Kate CowlingComedy Resurgence?
April 28th 2008 13:39
American Telvision Comedy, after a rather doubtful period, has seemed to make a bit of a return in the last 5 years, with witty and satirical portrayals fo real-life scenarios in shows like The Office, Family Guy and Californication. But is this enough to convince the networks that quality comedy still has a place on our tv screens? Is this enough to curb the wave of comparably inexpensive reality tv? I fear not.
Popular shows like The Office offer great escapism; the viewer doesn't have to think too much but can still relate to the situations and characters. Its documentary style whimsically pokes fun at Corporate personalities that are oh so familiar. Yet Office viewers suffered recently during the writers strike where networks made it clear that there is a price on quality comedy and it's not often open to negotiation. Shows like Family Guy further emphasise the power of the dollar to studios. Family Guy, a less subtle form of political and social criticism, was cancelled after 2 or 3 seasons, then reconsidered following massive DVD sales, post release.
Nevertheless, more subtle, satirical humour is often misunderstood and thus gets the axe very quickly on American Television. Take for example Arrested Development, a family-orientated comedy that made frequent reference to Saddam Hussein and America's political failures. The controversy surrounding Arrested Development led to its cancellation after 3 seasons. A real tragedy in my opinion, as it offered some of the funniest and most genuine characters in the last decade. But it seems controversy and comedy are a fatal combination in the eyes of television executives. Unless of course, the show brings in big dollars for the studio like The Simpsons does.
In conclusion, it seems there are some great pilots and comedy series on offer but in general, quality humour is diminishing due to two factors: 1) its rawness and controversy and 2) the cost of intellectual and quality productions compared to the mindless reality tv on offer.
Popular shows like The Office offer great escapism; the viewer doesn't have to think too much but can still relate to the situations and characters. Its documentary style whimsically pokes fun at Corporate personalities that are oh so familiar. Yet Office viewers suffered recently during the writers strike where networks made it clear that there is a price on quality comedy and it's not often open to negotiation. Shows like Family Guy further emphasise the power of the dollar to studios. Family Guy, a less subtle form of political and social criticism, was cancelled after 2 or 3 seasons, then reconsidered following massive DVD sales, post release.
Nevertheless, more subtle, satirical humour is often misunderstood and thus gets the axe very quickly on American Television. Take for example Arrested Development, a family-orientated comedy that made frequent reference to Saddam Hussein and America's political failures. The controversy surrounding Arrested Development led to its cancellation after 3 seasons. A real tragedy in my opinion, as it offered some of the funniest and most genuine characters in the last decade. But it seems controversy and comedy are a fatal combination in the eyes of television executives. Unless of course, the show brings in big dollars for the studio like The Simpsons does.
In conclusion, it seems there are some great pilots and comedy series on offer but in general, quality humour is diminishing due to two factors: 1) its rawness and controversy and 2) the cost of intellectual and quality productions compared to the mindless reality tv on offer.
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