Running gag

Definition

A running gag is a comedic device that involves a joke, phrase, or situation that is repeatedly referenced throughout a show, creating humor through its recurrence and evolution. This technique helps establish a sense of familiarity and expectation for the audience, as they begin to anticipate when and how the gag will appear again, which enhances the overall comedic experience and ties into character development and plot progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Running gags can vary in complexity, from simple phrases repeated by characters to elaborate situations that evolve over multiple episodes.
2. They often rely on the audience's prior knowledge of the show's events to maximize comedic effect, creating a shared understanding between viewers and characters.
3. Successful running gags can enhance character relationships by highlighting their dynamics through repeated interactions or reactions to the gag.
4. Some running gags become iconic, often becoming signature elements of a show and contributing to its overall identity and humor style.
5. The effectiveness of a running gag may decline if overused, requiring careful management to maintain audience engagement without losing its novelty.

Review Questions

• How does a running gag enhance the audience's experience of a TV comedy?
  • A running gag enhances the audience's experience by creating familiarity and anticipation. As viewers become accustomed to recurring jokes or situations, they develop a sense of connection with the show. This shared understanding allows for deeper engagement with the characters and plot, as audiences look forward to seeing how the gag will play out in different contexts, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
• Analyze how running gags can contribute to character development within a sitcom.
  • Running gags can significantly contribute to character development by consistently showcasing specific traits or behaviors over time. For instance, if a character has a recurring catchphrase or finds themselves in humorous situations repeatedly, it reinforces their personality in the eyes of the audience. This repetition not only solidifies their identity but can also facilitate growth as characters react differently as situations evolve, allowing viewers to witness their journey through humor.
• Evaluate the balance required when implementing running gags in a comedy series to maintain viewer interest.
  • Implementing running gags requires careful balancing to keep viewers engaged without overstaying their welcome. While these jokes create familiarity and comfort, if they become too repetitive or predictable, they can lose their comedic impact. A successful running gag should evolve or adapt slightly over time to remain fresh while still drawing on its original premise. This evolution encourages viewers to stay invested in both the joke and the characters, ultimately enriching the overall comedic narrative.

Related terms

Callback: A callback is a technique where a joke or reference from earlier in the show is brought back later, often to create humor through recognition and nostalgia.

Character Quirk: A character quirk is a distinctive trait or behavior that defines a character's personality, often used in comedy to create humor and facilitate running gags.

Recurring Character: A recurring character is a character who appears multiple times throughout a series, often associated with specific jokes or situations that contribute to running gags.