For some people, the forced laugh track that follows every bad punchline in sitcom history makes them cringe. To me, it’s the lullaby that lulled me to sleep on the nights when anxiety was high and it was difficult to stop my thoughts from racing. Hearing Joey and Chandler’s familiar banter while watching Friends, or stifling laughter when Mitch and Cam got themselves into an awkward situation on Modern Family, made it feel as though my problems were slipping away with every episode.
Since childhood, sitcoms have brought cheer into my house on even the worst of days. A day home sick was spent nestled in a cocoon of blankets, comforted by the soothing drawl of Full House or New Girl. At dinner time, my parents would stream a variety of their favourite ‘90s sitcoms while we ate to mitigate the stress of a long day at the office. Not only did watching these shows together put everyone in a better mood, but they brought our family together through lighthearted jokes made by chummy characters that had begun to feel like friends. Sitcoms offered a temporary escape from whatever problems we were dealing with in our everyday lives.
Sitcoms are often criticized for relying on the same tropes that can be outdated and distasteful. It’s necessary to recognize these patterns when consuming any televised content, especially those in older shows from the ‘80s or ‘90s, because they serve as a reminder of society’s age-old prejudices. It should also be noted that sitcoms can be a powerful and approachable medium used to bring attention to important issues in society through humour.
Abbott Elementary, created by Emmy-award winning writer, producer, and comedian, Quinta Brunson, follows the endeavours of a group of passionate teachers navigating a predominantly Black community in the Philadelphian public school system. The mockumentary centres on the life of Janine Teagues (played by Brunson), a Black second-grade teacher determined to make positive changes at her school — but rarely does everything go to plan. A hilarious cast of characters make up the rest of the school staff, supporting each other as they navigate daily life as educators. Not only is this sitcom funny, but it’s centred around real-life issues that are likely relatable to elementary school teachers and staff navigating the trials that come with being involved in the public school system.
Humour can make major life stressors and day-to-day problems feel very relatable. Used in the right way, humour also has the potential to heal. The phrase, “laughter is the best medicine” is true. According to Dr. Grace Tworek, PsyD, laughing has significant health benefits such as contributing to stress relief, strengthening social bonds, and bettering heart health. With that being said, it’s no surprise winding down with family and friends to watch a funny sitcom makes us feel good from the inside out.
