Sanders Sides

Sanders Sides
Title	Sanders Sides
Creator	Thomas Sanders
Starring	Thomas Sanders, Joan Stokes, Ethan Nestor, Terrence Williams Jr.
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Psychological thriller, Musical theatre, Educational film
Runtime	10–30 minutes
Network	YouTube
First aired	October 31, 2016
Last aired	present

Sanders Sides. It is a psychological thriller and musical theatre inspired web series created by and starring YouTube personality Thomas Sanders. The series utilizes an allegorical framework to explore facets of personality psychology, internal conflict, and moral philosophy through personified character interactions. Premiering on the platform in late 2016, it has garnered a significant following for its innovative blend of humor, song, and introspective narrative.

Overview

The series is structured as a series of dialogues and conflicts between personified aspects of a central psyche, often triggered by everyday dilemmas. These narratives are presented in a highly stylized format that incorporates direct address, breaking the fourth wall, and original musical numbers. The setting is typically a stylized room representing the mind, with production values evolving significantly from early episodes. Its conceptual roots draw from theatrical traditions like commedia dell'arte and modern theories within cognitive behavioral therapy, making complex psychological concepts accessible. The show has been noted for its clever integration of internet culture and its earnest approach to topics like anxiety and self-acceptance.

Characters

The primary characters are personifications of personality traits and philosophical perspectives. Thomas Sanders portrays both the host and his core self, named Thomas, who mediates discussions. The original sides include Logan, representing logic and intellect; Roman, embodying creativity and ego; Patton, symbolizing morality and emotion; and Virgil, who initially manifests as anxiety but evolves into a protective figure. Later seasons introduced Janus, personifying deception and self-preservation, and Remus, representing intrusive thoughts and primal creativity. Guest appearances have included voices from actors like Joan Stokes and Ethan Nestor, who contribute to the series' expansive metaphorical universe.

Production and release

The series is independently produced by Thomas Sanders and a small team, with early episodes filmed simply against a green screen in Sanders' home. Major production milestones include the move to more elaborate sets beginning with the episode "Accepting Anxiety" and the incorporation of complex original songs. New episodes are released primarily on Sanders' main YouTube channel, with significant gaps between seasons to allow for intricate scripting and production. The series has been supported through platform monetization and direct fan support via Patreon, allowing for increased production quality. Key collaborators have included musician Terrence Williams Jr. for score composition and various guest animators for special sequences.

Themes and analysis

Central themes involve the nature versus nurture debate, the philosophy of self, and the construction of ethical frameworks. Episodes often deconstruct cognitive distortions such as black-and-white thinking and catastrophization through character debates. The narrative progressively explores Jungian archetypes, with later characters like Janus and Remus introducing concepts of the shadow self. Musical numbers frequently serve as thesis statements, exploring ideas from existentialism to utilitarianism. The series' allegorical approach has been compared to narrative techniques used in works like *Inside Out* and theatrical productions like *Avenue Q*.

Reception and impact

The series has received widespread praise from audiences and critics within the online video community for its thoughtful writing and emotional resonance. It has been featured in discussions on digital media platforms like Tumblr and Twitter for its positive representation of mental health struggles. Commentators from outlets like *The Huffington Post* have highlighted its educational value in explaining psychological concepts. The show's influence is evident in its spawning of extensive fan art, cosplay, and academic analysis, particularly within studies of new media storytelling and fandom cultures.

Fandom and community

The fandom, often active on platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, and Discord, is known for its prolific creative output and deep textual analysis. Major community events include collaborative projects like the Sanders Sides Big Bang and widespread participation in YouTube comment analysis. The series has significantly impacted fan fiction tropes within its niche, particularly regarding platonic relationship dynamics and moral ambiguity. This active engagement has fostered a supportive network that often discusses the show's themes in relation to personal experiences with identity and neurodiversity.

Category:American web series Category:YouTube original programming Category:2016 web series debuts