TV Sitcom

Traditional sitcoms follow a few common narrative structures and conventions. Each episode generally follows an equilibrium-disequilibrium-resolution structure where a stable situation is disrupted but then resolved by the end of the episode, returning to the same equilibrium. They also tend to have a very clear three-act structure. The situations presented are usually based on simplistic problems that are easily resolved, providing simple and reassuring formulas for audiences. While more recent sitcoms have moved away from strict narrative neatness, traditional sitcoms rely on recurring themes of destabilization and restabilization each episode with some modification to the basic situation.

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TV Sitcom

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Gato Huynh

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Studying TV sitcoms

Narrative structure of TV sitcom

Here are some of the key features that sitcoms have in common. Try to apply them to
some of the new hybrid sitcoms, to see if they are that radical after all:
The principal fundamental situation of the
situation comedy is that
Things do not change
(Grote, quoted in Neale & Krutnik 1990)
Equilibrium Disequilibrium Resolution
A 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 Acts
A very clear three act structure a beginning,
middle and an end
Simplistic and Reassuring
The situation is usually based around a problem, the
complication of this problem and its resolution usually
this is a simple and reassuring problem/solution formula
for the audience furthest from the reality of daily
problems which are not so easily resolved.
However more recent sit-coms reject narrative
neatness for the messiness of real life.
Circularity and Modification
A recurring process of destabilisation and
restabilisation in each episode narrative
transformation relies on narrative circularity, with
some modification of the basic situation
if no real change.
I Dont Belieeeeve It!
Synchronising motifs of clothes,
actions and catchphrases
Recurrent Themes
Family, Work, Home and Authority
Aspiration, Pretentiousness
Key Narrative Ingredients
Conflict 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)
Characters
With clearly defined
characteristics and
behaviour usually
based on stereotypes,
who are confined by
their situations, so that
their actions and
reactions can be easily
predicted to create
familiarity, recognition
and the reassurance of
shared laughter.
Not all sit-coms
depend on
gender
difference to
create their
humour and
situations try
to sub-divide
programmes in
the genre by
what they have
in common
Comic Modes
- Comic traditions
- Gag structure, visual and verbal
humour, slapstick, dramatic irony