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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
Globalization of the American Sitcom: Developing Television Comedies for Universal Appeal via Redubs and Adaptations
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Sep 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001843
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure the success rate of television comedies around the world based on their format and comedy style, tied together with approaches to humor theory to uncover a potentially universal comedy format the American television industry can utilize to develop formats for international audiences. The study was conducted through research into foreign redubs and adaptations, research into existing humor theories, an interview with a producer of an American sitcom that has seen success abroad, and an interview with a producer of British content with extensive international experience. Success measures of foreign content included the number of seasons, the number of episodes, and published critic reviews. The first interview was conducted in person and the second interview was conducted over teleconferencing software. American sitcoms that focused on family dynamics and provided opportunity for nonverbal comedy often outperformed buddy comedies and workplace comedies. However, if a platonic group featured in a comedy presented signs of familiar relationships, they were more likely to see success in international markets. There was no defining humor theory that could be attached to all successful recreations of American sitcoms, but programs that featured scenarios exhibiting violations of societal and cultural norms provided the most opportunity for successful comedy around the world.
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Details
- Title
- Globalization of the American Sitcom
- Creators
- William Scott Duvall Jr.
- Contributors
- Michelle McHugh (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 60 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991021229714704721