Beyond Sitcom

This book explores the mechanisms that have driven the evolution of televisual comedy from the classic sitcom, a genre deeply rooted in its theatrical origins, toward a more mature stage of television’s history. It analyzes four comic series—Scrubs, The Office, The Comeback, and Ugly Betty—revealing how each separates itself from the traditional sitcom archetype and shows increased awareness of the comic genre. Throughout the author focuses on two cardinal themes: the relationship between comedy and euphoria; and the relationship between comic texts and reality.

Antonio Savorelli holds a Ph.D. in communication and new technologies, and runs a media research and design studio in Imola, Italy.

Antonio Savorelli
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 217
Bibliographic Info: glossary, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2010
pISBN: 978-0-7864-5843-1
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5992-6
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi
Preface      1
Introduction      3

1. Situation Comedy      21
2. Scrubs      35
3. The Office      65
4. The Comeback      85
5. Ugly Betty      107
6. Genre Dynamics      132
7. Comedy, Misplaced      152
8. Comedy and Reality      167

Glossary      185
Chapter Notes      191
Bibliography      197
Index      205