Comedy in 2023 pushes the boundaries of traditional genres, incorporating elements of drama and embracing emotional depth.
In the ever-evolving landscape of television, the definition of comedy has become increasingly fluid. No longer confined to slapstick humor and punchlines, TV comedies in 2023 are pushing the boundaries, blurring the lines between genres and exploring the depths of human emotion. At Variety’s “A Night in the Writer’s Room” event, comedy writers discussed the changing landscape of comedy and how they are redefining the genre.
Comedy and Drama: A Blurred Line
Comedy and drama have always been seen as distinct genres, with comedy focusing on laughter and light-heartedness, while drama delves into more serious and emotional territory. However, in the current era of television, the line between the two has become increasingly blurred. John Hoffman, co-creator of “Only Murders in the Building,” highlighted the beauty of comedy in its ability to encompass a wide range of themes and settings, including murder. This flexibility allows writers to create unique and unconventional comedic experiences.
Balancing Humor and Emotion
The panelists at the event agreed that striking a balance between humor and emotion is crucial for creating compelling comedy. Chris Harris, writer of “Frasier,” emphasized the power of laughter as a gateway emotion, enabling audiences to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Comedy becomes a catharsis, allowing viewers to experience a range of emotions, including tears. Migizi Pensoneau, writer of “Reservation Dogs,” echoed this sentiment, recognizing the importance of both comedy and tears in creating a meaningful connection with the audience.
Elevating Comedy Through Drama
To elevate the comedy of their shows, writers are not shying away from incorporating dramatic elements. Judah Miller, writer of “Bupkis,” shared how the writers of the show decided to take themselves seriously and introduce dramatic moments to showcase their versatility. This unexpected move adds depth to the comedy and demonstrates that the show is not solely focused on laughs. Duffy Boudreau, writer of “Barry,” emphasized the intertwined nature of pain and comedy, with comedy serving as a coping mechanism. By exploring the driving emotions behind characters’ terrible behavior, the show finds humor in the midst of pain.
The Impact of Strikes on Writing
The recent Hollywood strikes had a significant impact on the writing process for many shows. Michelle Fazekas, writer of “Gen V,” discussed the challenges faced when the writing room was interrupted by strikes. With limited time to develop the show, writers had to focus on the emotional core rather than getting caught up in specific details. Justin Halpern, writer of “Abbott Elementary,” shared similar experiences, highlighting the importance of focusing on the characters’ logical progression and the overall narrative arc.
Embracing the Unknown
One of the exciting aspects of contemporary TV comedy is the freedom to explore uncharted territory. Bill Lawrence, creator of “Shrinking,” expressed his admiration for young writers who fearlessly embrace the unknown. The lack of rigid direction allows for creative risks and unexpected storytelling, resulting in fresh and innovative comedy.
Conclusion: The landscape of TV comedy has transformed in recent years, with writers pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and embracing a more emotional and nuanced approach. Blurring the lines between comedy and drama, these shows captivate audiences with their ability to elicit laughter, tears, and everything in between. As comedy continues to evolve, it remains a powerful medium for storytelling and a reflection of the ever-changing world we live in.
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