The Great American Family Sitcom, Guarunteed to be Simple and... Simple

Episodic structure is a crucial aspect in understanding the television sitcom format. Family sitcoms have many uniting characteristics we all should be aware of. Generally they air in the early evening from 7-8 pm in half hour increments. Usually the nature of the sitcom is full of hyperbole and are absurd. The sitcom itself developed from theatre which is the reason the setting resembles a stage and is often filmed in front of a live studio audience. The format of most sitcoms is episodic while some may be classified as serial. In order for a sitcom to be serial, the narrative needs to be complex with a long term plot and complicated character development. This is why serial tendencies are more inclined to be linked in the genre of drama. On the other hand, episodic tendencies are prominent in comedies.


A give away that a sitcom is episodic is the common “lesson learned” sitcom. This occurs when the main character learns a valuable lesson in the short thirty minutes each week he/she has your undivided attention, meaning the show ends where it began. It’s also highly unlikely the character will mention the lesson or issue ever
again. The characters in an episodic sitcom are very predictable and familiar implying character growth will most likely be avoided.





I must admit, usually I avoid television sitcoms for the very same reasons I just mentioned that forms their episodic nature. However, they’re times when some simple humor is just what the doctor ordered. I enjoy tuning in to My Name is Earl ever so often to see what mess he got himself into. The premise of the show is about a small town criminal who wins the lottery and gets hit by a car before he can spend a dime. While in the hospital and under the influence of morphine, he begins to believe in the power of karma. He writes a list of all the people he has cheated or
scammed and decides to right his wrongs.


In each episode Earl, the main character, uses his money and smooth talking to help someone he has previously screwed in attempt to receive good karma. While helping others out, he tends to learn a valuable lesson that increases his overall morality. Usually the lesson is something quirky mixed with some self-reflection. A normal concluding quote said by Earl is, "I learned two things that day. I hated guys with alligators on their shirts and I was a terrible shot." This particular reflection at the end of the episode is at the same bar where the beginning of the show takes place. The comedy in My Name is Earl is usually absurd and addicting at the same time. Be warned, you will be reminded of that distant second cousin or brother in law you see every Thanksgiving. Character growth is essentially nonexistent. Personalities and attitudes are as consistent as the red on their necks, leaving each character to be highly predictable. Overall the show is dangerously episodic. You can watch the show once every few months and be
completely aware of what is going on...at least that’s what I do.

Note:
Apologies if this reads like a radio instruction manual. I wrote this blog right after Texas lost to Iowa State, thats right Iowa freaking State!