🤣TV Comedy Unit 4 – Sitcom Structure, Formulas, and Conventions

What's a Sitcom Anyway?

• Sitcoms, short for situation comedies, are a genre of television shows that feature recurring characters in humorous storylines
• Typically have a fixed setting (an apartment, workplace, or neighborhood) where most of the action takes place
• Rely heavily on character-driven humor and the relationships between the characters to generate laughs
• Often filmed in front of a live studio audience or with a laugh track to simulate an audience response
• Episodes are usually self-contained, meaning the storylines are resolved within a single episode and do not carry over into future episodes
• Sitcoms are known for their ability to tackle serious or controversial topics through the lens of humor (All in the Family, The Golden Girls)
• The genre has evolved over time, from the early days of radio sitcoms to the current era of streaming and single-camera shows

The Sitcom Formula: A Recipe for Laughs

• Most sitcoms follow a tried-and-true formula that includes a setup, conflict, and resolution
• The setup introduces the characters and the central problem or conflict of the episode
• The conflict is often a misunderstanding, a clash of personalities, or an external obstacle that the characters must overcome
  • This conflict creates tension and drives the comedic situations throughout the episode
• The resolution occurs when the characters find a way to solve the problem or reach a new understanding
  • This resolution often involves a humorous twist or unexpected outcome
• Sitcoms often employ a three-act structure, with each act building upon the previous one to create a cohesive storyline
• The formula also includes subplots, which are secondary storylines that involve supporting characters and often intersect with the main plot
• While the formula is predictable, the humor comes from the unique ways in which the characters navigate the conflicts and the clever writing that subverts audience expectations

Characters: The Heart of the Sitcom

• Sitcom characters are the driving force behind the humor and the emotional core of the show
• Characters often have distinct personalities, quirks, and flaws that create conflict and generate laughs
  • These traits are exaggerated for comedic effect (Sheldon Cooper's social ineptitude in The Big Bang Theory)
• Relationships between characters are crucial to the success of a sitcom
  • These relationships can be romantic, familial, or friendships, and they often involve a mix of love, frustration, and loyalty
• Character archetypes are common in sitcoms, such as the lovable goofball, the straight man, the neurotic one, and the wisecracking friend
  • These archetypes help audiences quickly understand and relate to the characters
• Character growth and development can occur over the course of a series, but sitcom characters generally remain consistent in their core traits
• Ensemble casts are a staple of sitcoms, with each character bringing a unique perspective and comedic style to the show (Friends, The Office)

Setting the Scene: Where Sitcoms Happen

• Sitcoms often take place in a fixed setting that serves as the primary location for the characters' interactions and adventures
• Common sitcom settings include apartments (The Big Bang Theory), workplaces (The Office), and neighborhood hangouts (Cheers)
• The setting often reflects the themes and tone of the show
  • A family home sitcom (The Simpsons) will have a different feel than a workplace sitcom (Parks and Recreation)
• The setting can also be a source of humor, with characters navigating the quirks and limitations of their environment
• Establishing shots and set design help create a sense of familiarity and continuity for the audience
• Some sitcoms use multiple settings to explore different aspects of the characters' lives (home, work, and a favorite coffee shop in Friends)
• The setting can also evolve over time as the characters' lives change (Frasier moving from Boston to Seattle)

Plot Structure: From Setup to Resolution

• Sitcom plots typically follow a clear structure that includes a setup, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
• The setup introduces the central conflict or problem of the episode, often through a humorous misunderstanding or a character's decision
• Rising action involves the characters' attempts to solve the problem, which often lead to further complications and laughs
• The climax is the turning point of the episode, where the conflict reaches its peak and the characters are forced to confront the situation head-on
• Falling action shows the characters dealing with the aftermath of the climax and moving towards a resolution
• The resolution wraps up the storyline, often with a humorous twist or a heartfelt moment that reinforces the relationships between the characters
  • This resolution usually brings the characters back to the status quo, ready for the next episode's adventures
• Subplots are woven throughout the main plot, providing additional laughs and character development
• Cliffhangers are sometimes used to create suspense and encourage viewers to tune in to the next episode

Running Gags and Catchphrases

• Running gags are humorous elements that recur throughout a series, often becoming a signature part of the show's comedy
  • These gags can be visual (Kramer's dramatic entrances in Seinfeld), verbal (Dr. Frasier Crane's radio show catchphrase "I'm listening"), or situational (the Bluth family's chicken dances in Arrested Development)
• Catchphrases are memorable lines or expressions that are repeatedly used by a character and become associated with the show
  • Examples include "Bazinga!" (The Big Bang Theory), "How you doin'?" (Friends), and "D'oh!" (The Simpsons)
• Running gags and catchphrases help create a sense of familiarity and anticipation for the audience, who look forward to these recurring elements
• They also contribute to character development, as these elements often reflect a character's personality or quirks
• Running gags can evolve over time, with the show's writers finding new ways to incorporate them or subvert audience expectations
• Catchphrases often become part of popular culture, extending the reach and impact of the sitcom beyond the television screen

Breaking the Fourth Wall and Other Tricks

• Breaking the fourth wall refers to when characters acknowledge the audience or the fact that they are in a television show
  • This can be done through direct address (Malcolm in the Middle), meta-references (Community), or characters interacting with the show's credits or set (Monty Python's Flying Circus)
• Breaking the fourth wall can be used for comedic effect, to comment on the show's structure or tropes, or to create a sense of intimacy with the audience
• Other comedic devices used in sitcoms include cutaway gags (Family Guy), flashbacks (Scrubs), and fantasy sequences (Ally McBeal)
• These devices allow the show to explore different comedic styles, provide background information, or showcase a character's inner thoughts and desires
• Sitcoms may also use physical comedy, sight gags, and slapstick humor to generate laughs (I Love Lucy, The Three Stooges)
• Parody and satire are also common in sitcoms, with shows poking fun at current events, cultural trends, or other television shows (Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons)
• These tricks and devices help keep the sitcom format fresh and engaging, allowing writers to experiment with different forms of storytelling and humor

How Sitcoms Have Evolved

• Sitcoms have undergone significant changes since their early days on radio and television
• Early sitcoms often featured traditional family structures and relied on simple, straightforward humor (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners)
• In the 1970s, sitcoms began tackling more controversial subjects and featuring more diverse characters (All in the Family, The Jeffersons)
• The 1980s and 1990s saw a rise in workplace sitcoms (Cheers, The Drew Carey Show) and shows focused on friend groups (Seinfeld, Friends)
• In the 2000s and 2010s, sitcoms began experimenting with different formats, such as single-camera shows without laugh tracks (The Office, Modern Family) and shows that blended comedy with drama (Louie, Atlanta)
• Streaming platforms have also impacted sitcoms, with shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel finding success on Netflix and Amazon Prime, respectively
• Sitcoms have become more diverse in terms of representation, with shows featuring characters of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities (Black-ish, One Day at a Time, Speechless)
• Despite these changes, the core elements of sitcoms – humor, character-driven stories, and relatable themes – remain constant, ensuring the genre's enduring popularity