Sitcoms

Sitcoms and dramas both have the same purpose, and that is to entertain. The way conflict matters are portrayed between the two on the other hand is very different. Sitcoms generally portray conflict situations in a comedic manner while dramas are much more serious and/or realistic. Dramas also tend to be more character driven while sitcoms are more plot driven. It is quite common to find that romantic relationships figure prominently in the story lines of both domestic and nondomestic sitcoms and for conflict to be a source of humor in those relationships. (Galician) As Galician prescribed, “Courtesy counts” in real romantic relationships. Nevertheless, hurtful messages have been shown to be prevalent in sitcoms. (Galician) Modern sitcoms that we see today often perpetuate myths regarding mind reading (Myth #3), partner transformation (Myth #7), and the belief that conflict is key to loving romantic relationships. (Myth #8)

Although the primary purpose of sitcoms is to entertain, the messages can teach harmful lessons about how romantic couples should handle conflict. (Galician) As viewers watch sitcom couples engage in conflict, it would seem easy to dismiss the argument that sitcoms, given their frivolous nature, can influence viewers’ expectations of romantic relationships. (Galician) Humor often stems from conflict in sitcoms but the repercussions of this are rarely seen. Dramas on the other hand show the conflict in its full light.

We still must ask ourselves whether sitcoms portray the effects of conflict in a realistic manner. In the study described in Chapter 14, 25 sitcom episodes were collected for analysis. 20 of those episodes contained at least one conflict between romantically involved partners. The proportion of time partners were shown in conflict with each other during a show might suggest to viewers that conflict is frequent, natural, and expected as a significant part of one’s romantic relationship. (Galician) Television sitcoms send mixed