Reading - Sitcom article

The 6 Characteristics of Sitcoms By Kyle DeGuzman | May 13, 2024 In 1998, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered in Times Square to peer up at the giant screen overlooking one of the most famous intersections in the world. They were watching not a sporting event, a news story, or a political speech, but the series finale of “Seinfeld.” In fact, 76.3 million people throughout the nation watched the season finale of the sitcom about nothing. Why? Great sitcoms make audience members feel a part of the gang. Characters become friends, with stories so relatable that viewers can’t help but follow them over episodes and seasons.

What is a sitcom? The sitcom is a genre of television centered around a fixed set of characters who carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms are typically set in common, everyday environments—such as family homes, workplaces, or schools—where characters find themselves in comical situations. The term “sitcom” is a shortened version of “situational comedy,” which highlights the genre’s focus on humor derived from social situations and character interactions.

The historical origins of sitcoms trace back to radio shows in the 1920s and ’30s before they transitioned to television in the 1940s and ’50s. With their focus on family and social life, early sitcoms like “I Love Lucy” and “The Honeymooners” set the stage for the genre. Over the decades, sitcoms have evolved, reflecting changes in societal norms, demographics, and humor.

The 6 characteristics of sitcoms 1. Short: An episode of a sitcom typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. This run time allows writers to deliver quick, full narratives that can hold the audience’s attention without overstaying the welcome. There’s ample time for a setup, rising action, and climax, with enough room to explore the characters.

2. Serialized: Sitcom narratives usually center around a few main characters who are linked together by specific circumstances. Workplace sitcoms pinning unlikely characters together include “Scrubs,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “30 Rock.” Other sitcoms focus on a group of friends, such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “That ’70s Show,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Families, neighbors, and study groups (à la “Community”) all provide means for writers to create the story engine of ongoing sitcoms.

3. Cohesive: Writing a sitcom entails comprehensive world-building. Central characters are supported by recurring characters who appear less frequently but help create a cohesive universe for the show. Recurring locations also create a sense of continuity.

4. Relatable: The genre typically relies on relatable or at least familiar circumstances. Relationships, work, and family are popular themes that resonate with a wide audience. 5. Funny: Sitcoms serve as a springboard for comedy, allowing writers to explore everyday issues through humor.

6. Recognizable: In the past, the visual characteristics of sitcoms—such as multiple cameras, laugh tracks, and fixed sets—made them distinct from other genres. However, as sitcoms have evolved, so has their visual style. Single-camera sitcoms like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Modern Family” ditched the laugh track for a mockumentary style that has become popular among modern sitcoms (more on this evolution later).