Sitcom: The Comedy Couch | Sporsho Biswas | 24101063(Sec-53)
Author's Bio
Sporsho Biswas is a student of Computer Science and Engineering at BRAC University. She was born on July 30, 2003, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and grew up in Narayanganj. Sporsho completed her primary and secondary education at Narayanganj Ideal School and graduated from Narayanganj Government Mohila College in 2022 with her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).
From a young age, Sporsho has been passionate about painting, often experimenting with watercolors. She also developed a love for reading, particularly fairy tales. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and frequently makes cakes for her loved ones. She is an avid fan of movies and series and loves listening to music while engaging in various activities.
Math has always been her favorite subject, leading her to participate in several Math Olympiads. Now, she is eager to deepen her knowledge of coding and pursue a career in technology.
Sitcom: The Comedy Couch
6 September | Written by Sporsho Biswas
Why is Sitcom considered the 'comedy couch' ?
The sitcoms reflect how these shows serve as comfortable familiar spaces for viewers to enjoy laughter with their relatable situations. They provide a comforting, familiar escape that’s perfect for kicking back and enjoying some lighthearted fun, just like sinking into a cozy couch. In the realm of recreation, Sitcom plays a versatile role. It has almost become a part of our daily life by working as a beautiful trick to divert our mind from reality. It disguises the emotional or serious message and delivers it to the audience in the most sarcastic way. Usually it is broadcast with many seasons and each season has several episodes which show multiple stories and incidents. And it deceives our senses, evoking genuine motion and creating empathy for the characters who don't even exist.
The Evolution of Sitcom
The word 'sitcom' is actually a shortened version of 'situational comedy'. Sitcoms began with shows like I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners, featuring easygoing, family-oriented humor filmed before live audiences.
The golden age of Sitcom was the 80s (1970s-1980s). The genre expanded with shows like All in the Family and Cheers, with laugh tracks to deepen character development and social commentary. The 90s is the modern age of Sitcom where it became more innovative with shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Seinfeld adopting single-camera formats, and addressing contemporary issues while breaking the fourth wall. The genre progressed with shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office (U.S.), using mockumentary styles. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon prime, and Hulu are the most used websites for the sitcoms.
Comedy Techniques of Sitcom
Sitcoms use different types of comedy to make us laugh.They put characters in funny and relatable situations, which often lead to misunderstandings or awkward moments. Physical comedy, like falls and exaggerated actions, adds to the humour. Smart, witty dialogue with wordplay and sarcasm keeps the conversations lively. Each character's unique traits and quirks add their own humour. Irony and satire make fun of societal norms, and well-timed pauses make jokes funnier. By referencing or mocking other shows and cultural icons, sitcoms create a fun and enjoyable mix that appeals to everyone.
Personal Reflection
As a humorous person, watching sitcoms is a much more consumable way than other hobbies. As a sitcom lover, almost all the popular TV series are watched by me. But a recently watched sitcom or TV series called ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’ which is an American sitcom, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, left a lasting impression on me. It was first broadcast on September 22, 1994 and finished on May 6, 2004. The series was made with 236 episodes in Ten-season, with on average 22-23 minutes long episodes. However at present it is available on the most famous platform 'Netflix'.
The series 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' is about six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, who live in New York City. The show follows their comedic and heartfelt experiences in love, work, and friendship, making it a timeless favourite.
Character development through the beloved sitcom
My favorite fictional character of all time is Chandler Bing, portrayed by Matthew Perry on "Friends". It's a standout character known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humour. One of his His famous dialogues were,
"Hi, I'm Chandler, I make jokes when I'm uncomfortable" and "I'm hopeless and awkward and desperate for love!" exemplifies his sarcastic style. Despite Chandler's commitment issues and making stable relationships with Monica add depth to his character. His memorable one-liners, and nervous quirks contribute to his lasting appeal. This character teaches us to navigate awkward situations and cope with insecurities.
Chandler grows throughout the series and in reality too, showing that personal development is possible with effort and self- awareness.
Iconic sitcom moments
Iconic sitcom moments are unforgettable scenes or quotes that define the show and are well-known among fans. Among uncountable memorable scenes ,the Iconic moments that made everybody emotional was from the iconic sitcom 'Friends'. It was from Season 2, Episode 16:'The One Where Joey Moves Out' where Joey fights with Chandler and decides to move out but regrets after making this decision. Eventually Joey got back to Chandler's house where Chandler welcomed him without even making him feel bad or inferior. This showed the brotherhood and friendship they share. Another iconic scene was from Season 7, Episode 9: "The One With All The Candy" because in that episode Ross purchases a bike for Phoebe to show kindness and support after she expresses a wish for one. She never had a bicycle because of her uneven and pathetic childhood. This gesture is also part of Ross's broader attempt to repair their friendship. Their close-knit friendships illustrate the importance of having a supportive circle.
Another sitcom moment from a series called The Modern Family episode 16: 'Fear' from Season 1 has delivered an outstanding message with an excellent theme regarding overcoming fear.
Behind the scenes
Off-screen, the "Friends" cast had a tight-knit, supportive friendship that played a big role in the show’s success. Over the 10 seasons, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel, Courteney Cox as Monica, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe, Matt LeBlanc as Joey, Matthew Perry as Chandler, and David Schwimmer as Ross grew close, sharing their lives and helping each other through tough times. This strong bond made their on-screen chemistry feel genuine and was a key factor in the show’s lasting popularity. Even after decades of ending the series they shared the same bond as before which makes the audience more willing to rewatch the series and keeps it alive.
Global Appeal
Sitcoms from different countries each showcase their own cultures while still sharing familiar elements of humor and character growth. American shows like Friends and 'The Office' often revolve around personal and work relationships, using humor from the characters' quirks. 'Fawlty Towers,' a British sitcom, offered a more subtle comedic touch. Japanese sitcoms, like 'Densha Otoko,' blend humor with aspects of Japanese culture, with a unique flavor. While American sitcoms have broad international appeal, local shows are celebrated for their authentic cultural insights.
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