Blog Post 8: TV Sitcoms

Many TV sitcoms have a very episodic narrative structure.  Episodic shows allow for all of the focus of the generally only thirty minute show to be allocated to a specific issue that is only a major factor in that episode.  With such a condensed format, sitcoms are able to present a quickly developed conflict with polar ideals, hyperbolic attitudes and in most cases constant humor.  In contrast to dramas, normally an hour long, serious, serial in structure and regularly acted, sitcoms are arguably a cathartic simulation of opinions on specific issues by which an audience can identify with or refute with their obstreperous formula of presenting the conflict at hand. 

With each episode a character of a sitcom reacts to the issue of the episode in different ways, and audience members identify with their favorite characters.  Through each episode the character develops as a result of the conflict and adds to their dimension.  Because of this, audience members can become better attached to their favorite characters and see how they handle certain conflicts in condensed situations. 

With such an episodic format, sitcoms are also able to address many more issues than dramas which generally focus and deeply develop only a few conflicts over a span of many episodes.  At the beginning of every episode, for the most part without regard to two part episodes and season finales, the slate is wiped clean.  The characters are usually the only constant in sitcoms with the issue of the episode being the only driving force at any plot development and conflict. 

One of the greatest examples of a sitcom utilizing an episodic is The Simpsons.  In each episode a new issue is addressed, usually correlating to and/or parodying the current political agenda or other TV show.  The characters of the show and their basic attributes are the only constant throughout the series, and they are affected by the happenings of the particular episode at hand having more depth added based on the issue.  With a thirty-minute airtime and an episodic format, The Simpsons is able to maintain a hyperbolic and comical presentation of focused episodes on specific issues and events.