The Evolution of Sitcoms: An Analysis of Modern Technology's Impacts on Television Writers and Their Work

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of television-based situation comedies and impact on sitcom writers, by analyzing history, shifting work conditions, and emerging technology. It explores the early occurrences of sitcoms in the 1950s radio comedies, the move to television comedies, and the most recent change to streaming services. After reflecting on past technology and its impacts on writers and studios, this paper provides an overview of current threats to writers such as the normalization of the "˜mini-rooms' and AI programs. This paper uses a qualitative approach, synthesizing information from both academic journals and industry sources to provide a comprehensive examination of these factors. More specifically, there is a focus on the Writer's Guild of America Strike of 2023, which created regulations applying to the newer writer's room structures, and limiting AI usage in creative processes. Questions still remain regarding the extent of protections for writers, especially in the situation comedy writing space, however, writers continue to be integral to the production of sitcoms.