and for this particular genre to have as good a run as during the 1970s and 1990s? or will reality TV- god forbid- rule TV networks for years to come?

I think the sitcom will always have a place on TV mainly because they syndicate so well. Last year The Middle and Modern Family were 2 new sitcoms I enjoyed. The Big Bang Theory continues to do really well too. We need more multi-cams though. I get tired of people complaining about laugh tracks and the studio audience. I don't know if we'll ever see the sitcom reign supreme again like it did from The 1960's -1990's. Back then you would have sitcom nights were it would just go from one great sitcom to another from 8-10. I wish reality tv would just die. I just don't understand the fascination with it. It isn't even really reality...it's fake reality.

While I would love to answer "yes", I have say I doubt it.

For one thing they need good writers who understand that comedy is more than 'one two three, joke, one two three, joke". It's about characters and is based in reality. Every kid isn't a know it all smart ass, every dad isn't an immature dependent goofball, every old person isn't a dirty minded pixie, and there actually are people on the planet who don't live in a big house or a lavish apartment. They need to get back to telling good stories and let the comedy flow from there.

Until that happens, situation comedies will never get back to their former glory. Writers are taking their cue not from life experiences, but from watching other comedies. And that just doesn't cut it.

With "Hot in Cleveland" becoming popular...I think it's about to return.

I think the sitcom genre will get going in the next few years. With big syndication deals for The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family, there is no reason to stop making them. Having said that, I hope the reality genre continues to strive as well. I don't think I could live without my Survivor or Keeping up with the Kardashians.

i agree that we need more multi-camera sitcoms- a sitcom without a laughter track or audience laughter in the background is just isn't the same.

right now, reality is where it is at unfortunately and for TV networks because they are cheap to produce and doesn't involve paying actors, they are seen as being more cost- efficient. yet whilst they are cost effiicient, it lacks talent, imagination and creativity. not to mention it is not very interesting to sit through and endure in large doses.

i grew up with multi-camera sitcoms and particularly in the 1990s, there was a mass explosion of them. and if professional writers aren't prepared and willing to give it a shot and write their own sitcom, then maybe that type of thing could go to the general viewing audience and those who appreciate great sitcoms such as us. that way we can generate our own sitcom ideas, pitch them to networks. though whether we would get a response from them is a long shot.

i hope it comes back but it is hard to see how.

one thing I think they are overlooking with all these stupid reality shows is how it doesnt seem like they are going to be at all successful in syndication packages...

i hope it comes back but it is hard to see how.

one thing I think they are overlooking with all these stupid reality shows is how it doesnt seem like they are going to be at all successful in syndication packages...
They are also driving people who don't like reality tv right to cable. That seems to be where the best dramas are right now and now they're trying it with sitcoms too. I've watched more cable shows the last few years then I ever have.

i hope it comes back but it is hard to see how.

one thing I think they are overlooking with all these stupid reality shows is how it doesnt seem like they are going to be at all successful in syndication packages...
They don't need to be successful in syndication, they are bringing in tons of money on advertising, and the fact that they are dirt cheap to make.

I'd like to know why everyone thinks reality is stupid. Look at Jersey Shore on MTV, its hitting series highs every week. A show doesn't have to be "smart" to be fun to watch, its fun to watch people make fools of themselves.

They don't need to be successful in syndication, they are bringing in tons of money on advertising, and the fact that they are dirt cheap to make.

I'd like to know why everyone thinks reality is stupid. Look at Jersey Shore on MTV, its hitting series highs every week. A show doesn't have to be "smart" to be fun to watch, its fun to watch people make fools of themselves.
Maybe it's a generation thing or something. I don't mean to offend you or anyone who likes reality tv. I used to watch Candid Camera a lot and I liked it because it was fun seeing people make fools of themselves. They didn't have hundreds of imitations though. I don't think people would be so upset about reality tv if it didn't come at the expense of script tv shows. Whenever I see that a reality tv show is scheduled on a network, I just skip right over it and pretend it's blank air. I just wish the networks would give some balance to their schedules.

I agree, Sonny. I think there is such a saturation point with reality shows right now that watching them ends up being a very depressing experience. You walk away thinking the entire world is brain dead, immoral and self centered to the point of insanity.

These shows promote laughing "at" people, whereas I think the type of shows you and I enjoy and grew up with involved laughing "with" characters that remind you of yourself and people you know.

No offense to those who like reality shows but I think it's less enjoyable to point a finger at someone and say "haha". Does it serve to make the viewer feel superior to the idiots on screen? If so, I'll pass. I don't need to feel superior to anyone because I don't feel that I am; nor do I feel that anyone is really superior to anyone else. We're all in this life together. Why not support shows that involve bringing people together rather than those that involve separating them?

The fact that Jersey Shore has been the #1 show on Thursdays lately (in the demo) is the saddest thing I've ever seen. These people are complete pseudo-celebrities who make complete asses out of themselves and continually snob every fan they have, yet their arguably some of the biggest stars on TV right now in arguable one of the most successful reality shows to ever hit cable television. While it may be fun to laugh at these people, is that really what you want TV to become?

Unfortunately the sitcom has become replaced by reality shows in the last decade. The less sitcoms, the more reality, and people don't seem to mind. The fact that ABC and NBC only have ONE night of the entire week devoted to comedy (and that's only from 8-10pm), while CBS only has one two-hour block and one one-hour block, while FOX has a mere hour of comedy on its schedule, is sad. What happened to the days where networks devoted 5-6 hours of their schedule, if not more, to comedy? What happened to the days when the networks had comedy on every single night of the week? Why are the networks so afraid of branching out their comedy to other nights of the week?

CBS is really the only network we have left for good multi-cam sitcoms. No other channel can beat CBS when it comes to comedy. Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother - you just can't beat that. ABC tries, and while their comedies are good, their audiences are definitely limited. I can't thank CBS enough (and cable channels like TV Land, with Hot in Cleveland, which I would consider to be one of the best sitcoms on television right now) for keeping the multi-cam sitcom genre alive, and I can't thank them enough for not giving into the wrath of the single-cam comedy that all the other nets have.

I hate the fact that people in this industry like me who have spent their lives watching MTM and Friends and Will and Grace and waiting for the day when they will take their place in pop culture, dont get the chance because of idiots on shows like Dancing With the Stars and Jersey Shore get the fame that others deserve. but I have hope with shows like Hot in Cleveland and great shows like Royal Pains and Drop Dead Diva that the reality show will become extinct ...also the networks are coming to their senses with shows like Cougar Town and the anticipated Mr Sunshine proving that America still loves their sitcom heroes.

Maybe it's a generation thing or something. I don't mean to offend you or anyone who likes reality tv. I used to watch Candid Camera a lot and I liked it because it was fun seeing people make fools of themselves. They didn't have hundreds of imitations though. I don't think people would be so upset about reality tv if it didn't come at the expense of script tv shows. Whenever I see that a reality tv show is scheduled on a network, I just skip right over it and pretend it's blank air. I just wish the networks would give some balance to their schedules.
Oh, I'm not offended, I think it's cool to kind of see this generation thing. I don't know how old any of you are, but I am between the age of 18 and 25, so I'm in love with all the reality shows. Sure networks may overdo it sometimes, but I think there are a few gems out there. As I said earlier, I love Survivor, Keeping up with the Kardashians, plus The Biggest Loser, Wife Swap, Hell's Kitchen, Shark Tank, and Undercover Boss. However, I also love a ton of sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Parks & Recreation, Community and of course Hot in Cleveland. I think there is enough for everyone out on television, you just have to look for it! :)

They are also driving people who don't like reality tv right to cable. That seems to be where the best dramas are right now and now they're trying it with sitcoms too. I've watched more cable shows the last few years then I ever have.

networks's fascination with reality TV is driving people to the likes of TV land to name for example, and i don't blame them for doing so.

even the african american black community are still lamenting the loss of its shows. since say everybody hates chris and girlfriends went off the air, many of them are echoing the same thoughts as those who are fans of sitcoms.

I don't think people would be so upset about reality tv if it didn't come at the expense of script tv shows. Whenever I see that a reality tv show is scheduled on a network, I just skip right over it and pretend it's blank air. I just wish the networks would give some balance to their schedules.

yes, i'd feel the same way- if there was this equal balance given between different genres and varieties of shows such as reality, sitcoms, dramas, cartoons, then perhaps people would not be so upset as they are with the state of U.S right now. the 80s is a good example- i cite the 80s given i was born in that decade- it had MTV, but also sitcoms, dramas, cartoons, soaps etc. and reality wasn't even born!

but no, instead of branching out and embracing other types of shows, the likes of ABC, NBC etc prefer churning out dramas, reality TV- which is in many cases drama, but real-life.

the 00s is the decade where TV like society has taken life too seriously- i miss the old times where sitcoms put a smile on people's faces, as well as falling in love with the characters.

The fact that Jersey Shore has been the #1 show on Thursdays lately (in the demo) is the saddest thing I've ever seen. These people are complete pseudo-celebrities who make complete asses out of themselves and continually snob every fan they have, yet their arguably some of the biggest stars on TV right now in arguable one of the most successful reality shows to ever hit cable television. While it may be fun to laugh at these people, is that really what you want TV to become?



reality stars are not celebrities in my eyes- a celebrity is someone who became famous through starring in a script-based TV show, movie or made a hit record. i agree with you- it's amazing that people thinking that after starring in a reality TV, especially one which involves becoming famous than being famous themselves it is implied these people are superstars.

thankfully with you tube, i can watch my favourite classic shows on there and ignore switching on the TV and not endure reality TV.

for now, reality TV in most cases has killed the sitcom star and stars of the future.

I like reality shows....I'll admit it...Survivor, Jersey Shore, Hell's Kitchen, etc. More than the sitcoms of today. I love the older shows up through the 90s, but I just can't get in to the sitcoms of today. They just don't interest me, but I do watch The Office occasionally. I do like the shows like NCIS, CSI, etc.

I don't think the sitcom will ever return to its former glory (and I hardly consider Hot In Cleveland the salvation of the traditional sitcom, let's look at the second season then evaluate), but I don't think it will ever go away entirely.

I'd like to see a sitcom that actually incorperates the studio audience into it, such as actually showing the "open" part of the stage as a character enters, ect.
It would really bring a new perspective to the morons that complain about "laugh tracks" and avoid traditional sitcoms.

I've always been a writer and it was my fantasy as a child to create a traditional sitcom or at least write for one. I always had a nasty habit of falling in love with the stars of the shows!

I'd like to see a sitcom that actually incorperates the studio audience into it, such as actually showing the "open" part of the stage as a character enters, ect.
It would really bring a new perspective to the morons that complain about "laugh tracks" and avoid traditional sitcoms.

I've always been a writer and it was my fantasy as a child to create a traditional sitcom or at least write for one. I always had a nasty habit of falling in love with the stars of the shows!
Didn't It's Garry Shandling's Show do that?

Didn't It's Garry Shandling's Show do that?yes and so did the old burns and allen show

I love the older shows up through the 90s, but I just can't get in to the sitcoms of today. They just don't interest me, but I do watch The Office occasionally.

i can't get into today's sitcoms either such as 'how i met your mother?' for example. i saw one episode of that show and found out it just wasn't for me i'm afraid.

i can't get into today's sitcoms either such as 'how i met your mother?' for example. i saw one episode of that show and found out it just wasn't for me i'm afraid.For my tastes, they just seem to rely on cheap jokes and too much crude humor more than the real comedy that made the older sitcoms so wonderful.

I'd love for sitcoms to come back but I doubt they will.

I'd love for sitcoms to come back but I doubt they will.

it does look incredibly bleak. the only way this will end is if more and more sitcoms were commissioned, syndicated and produced; anything that is reminscent of the run we had back in the 90s for instance.

it's about time NBC, fox, CBS take a real good hard look at themselves what with their drama and reality shows and realise, they need to take a back seat with these genres and really start to get people to watch TV on a regular basis, every day and night. we want the fun, humour, laughter and jokes back and characters as good as george jefferson, J.J evans, arnold jackson to name but many.

Where Did All The Multi-Camera Pilots Go?

By NELLIE ANDREEVA | Saturday May 15, 2010 @ 5:57pm PDTTags: Networks, Tech, TV, TV Shows

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How ironic to be writing about NBC, ABC, & Fox trending overwhelmingly single-camera in their comedy series orders on a day when the syndication sale of a multi-camera sitcom, CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, broke the record for off-network coin held by another muticamera sitcom, Seinfeld. But multi-camera sitcoms suffered another seasonal setback in their attempt to regain ground on broadcast television outside of CBS. With NBC, ABC and Fox done with their new series orders, only one multicamera sitcom, ABC’s Better Together, found its way to the schedule among those three nets for next season. That’s down from 3 last year.

It’s not that NBC, ABC and Fox are retreating from comedy altogether -- their combined new comedy series order tally was 10 this year vs. 9 at the same point last year. But 9 of the 10 went to single-camera half-hours.

Over the past couple of years, especially in the context of the economic downturn that hit the TV industry hard, NBC, Fox and ABC executives have stressed that they are looking to diversify their comedy offering with less-expensive multi-camera sitcoms. And they have done it the development stage, buying multi-camera scripts and picking up multi-camera pilots. But when it came down to series orders this year, they went almost exclusively with single-camera shows.

Look at NBC. The network ordered 10 pilots evenly split between the two formats: five single-camera and five multi-camera. It picked up four of the single-camera pilots to series, Perfect Couples, Outsourced, Friends With Benefits and Next, while going 0-5 on the multi-camera side, not picking up a single traditional sitcom.

ABC also had a balanced pilot portfolio, ordering 12 comedy pilots, six of them single-camera, five multi-camera and one hybrid (Awkward Situations for Men). It picked up two single-camera ones to series, Mr. Sunshine and Happy Endings, and one multi-cam, Better Together. Of the two projects the network is keeping in contention for midseason with orders for new pilots, neither is multi-cam: Wright Vs. Wrong is single-camera and Awkward Situations is a hybrid.

Meanwhile, Fox showed a clear preference in the pilot stage, picking up 6 single-camera and three multi-camera pilots. It ended up ordering three new half-hour series, the single-camera Keep Hope Alive, Traffic Light and Running Wilde, and no multi-cam sitcoms. The network even converted one of its comedy pilots originally written as a multi-cam, Strange Brew, to single-camera.

Why is that the three networks’ series choices skewed so heavily single-camera this year despite the fact that multi-cams in general repeat better and sell for more in syndication? I think it has to do with the fact that the breakout new comedy series of this season, ABC’s Modern Family, was single-camera, while the three new multi-camera comedies, ABC’s Hank, Fox’s Brothers and NBC’s 100 Questions all faced a quick demise. (100 Questions is actually yet to air as a summer burn-off). Even CBS, the king of multi-camera sitcoms, struck out in the genre this season with Accidentally On Purpose.

But the eye network is looking good to restore some of the balance between single- and multi-camera series with several buzzed-about new sitcoms, including the already picked up Mike & Molly, from Big Bang and Two and a Half Men mastermind Chuck Lorre, and the almost-picked up William Shatner starrer Bleep My Dad Said. CBS stayed true to its multi-camera comedy identity in its pilot orders. All 8 of its pilots were multi-camera. (The Ant Hines single-camera project was a low-budget presentation)

Still, even with the success of Two and a Half Men, Big Bang and How I Met Your Mother on CBS, the genre seems to be retreating big time almost everywhere else, including non-kids cable channels. TBS is moving from multi-cam sitcoms to hourlong filmed comedies with Glory Daze and Lifetime recently canceled its multi-camera effort Rita Rocks. It seems like there are only two main choices for new original sitcoms on TV these days – CBS and TV Land.

http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/where-did-all-the-multi-camera-pilots-go-nbc-abc-fox-go-overwhelmingly-single-camera-in-their-comedy-series-orders/

also speaking of the african american sitcom, here are a few stats i found:

- between 1995- 1996 there have been 21 active black sitcoms over the 2 years. that figure deteriorated to just 2 in 2009, last year.

- since 2008, there has been not 1 single sitcom- or be it successful sitcom show featuring an african american character/s in a prominent role on national TV. (starpulse)

Interesting...I'm interested in bleep My Dad Said. Shatner always seems to reinvent himself.

MY FAVOITE ARE THE BIG BANG THOERY AND MEET THE BROWNS.I USED TO LIKE WORST WEEK HANK GRAY UNMARRIED THEY DIDN'T LAST LONG.I WISH THEY WOULDBRING BACK TGIF. ANY ONE REMBER TGIF? THEY USED TO HAVE FULL HOUSE FAMILY MATER PERFECT STRAGNER AND STEP BY STEP. THEY GOT NEW SITCOM ON ABC FAMILY CALLED MESSLIA AND JOEY. I HAD'T WATCHEDI T YET. I MIGHTCHECK IT OUT.

Interesting...I'm interested in bleep My Dad Said. Shatner always seems to reinvent himself.

that one could be interesting, if they can get it working right.

The sitcom died when Home Improvement ended in 1999. It's a reality TV world, folks. Get used to it.

The sitcom died when Home Improvement ended in 1999. It's a reality TV world, folks. Get used to it.

Everybody Loves Raymond continued into the 21st century, surely that qualifies as a sitcom?

Well first, you can't say reality shows are replacing comedies, as it also happens that newsmagazines, game shows, and the amount of dramas that get produced each year vary.

While its true that for summer (and for midseason replacement programming) you get higher levels of reality shows, it isn't typical of the primary network schedule (at least not in large numbers). Mainly due to it taking less time to film from concept to finish product, a few reality shows like TAR and Survivor have longer production time as well as budgets that can equal some network scripted programming, but they are the exception).

ABC
New programming
5 dramas
3 comedies
1 dramedy
1 reality show.

CBS
New Programming
4 dramas
2 comedies
Zero Reality

CW
New Programming
2 dramas
No Comedy
No Reality

Fox
New Programming
4 comedies
3 dramas
No Reality

NBC
7 dramas (6 fall, 1 mid season)
5 comedies (2 fall, 3 mid season)
No reality

I again remind, as shows fall in the fall reality shows, newsmagazines, and game show will be picked up to help cover wholes in the schedule.

But the networks rarely design reality shows as primetime network staples.

In fact here is the returning prime time reality shows on the 5 networks.

ABC
Dancing with the stars, The Bachelor

CBS
Survivor, Amazing Race, Undercover Boss

CW
America's Next Top Model

Fox
American Idol, Hell's Kitchen (Do we count Cops and America's Most wanted as reality or news magazine) either way they air on saturdays when no network is airing scripted programming of any sort).

NBC
The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser

For the official network season Dramas are king, then comedies, then reality.

In fact what is increasing the most this season for pick ups, why that would be Drama's.

Fox
American Idol, Hell's Kitchen (Do we count Cops and America's Most wanted as reality or news magazine) either way they air on saturdays when no network is airing scripted programming of any sort).



you forgot 'so you think you can dance?'

Well first, you can't say reality shows are replacing comedies, as it also happens that newsmagazines, game shows, and the amount of dramas that get produced each year vary.

While its true that for summer (and for midseason replacement programming) you get higher levels of reality shows, it isn't typical of the primary network schedule (at least not in large numbers). Mainly due to it taking less time to film from concept to finish product, a few reality shows like TAR and Survivor have longer production time as well as budgets that can equal some network scripted programming, but they are the exception).

ABC
New programming
5 dramas
3 comedies
1 dramedy
1 reality show.

CBS
New Programming
4 dramas
2 comedies
Zero Reality

CW
New Programming
2 dramas
No Comedy
No Reality

Fox
New Programming
4 comedies
3 dramas
No Reality

NBC
7 dramas (6 fall, 1 mid season)
5 comedies (2 fall, 3 mid season)
No reality

I again remind, as shows fall in the fall reality shows, newsmagazines, and game show will be picked up to help cover wholes in the schedule.

But the networks rarely design reality shows as primetime network staples.

In fact here is the returning prime time reality shows on the 5 networks.

ABC
Dancing with the stars, The Bachelor

CBS
Survivor, Amazing Race, Undercover Boss

CW
America's Next Top Model

Fox
American Idol, Hell's Kitchen (Do we count Cops and America's Most wanted as reality or news magazine) either way they air on saturdays when no network is airing scripted programming of any sort).

NBC
The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser

For the official network season Dramas are king, then comedies, then reality.

In fact what is increasing the most this season for pick ups, why that would be Drama's.
You also have to remember that some reality shows air more than once a week. DWTS takes up 2 hours on Monday and an hour on Tuesday. AI takes up two hours a week and some weeks more. The Biggest Loser airs for 2 hours every Tuesday. It's not just the number but the hours they take up. I 've watched shows on Fox before that were pre-empted at the last minute by an AI special. It's been frustrating. I'll give you though that dramas continue to be made although most of them are from the crime genre. Sitcoms though have suffered. They used to be the heart of a network's schedule but not anymore and their fall coinsides with the rise of reality tv.

you forgot 'so you think you can dance?'
No I didn't (I think). I don't believe thats a show produced for official network season. Meaning its been a summer show. But I could be wrong.

What I did forget (just to be fair) was Extreme Home Makeover (or whatever its called on ABC).

No I didn't (I think). I don't believe thats a show produced for official network season. Meaning its been a summer show. But I could be wrong.

What I did forget (just to be fair) was Extreme Home Makeover (or whatever its called on ABC).
It was on during the regular fall season last year. I think it's back to just summer this year though.

You also have to remember that some reality shows air more than once a week. DWTS takes up 2 hours on Monday and an hour on Tuesday. AI takes up two hours a week and some weeks more. The Biggest Loser airs for 2 hours every Tuesday. It's not just the number but the hours they take up. I 've watched shows on Fox before that were pre-empted at the last minute by an AI special. It's been frustrating. I'll give you though that dramas continue to be made although most of them are from the crime genre. Sitcoms though have suffered. They used to be the heart of a network's schedule but not anymore and their fall coinsides with the rise of reality tv.I don't deny that sitcoms are not the force they used to be in years decades past. But when you look at the history of shows over the decades the one thats really taken off over the years is the hour long drama. There has always been some form of programming outside of Dramas and comedies. At times it been game shows, some times its been newsmagazine, some times its been variety shows. And hell reality based shows have existed for a long, long time as well.

But the one long term programming type that thrives over all others is Dramas. As production values for tv have dramatically increased as well as the type of material that they are allowed to produce has expanded Dramas have risen to be king. That was my main point. Most people jump on the lets hate reality shows band wagon (and in general I don't like them, the only one I watch is TAR), but the numbers for the prime time schedule (meaning fall and spring) aren't largely based on Reality shows. Its based on Dramas.

Even using hours of programming a week for the primetime schedule besides ABC 3 hours is usually it thats for reality. People can talk about Idol, but it only airs in the spring, and this year they have cut its schedule down to 2 and a half hours a week (I do realize that on occasion it will have more). but place those hours over a full season and it comes down to under two hours a week for idol.

Now summer (and like I said mid season, filler) are a much different beast. But in decades past there wasn't much in the way of original programming (Drama or Comedy wise). And as for mid seasons (or winter break filler) really didn't exist much as networks filmed longer seasons typically between 26-32 episodes and mini series, tv movies and broadcast of theatrical movies filled in a large part of the holes that developed. Not to mention that shows rarely got cut early.

Out of the networks the one that has the most hours of reality shows is ABC, it is also the one that has used to have Football and Disney. For four hours a week during the fall (Actually football often ran over sometimes way over). You could almost say reality shows replaced Football and Movie night for ABC. And they for this current year have the most hours to reality shows.

No I didn't (I think). I don't believe thats a show produced for official network season. Meaning its been a summer show. But I could be wrong.

What I did forget (just to be fair) was Extreme Home Makeover (or whatever its called on ABC).

right ok.

As long as you have greedy ceos in charge of the tv schedule, things will continue to go downhill for good tv. There are a few bright spots but those shows usually get cancelled. I bought the Parenthood as a blind buy and am loving it. Great family stories and blended with humor. I hope it will stay on the air for a few years. I also liked Gary Unmarried, i thought it was funny and cute. I like the Middle but Modern Family wasn't for me. But reality shows don't interest me at all. I find them boring and dull and devoid of imagination. And forced. I hate to tell people this but there is not one bit of reality in these shows. It is all staged and scripted and the people are all actors. I like CSI, NCIS and Brothers and Sisters and Law and Order SVU, but I find myself needing a little more humor. Most of the sitcoms fall into the trap of being too nasty and not funny. I did enjoy Hot in Cleveland(finally Tvland did something in their stupid programming right.) But will there be an uptick in sitcoms like in the 20th century-probably not. As long as Ceos take billions in profits from people who are willing to settle for less quality and cheap production values nothing will change. We need another Bill Cosby to save the sitcom genre. I don't know who it will be but I hope they are out there to make us laugh. I miss laughing at a tv show that doesn't just rely on cheap sex jokes but sits the storyline up to be funny.

As long as you have greedy ceos in charge of the tv schedule, things will continue to go downhill for good tv. There are a few bright spots but those shows usually get cancelled. I bought the Parenthood as a blind buy and am loving it. Great family stories and blended with humor. I hope it will stay on the air for a few years. I also liked Gary Unmarried, i thought it was funny and cute. I like the Middle but Modern Family wasn't for me. But reality shows don't interest me at all. I find them boring and dull and devoid of imagination. And forced. I hate to tell people this but there is not one bit of reality in these shows. It is all staged and scripted and the people are all actors. I like CSI, NCIS and Brothers and Sisters and Law and Order SVU, but I find myself needing a little more humor. Most of the sitcoms fall into the trap of being too nasty and not funny. I did enjoy Hot in Cleveland(finally Tvland did something in their stupid programming right.) But will there be an uptick in sitcoms like in the 20th century-probably not. As long as Ceos take billions in profits from people who are willing to settle for less quality and cheap production values nothing will change. We need another Bill Cosby to save the sitcom genre. I don't know who it will be but I hope they are out there to make us laugh. I miss laughing at a tv show that doesn't just rely on cheap sex jokes but sits the storyline up to be funny.

Most of the sitcoms fall into the trap of being too nasty and not funny.

the thing with this is because many of the sitcoms are geared towards adults, as opposed to the family and people in general who enjoy having a laugh. but yes, you are right- over the last few years the quality of sitcoms has deteriorated: the scripts are not good and funny enough, characters are instantly forgetable, humour is inconsistent i could on and on.

and also 30 min sitcoms with laughter tracks/audience laughter have decreased year on, it's sad. you're right- we need another bill cosby, norman lear- male or female, black/white to help rejuvenate this genre. if 1, 2 persons can get it off the ground and people watch sitcoms again, then that's a start. i think what people are most concerned about is not exactly the quantity of sitcoms being produced- or be it the lack of, but that over the last couple of years, we have seen more cancelled sitcoms in this decade than the previous 3 decades.

why? is it because that not many of them are good enough? or because tv networks are too obssessed and reliant on reality shows? either way, this has to change.

I was watching old reruns of Three's Company recently on an old VHS tape. I was watching the one with "The Best Of Three's Company: Part 2" with Lucille Ball. She said something right at the end that I just loved: "Oh. And one more thing about Three's Company. These kids care for each other. Just like a family." You don't see that on todays sitcoms or other TV shows. I know I could watch Mama's Family over and over because it was not all about mean spirited jokes or mud-slinging. It was a genuine good show. It was funny without being cruel to other people. There is something about the shows from the '50s to the '90s that I loved. They were good, clean funny shows with interesting story lines and had life lessons in them. Im a male in my 20's and I get snide remarks sometimes from people for watching these type of shows. Also, I remember every Friday night watching TGIF on ABC. They were family oriented shows. We had such a GREAT time watching these shows. Now a days, its very rare you see stuff like that on TV.

I was watching old reruns of Three's Company recently on an old VHS tape. I was watching the one with "The Best Of Three's Company: Part 2" with Lucille Ball. She said something right at the end that I just loved: "Oh. And one more thing about Three's Company. These kids care for each other. Just like a family." You don't see that on todays sitcoms or other TV shows. I know I could watch Mama's Family over and over because it was not all about mean spirited jokes or mud-slinging. It was a genuine good show. It was funny without being cruel to other people. There is something about the shows from the '50s to the '90s that I loved. They were good, clean funny shows with interesting story lines and had life lessons in them. Im a male in my 20's and I get snide remarks sometimes from people for watching these type of shows. Also, I remember every Friday night watching TGIF on ABC. They were family oriented shows. We had such a GREAT time watching these shows. Now a days, its very rare you see stuff like that on TV.

like someone said on this thread, sitcoms exist so that we laugh along with the characters and people, whereas reality shows exist so that we laugh at and make fun of them. which is harsh.

as much as i miss the old shows, the thing is now is the present and what we have in the present isn't good enough to sustain our interests for long enough. good thing we grew up in those decades where we were lucky to have good sitcoms. i live in the UK so i watched many of the american ones that were on channel 4 or satalite tv through paramount comedy channel or trouble- which showed shows like fresh prince of bel air, diff'rent strokes.

i feel sorry for the kids of this decade who have to sit through the crap they are having to watch.