Does anyone else think that "laugh tracks" must die?

Question

I only watch sitcom TV when I am at my parents and actually, some of the tv shows are pretty clever. I just think that it's time to kill the laugh track. To me it cheapens the shows and is a distraction. Anyone else have an opinion on it?

Answer 1

One of Mark Hamill's earliest acting jobs was on a sitcom called "The Texas Wheelers," which had no laugh track. That could explain why it lasted nine episodes.



The producers of "M*A*S*H" wanted to air that series without a laugh track, but CBS refused. The compromise was that there would be no laugh track in OR scenes. The DVDs have a most enjoyable feature that allows you to turn the laugh track OFF.



There is a difference with a "filmed before a studio audience" show. I have seen an episode of a TV series ("Brothers") taped, and in that case they simply asked the audience to laugh at what we found funny; and, if they had to do a retake, to treat the scene as if we hadn't seen it before. They did not flash a "laugh!" sign or any such thing.



I totally agree with you: if people need to be TOLD something is "funny" via artificial laughter, then it must not be very funny to begin with.

Answer 2

If you notice, the sitcoms with laugh tracks have always been the most successful, as far as ratings go, and that's what the networks care about. Meanwhile, good shows with no laugh tracks like "The Office", "Scrubs", "30 Rock", and others, don't get the highest ratings. I honestly believe it's because American audiences can't watch shows like those with fast dialogue without being told when something is supposed to be funny. They need stuff like that Charlie Sheen show so they'll know when to laugh.

Answer 3

i agree, every other thing out of their mouth...hahahah, it makes a joke that could have gotten a giggle nothing. if it's a studio audience, and it's legitmate laughter then ya i could deal with it. it's about time the laugh track along with all the other "audience" tracks, such as AWWW, and clapping, it's cheap and over done, it would be better if there were no laugh tracks. maybe they think if we "the tv audience" hears it we'd like it and think it's funny but it does completely opposite and i change the channel. so i agree with you 100%.

Answer 4

YES! its time for the laugh tracks to go!