Got Funny

In a marketplace as big and different as the US undoubtedly there is further reach among the TV comedy genre for the good old UK sitcom. It seems nevertheless that the mainstream networks favour the homegrown type and the classic English sitcoms observe themselves as nothing but a part of to the PBS channel lineup.

Why is this?

Well, as you may anticipate in any western economy such as America or Canada, market considerations have a part to play. More to the point, supply and demand. We will look closer at these elements.

Firstly, on the demand side there are nearly one and a half million British expats presently residing in either the USA or Canada, append to this the indigenous taste for ‘all things British’ and it soon becomes obvious that there is a meaningful amount of possible viewers that might be partial to tuning into some old fashioned English comedy. Also bear in mind that there are hundreds of Television channels on the North American network with literally tens of thousands of hours of programing to be provided each and every week.

The issue then has to be on the supply side, right? Somewhat yes, it is not that there is a shortfall of English comedy out there, instead it is that there is not enough English comedy in a format that is suited for Canadian or US TV. This is a somewhat unique situation that is brought about by the non-commercial form of the British domestic broadcaster, the BBC.

There is not a question that stand alone channels in the UK such as ITV and Channel 4 are now producing some very decent ‘britcoms’ of the likes of ‘Mr Bean’ or ‘Black Books’ for example. The BBC comedy department however is and constantly has been the most prolific manufacturer of classic English comedy, and given its situation as the domestic broadcaster of Great Britain it is paid for through citizens TV license fees, thereby dispensing with the necessity for ad breaks. This means that a conventional English comedy is recorded for a full half hour while the US or Canadian tv stations demand less lengthy 22 minute shows to enable commercial breaks.

In addition a further ‘schedule co-ordination’ issue exists to deter US stations from screening English comedies. A normal US TV sitcom will be broadcast in seasons that typically are made up of twenty episodes, while a typical English comedy is recorded for only six shows at a time.

While the US stations are not likely to change their programming plans anytime soon, the English comedy makers are beginning to understand the opportunities of the US and Canadian viewership, all are now producing DVD box sets of most well known British sitcoms in Region 1 format (that’s US & Canada).

Finally, if you are interested in learning some more about English Comedy then please visit the English Comedy blog

Humor can come from unexpected sources. I work in the medical field and while you might not think that would be a hotbed of comedic material, it truly can be. Health care workers and patients alike are surrounded by illness and death and need the natural outlet and stress relief provided by laughter.

Finding jokes and remembering funny sayings are ways that a person can use humor to do a great number of things. While not everyone is able to throw out quick-witted remarks, anyone can remember simple jokes and sayings that can lighten the mood in a situation. Jokes, from one liners to fifteen minute stories, can be used to reach out to a variety of people.

The first time I witnessed an exhibition of gallows humor, I was horrified. A patient, who had just had a tumor removed, was meeting with her physician. They were discussing reconstructive surgery, which seemed frightening and I could see no humor in the matter. When I passed the room, I was stunned to see her juggling the implant samples, which looks like sacks of clear gel, that the physician brought for their discussion. She threw one implant high up in the air then snatched it out while throwing another. Eventually she had three going of various sizes and weights.

“I don’t know, that ones pretty heavy, it’s going to sag in a few years. Maybe I should go with the lighter model. Not that my husband will agree… he’s looking forward to a larger size,” with this announcement she laughed and continued juggling. The physician sat nearby waiting for her act to end so he could continue his discussion. It’s safe to say that this sort of reaction didn’t happen with every patient!

Friends often have similar personality types, so this can go over well. In addition, people can find jokes and funny sayings in books sold online and in bookstores. Joke books are usually full of great and funny jokes, and if a joke had made it to a book, one can be assured it has run its course and has been tested over and over again.

We can find humor in the most ordinary events. Just think of people waiting to buy stamps–someone is talking on the cell phone and suddenly you realize that his or her whole life is being played back for you, at no charge. Don’t you have the urge to tap that person on the shoulder and say, “thanks, you light up my life–I was being bored to death waiting for my 5 first-class stamps! I am so glad you are leaving your old boy friend, planning to screw your partner out of profits and lie on your tax return!” See, there is a joke you can safely and decently tell and get laughs.

Making someone laugh can make someone’s day. It’s always in a person’s best interest to have a few jokes in their repertoire. One never knows when a quick-witted comment can break the ice or cheer someone up who’s been having an absolutely horrible day.

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