Definition
A situation comedy; a television series that presents recurring characters in different comedic situations, typically episodes of 22-30 minutes that are largely self-contained while maintaining continuity through the characters and setting. Sitcoms rely on humor derived from character personalities, misunderstandings, and social situations.
Example Usage
Friends is one of the most popular sitcoms ever made, running for ten seasons.
Origin
The term and format emerged in the 1950s with shows like 'I Love Lucy,' adapting the comedic structure of radio comedy programs to television.
Fun Fact
The laugh track, common in sitcoms, was pioneered by 'I Love Lucy' director Desi Arnaz and became a standard feature to signal to audiences when to laugh, though modern sitcoms often omit it.
Related Terms
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