??

pretty self explanitory.

For me, a show has to be well written.

A good sitcom is one where I can watch episodes 3-4 times and still enjoy them. On the 4th viewing I'm still seeing things in the performances, the background, the way it's filmed, in-jokes (sometimes called extras), pop culture references, character threads being developed and followed up on etc. They have to be timeless to me.

Originally posted by TJL
For me, a show has to be well written.

same here.
With good writing comes interesting characters and storylines.
Actors are just a bonus, a great actor cant carry a show with bad writing -- no matter how big they are.

Originally posted by jamesanthony
A good sitcom is one where I can watch episodes 3-4 times and still enjoy them. On the 4th viewing I'm still seeing things in the performances, the background, the way it's filmed, in-jokes (sometimes called extras), pop culture references, character threads being developed and followed up on etc. They have to be timeless to me.

I agree.
With certain shows, especially Seinfedl and Arrested Development, they just get better and better each time you watch them.
You catch something new every time.

Physical comedy and misunderstandings

Really, the most important thing about a show for me is if it:

1. Can make me laugh [that ones given]
2. Can hold my interest over time. There are a lot of shows that if I see a episode once, fine. If I see that episode again I'm already bored with it.
3. Good writing. Nothing corny, and no morals at the end. I dont watch sitcoms to learn a lesson, I watch sitcoms to get a laugh.

The last one's the big one. There are some shows that I can stand to watch but by the end they have some big moral and everything gets mushy. Its okay if a sitcom has a few episodes like that, but every episode is just irritating. I really want to get out there and start seeing more sitcoms. I've never really liked many other sitcoms besides Cheers, but Im trying to expand my herizon and start seeing more of the classics.

Originally posted by MaydayMalonesGirl
Really, the most important thing about a show for me is if it:

1. Can make me laugh [that ones given]
2. Can hold my interest over time. There are a lot of shows that if I see a episode once, fine. If I see that episode again I'm already bored with it.
3. Good writing. Nothing corny, and no morals at the end. I dont watch sitcoms to learn a lesson, I watch sitcoms to get a laugh.


I totally agree with the first two. However, morals at the end are a plus for me. Not a requirement, but a plus.

Originally posted by MaydayMalonesGirl
1. Can make me laugh [that ones given]


Thats the most important.
I watch TV to laugh, I watch movies to laugh.
Thats why Im not a fan of dramas.
Real life is dramatic enough.

Originally posted by barwars88
What makes a show good, and why do you like certain shows??

1) The show has got to hold my interest over time. If it can't hold my interest that well, then I won't watch. It practically needs to "grab" attention. Getting and holding my attention is a biggie.

2) Slapstick comedy and jokes

3) Good writing.

For me to like a show it has to be well-written with smart-funny writing (very little corny material). It has to have memorable characters that I really enjoy. I, like many others have stated, must be able to watch the show over and over and still like it. Some shows cannot be laughed at over and over because the jokes get so old. All of my favorites can be watched over and over and I still smile and laugh at them.

But most importantly, the chemistry just has to be there. I have to make some kind of personal connection with a show or the characters in that show. My very very favorite shows do that for me.

I like sitcoms that are a nice mix of comedy and drama. I've come to not so much like ones that are nothing but one lame joke or sight gag after another.

I like a drama that keeps me interested all the way thru and even evokes emotion (anger or sadness usually).

A good, unique character in the mix helps.

I also like shows where you can tell either that the cast gets along well off camera or that the actors enjoy their jobs.

The shows I like have to be funny but they also have to make me care for the characters. If I don't like the characters, I won't watch.

Too me a good show has to have good characters.

Originally posted by MaydayMalonesGirl

1. Can make me laugh [that ones given]
2. Can hold my interest over time. There are a lot of shows that if I see a episode once, fine. If I see that episode again I'm already bored with it.
3. Good writing. Nothing corny, and no morals at the end. I dont watch sitcoms to learn a lesson, I watch sitcoms to get a laugh.


I agree with those. Also, the characters have to be realistic and likable, or at least make me feel like I can relate to them. Chemistry and acting is also important.

Originally posted by dawsongirl
I like sitcoms that are a nice mix of comedy and drama. I've come to not so much like ones that are nothing but one lame joke or sight gag after another.


I am the exact same way, I like sitcoms with comedy and a little drama mixed in.