The 100th episode of Decoder Ring revisits its inaugural episode from 2018, exploring the history and decline of the laugh track in sitcoms. Once a staple of television for nearly fifty years, the laugh track began to fade from popularity in the early 2000s. The episode details the technology's origins, the cultural implications behind its usage in shows like 'The Beverly Hillbillies' and '30 Rock,' and features insights from historians and creators. It questions whether the laugh track served a deeper purpose than simply eliciting laughter from viewers.
This episode revisits the evolution of the laugh track in sitcoms, exploring how its origins as a technology shaped comedic timing and audience interaction over decades.
Historically a staple in television, the laugh track has dwindled since the early 2000s; this shift reflects broader changes in humor delivery and audience engagement.
Collection
[
|
...
]