Sitcom study

Cuckoo

Cuckoo ran from 25th of September and is still on going for its third series.

This is on BBC 3 which is a terrestrial channel, the program came on Tuesdays  at 10 pm when new episodes came out, and would have a good viewing as it was the target audiences prime time for watching 30 minute sitcoms as its not a huge commitment and will likely not give their full attention, but now has re-runs late at night/ early morning. The timing can vary but is currently on at 1 am, so wont have many viewers.

The target audience sways more towards women as the story line is about a woman who has came back after a gap year with a husband and having the family adapt to his 'cuckoo' ways. 16-22 year old people would enjoy this young comedy with recognizable faces, e.g. British faces like: Greg Davies would be recognizable from 'Inbetweeners', Tiger Drew-Honey from 'Outnumbered' and the American star which was Andy Samberg for the first series who is known for many things but made his break on SNL in America and is now a very well known actor, but for series 2 and onward Taylor Lautner who is known from the 'Twilight' series. These all bring in a larger group of viewers as they are interested in the actors.

Green Wing

This was a channel 4 comedy, which tends to be more alternative to BBC comedy. It first started on September 3, 2004 and ended January 4, 2007. It was on Friday nights at 10 pm, it was 50-55 minutes long an episode. The show ran for 2 series and had a special. 

The target audience for this show is 25-40 year old as the characters are in this age range so appeal to the audience. The faces a familiar in UK shows so again brings in 'fans' of these comedians. I think people would watch this as it brings aspects of real life but puts a spin on it, e.g. unstable doctors, very flirty nurses and unconventional receptionists. the idea of being in the hospital this is created in would attract viewers as it is possible 'behind the scenes' which would be very funny in real life.

  

Friday Night Dinner

This is also a channel 4 comedy. It is on at _ on Fridays, to fit the title, it connects with Jewish families as this is about a Jewish family. There is currently 3 series of this program and will likely continue, the first episode was February 25, 2011. 

There is a variety of ages which are the target audience but focusing on 16-25 due to the younger actors, especially Simon Bird who was in The Inbetweeners. The program also appeals to young Jewish people as it is about the Jewish tradition of 'Friday night dinner'. 

Bad Education

This is on BBC 3, it ran from August 14, 2012 to October 21, 2014. There was 3 series.

BBC 3 is for younger people 15-19 year old are the target audience as they are likely to be in school so this is relate-able, again it uses over execration or imagination as the teacher is unconventional and very young. With a variety of character it shows the diversity of school but still includes the key to every sitcom; the 6 character types. 


1. What is the title of the situation comedy? Make a list and find a marketing image for each             programme.

 2. What channel is the programme broadcast on? Terrestrial channels include the BBC channels, ITV, Channel 4 and Five. Satellite channels include Sky, Dave etc.

 3. What time is the programme scheduled to appear and has this changed as the show has become more popular? How long has the series run for?

 4. Who is the target audience for the show?

 5. Why do you think people watch television comedy?