NBC’s ‘Community’ season 5: John Oliver’s Ian Duncan returns for multiple episodes

The following news about the fifth season of “Community” simply could not be better: Ian Duncan will finally have a presence on the show again.

After being absent for the past two seasons largely due to his gig on “The Daily Show” (which he even hosted this summer in lieu of Jon Stewart), The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Oliver will be back for at least six episodes of the upcoming 13 as the batty, somewhat-alcoholic professor who was originally responsible for helping Jeff Winger find his place at Greendale Community College.  There have been a bevy of fantastic Duncan moments on the show over the years, whether you are talking about his “rap” (which lasted all of about ten seconds), or him teaching anthropology without any knowledge at all in the subject.

Oliver is one of many great guests that have been assembled for the new season. “Breaking Bad” alum Jonathan Banks will be around for multiple episodes as one of Greendale’s new professors, while the brilliant Walton Goggins of “Justified” will also have a small role. Oliver in particular has been desired by fans for quite a while to return, but the only problem standing in the way by and large has been the actor / comedian’s schedule. Given the work that he did on “The Daily Show” this summer, it only seems appropriate that he would want to take some sort of break in order to other things.  Dan Harmon has said on a number of occasions that any time Jon Stewart allows him to be gifted over to the show, they are happy to have him.

Does this news make you as giddy as it makes us? Just be sure to share your thoughts below! Sadly, there is no confirmation yet as to when “Community” season 5 will premiere. (Most likely, it will return in the place of a canceled show.)

Photo: NBC