The document discusses representation in sitcoms. It explains that sitcom characters use stereotypes to engage viewers through easily recognizable traits. While some rely on stereotypes, the best sitcoms subvert expectations. Family life is often central, using stereotypes of relationships for comedy. Representations highlight common behaviors and flaws that audiences recognize in themselves and others. Specifically, men are often shown as inadequate compared to film ideals, and eccentric characters are popular tropes. The task asks the reader to analyze representations of gender, family and social groups in various sitcom episodes.

1. Representation

2. Learning Outcomes By the end of the lesson we will: understand term representation Be able to explain the representation of gender and the family in the sitcoms of study.

3. What is representation? Characters in sitcom need to engage and interest the viewer immediately using a shorthand of natural, recognisable and clearly defined characteristics. These can be based on stereotypes but the best sitcoms often subvert the stereotype.

4. The representation of family life is at the centre of many sitcoms The relationship between parents and children can use stereotypical notions of family life to create comedy –difficult teenagers (The Simpsons) Arguably representations in sitcoms highlight behavioural traits and personal failings that can be found in many people. Comedy arises from recognising these traits in yourself and your nearest and dearest, which is why the family is such a potent setting for a sitcom

5. The sitcom can explore social issues in a comic way. The representation of men is often contrary to the cinema ideal of the handsome lead character. Men are seen as inadequate like Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do Have In British sitcoms the dotty eccentric is a classic character who is often very popular with audiences. Think of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers who is also an example of a hen pecked husband.

6. Task Think about your episodes of study; Friends Only Fools and Horses Fawlty Towers The Simpsons The IT Crowd Explain the representations of family, social groupings and gender presented How are the characters presented? What types of characters are they? Are they stereotypical in any way?

7. Representation Characters - embodiments of what young people think they would like to become – well dressed, witty, very sexy, cool professionals leading a high caffeine life in the city Surrogate family Beautiful people = successful, happy, popular people Ideals of the consumerist American Dream; a simple case of political representation Friends Representation offered Sitcom

8. Review Why do we laugh along with the character types portrayed?