Sitcom here a minute

We all watch sitcoms. We started when we were kids. We’d sit on the sofa with our parents after dinner and watch TGIF together. Family Matters. That’s the show that we watched on TGIF. I HATED IT!!! Urkel drove me crazy. Not to mention the fact that it was so sappy, like they decided to make Full House all over again. Or Growing Pains. Remember how schmaltzy that show was? It actually got me thinking that there are actually different levels of schmaltz in the sitcom world and they illustrate this rating in a very interesting way... by the side of the set that the characters most often enter from.

Now this is just a theory, but bear with me, I think there’s something to it. We all know that sitcoms are all filmed in pretty much the same way: A standing set that is the main location for the show scenes and a three camera shooting set-up. What I’ve noticed recently is that there seems to be a correlation between the “edgy-ness” of a sitcom and the location of the “entrance-to-set” for the actors.

For the time being, let’s break down sitcoms into 2 categories: The first being shows that are 100% family friendly while the second is reserved for sitcoms geared towards a slightly more mature audience. For example, The Cosby Show would be an example of the first group while Two and a Half Men would be an example of the second. It’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with Two and a Half Men (it’s actually one of my favourites) but I think we can all agree that there are many parents out there that wouldn’t feel comfortable with their pre-teen child watching that program (I know I wouldn’t).

Basically, there are sitcoms that are geared for family viewing; those shows that deal with family issues and whatnot as well as sitcoms that are more about adult life and the trials and tribulations therein. What I find amazing is that, seemingly unintentionally, the people who make these shows do something to illustrate the distinction as to whether their sitcom is family friendly or more adult-oriented – they use the side of the set that the actors enter from most regularly to distinguish which type of show you’re watching. The Cosby Show, for example, uses the living room as the main set. The entrance to this set is the front door of the house located on the right side of the set. Thus, the majority of the time, the characters enter from the right. I am aware that they come down the stairs or enter from the kitchen as well. The point I am trying to illustrate though is related to the main entrance. It’s really quite an interesting coincidence. Just sit and think for a minute and let some shows pop into your head, you’ll see what I mean:

Brady Bunch – Enter from right

Cosby Show – Enter from right

Family Matters – The living room entrance was on the left, but I would argue that the kitchen was used more often and the cast would always enter via the back door on the right.

Growing Pains – The living room entrance was on the left, but I would argue that the kitchen was used more often and the cast would always enter via the back door on the right.

Fresh Prince – Enter from right

Everybody Loves Raymond – Enter from the right

Two and a Half Men – Enter from left

Friends – Enter from left

Seinfeld – Generally family friendly, but definitely more adult oriented than most, entered from the back and to the right.

Frasier – Enter from left

Cheers – Enter from left

Married with Children – Initially, it seems to be the exception to the rule as they entered from the right. However, the show’s original title was Not the Cosby’s. It was meant to be the antithesis of The Cosby Show, which is why it would stand to reason that the layout of the house would be reminiscent to that of the Cosby’s and thus, doesn't break the rule, but illustrates that even the entrance side was mimicked when making the show.

So, I’m gonna stop here. I think the point has been made and I have clarified it as best as I can. It would be interesting to hear back from people to see if more scrutinizing investigations will corroborate or negate what I feel is a neat little coincidence in the sitcom world.