View Full Version : Why Sitcoms Stopped Using Laugh Tracks - Cheddar Explains


TMC
04-16-2020, 03:32 AM
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For the better half of the last century, multi-cam sitcoms across television relied on the laugh track to make TV shows better. Thanks to the laff box by Charley Douglass, favorite shows from Friends to Seinfeld would use canned laughter to sweeten the comedy. But over the last 10 years, the laugh track has disappeared almost entirely.

Coffeecup
04-20-2020, 02:56 PM
I haven't noticed for I really watch any tv show from the last 30 years. I should glance at new show every once and while.

Wawwie
04-20-2020, 03:13 PM
I hate laugh tracks. They're so annoying. I love sitcoms with no forced or fake laughter like The Office, The Goldbergs, Unicorn, etc. I hate when shows have CONSTANT laugh tracks like that horrible show Two & A Half Men or Friends. VERY ANNOYING!

Schmoopie
04-23-2020, 01:44 PM
I think shows are actually funnier if they don't have a laugh track (like The Middle or Monk). I know that Monk isn't a comedy, but there have been some hilarious moments. And the ones that are filmed in front of an audience, sometimes the audience laughs at the most un-funny things. I don't know if it's just because they're crazy or b/c they are 'told' to laugh in certain places.

TMC
05-01-2026, 07:44 PM
The Real Reason TV Sitcoms Stopped Using Laugh Tracks (https://www.looper.com/303210/the-real-reason-tv-sitcoms-stopped-using-laugh-tracks/)

The reason TV sitcoms stopped using laugh tracks spans decades and is largely influenced by new production technology and the rise of a new comedic genre.