The news site of Verona High School

The Fairviewer

The news site of Verona High School

The Fairviewer

The news site of Verona High School

The Fairviewer

Laughs are Louder

As it was perfectly stated by Bill Carter of the New York Times, “in television, funny is money again.” After a long stint of drama taking over television, smart comedies are beginning to sweep across networks and take the place of serious soaps.

In 2008, only two comedies were ranked in the top 10 shows for television’s fall season. This fall, funny sitcoms occupy seven out of the ten top spots. New shows like New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, Suburgatory, Last Man Standing, and Up All Night have gotten better reviews than any prior group of new sitcoms and many of these shows have already been picked up by networks after their first couple of episodes. In comparison highly anticipated dramas such as the newly revived Charlie’s Angels and The Playboy Club have already been cancelled. People just aren’t as interested in dramas anymore. Comedy is where it’s at.

The beginning of smart comedy’s revival can be traced to such shows as The Office, Two and a Half Men, and more recently Modern Family. The groundbreaking concept and honesty of Modern Family is the reason why it is coming off of a clear Emmy sweep in which it stole best comedy, writing, directing, supporting actor, and actress and left the drama Mad Men limping in its tracks.

ABC has struck gold with Modern Family. This smart comedy sitcom is filmed in the single camera style with interspersed “Mockumentary” segments much like fellow hit The Office. This allows for not only entertainment in a variety of backdrops but permits writers to avoid canned, clunky scenes to explain motivations and feelings.

The sitcom’s relatability and honesty are the qualities that attract viewers. Director Jason Winer told the New York Times that “everyone can see a little something about their family somewhere in the show.”

Sophomore Chloe Strippoli watches the show because of its cleverness. She agrees that comedies are taking a stand over dramas because she would “totally watch Modern Family over a soap.” When asked why, she explained that it’s “lighthearted, entertaining, and makes (her) smile.” Not many people would rather cry than laugh.

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