On most TV shows, comedies obviously, they add in those random laughs at supposedly funny parts. What's the point of that and why did it get started?
Isn't it kind of stupid and lame that they have to tell people what's funny and what parts they should laugh at by guiding them with some random people's laughs at parts that are supposed to be funny. If it was really funny wouldn't people laugh without hearing others laugh too? Why do they do it, what's the point?
2006-11-06 07:55:32 · 11 answers · asked by WHATS UP! 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
Many sitcoms use laugh tracks to cue viewers at home to laugh, and to cover up their poor writing. Laughter can also be layered in the final cut to boost the weak reaction of a live audience or to create the impression of a live audience for segments obviously filmed outside the studio.
Thankfully this trend is ending. The best examples of single-camera, non-laugh track comedies are Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development and The Office (NBC and BBC).
Check out Aaron Sorkin's show Sports Night to see a program that had a laugh track forced upon it. The results were terrible. Sorkin suppressed and eventually killed the laugh track by season 2 and since then none of his shows have been cursed with one.
2006-11-06 08:11:28 · answer #1 · answered by irishwriter7 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It began before they had live audiences as a way to let people know when they said something that was supposed to be funny and not making fun of people.
I wish they would not do it. I get real tired of hearing the old "Desi Arnez" laugh. That sound track is way too old.
Live audiences are encouraged to laugh because there is a sign that tells them to laugh.
Yes, really. Stupid I think. I just laugh when I find something amusing and the laugh machine doesn't do it for me.
2006-11-06 08:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by makeitright 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of reasons. The first of which is live audiences tend to blurt out things they shouldn't. Laugh tracks avoid that awkward possibility. Also, it is not always possible to get a live audience when you have to make corrections to the original take. As for when, you can blame it on Desi Arnez who came up with many of the staples of sitcom television. He used the canned laughter primarily because he wanted a third camera on the shot and that took out many of the seats.
2006-11-06 08:10:44 · answer #3 · answered by LORD Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they believe the public is too dumb to understand humor. If they add in the laughs, you know when you are supposed to laugh. A few more shows these days are actually giving us the benefit of the doubt and not adding laugh tracks.
2006-11-06 08:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do it so the women on Answers who keep asking if they are pregnant will know when to laugh.
2006-11-06 08:03:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have absolutely no clue. But that's a very good question. I personally hate those laughs, they're annoying as heck. -_-
I'm sticking around to see the answer. :)
2006-11-06 08:00:17 · answer #6 · answered by coolgirlmich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because sit coms are so bad. They're trying to convince you it's funny. Change the channel when you hear it.
2006-11-06 08:06:56 · answer #7 · answered by Mollie's Daddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To give the people that insert canned laughter a job!
2006-11-06 08:01:50 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
started long ago laugh track they put on so you can laugh with them.
2006-11-06 08:05:24 · answer #9 · answered by lcayote 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they dont perform in front of live audiences.
2006-11-06 08:02:51 · answer #10 · answered by mamas_grandmasboy06 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋