This document summarizes some common conventions and subversions of sitcom genres. It discusses typical conventions around characters (recurring characters), cameras (standard shots), humor (family-friendly rather than crude), stereotypes (childlike male and responsible female), situations (characters trapped in a situation), audiences (canned laughter or live studio audiences), and locations (set in a house). It then provides examples of subversions, such as non-recurring characters, unusual camera angles, dark humor, subverted gender stereotypes, unconventional situations, no laughter for jokes, and constantly changing locations.

1. Conventions of a Sitcom By Tudor and Sarin

2. Character Conventions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1m6gAGjew My Family the same characters Ben and Susan and kids Character Last of the summer wine – Same characters for years now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTfva-MeYVA

3. Character Subversion Ideal, many different characters. Some swearing and drug use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBHJylguJxQ

4. Camera Conventions Usual Camera shots Typical sitcom My Hero My Hero - 1.01 - Pilot (1/3) Camera My family Normal camera movement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puvCCNe5L3Q

5. Camera Subversion Peep show takes a point of view format rather than a typical sitcom format. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =zW29RocStAg&has_verified=1

6. Humour Conventions Normal Humour family humour not dark humour and not too in dept The Vicar of Dibley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx87be_34Do Humour Not Going Out Crude humour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soqHGAK4kVI

7. Humour Subversion Usually family humour and nice however black or dark humour is involved. One foot in the grave http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =vMX0FS0r280

8. Stereotypes Conventions Childlike male and responsible female My Family Ben http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsWsABOlQDU

9. Stereotype Subversion Irresponsible teen and responsible mother subverted in absolutely fabulous. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v = jAgBeAFZVgI

10. Situation Conventions Red Dwarf Usually sitcoms show the situation as trapped, for example my family is trapped by the family. Red dwarf is trapped in space http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNn2b9IIA5A Situation Yes minister http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORLN45b64n0

11. Situation Subversion The Mighty Boosh, not really trapped anywhere but just weird comedy in strange places. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =dO6WBLFnQjY&feature=related

12. Audience Conventions Usually canned laughter but sometimes there are live studio audiences Only Fools and Horses Studio audience http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rcdLeXiU8&feature=related Audience Two pints of larger and a packet of crisps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx4mib0x42I

13. Audience Subversion Usually a studio audience However In the office there is no laughter at the jokes. Office http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v = sCZOpaKccOM

14. Location - Conventions One or two locations. Usually a house/home. Sometimes another location during a “special” episode. Only Fools and Horses - Uncle Albert Conversation Blackadder - Green Gold The Royle Family - Red Nose Day

15. Location Subversions The Mighty Boosh – Always in various strange locations such as a desert or a jungle. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =dO6WBLFnQjY&feature=related