Sitcom's formula for success

[InklingBooks]

The Atlantic has an article on “Cracking the Sitcom Code”:

theatlantic.com/entertainmen … de/384068/

Here’s a summary:

First of all, word-processing programs often come with screenwriting templates. FinalDraft, the most popular software for those penning scripts, even has a Sitcom Template, which of course makes life much easier. But as for how to construct an episode, various bloggers, from the Wise Sloth to helpful folks at the BBC, noted a basic structure that I immediately recognized in every sitcom episode I tested. This structure is so formulaic that you’d think it would suck the fun out of writing and watching such shows, but it does nothing of the sort. While knowing the code it changes the way I watch TV, it only increases my admiration for the good writers who do so much within relatively strict confines.

Yes, the formula is so strict, it dictates a “muddle” for minutes 8-13. No problem with “what must I do now” for sitcom writers.

The following characteristic is particularly interesting, since it goes against most other writing:

One of the distinguishing characteristics of sitcoms, as opposed to other forms of television, is that the main protagonist(s) barely change from one episode to the next, let alone from season to season (Maggie Simpson has been sucking on a pacifier for nearly thirty years). Therefore whatever happens in the episode, the situation must end largely where it began.

I can’t say if what he says is true or not because I can’t stand to watch any show that thinks that I need a laugh track to know when to laugh.

But if you may feel differently, so you might get into the field. If you’re got the knack, it attracts an audience of millions and pays quite well.

–Mike the most serious of writers, as evidenced by his latest, Lily’s Ride: Rescuing her Father from the Ku Klux Klan

P.S. This same formula should work quite well for P. G. Wodehouse-like comedies and it won’t be burdened by those tight time restrictions. It should work for short stories and short books equally well.

[Davina_Hilda]

The story is then about cover-ups and mistakes made. Actually, not really very funny which may be why people are watching other stuff.