Throughout the years, sitcoms have been a prominent part of television history. In the 2010s, audiences were introduced to many of these shows that were willing to push the envelope when it came to the traditional expectations of such television programs. Conventional sitcoms used laugh tracks and predictable structures to offer comfort and humor to their audience. However, shows like “Community,” “Arrested Development,” “The Office” and “New Girl,” took creative risks like tackling heavier topics that provided their characters with growth as well as bending genres, allowing for a more realistic take on comedy. These series helped cement sitcoms into the cultural phenomenon they are today.Â
Yet, as they ended, love for these types of television programs began to diminish. With social media usage at an all-time high, these shows have continued to evolve and are now targeting a younger audience: Gen Z. However, new television standards are affecting how sitcoms are produced and received.Â
Due to an increase in the popularity of streaming services and binge-watching culture, television studios have been implementing an eight-episode format. A major drawback to this is that sitcoms do not have room to develop its characters and discover dynamics in the same way that traditional ones with around 20-episode seasons were able to. Despite these restrictions, newer sitcoms like “Overcompensating,” “Adults” and “Not Suitable For Work” have gained popularity through many unique strategies. Â
“Overcompensating” is about a closeted freshman named Benny who struggles with his sexuality as he begins college. He feels the need to overcompensate in order to fit into a stereotypical male role, but meets friends who accept him for who he is.Â
This raunchy comedy has thrived by appealing to a wide variety of audiences, including young adults who are also struggling to be themselves in a new environment. It depicts college life in a realistic way, making sure to emphasize the messy and embarrassing moments that all students experience. From fraternity pledging to tailgates, this show emphasizes the outrageousness of college while at its core being a story of self-acceptance.Â
In addition, the stars of “Overcompensating,” Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, have a podcast together called “Ride,” where they discuss pop culture topics, including the promotion of their show “Overcompensating.” Since podcasts are all the rage, this form of promotion helped lead to the show’s success, and Prime Video has renewed the series for a second season.Â
“Adults” is another thriving sitcom despite its eight-episode format. This FX show follows five young adults living together in New York City as they try to navigate adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. Whether it’s tackling new jobs, messy relationships, or first-time “grown-up” tasks like paying bills, “Adults” lets audiences know that it’s OK to not have a plan in life and to just figure it out as you go. Season one of this series had much success, but with season two, production decided to take a more creative approach to advertising their show.Â
Before the release of season 2, the producers had one of their characters, Paul Baker, played by Jack Innanen, go on a media tour where he was featured on many different New York interviewers’ TikTok accounts. Since the show is set in New York City, this was a meta way of advertising that intrigued viewers. The choice to have one of their characters do a press run was definitely unconventional, but it helped expose more people to the series via TikTok.
“Not Suitable For Work” is another Hulu sitcom similar to “Adults,” as it is also about young adults navigating their lives and new careers in New York City. Dissimarily, “Not Suitable For Work” focuses more on the classic dilemma of choosing between job security and following your dreams, even if it means going against your parents’ wishes. Although similar, this show did not experience the same accomplishments that “Adults” did.Â
Despite having a loud and commanding fanbase on TikTok, “Not Suitable For Work” was canceled after just one season due to low viewership. The television program is currently being shopped around to other networks, but so far no one has decided to pick it up. The eight-episode format is definitely one factor to blame, as it did not allow audiences enough time to grow attached to the characters. But with “Adults” and “Overcompensating” still experiencing success, can eight-episode formats be the sole thing to blame?
As streaming services continue to gain popularity, television shows must adapt to keep up. With binge-watching culture being all the rage, eight-episode formats are likely here to stay. However, sitcoms that continue to push the limits of the genre and try innovative marketing strategies are the ones that will find success in this ever-changing digital age.