How do comedies attract and appeal to audiences with reference Essay Example

for their adherence to specific conventions. They are a traditional genre in British television, along with Westerns and Horror.

The radio was where situation comedy began, but it quickly made its way to television and gained popularity. 'I Love Lucy' was the first sitcom in the US to reach the top of the charts. It revolved around a woman who constantly found herself in amusing predicaments while exploring new ideas. Ugly Betty shares a similar theme, as both shows feature characters who defy societal expectations. The 1980s saw the emergence of notable comedy hits such as 'The Cosby Show', 'Roseanne', and 'Cheers'. As for the 1990s, Friends and Seinfeld became widely-watched sitcoms known for their character development, conflicts, and limited settings.

Character is where there can be certain types such as the 'warm' character we love or the 'stupid' character we hate or laugh at. Conflict arises when there is disagreement with someone in a position of authority like in 'Porridge' or with the workplace like 'The Office'. Confinement occurs when someone is trapped in a particular situation. Other important ingredients often found in sitcoms involve the giving or withholding of information. This builds suspense for both the audience and the characters, as they are uncertain about what will happen next, thus ensuring continued viewership.

In recent years, four main types of comedies have evolved. These types are 'actcom', 'dramedy', 'domcom', as categorized by Richard Taflinger (Teaching Film and Media Studies: Teaching TV Sitcom). Each type follows its own narrative. This reflects the notion that genres evolve rather than dying out completely, through repetition and difference. Consequently, each genre develops into new and distinct segments over time.

The most prevalent sitcom type is action comedy, in which the characters appear ordinary but engage in abnormal actions.

Dramatic comedy is a distinctive form of comedy that seeks to stimulate thought while also eliciting laughter. It explores various themes and societal concerns, such as war, death, crime, and aging, through its characters who offer different perspectives. British television shows like Mash and One Foot in the Grave exemplify this genre. In contrast, domestic comedy revolves around characters dealing with emotional dilemmas that are typically resolved by the end of the show. My Family serves as a notable example of this type. American television has a strong reputation for successful sitcoms and long-running series, including Frasier, Friends, and Cheers, which enjoyed immense popularity.

British sitcoms, like My Family, The Vicar of Dibley, and The Royle Family, have a distinct humor style compared to American sitcoms. British comedy tends to be more negative and self-deprecating in nature, while American comedy leans towards positivity and taking oneself seriously. American comedies often involve spoofing and exaggerated scenarios. On the other hand, British comedy frequently revolves around news and pop music, featuring shows like "Have I Got News For You" and "Never Mind the Buzzcocks." Late night talk shows such as Letterman and Leno are common examples of American comedic programming.

Audiences are essential participants in the communication process, playing a crucial role in defining media. Media producers customize their products to effectively convey messages at specific times and locations, meeting the audience's needs. The audience includes individuals who interact with newspapers, television, and the internet. Producers strategically focus on certain market segments such as age, location, and leisure preferences. For example,

My Family attracts young families while Ugly Betty primarily targets female viewers.

Comedies are widely enjoyed and appreciated by a diverse range of viewers as they offer entertainment and a means to momentarily detach from reality. During the 1960s and 70s, both the BBC and ITV held sitcoms in high regard due to their ability to engage audiences. However, Ugly Betty sets itself apart by specifically targeting a more specific demographic - young females. The series centers around the personal development of a young woman who transitions from leading an unhappy life to attaining triumph in her professional journey at a magazine.

Despite this, television shows such as "My Family" still maintain a large fan base, particularly among families. The Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB), which has been measuring TV viewership since 1981, conducts a weekly survey of feedback from 3,000 viewers. BARB provides data on the viewership numbers for both "Ugly Betty" and "My Family." According to BARB, on June 10, 2007, "Ugly Betty" had 3.28 million viewers whereas on September 30, 2007, BBC1's "My Family" attracted a total of 6.10 million viewers.

The data suggests that My Family had roughly twice as many viewers as Ugly Betty, indicating a larger audience for the former. The show may have appealed to a wider target market, such as families. In contrast, Ugly Betty seems to predominantly target women. According to John Hartley (2001, Teaching Film and Media Studies: Teaching TV Sitcom - James Baker), sitcoms can be categorized into two types: family sitcoms and workplace sitcoms. Family sitcoms focus on familial relationships, which create a mix of tension, conflict, and humor.

The families in sitcoms such as Absolutely Fabulous,

Cybil, and Men Behaving Badly are not traditional like real-life families. They are eccentric. Workplace sitcoms focus on relationships within the workplace, often featuring sexual tension and flirtation. There has been an increase in the number of workplace sitcoms on TV, especially in the US (Thomas Schatz). Examples include Taxi and M*A*S*H, which cater to a more affluent and up-market audience. Ugly Betty combines elements of both types of sitcoms, as it explores both family life and workplace issues.

Technology has greatly affected television, with numerous advancements now available. One such example is Sky Digital, which offers features like the red button and program recording without a video. This growth has also led to the popularity of sitcoms on channels such as UK Gold and UK Play, allowing viewers to enjoy their favorite comedies repeatedly. Additionally, DVD's, short for digital versatile discs, provide the option for people to watch their desired content at their convenience.

The convergence of broadcast technologies has not yet led to a convergence in their usage. While radio can now be accessed through digital TV and some TV programs are available on the internet, the preferred locations for consuming these mediums remain distinct - the kitchen for radio, the lounge for TV, and the study for the internet. This increased choice and diversity empowers individuals to choose when, where, and how they engage with media. Consequently, sitcoms are impacted as there are now numerous channels and programs available, leading to a fragmentation of the market rather than a mass audience.

Self surveillance refers to the constant pressure placed on women through advertisements and media to constantly monitor their appearance and lifestyle. This manipulation taps

into the psychological notion that having a good appearance is crucial for success. This concept is exemplified in the popular sitcom Ugly Betty, where the protagonist defies conventional beauty standards. Advertisements frequently employ this approach by highlighting people's flaws and insecurities, thus enticing them to purchase products. For instance, wrinkle creams specifically target women's perceived imperfections and convince them that using these products will make them more socially acceptable.

The presence of a famous person endorsing a product heightens the motivation for people to purchase it as it creates a strong connection between the product and the celebrity, making individuals perceive it as being of superior quality. Stuart Hall's reception theory proposes that people interpret a text based on personal aspects such as gender, social status, and age. This implies that the meaning of the text is established through the interaction between the text itself and its reader. Consequently, when both the audience and artist share a common cultural background, they are more likely to comprehend the intended message conveyed by the text.

The relatability of Ugly Betty's experiences and challenges allows many individuals to better understand and empathize with her. Blumler and Katz's uses and gratifications theory suggests that people have varying needs for satisfaction, following Maslow's hierarchy of needs. One such need is surveillance, which can be met by documentaries or news programs that offer a deeper understanding of society.

Additionally, personal identity involves individuals seeking relatable characters and exploring their own feelings through television. Moreover, entertainment, also known as diversion, serves as a means of enjoyment. Lastly, individuals form personal connections with characters in media as they empathize with their lives (The Media Students Book

page 148). These gratifications connected to Ugly Betty provide an escape from reality and an opportunity to unwind.

The audience of Ugly Betty may have formed a personal relationship and identity with her character due to not being accepted in the workplace or with friends. As a result, people can relate easily and find encouragement in watching the program. This can lead to the water cooler effect, generating word of mouth and discussions about the show, which is beneficial as it gains free publicity.

Programs are categorized into different genres, making it easier for producers to program, market, and schedule them. TV shows are classified based on their genre, including sports programs, documentaries, game shows, and in this instance, comedy. Each genre has its own set of values that dictate the characters, drama, conflicts, and problem-solving approaches. Genres create easily recognizable one-dimensional characters who follow a predictable story within a familiar setting. The plots evolve through conventional conflicts to deliver expected resolutions, albeit with variations to maintain audience engagement.

The television show Ugly Betty revolves around a regular young woman who becomes an assistant to the magazine editor in the world of high fashion. Despite lacking glamour, Betty is relatable due to her kind heart and challenging life. The obstacles she faces at home and work resemble those of an average person. Betty's character represents a female hero who motivates young women by achieving her dreams through hard work and determination, regardless of societal beauty standards. Through this, Betty offers hope to those who feel inadequate and encourages them to pursue their aspirations. The show promotes the notion that everyone should strive for their dreams, irrespective of appearance

or background. Betty's unappealing physical traits such as glasses, untidy hair, and braces have become defining features of her character. Additionally, her vibrant and unconventional style distinguishes her from others.

The mise en scene suggests that the location is in New York due to the presence of yellow taxis and busy streets. Close up shots were utilized to highlight the expression on characters' faces, such as when Marco's mother discovered the truth about his sexuality, and when Marco was kissed by Betty. These shots were intended to make the audience uneasy about the character. Moreover, panning shots were frequently employed throughout the program. The other characters in Ugly Betty also conform to the comedic structure, as they tend to represent specific types of people.

In the show Friends, there are certain characters who play specific roles. Joey represents the 'dumb' character, Rachel portrays the 'ditzy' character, and Ross embodies the 'geek'. A similar pattern can be observed in Ugly Betty, where the sitcom conventions are evident. Mark serves as the chorus character, portraying a 'gay' individual, while Ignacio's (Betty's father) role is that of a straight character who lacks humor. However, an interesting aspect of Ugly Betty is that all of its characters play funny roles, which goes against the traditional codes and conventions of sitcoms. Typically, sitcoms adhere to predefined character types.

Suspense is a key element in sitcoms' narrative structure. Many sitcom storylines revolve around plans or schemes that involve tricking others or pretending. Ugly Betty exemplifies this pattern when Marco, the "gay" guy, pretends to be dating Betty to hide his true sexuality from his mother. This situation is comedic because Betty and Marco make

an unconventional couple, and Betty's family gets involved in the charade. Another type of suspenseful plot involves misunderstandings or ignorance caused by events that only the audience is aware of (worksheet).

This is known as comic irony. The final type of suspense that plots typically involve is a comic surprise, in which the characters and audience are unaware of something until it is revealed. There are three main audience theories that play a key role in the plot. Firstly, the theory of Barthes, known as the enigma code, presents a problem, puzzle, or mystery that is usually resolved by the end of the program. This is done to capture the audience's interest.

For instance, the primary issue in this episode revolves around Marco's lack of acceptance from his mother, leading him to constantly seek her approval. This issue is resolved in the finale when Marco confronts his mother and reveals that he is gay. However, this resolution has a tragic outcome as his mother refuses to be a part of his life any longer and leaves the house. Additionally, Propp's theory is also utilized in the show, involving characters such as the princess, helper, father, and villain. In Ugly Betty, the character Betty serves as the princess who everyone seeks assistance from.

Chapter 10 of the DVD portrays Daniel's friendly competition with his sister to publish a new edition in Mode magazine. During this challenge, Daniel seeks guidance from Betty's calm and supportive father. In chapter 12, the DVD reveals Wilhemina's villainous intentions as she attempts to seduce Bradford, the owner of Meade publications, solely for his wealth. Through the narrative, the story conveys the belief

that true beauty lies within and that everyone, regardless of appearance or identity, can pursue their dreams.

Moreover, sitcoms such as Ugly Betty engage and connect with wide-ranging audiences through their portrayal of the values and perspectives of an archetypal "Middle American" family grappling with financial challenges. One particular scene's climax underscores the importance of family by depicting all characters united and providing support to one another. In this essay, my aim is to demonstrate the reasons why sitcoms like Ugly Betty attract viewers. These shows possess the capability to amuse and evoke laughter for viewers in the convenience of their own homes, while simultaneously serving as an essential means of escapism from reality for many.

When it comes to sitcoms, the deliberate intention is to prevent the audience from forming emotional connections. This is achieved by presenting familiar social norms as harmless. Characterisation plays a significant role in creating a successful sitcom as it refers to how characters behave and interact with others and their environment. Extensive research has led me to conclude that establishing a connection between specific characters and the audience is crucial. Furthermore, all sitcoms consist of a title, theme, situations for characters, and specific locations where events take place.

People enjoy situation comedies for various reasons, and one of them is the inclusion of certain factors. The popular TV show Ugly Betty serves as an example to demonstrate this point. It portrays Betty, the main character, trapped in a situation where her desired recognition seems unattainable due to her circumstances. This particular predicament contributes to the comedic element found in sitcoms.

However, I believe that contemporary sitcoms suffer from a flaw in their design

– they are created with a specific and limited audience in mind, unlike those produced during the 1960's which catered to a wider range of viewers. Today's postmodern audience consists of distinct niche markets rather than being a unified mass audience like before. Nonetheless, Ugly Betty successfully targets and captivates its younger female viewers.