Chapter
The Rise and Fall of the Laugh Track
09:55 - 16:13 (06:18)
The origin of the laugh track can be traced back to the early days of television, when executives wanted to give viewers a sense that they were watching a live performance. However, by the 1960s, some shows began experimenting with removing the laugh track altogether.
Clips
The Laugh Track, a staple of sitcoms, was created in the late 1940s and found its heyday in the 70s, despite being tested on focus groups in the 60s with mixed results.
09:55 - 12:30 (02:34)
Summary
The Laugh Track, a staple of sitcoms, was created in the late 1940s and found its heyday in the 70s, despite being tested on focus groups in the 60s with mixed results. The announcement "filmed before a live studio audience" was made to ensure viewers that the laughter heard was mostly genuine.
ChapterThe Rise and Fall of the Laugh Track
EpisodeShort Stuff: Laugh Tracks
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The use of canned laughter in comedy shows and sitcoms can lead audiences to believe that a joke is funnier than it actually is.
12:30 - 16:13 (03:43)
Summary
The use of canned laughter in comedy shows and sitcoms can lead audiences to believe that a joke is funnier than it actually is. Studies have shown that the presence of canned laughter can increase an audience's perception of the funniness of a joke by 15-20%.