American SitComs

[lisalover1]

I really miss My Name Is Earl...

That show was good because it was the only show I know that, in my opinion, got neither better nor worse throughout its entire run on television; something very few shows can claim.

Not getting worse is a good thing, but why would you like it for not getting better either?

No, I meant that I like it for not getting worse, but consequentially, it has also not gotten better.

[jfrost]

You really think so? I thought that there were a few episodes this season that had maybe one or two funny bits surrounded by a bunch of monotony and lameness. The visit to his aunt and the house hunting episodes in particular come to mind as less than "unmitigated brilliance". On the other hand, the episode with his sister, the one last week with the subway bit, and basically most episodes where he tries to date/get lucky have been pretty solid.

I thought the first season was much stronger. The girl who liked to have sex with old people was really unmitigated brilliance. This season, though, has been fairly boring, for the most part. I didn't even like his sister's episode. Couldn't laugh at the elaborate fart joke.

[jfrost]

I really like Parks and Recreation. It did have a weak start, being not much more than The Office 2, but now it has forged its own identity. And in my opinion is the superior show now. As already mentioned, Community is pretty awesome too.

I've heard good things about Wilfred (which is adapted from an Australian series, as far as I know), but haven't given it a try yet.

[dsheinem]

You really think so? I thought that there were a few episodes this season that had maybe one or two funny bits surrounded by a bunch of monotony and lameness. The visit to his aunt and the house hunting episodes in particular come to mind as less than "unmitigated brilliance". On the other hand, the episode with his sister, the one last week with the subway bit, and basically most episodes where he tries to date/get lucky have been pretty solid.

I thought the first season was much stronger. The girl who liked to have sex with old people was really unmitigated brilliance. This season, though, has been fairly boring, for the most part. I didn't even like his sister's episode. Couldn't laugh at the elaborate fart joke.

Season one was was much better, agreed.

[Opa Opa]

Is Dr. Katz a sitcom?

[J T]

If you liked My Name Is Earl, you should really watch Raising Hope. It's made by some of the same people. I didn't think I would like it at first, but it is a surprisingly funny sit com. It's turned into one of my favorite comedies.

[Xeogred]

I really like Parks and Recreation. It did have a weak start, being not much more than The Office 2, but now it has forged its own identity. And in my opinion is the superior show now. As already mentioned, Community is pretty awesome too.

I've heard good things about Wilfred (which is adapted from an Australian series, as far as I know), but haven't given it a try yet.

hi5

Hated the first short season, being the Office 2 as you said, but now it's definitely awesome and I probably prefer it myself. The Office had a good run but I definitely think it should hit some closure soon. Bring back Michael for the last episode or something and leave it at that. With Parks & Recs I like that it's the same style of humor, but there's a lot more variety with the locations to kind of spice it up, whereas the Office is usually... well, the Office, lol.

[Jrecee]

Ok more random thoughts:

Louie. Agree with the on/off feel of it. But that's what makes it more interesting than a lot of things. I can't lie though, I prefer it when it's funny instead of "artsy" but if someone handed me a bunch of money and said "make a show" I'd probably do something similar.

I thought the first half of the house hunting episode was @#$#@ hilarious. "B, like boohatakashi" and the homeless guy switch had me laughing my ass off.

Parks and Rec. Felt like an office clone, was still decent. Is now awesome. And hey, louis ck was on it for a while.

Whenever I think "sitcom" I think of the typical 3 camera shoot with an audience or laugh track. Those types of sitcoms have indeed faded. Although CBS seems to be the one network with 12 billion of them. . .

[RCBH928]

(loading my shotgun)
Who doesn't like Fresh Prince?

@dsheinem

I once told my friends I saw the Office and it SUCKED i couldn't even smile
they said you were watching the US version which sucks, you should watch the UK
one which is really funny
am still not sure which 1 i saw, but am amazed you favor the US one

@Limewater

-How does shooting in four cameras or one camera make a difference to the SitCom being funny or not. They can as well use one camera and film the scene four times from different angles. Am sorry if i didn't get your point?
If you mean that shows are not shot like they are a home made video and they look serious
I have seen a few episodes and I just dont get them, they are not half as good as the old SitComs.
Maybe its a culture barrier or something am not sure?!
maybe I haven't watched enough to make a judgement

I saw a scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm where the bald guy had to clean wine of the carpet, I thought it was ok maybe I should watch more. I love the fact that its unscripted .

-I might have a sampling bias, I don't look at who created the shows especially from USA. Companies are so huge and diversed I never thought the same people would work on different shows.
for example, I wouldn't say "Look, this is made by Viacom and this is made by Viacom, they must be the same people doing the show!"
but now that you say it I do agree.

-Any current SitComs that follow the old formula? I don't think Laugh tracks are used any more? in all honesty I think the laugh track is lame, but it works on good shows and fires back on the bad ones. Like I really don't mind it on Fresh Prince or Friends, it actually helps the scene.

[RCBH928]

Whoever mentioned Louis CK, thanx man
am crying wtih laughter