This document summarizes the evolution of sitcoms on television from the 1950s to present day. Some of the key points made include:
- Early sitcoms in the 1950s focused on idealized family stories but then expanded to include more varied family structures.
- Popular early sitcoms included I Love Lucy, The Goldbergs, and Amos 'n' Andy.
- Sitcoms have explored a range of settings and topics through various genres like animated shows, fantasy, career-focused plots, and non-traditional families.
- Modern sitcoms often focus on young independent adults and their lives rather than traditional family units. This appeals to advertisers.
- Sitcoms employ various
Walt Disney and his company. This presenation was done as a project for Children's Literature course. It states the advantages and disadvantages of Walt Disney's movies on children.
Walt Disney and his company. This presenation was done as a project for Children's Literature course. It states the advantages and disadvantages of Walt Disney's movies on children.
This is a PPT presentation about the American sitcom "Friends". It contains what is it, the main characters, locations, seasons and episodes, the relationships each character had, and cool facts about the show. Enjoy it!
This is a PPT presentation about the American sitcom "Friends". It contains what is it, the main characters, locations, seasons and episodes, the relationships each character had, and cool facts about the show. Enjoy it!
Theater Five presentation by Dr Joe Webb 02-11-2022Joseph Webb
This presentation was made February 11, 2022 for the Metropolitan Washington OTR Club monthly meeeting, held via Zoom conference
To hear the after-presentation Q&A go to https://youtu.be/ALra1IYp_p4?t=7010
(the link is set to jump to that section of the MWOTRC meeting video)
Be sure to visit the Theater Five pages...
* project details https://sites.google.com/view/t5-project/home
* blog page with show history and background on each of the series episodes https://theaterfive.blogspot.com for more information and our latest research
* Internet Archive for recordings https://archive.org/details/T5project
Thank you again to the MWOTRC! http://www.mwotrc.com
and to research collaborators Karl Schadow and Nick Palmer
Please send corrections or other information to suspenseOTR@gmail.com
Hosted a MELAS Quiz as a part of the proceedings at Aura 2019, AIIMS Jodhpur.
The highest score in the prelims was 25 with the cutoff hovering around 14.
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philos...Rodney Thomas Jr
#SSAPhilosophy #DjangoUnchained #DjangoFreeman #ExistentialPhilosophy #Freedom #Identity #Justice #Courage #Rebellion #Transformation
Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your ultimate destination for diving deep into the profound philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In this episode, we explore the powerful journey and existential philosophy of Django Freeman from Quentin Tarantino’s masterful film, "Django Unchained," in our video titled, "From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philosophy of Django Freeman!"
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained – The Philosophy of Django Freeman!
Join me as we delve into the existential philosophy of Django Freeman, uncovering the profound lessons and timeless wisdom his character offers. Through his story, we find inspiration in the power of choice, the quest for justice, and the courage to defy oppression. Django Freeman’s philosophy is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding drive for freedom and justice.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth explorations of the philosophies behind your favorite characters. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Let’s discover the principles that shape these icons and the profound lessons they offer.
Django Freeman’s story is one of the most compelling narratives of transformation and empowerment in cinema. A former slave turned relentless bounty hunter, Django’s journey is not just a physical liberation but an existential quest for identity, justice, and retribution. This video delves into the core philosophical elements that define Django’s character and the profound choices he makes throughout his journey.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/GszqrXk38qk
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
Are the X-Men Marvel or DC An In-Depth Exploration.pdfXtreame HDTV
The world of comic books is vast and filled with iconic characters, gripping storylines, and legendary rivalries. Among the most famous groups of superheroes are the X-Men. Created in the early 1960s, the X-Men have become a cultural phenomenon, featuring in comics, animated series, and blockbuster movies. A common question among newcomers to the comic book world is: Are the X-Men Marvel or DC? This article delves into the history, creators, and significant moments of the X-Men to provide a comprehensive answer.
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As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
Panchayat Season 3 - Official Trailer.pdfSuleman Rana
The dearest series "Panchayat" is set to make a victorious return with its third season, and the fervor is discernible. The authority trailer, delivered on May 28, guarantees one more enamoring venture through the country heartland of India.
Jitendra Kumar keeps on sparkling as Abhishek Tripathi, the city-reared engineer who ends up functioning as the secretary of the Panchayat office in the curious town of Phulera. His nuanced depiction of a young fellow exploring the difficulties of country life while endeavoring to adjust to his new environmental factors has earned far and wide recognition.
Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav return as Manju Devi and Brij Bhushan Dubey, separately. Their dynamic science and immaculate acting rejuvenate the hardships of town administration. Gupta's depiction of the town Pradhan with an ever-evolving outlook, matched with Yadav's carefully prepared exhibition, adds profundity and credibility to the story.
New Difficulties and Experiences
The trailer indicates new difficulties anticipating the characters, as Abhishek keeps on wrestling with his part in the town and his yearnings for a superior future. The series has reliably offset humor with social editorial, and Season 3 looks ready to dig much more profound into the intricacies of rustic organization and self-awareness.
Watchers can hope to see a greater amount of the enchanting and particular residents who have become fan top picks. Their connections and the one of a kind cut of-life situations give a reviving and interesting portrayal of provincial India, featuring the two its appeal and its difficulties.
A Mix of Humor and Heart
One of the signs of "Panchayat" is its capacity to mix humor with sincere narrating. The trailer features minutes that guarantee to convey giggles, as well as scenes that pull at the heartstrings. This equilibrium has been a critical calculate the show's prosperity, resounding with crowds across different socioeconomics.
Creation Greatness
The creation quality remaining parts first rate, with the beautiful setting of Phulera town filling in as a scenery that upgrades the narrating. The meticulousness in portraying provincial life, joined with sharp composition and solid exhibitions, guarantees that "Panchayat" keeps on hanging out in the packed web series scene.
Expectation and Delivery
As the delivery date draws near, expectation for "Panchayat" Season 3 is at a record-breaking high. The authority trailer has previously created critical buzz, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the continuation of Abhishek Tripathi's excursion and the new undertakings that lie ahead in Phulera.
All in all, the authority trailer for "Panchayat" Season 3 recommends that watchers are in for another drawing in and engaging ride. Yet again with its charming characters, convincing story, and ideal mix of humor and show, the new season is set to enamor crowds. Write in your schedules and prepare to get back to the endearing universe of "Panchayat."
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
Maximizing Your Streaming Experience with XCIPTV- Tips for 2024.pdfXtreame HDTV
In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment lives. Among the myriad of options available, XCIPTV stands out as a premier choice for those seeking seamless, high-quality streaming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and user experience of XCIPTV, illustrating why it is a top contender in the IPTV industry.
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
3. THE ARRIVAL OF TV?
• When television first arrived,
people had dire predictions:
• NO ONE WOULD READ BOOKS.
• NEWSPAPERS WOULD DIE.
• RADIO WOULD DISAPPEAR.
• AND SO WOULD MOVIE
THEATERS.
• BUT, WHAT HAPPENED?
• In fact, television
contributed to
making other media
more popular.
• How can this be
true?
• What cross-overs
do we see?
3
4. HUMOR WAS PART OF TV FROM
THE VERY BEGINNING
• In the 1950s, many people purchased TV sets just so
as not to be left out of the fun.
• Water pressure in New York City used to be
influenced by when the advertising breaks came on I
Love Lucy because that’s when everyone got up
and went to the bathroom.
• Several of today’s sitcoms get more viewers than
did the early “classics,” but they aren’t as influential
because there are now so many more choices.
4
5. I LOVE LUCY (1951-1957)
The show was praised as “a complete synthesis” of TV comedy because
it had
•The music and burlesque of Berle,
•The plot strength and slickness of Amos ‘n’ Andy,
•The charm of Burns and Allen, and the naturalness of The Goldbergs.
It was the first sitcom to be filmed in front of a live audience. But, most
important was Lucille Ball’s comedic talent and her ambitions in this time
when domesticity was being held up as the be-all and end-all.
She was a forerunner to the feminist movement of the next decade when
millions of women were too bright and too ambitious to want to “stay in
the kitchen.”
5
6. Sitcoms were developed first for radio and then moved
to television. They replaced the old jokes that were
part of vaudeville and travelling shows because:
• Old jokes could become funny when tied to individuals that
viewers already “knew” and “liked.” New situations supplied
the element of surprise that is necessary for jokes to succeed.
• Stories could move faster because script writers did not have
to set the scene or introduce characters for each episode.
• Also, they served as zeitgeists, i.e. they reflected the spirit of
the times by focusing attention on whatever issues viewers
were most interested in.
6
7. One of the most successful transfers from
radio to television was The Goldbergs.
• Molly Goldberg was a warm,
Jewish mother living in an
apartment in the Bronx.
• Her radio story was popular
all through the 1930s and
‘40s, and on TV from 1949
until 1954.
• Characters with accents had
been popular on radio
because their accents
helped audiences recognize
who was who.
7
8. In the 1950s, when Americans were giving
serious thoughts to integration, Amos ‘n’ Andy
was a less successful transfer.
• It first aired on radio in 1928, and was adapted for TV
in 1951. It had come out of the minstrelsy tradition,
and was really “blackface comedy,” meaning whites
were playing the black roles. This kind of artificial
humor was unacceptable and the show (with new
black actors) lasted only one year on television.
• Twenty years later in 1972, Sanford and Son brought
a new kind of African American humor to television.
, 8
9. 9
The 1980s Cosby Show featured an upwardly
mobile African American family, but some critics
thought it was “too white.”
11. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Was a New Kind of Family Sitcom
• Between 1990 and 1996, Will Smith starred in
a fictionalized version of his own story.
• He was a street smart Black teenager from
Philadelphia sent to live with his aunt and
uncle in the wealthy town of Bel Air.
• Of course, there were cultural conflicts that
made for humor, but it also brought up
serious issues.
11
12. 12
An Overgeneralized Plot
Description of Sitcoms
• Each segment has its own plot so that the
shows circle around to end much as they began
with the setting and the music being the same.
• Shows begin with a humorous complication,
which the characters try to solve, but usually
make worse.
• Near the end, an unexpected force enters the
scene and solves the problem, leaving the
characters ready for the next week’s challenge.
13. The First Really Popular TV Sitcoms
Were Family Stories
• In the 1950s, World War II was over and people felt a
great nostalgia for the “old days” when fathers went
off to work and mothers stayed home with the
children.
• Of course, life had never been as idyllic as it seemed
in retrospect, but nevertheless the idea of FAMILY
was central.
• A more practical reason for family shows was that
households owned only one TV set and so families
all watched together.
13
14. But very soon, audiences wanted more
than just the foibles of “typical families.”
This meant that producers went
looking for variety to go
beyond Leave It to Beaver and
Father Knows Best. We soon
had:
•Happy Days
•The Waltons
•And such blended or one-
parent families as The Brady
Bunch, My Three Sons, and
Diff’rent Strokes.
14
15. All in the Family (1970s)
The most controversial—and
also the most influential of
the family sitcoms—All in
the Family—brought
attention to middle class
prejudices as revealed
through Archie Bunker’s
actions and statements.
However, some thoughtful
critics worried that the
program was teaching old
prejudices to a new
generation instead of
eradicating them.
15
16. Roseanne (1988-1995) was a kind of
protest against the “goody-good”
mothers in most family sitcoms.
• She was described
as rude, crass, and
“blue-collar.”
• Married … with
Children had a
similar description.
16
17. Fantasy Was Another Way of Satirizing
“Perfect” Families
• In the mid-1960s both The Munsters and the Addams
Family proved that not all families are the same.
• I Dream of Jeannie, also in the 1960s, was a fantasy about
a 2,000 year-old genie in love with an American astronaut.
17
20. The Best Known One-Parent Family Sitcoms were Andy of
Mayberry, and The Andy Griffith Show, 1950’s
• When Andy Griffith died in
the summer of 2012, every
obituary writer nostalgically
mentioned Mayberry RFD.
• Reruns had made the show
known to 2nd, and even 3rd,
generations despite critic’s
complaints that Mayberry
was the only U.S. southern
town with no African
Americans.
20
21. Mayberry RFD added a new twist in that
Andy was the Sheriff. Other “Career”
sitcoms soon followed
There is no end to the
careers that could make
way for old jokes in new
situations as with Mary
Tyler Moore’s spinoff from
the Dick Van Dyke Show
(1970-1977), Tim Allen’s
Home Improvement (1991-
1999), and Tina Fey’s
current 30 Rock.
21
24. Everybody Loves Raymond (2000’s) was not as
much about a couple and their children as
about a couple and their parents.
• Did Raymond come off looking
like Father Knows Best or like
Dagwood?
• How important were the
children?
• Where were the kindly
grandparents?
• Was it a show for kids or
adults?
24
26. The Dick Van Dyke Show let the public in on script-
writing while Scrubs opened the door to the medical
profession. Other popular career shows include:
• Cheers
• Frasier
• M*A*S*H
• The Office
• Parks and Recreation
• Spin City
• Taxi
• Two and a Half Men
• The Vicar of Dibley (a
BBC show)
26
29. 29
Viewers like characters who resemble people they
might know, but they feel uncomfortable if they think a
script writer is making fun of them or of their ethnicity.
• This is one of the reasons for sitcom characters to
be “distanced” from the viewers.
• One way of creating this distance is to make the
subjects of the sitcom so extreme that viewers will
not feel that the script is about them.
• For example, none of us would worry that we were
as incompetent as were the characters played by
Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor in Green Acres (1965-
1971).
30. The 1960s Beverly Hillbillies were
equally extreme, but from the opposite
end of the social system.
When oil was discovered
on the Clampett’s Ozark
farm, their new wealth
allowed them to move to
Beverly Hills.
Some viewers were
offended, but most just
chuckled and felt
“superior.”
30
32. Another Way to Distance Characters
Is to Bring Them from Outer Space
• Alf (1986-1990) was
brought from another
planet.
• So was Mork for the
popular Mork and
Mindy. Robin
Williams became
famous playing Mork
between 1978 and
1982.
32
33. Settings Naturally Influence the Kind
of Story Being Told
• One of the first animated sitcoms was The
Flintstones (1960-1966), a prehistoric family show
set in Bedrock. It starred Fred and Wilma Flintstone
and their daughter Pebbles. Hanna Barbera created
this pioneering show with the catch phrase of
“Yabba, dabba, doo!”
• Between 1962-63, and later between 1985 and 1987, a
space-age counterpart, The Jetsons, was a science
fiction family sitcom, that was popular with children,
who loved the transportation system and the robots
for doing housework.
33
34. Animated Sit-Coms
Automatically Create Distance
This is why Family Guy
(1999-2012) is allowed to
be so vulgar as the
stories are told about
the dysfunctional
Griffins.
Creator Seth MacFarlane
“voices” several of the
characters.
34
35. 35
The edginess and vulgarity of
Southpark is all the more shocking
because the lines are spoken by
“children.”
36. 36
The long life of The Simpsons (since 1989)
relates to the smart allusions, the up-to-date
plots, the appeal to all ages, and the fact that
the “actors” can go on forever.
37. The Popularity of Non-Family
Members Living Together
• One of the biggest cultural changes of the last couple of decades
has been the increasing number of people living outside of typical
families.
• This is especially true of young adults, and because they are the
audience that advertisers want to woo in hopes of influencing
lifetime buying patterns, producers can afford to put big money
into shows about independent young people.
• Three’s Company was a ground-breaker because it challenged
gender expectations.
• It would be fun to compare the humor of that show with the humor
in today’s popular Big Bang Theory or with the humor in Golden
Girls.
37
38. And because the shows are about young
people, we expect the characters to grow
and change, i.e. to be “dynamic.”
Critic Leo Charney says that Friends, Sex and
the City, and Mad About You are dynamic
sitcoms because of their long arcs of character
evolution and carefully worked-out resolutions.
He classifies them as a hybrid between the
sitcom and the soap opera because of the way
the characters age, change, and grow as they
would in real life. 38
39. 39
The actors in Friends were much older than their
audiences believed; nevertheless college students
and even teens identified with the life style.
40. People joked about the popular Seinfeld,
complaining that “Nothing happens.”
Seinfeld attracted some of the
same audience as did Friends—
but Seinfeld also had adults in the
audience and they did not expect
so much growth. In literary terms,
the characters were “static.”
The Seinfeld scripts fit into the
traditional definition of a sit- com
in that the characters are
emotionally much the same at the
beginning and the end of the
shows.
40
42. The success of Golden Girls (1985-1992)
showed that not just young people can
imagine living in a family of “strangers.”
• In all but one year, the show
ranked in the top ten.
• It starred Bea Arthur, Rue
McClanahan, Estelle Getty,
and Betty White, who is still
performing.
• It would be fun to compare it
to The Big Bang.
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43. Current Slapstick Comedy
Arrested Development
Community
Parks and Recreation
Tosh.O, etc.
Compare TV Slapstick to Movie Slapstick:
Jackass, The Three Stooges, Shrek, Scary
Movie, etc.
43
48. Some people consider NCIS (the most popular show of
2012) to be a career sitcom. But we think of it as a
drama whose writers have borrowed techniques from
sitcoms, as in these examples:
• An eccentric character, who can be counted on for a laugh, is
Abby Sciento, the smart Goth girl who works as the forensic
specialist and is always sipping “Caff cows” so that she is
“hyper.”
• Dr. Mallard, who lets only his approved co-workers call him
Ducky, is laughable in the way he always wears bowties and
talks to the corpses that he is examining.
• Ziva David, the investigator from Israel, constantly makes
amusing errors with English idioms.
48
49. NCIS (continued)
• Anthony DeNozzo (referred to as Tony) is always
quoting lines from movies and mispronouncing other
people’s names.
• A recurring joke is that Jethro Gibbs always shows up
when he is being talked about, and a recognizable motif
is the way he slaps people on the side of their heads.
• Another recurring joke is the way they all throw around
the word proby. It is a half-insult in that it stands for
probationary, but it probably also reminds viewers of all
the probing that goes on.
49
51. In Summary
• Sitcoms have been popular since the very beginning,
with family stories being the most popular, as the
shows began reflecting changing family dynamics.
• They often feature young adults, who are at
interesting points of change in their lives.
• A second reason for featuring young adults is that
advertisers will pay for high production costs
because they are especially eager to woo potential
customers who are in the process of developing
their life-long buying habits.
51
52. 52
TALK SHOW WEB SITES
JOHNNY CARSON:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qoP99pVm4g
STEPHEN COLBERT:
http://www.colbertnation.com/home
JAMES CORDEN:
http://www.cbs.com/shows/late-late-show/
CHELSEA HANDLER:
http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/chelsea/index.jsp
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER:
https://www.youtube.com/user/RealTime
53. 53
DEAN MARTIN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBm-vmAifco
LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbOEoRrHyU
TREVOR NOAH:
http://www.trevornoah.com/
TREVOR NOAH: “AFRICAN-AMERICAN”:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/trevornoah?gclid=CN7ajdPP1cQCFYNsfgodbrkAvw
TREVOR NOAH: “THE DAILY SHOW”:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
LARRY WILMER: “THE NIGHTLY SHOW”:
http://www.cc.com/shows/the-nightly-show