network tv comedy is broken, so remove the laugh tracks

07/20/2006 08:37:00 PM
Network television comedy as we know it, has gotten too comfortable and predictable, with its expected set-ups, laugh tracks and dull sets, now looks set for a change.

The big networks have taken a look at the success of a shows like HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and are trying to bring in some changes.

ABC recently launched the shows for the new season featuring four sitcoms and two hour long comedy dramas.

The big, bold and dangerous move is that none of the shows have laugh tracks.

"We feel like the same-old, same-old is not working, comedy is sort of broken, and it needs a fix."

Stephen McPherson-ABC Entertainment chief

What Stephen is saying is that you can second-guess the audience anymore; compromise is not a viable strategy.

As Grant McCracken recently pointed out in a post, the dangerously flamboyant pirate, Jack Sparrow, played brilliantly by Johnny Depp, single-handedly made the Pirates franchise.

Depp refused to compromise his performance, despite the pleas of the execs who were bewildered by his performance, wondering if he was supposed to be drunk or gay?

Will ABCs executives be willing to take the risks needed to make its television entertainment stand out above the pack? You can remove the laugh tracks, but the audience still needs something to laugh at.
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