit: Hulu

The episode known as “The Pick” features Jerry Seinfeld in a rather uncomfortable position. He has been observed choosing his nose, which culminates in a pitiful scene where he tries to explain it away as “It was a scratch!” This is the epitome of the show and its ability to depict the social faux pas of people in their daily lives.

Da Ali G Show

Image Credit: BBC

In the “Peace” episode, Borat, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, sings an obscene song, “Throw the Jew Down the Well,” in a bar in Tucson, Arizona. The real discomfort emerges from the unwitting audience’s energetic applause and joyful singing along, not realizing they are entertained by satire.

The Office (U.S.)

The Office (U.S.)
Image Credit: The Office/YouTube

The “Diversity Day” episode involves Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, trying to do Chris Rock stand-up comedy at the diversity training. Not only is his singing off-pitch, but his actions are also cringe-worthy and make his fellow employees look progressively more uncomfortable.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Curb Your Enthusiasm
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A Holocaust survivor faces off with Colby Donaldson in this ‘Survivor’ clip from Season 2, an episode aptly called “The Survivor.” They argue about who suffered most, and this degenerates into a shouting match that is extremely cringe-worthy.

Freaks and Geeks

Image Credit: NBC

In the episode “Girlfriends and Boyfriends,”  the character Nick, portrayed by Jason Segel, sings Styx’s hit “Lady” to Lindsay in his basement. Love is taken to extremes and is far from romantic, as Lindsay clearly shows discomfort when Nick starts his performance.

Arrested Development

Arrested Development
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In ‘The Righteous Brothers,’ George Michael and Maeby’s cousins share a kiss. Although the scene may be interpreted as romantic, the fact that they are related complicates the issue and makes one feel uneasy.

Extras

Extras
Image Credit: IMDb

The specific episode is Season 2, Episode 5, where Andy, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, gets to act in a play and he plays a gay character. When the moment comes to finally prove his feelings for Daphne, and as they are asked to kiss on stage in front of his old school friends, Andy takes ages to decide, and when he does, he fakes it and avoids touching her lips – this, of course, makes the scene very embarrassing and cringe-worthy.

Sex and the City

Image Credit: HBO Max

The episode titled “Running With Scissors” shows Carrie, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, in a rather awkward position. Natasha, Big’s wife, catches up on him and his mistress during an intimate meeting, and they end up chasing each other, which sees Natasha knocked down before the two proceed to have an uncomfortable scene.

Cheers

Image Credit:  CBS Television Distribution

In “The Days of Wine and Neuroses,” Rebecca, played by Kirstie Alley, sings “We’ve Got Tonight” to Sam while drunk; Sam makes it abundantly clear he doesn’t want her attention and her messy state makes the scene both funny and uncomfortable to watch.

The Tom Green Show

The Tom Green Show
Image Credit: IMDb

Tom Green tries to follow a pizza delivery man and try to sell a similar pizza to the customers in Season 2, Episode 5. His aggressive endurance of the customer’s rudeness and threats is a perfect portrayal of his outrageous comedy show.

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