Part a Flashcards
When and where did sitcoms originate?
U.s
First tv screened in 1920’s
What is the definition of a sitcom’
A humorous tv or radio show that usually runs between 20-30minutes
3 different types of sitcoms
Family
Friends
Workplace
What are two things that are kept the same throughout a series of a sitcom?
The setting and characters
Why are the setting and characters kept the same throughout a series?
To allow relationships to be built over the seasons
Definition if circular narrative
Starts at a state of calm, chaos is encountered in the middle, things go back to normal at the end of the episode
Why is circular narrative used?
So that a disruption or main event can occur in an episode but is resolved so that the next episode can start fresh without unresolved issues between characters
When was the middle started?
2009
What is the middle about?
Family of 5 that live in Orson Indiana and encounter daily mishaps
Name episode that uses circular narrative
The desk
What is the eldest sons name and actor name?
Axel Heck (Charlie McDermott)
What is Axels mums name in the middle?
Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton)
When was miranda started?
2009
What is the main character in Miranda called?
Miranda (Miranda Heart)
What is Miranda about?
A middle aged woman who has never really grown up and struggles to fit in with her posh friends
Name an episode of Miranda that uses circular narrative
It was panning
Definition of setting
The surroundings of the characters in the sitcom
How many main settings are usually used?
Two or three
Why are there only two or three main settings used?
So that the audience can become familiar with setting quickly without having to watch heaps of episodes
What does the confined setting space create?
Creates tension between characters which audience finds humorous especially when it leads to slapstick humour
When did the bug bang theory start?
2007
What is the Big Bang theory about?
Five friends who are all nerdy to some degree
What three main characters live in the same apartment block?
Leonard, Sheldon and Penny
What is Leonard’s real name?
Johnny Galecki
What is Sheldons real name?
Jim Parsons
What is Penny’s real name?
Kaley cuoco
Name an episode of the Big Bang that has good use of setting
The Einstein Approximation
What is Sheldon trying to do in the Einstein approx
Trying to discover the answer to the string theory of physics
What main object are used in the Einstein approx to show the nerdy ness
Gaming systems and whiteboard covered in scientific working out
Name a sitcom that uses good setting apart from bbt
Miranda
How does the setting in Miranda portray her character ?
In one episode we see vegetable people that she is made which portray her immature ness
