This document provides an overview of common codes and conventions used in television sitcoms. It defines the mnemonic "FARTS SS CC" which stands for the main elements - the family as central characters, the audience/viewers being targeted, realism through exaggeration and empathy, typical episode timings and setting, use of stereotypes, a simple narrative structure, a regular cast of characters plus outside characters, and canned laughter. The document encourages reviewing these codes and conventions by completing a revision table applying them to a specific sitcom as examples.

1. Sitcom Codes and Conventions Question 1 Revision: History/Research Question

2. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson we will: be able to explain the meanings of the recognised T.V sitcom codes and conventions be able to give examples of codes and conventions

3. Recall: What are the codes and conventions of a TV sitcom? F A R T S S S C C Remember your FARTS SS CC!

4. What are the codes and conventions of a TV sitcom? F amily central characters of sitcoms A udience target/viewers R ealism realistic storylines/humour by exaggeration/empathy T imings length of programme/weekly S ets domestic/workplace S tereotypes recognisable/challenged? S imple narrative equilibrium, disequilibria, resolution C ast regular, outside characters to cause disequilibria C anned laughter prompts audience to laugh

5. Task Complete the revision table in the shared area. Give the meaning of the conventions and then explain them in relation to a sitcom of study

6. Review How useful has this revision lesson been? Why? I still need to revise…