Laugh track

Definition

A laugh track is a pre-recorded audio of laughter that is added to television shows, particularly sitcoms, to enhance the comedic effect and guide the audience's emotional response. By using a laugh track, producers can create a sense of community and shared humor, making viewers feel more engaged and connected to the on-screen action. It serves as a cue for when to laugh, effectively shaping the viewing experience and impacting how jokes are received.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The use of laugh tracks became popular in the 1950s with shows like 'I Love Lucy', helping to establish a formula for sitcoms that continues today.
2. While laugh tracks can enhance comedic moments, they have also faced criticism for being artificial and potentially distracting from the actual humor in the show.
3. Some modern sitcoms choose to forgo laugh tracks entirely, opting for single-camera formats that rely on the audience's natural reactions instead.
4. The timing of the laughter in a laugh track can be meticulously edited to align perfectly with specific jokes, influencing how the audience perceives the humor.
5. Despite debates about their effectiveness, laugh tracks remain a staple in many traditional sitcoms, indicating a lasting impact on television comedy.

Review Questions

• How does a laugh track influence the audience's perception of humor in sitcoms?
  • A laugh track significantly influences how audiences perceive humor by providing auditory cues that signal when to laugh. This technique not only enhances comedic moments but also creates an environment where viewers feel connected to others who are laughing at the same time. The use of laughter can also guide the pacing of jokes, making them seem funnier by emphasizing punchlines and helping viewers react in sync with the intended comedic timing.
• Evaluate the pros and cons of using laugh tracks in television shows. What are some arguments for and against their use?
  • The use of laugh tracks comes with both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, they can enhance comedic timing and help create a shared viewing experience by encouraging laughter. On the other hand, critics argue that laugh tracks can feel artificial and may distract from genuinely funny moments. Some believe they undermine audience intelligence by implying when something is funny rather than allowing natural reactions. Ultimately, the decision to use a laugh track can shape how humor is delivered and perceived.
• Assess the evolution of sitcoms in relation to laugh tracks and how they reflect changing audience preferences over time.
  • The evolution of sitcoms shows a significant shift in audience preferences regarding humor delivery and authenticity. In earlier decades, laugh tracks were essential for shaping comedic timing and enhancing viewer engagement. However, as television evolved and audiences became more discerning, many contemporary sitcoms began embracing single-camera formats without laugh tracks. This change reflects a desire for more realistic humor and an appreciation for subtlety over overt cues. By analyzing these trends, it's clear that audiences now favor authenticity in comedy, leading to a diverse range of formats that cater to different tastes.

Related terms

Sitcom: A sitcom, or situational comedy, is a genre of television program that focuses on a fixed set of characters in a consistent setting, often utilizing humor derived from everyday situations.

Audience Response: Audience response refers to the reactions of viewers during a performance or broadcast, which can include laughter, applause, or other forms of feedback that indicate enjoyment or approval.

Television Production: Television production encompasses all aspects of creating content for television, including writing, filming, editing, and sound design, playing a crucial role in how shows are perceived and received by audiences.