Sitcoms with Laugh Tracks in Modern TV Landscape

SOURCE www.hollywoodreporter.com
Despite being critically reviled and considered outdated, sitcoms with laugh tracks are still popular and have a unique charm in today's TV landscape.

Key Points

  • Sitcoms with laugh tracks are still airing and performing well on broadcast TV.
  • They offer a contrast to the trend of hyper-realistic and gritty shows in today's television landscape.
  • The use of laugh tracks can enhance the viewing experience by creating a sense of shared laughter and warmth.

Pros

  • Sitcoms with laugh tracks provide a cozy and familiar viewing experience for many audiences.
  • They offer a stylized and unique form of art compared to the more realistic shows dominating TV.
  • The use of laugh tracks can make viewers feel less alone and create a warm, communal atmosphere.

Cons

  • Laugh tracks have been criticized for being commercial and manipulative, potentially influencing viewers' perception of humor.
  • Some see laugh tracks as promoting stereotypes and reinforcing systemic issues like misogyny.
  • The practice of using canned laughter from past recordings raises ethical concerns about authenticity in comedy.