Why Sitcoms Stopped Using Laugh Tracks - Cheddar Explains - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 04-16-2020, 03:32 AM

Quote:

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

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.

04-23-2020, 01:44 PM	#4
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	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.
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04-20-2020, 02:56 PM	#2
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,176	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.

04-20-2020, 03:13 PM	#3
Wawwie Member Forum Star Join Date: Jul 26, 2006 Location: New York Posts: 14,376	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!

05-01-2026, 07:44 PM	#5
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,441	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.