Roommate Court: A New Spin on Conflict Resolution
Here comes the judge—well, sort of. Michael Abbah, a newcomer from the West Coast, has quickly learned that living in New York can test anyone’s patience, especially when sharing space with a roommate.
In response to the living situation that many face, clever comedians are stepping in to lighten the load. Their solution? A show called Roommate Court that tackles disputes in a fun, engaging way on social media.
“Many people in New York City live in tight quarters—getting along is a luxury,” the 27-year-old Abbah remarked. And while his format isn’t a traditional courtroom, his humorous spirit shines through as he engages with various disputes.
His show, produced by a short video company named Gymnasium, focuses on quirky and sometimes contentious issues, which he resolves in just three minutes. It’s a mix of classic TV judges and approachable life coaches, transforming the typical living room tension into an amusing courtroom drama.
With his “Plaintiff” and “Defendant” placards, Abbah utilizes a handheld microphone instead of a gavel, allowing both parties to voice their grievances. “My production team and I ensure that there’s real conflict at play; it adds an extra layer of fun,” he explained, saving his reactions for when the cameras roll. “The humor comes from how relatable the drama is.”
Just a month after its online debut, Roommate Court already boasts over 10,000 followers. It thrives on the hectic roommate dynamics found in NYC, where rent can hit around $2,100 a month for a shared space with multiple people.
In lieu of traditional robes, Abbah opts for a style he describes as “David Byrne meets public defender.”
Since launching in May, the show has attracted viewers with intriguing cases, like a conflict dubbed “Throuple from Hell (Bushwick)” and the “Cat Dad Conflict.” In the first, one roommate started dating another’s ex, leading to some pretty unreasonable demands about personal items. The second case saw four roommates unable to agree on who should take care of a stray kitten already in their shared space.
“All of them claimed they wanted custody, but honestly, none could look after her properly,” Abbah chuckled. To settle the cat dispute, he encouraged them to come together to clean up after the kitten.
On another recent case, roommates Kaden Robinson and Jake “Cleo” Besser reached out to Abbah over a tense exchange involving valuable vinyl records.
“Cleo and I had a deal to swap hats for a rare vinyl,” Robinson recounted. But when Besser discovered the record’s increasing value, he hesitated. “I thought, ‘This isn’t fair,’ and said we needed to take it to court.” Abbah facilitated a more balanced deal, allowing Besser to take one of Robinson’s golf clubs as part of the resolution.
Besser praised Abbah for his fairness, admiring his ability to offer an objective viewpoint. “Roommate Court is definitely a unique experience—only possible in New York,” he said.
Abbah views himself as part of the solution for the everyday issues roommates face, from dirty dishes to more complex personal conflicts. “If I can help people find a way to live peacefully together, I’ve done my job,” he declared.
