Are sitcoms a dead artform?

IronMan · March 29th, 2012, 09:36 PM

What says the VE forum?

**imtrying** · March 29th, 2012, 09:52 PM

With shows like "30 Rock", "Big Bang Theory", "New Girl", "Community" and "Family Guy" still thriving, I'd have to say "no", they're not dead quite yet.

**exfarmer** · March 29th, 2012, 10:02 PM

Well, I'm stuck in the past

I don't think the new sitcoms are anywhere near as good as the shows from the 70's or 80's.
Shows like steptoe and son, only fools and horses or open all hours were just head and shoulders above anything that's around today.

IronMan, As the thread starter, fancy sharing your own views with us?

**Brecht** · March 29th, 2012, 10:22 PM

They're a waste of time.

**SanteeFats** · May 18th, 2014, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norbert84

They're a waste of time.

Please elucidate on just what is a waste of time Norbert84.

**SanteeFats** · May 18th, 2014, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exfarmer

Well, I'm stuck in the past

I don't think the new sitcoms are anywhere near as good as the shows from the 70's or 80's.
Shows like steptoe and son, only fools and horses or open all hours were just head and shoulders above anything that's around today.

Since these appear to be British sitcoms I can not comment about them. However I have seen many US and yes British sitcoms over the years, and I am old enough have a valid opinion on this. In the US there were several great sitcoms but there are several that I like just as well now. The Big Bang Theory is tops followed by (in particular order), Dads, The re-re-make of Whose Line Is it Anyway, Sullivan and Son. Last Man Standing, Hot in Cleveland. I also have bought a few older British ones that I find great two of which are Coupling and Blackadder. While it is dated I also have everything Benny Hill did, boy was he a master

IronMan · March 29th, 2012, 10:25 PM

I think sitcoms are dead as a doornail. I don't find the comedy in 99% of sitcoms to be anything but a snoozefest, relying on current events surrounding pop culture as fodder for their failed attempts at getting a laugh. I liked Family Guy before they brought it back, as like the Simpsons it has become stale. South Park's spoof on Family Guy was spot on. Interchangeable jokes that have nothing to do with the plot for the most part. I don't consider viewer loyalty and low standards that keep these shows going as a sign that they aren't anything but stale turds masquerading as cutting edge pop culture.

TV is one of the biggest wastes of money out there, next to cell phone data plans. Why pay for it when you can buy the Blu-Ray or DVD versions of your favorite shows for less than a month's subscription costs? Or rent them for less than that. And if you get tired of them you can sell them to someone else online and get half your money back.

**CARLTON BROWN** · March 29th, 2012, 11:16 PM

The majority of UK and US sitcoms leave me cold these days. Perhaps getting older means that your sense of humour rapidly diminishes?

I do think there is still potential for something new to appear. What I really find a huge bore are the shows that feature stand-up comics who are actually not very funny at all.

**beemerider500** · March 30th, 2012, 12:05 AM

I sincerely hope so.

**buttsie** · March 30th, 2012, 12:21 AM

While theres TV there will always be sitcoms

As to todays versus yesteryear all I will say is watching the same shows over and over from yesteryear is as mind numbing as watching a new show using an old premise.

Cue Cop / Medical / Detective / CGI show number?

Having watched TV for 40 years I think its the same as its always been
The occasional gem that you love surrounded by a sea of tripe you wish you'd never been exposed to

The main difference today is volume

From a handful of channels in the 70s to todays hundreds
Quality was always going to suffer

That those making the stuff are trying to make as much money as possible also detracts
from the end product

When channels like HBO decide to make a show like a Game of Thrones
which costs a small fortune it stands out like a beacon next to its reality TV fodder which many have admitted they watch but only because theres nothing else on.

March 29th, 2012, 09:36 PM	#1
IronMan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 485 Thanks: 514 Thanked 3,209 Times in 432 Posts	Are sitcoms a dead artform? What says the VE forum? __________________ Daydreaming keeps the misanthropy away. Love the country, hate the government. Love the planet, hate the people.

March 29th, 2012, 10:02 PM	#3
exfarmer avvie pic by Estreeter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Essex, England Posts: 13,737 Thanks: 109,422 Thanked 182,622 Times in 13,045 Posts	Well, I'm stuck in the past I don't think the new sitcoms are anywhere near as good as the shows from the 70's or 80's. Shows like steptoe and son, only fools and horses or open all hours were just head and shoulders above anything that's around today. IronMan, As the thread starter, fancy sharing your own views with us? __________________ I no longer have time to upload videos, sorry.

March 29th, 2012, 10:25 PM	#7
IronMan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 485 Thanks: 514 Thanked 3,209 Times in 432 Posts	I think sitcoms are dead as a doornail. I don't find the comedy in 99% of sitcoms to be anything but a snoozefest, relying on current events surrounding pop culture as fodder for their failed attempts at getting a laugh. I liked Family Guy before they brought it back, as like the Simpsons it has become stale. South Park's spoof on Family Guy was spot on. Interchangeable jokes that have nothing to do with the plot for the most part. I don't consider viewer loyalty and low standards that keep these shows going as a sign that they aren't anything but stale turds masquerading as cutting edge pop culture. TV is one of the biggest wastes of money out there, next to cell phone data plans. Why pay for it when you can buy the Blu-Ray or DVD versions of your favorite shows for less than a month's subscription costs? Or rent them for less than that. And if you get tired of them you can sell them to someone else online and get half your money back. __________________ Daydreaming keeps the misanthropy away. Love the country, hate the government. Love the planet, hate the people.

March 30th, 2012, 12:21 AM	#10
buttsie Porn Archeologist Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: earth Posts: 12,714 Thanks: 92,252 Thanked 241,274 Times in 12,746 Posts	While theres TV there will always be sitcoms As to todays versus yesteryear all I will say is watching the same shows over and over from yesteryear is as mind numbing as watching a new show using an old premise. Cue Cop / Medical / Detective / CGI show number? Having watched TV for 40 years I think its the same as its always been The occasional gem that you love surrounded by a sea of tripe you wish you'd never been exposed to The main difference today is volume From a handful of channels in the 70s to todays hundreds Quality was always going to suffer That those making the stuff are trying to make as much money as possible also detracts from the end product When channels like HBO decide to make a show like a Game of Thrones which costs a small fortune it stands out like a beacon next to its reality TV fodder which many have admitted they watch but only because theres nothing else on. Last edited by buttsie; March 30th, 2012 at 12:21 AM.. Reason: adding comment

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March 29th, 2012, 09:52 PM	#2
imtrying Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,068 Thanks: 14,832 Thanked 17,238 Times in 1,043 Posts	With shows like "30 Rock", "Big Bang Theory", "New Girl", "Community" and "Family Guy" still thriving, I'd have to say "no", they're not dead quite yet.

March 29th, 2012, 10:22 PM	#4
Brecht Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10,657 Thanks: 180,485 Thanked 188,128 Times in 10,453 Posts	They're a waste of time.

March 29th, 2012, 11:16 PM	#8
CARLTON BROWN Grand Vizier Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ruraltania Posts: 3,213 Thanks: 35,616 Thanked 35,565 Times in 3,205 Posts	The majority of UK and US sitcoms leave me cold these days. Perhaps getting older means that your sense of humour rapidly diminishes? I do think there is still potential for something new to appear. What I really find a huge bore are the shows that feature stand-up comics who are actually not very funny at all.

March 30th, 2012, 12:05 AM	#9
beemerider500 Vintage Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,123 Thanks: 35,856 Thanked 9,424 Times in 1,040 Posts	I sincerely hope so.