Studying TV sitcoms

Narrative structure of TV sitcom

Here are some of the key features that sitcoms have in common. Try to apply them tosome of the new hybrid sitcoms, to see if they are that radical after all:

The principal fundamental situation of thesituation comedy is that

Things do not change

(Grote, quoted in Neale & Krutnik 1990)

Equilibrium Disequilibrium ResolutionA classical narrative structure for each episode which involves the disruption of a stable situation(within the parameters of that sitcoms normal

stable state) and its resolution within the episode a return to the same equilibrium

Three ActsA very clear three act structure a beginning,

middle and an end

Simplistic and ReassuringThe situation is usually based around a problem, the

complication of this problem and its resolution usuallythis is a simple and reassuring problem/solution formula

for the audience furthest from the reality of dailyproblems which are not so easily resolved.

However more recent sit-coms reject narrativeneatness for the messiness of real life.

Circularity and ModificationA recurring process of destabilisation andrestabilisation in each episode narrative

transformation relies on narrative circularity, withsome modification of the basic situation

if no real change.

I Dont Belieeeeve It!Synchronising motifs of clothes,

actions and catchphrases

Recurrent ThemesFamily, Work, Home and Authority

Aspiration, Pretentiousness

Key Narrative IngredientsConflict and friction; collision of values,identities and lifestyles, including social

class, gender, sexuality and race;transgression.

(Adapted from McQueens TV: A Media Students Guide -Arnold)

CharactersWith clearly definedcharacteristics andbehaviour usually

based on stereotypes,who are confined by

their situations, so thattheir actions and

reactions can be easilypredicted to create

familiarity, recognitionand the reassurance of

shared laughter.

Not all sit-comsdepend on

genderdifference tocreate theirhumour and

situations tryto sub-divide

programmes inthe genre by

what they havein common

Comic Modes- Comic traditions

- Gag structure, visual and verbalhumour, slapstick, dramatic irony