Scope Note:

Fictional work for television, normally running a half hour in length, which creates humor around the lives of a cast of recurring characters and the "situations" in which they find themselves. Generally, regardless of what happens in any given episode, the characters remain in the same relationships and position as they were before, and much of the humor derives from this predictability. The characters seldom change, and react in an expected manner to whatever challenges them, and generally the overall tenor of the shows is upbeat, expecting a happy, satisfying resolution. Everyday life is often an important element, and as a result, although the setting could be almost anywhere, most situation comedies are set in the home or workplace. Note: For Situation comedies centering around the family, see Domestic comedy. Examples: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS; ARE YOU BEING SERVED?; THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW; FAWLTY TOWERS; FRIENDS; HOGAN'S HEROES (with War); I DREAM OF JEANNIE (with Fantasy); I LOVE LUCY; THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW; M*A*S*H (with War); THE MONKEES (with Musical); MORK & MINDY (with Science fiction); ONLY WHEN I LAUGH (with Medical); ROOM 222; TO THE MANOR BORN (with Romance); THE YOUNG ONES (with Youth).

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