History
Elements
Elements (cont.)
Sitcoms Today
100
True or False: Sitcoms were popular source of entertainment on the radio before the invention of the television.
True.
100
Approximately how many minutes does an average sitcom last (not including commercials)?
The average sitcoms lasts about 21-22 minutes.
100
The term "sitcom" is actually an acronym. What does it stand for?
Situational comedy.
100
Animated sitcoms are very popular subset of sitcom (especially in the past 20 years). Can you name 5 animated sitcoms? Which do you think is the most popular?
Answers may vary. The Simpsons, South Park, King of the Hill, Futurama, Family Guy.
200
True or False: The first TV sitcoms were based off the shows that aired on the radio.
True. In fact, the first TV sitcoms were "spin-offs" of the shows that previously aired on the radio. This made the transition from radio to TV easier for the writers as they were able to build on the connection they had previously made with their audience via radio.
200
Your friend John has just defeated you in an intense game of checkers. The first thing he said to you after was, "I like to watch sitcoms because they introduce a new set of main characters every episode.". Is he correct?
No, he is wrong. Sitcoms use a reoccurring set of main characters. Not only does it make the writers job easier, but it also allows the audience to create a bond with characters over time.
200
True or false: Sitcom writers tend to use running-gags/inside jokes to keep a connection with the audience over a series of episodes.
True, many of these gags/jokes are unintentional at first and are re-written back into the script in later episodes. When they appear a few episodes later, the reception of the joke is usually greater than it was the first time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrw2c6iXshQ
200
What two main television networks compete for primetime popularity with the various sitcoms aired by each network?
TBS and CBS TBS- Family Guy, The Big Bang Theory, Friends CBS- How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Mike and Molly
300
Name one sitcom that premiered in the 1960s.
Answers may vary. "The Brady Bunch" "I Love Lucy"
300
Jimmy has just been rushed to the emergency room after losing consciousness while eating a date. After two years in a coma, he wakes up and tells doctors, "I don't like to watch sitcom because satire is evident. Sitcom = satire." Would you agree?
Sitcoms tend to address issues through finding humor in the many problematic issues that we are faced with today. Examples of satirical elements in sitcoms include struggling marriages and friendships, biases, prejudices, as well as race/religion/sexuality relations.
300

In which fictional town does The Simpsons sitcom take place? 

Springfield

300
How many sitcoms can your team name? (minimum of 5 to earn points)
Answers may vary. Popular sitcoms of this decade include Friends, Seinfeld, Full House, Malcolm in the Middle, etc.
400
Which sitcom was the first to utilize a multiple camera set-up, a live studio audience, as well as filming in different locations? Hint:This show is regarded as one of the most influential sitcoms of its time for using this method, and rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s.
"I Love Lucy". This method of film, which was revolutionary at the time, paved the way for many of the sitcoms that would premiere in the future; just about all successful sitcoms use these methods today.
400
John and Jane Doe have just filed for divorce. The main reason behind their divorce is that they cannot agree on the plot nature of sitcoms. John believes that they are simply written to provoke laughter, while Jane thinks that sitcoms are written primarily to communicate ideas about various issues in the world today. Who is right? Explain why.
In a way, they are both right. However, the main point of sitcoms is to provide laughter and poke humor in the daily live situation a of cast of wacky, relatable, characters. Many global ideas and issues are interwoven beneath the initial humor, and provokes the viewer to question said issue ("the other case", i.e. definition of satire).
400
Name the four main characters that are crucial in the making of a successful sitcom
Hero, anti-hero, love interest, buddy
400
Many sitcoms today primarily use either the "single camera" or "roaming camera" approach to filming. Can you name three sitcoms that use each method?
Answers may vary Single Camera: Friends, Seinfeld, Full House Roaming Camera: Scrubs, My Name is Earl, The Office
500
What was the name of the world's first half-hour "prime time" sitcom? Hint: This show aired on BBC from 1946-1947.
Pinwright's Progress
500
How many sub genres of sitcoms can you name? Can you name one sitcom for each sub genre?
Dysfunctional Family Sitcom Animated Sitcom Friends Sitcom Workplace Sitcom Modern Family Sitcom
500
You're on your way home from the carnival, and you see a billboard that says "Sitcoms: providing answers to the question 'what would society do if you were in the situation' since the mid 20th century." Do you agree with what the billboard is saying?
Nope. Most characters in sitcoms tend to perform the action that someone would not "typically" do or say if presented with that situation. This is what makes sitcoms appealing to audiences.
500

What character does Dan Castellaneta voice in a famous sitcom?







Homer simpson
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