If you turn on your TV at any time of day or night, you're likely to encounter at least one sitcom. William Asher, known as the "father of sitcoms," introduced Americans to this format in the 1950s. At that time, American homes typically had only one television—families would gather in one room to watch a show. Asher believed more and more homes would own televisions, so he produced short, family-friendly comedies like I Love Lucy, eventually defining a genre of storytelling.
Often the characters in sitcoms differ from each other in terms of background or personality, and each episode usually places the characters in hilarious and unlikely circumstances. Sitcom episodes are best known for their rapidly resolved conflicts (usually, in 30 minutes or less), but they share other features as well. As you read about sitcom features, think about your favorite half-hour show. Does it have all the features of the format?
| A Complete Plotline | Like a one-act play, sitcoms are self-contained episodes that move quickly from conflict to resolution. |
| Character Types | Sitcoms often include a cast of characters that represent certain types of people, such as the wisecracker, the bully, the "nerdy" type, and the sage—an older neighbor or boss who serves as the authority figure. |
| Verbal Sparring | The humor in a sitcom often comes from a clash of personalities, with the characters working out their differences in heated but hilarious arguments. |
| Laugh Track | Many sitcoms use "canned" laughter—laughter that is prerecorded and then inserted in moments when humor is intended. |
Think back to the clip you watched on the previous page. Can you see how the show incorporates each of these elements?
Question
How do the characters in the Dick Van Dyke Show demonstrate a typical sitcom's approach to characters?
