The Cold Open: Why Comedy Starts Before It Starts

The Cold Open: Why Comedy Starts Before It Starts

The Cold Open: Why Comedy Starts Before It StartsJacquie J Sarah
Published on: 24/05/2026

Cold opens are one of comedy’s smartest tools. From Cheers to Gavin & Stacey, here’s how sitcoms hook audiences before the episode even begins.

TV ComedyComedy StructureComedySitcom Analysis, Spotlights, & Deep Dives
Too Smart to Laugh? Are We Too Media Literate for Sitcoms Now?

Too Smart to Laugh? Are We Too Media Literate for Sitcoms Now?

Too Smart to Laugh? Are We Too Media Literate for Sitcoms Now?Jacquie J Sarah
Published on: 17/05/2026

Have audiences become too media literate for sitcoms, or are writers just getting lazier? A sharp look at modern comedy, AI, revivals, and why familiar still works.

TV ComedyComedySocial Commentary in ComedySitcom Analysis, Spotlights, & Deep Dives
Nearly Not Funny: The Sitcoms That Were Rescued at the Last Minute

Nearly Not Funny: The Sitcoms That Were Rescued at the Last Minute

Nearly Not Funny: The Sitcoms That Were Rescued at the Last MinuteJacquie J Sarah
Published on: 10/05/2026

From failed pilots to major rewrites, this explores how iconic sitcoms like Seinfeld and The Office were rescued, and what writers can learn from it.

TV ComedyComedy StructureComedySitcom Analysis, Spotlights, & Deep Dives
When Is a Comedy Not a Comedy? Jury Duty and the Scripted Reality Sitcom

When Is a Comedy Not a Comedy? Jury Duty and the Scripted Reality Sitcom

When Is a Comedy Not a Comedy? Jury Duty and the Scripted Reality SitcomJacquie J Sarah
Published on: 03/05/2026

Is Jury Duty a reality show or a sitcom? This post explores how The Office writers created a new kind of comedy where only one person doesn’t know the script.

TV ComedyComedySitcom Analysis, Spotlights, & Deep Dives