Episodes
History of the Sitcom Series Premiere (SBS Wednesday 31 May 2023)
History of the Sitcom premieres tonight on on SBS
The History of the Sitcom is an in-depth look at a groundbreaking genre that has kept us laughing since the beginning of television, and it gives viewers a chance to catch up with their favourite sitcom families and friends or meet new ones who are sure to become fast favourites.
This eight-part docuseries examines the ways in which sitcoms have reflected and influenced cultural change over the years, from I Love Lucy and The Brady Bunch to Black-ish, Fleabag, Modern Family, and beyond, with hilarious clips and interviews from dozens of comedy legends who have graced the small screen over the decades, such as Tina Fey, Lisa Kudrow, Helen Hunt, Jason Alexander, Kelsey Grammer, Dick Van Dyke, and Mel Brooks.
The first episode is called A Family Matter and delves into how sitcoms have changed over time to reflect the altering nature of the nuclear family. From the nuclear Brady Bunch to the blended family of I Love Lucy, from the working-class families of All In The Family, Good Times, and One Day At A Time to the innovative Black-ish and Fresh Off The Boat, sitcom humour has helped us see the world and ourselves in new ways.
The second episode, Working For Laughs, looks at laughter in the workplace brings together people from all walks of life, making it a goldmine for comedic material. As the American relationship with work shifts, and as women break down countless workplace barriers, sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Murphy Brown, WKRP in Cincinnati, Barney Miller, and Brooklyn 99 have all adapted in hilarious ways.
Season 1 Episodes 1 and 2
History Of The Sitcom Premieres with a double episode Wednesday 31 May, 2023 at 7.35pm on SBS.