7 Outdated Sitcom Tropes That Should Be Left Behind
Sitcoms have been a staple of television for decades, but some tropes have worn out their welcome. Here are 7 outdated sitcom tropes that need to be put to rest.
1. The Endless Love Drama
Sitcoms have a long history of drawing out the 'will they, won't they' drama between central couples, but this tired trope has lost its appeal. Audiences today are looking for more genuine and mature relationships on screen, and the contrived tension of the 'will they, won't they' plotline has become stale.
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother
Shows like 'Friends' and 'New Girl' have relied on this trope to keep viewers hooked, but the unrealistic obstacles and forced misunderstandings have worn thin. It's time for sitcoms to move past this tired cliche and explore more authentic dynamics between romantic leads.
David Schwimmer As Ross And Jennifer Aniston As Rachel About To Kiss in Central Perk In Friends Season 2
2. The Overly Wise Kids
Children in sitcoms have often been portrayed as unusually mature and wise beyond their years, offering advice and guidance to the adults around them. This portrayal not only stretches believability but also limits the development of child characters, reducing them to mere mouthpieces for adult wisdom.
Rachel and Ross holding onto one another at the airport in the Friends series finale
While it's important to recognize the intelligence of children, it's equally important to depict them as complex individuals with their own emotions and growth arcs. Sitcoms like 'Full House' and 'Modern Family' have leaned too heavily on this trope, and it's time to retire the overly precocious child character in favor of more nuanced portrayals.
Ross and Rachel at the hospital with a newborn Emma in Friends
3. The Mockumentary Madness
The mockumentary style, popularized by shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation', has become a repetitive and overused trope in sitcoms. While it initially provided a fresh and innovative way to capture character insights, its widespread adoption has led to a lack of novelty and creativity in storytelling.
Zooey Deschanel as Jess in New Girl, Smiling and Embracing a Frowning Jake Johnson as Nick Miller, as He Sits at a Table Eating Pasta
The constant presence of the documentary crew and the reliance on talking head interviews have become predictable, and audiences are craving new approaches to character narration and humor. It's time for sitcoms to break free from the constraints of the mockumentary format and explore alternative storytelling techniques.
Nick and Jess looking at one another during a Christmas party in New Girl season 1
4. The Stale Stereotypes
Body-shaming and stereotyping have long plagued sitcoms, with shows like 'New Girl' and 'Friends' resorting to cheap jokes and fat suits for laughs. This harmful portrayal of physical appearance not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also alienates and hurts viewers who do not fit into narrow beauty standards.
Nick and Jess talking in the elevator in the New Girl season 6 finale
It's time for sitcoms to move away from using physical appearance as a source of humor and embrace more inclusive and respectful comedic avenues. By challenging stale stereotypes, sitcoms can create a more welcoming and affirming environment for all viewers.
Michelle and Uncle Jesse in Full House
5. The Character Caricatures
The phenomenon of Flanderization, where characters devolve into exaggerated caricatures of their original selves, has plagued sitcoms like 'Friends' and 'Community'. This flattening of characters not only diminishes their depth and complexity but also leads to the loss of their defining traits and relatability.
Michael Scott Stares into the Camera Blankly in The Office Season 5 Episode 13
Instead of leaning into caricatures, sitcoms should focus on evolving and deepening their characters, allowing them to grow and change while retaining their core identities. By avoiding the trap of Flanderization, sitcoms can create more compelling and dynamic character arcs for their ensemble casts.
Schmidt when he was younger and overweight in New Girl.
6. The Outdated Masculine Archetype
The portrayal of 'the womanizer' as a central archetype in sitcoms, exemplified by characters like Barney in 'How I Met Your Mother', has perpetuated harmful stereotypes and normalized sexist behavior. This outdated trope not only reinforces toxic masculinity but also undermines the progress towards more respectful and egalitarian relationships.
Eric (Topher Grace) with His Arm Awkwardly Around Donna (Laura Prepon) in the That '70s Show Pilot Episode
It's time for sitcoms to move away from glorifying 'the womanizer' and instead depict more nuanced and respectful representations of masculinity. By challenging outdated archetypes, sitcoms can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
Joey (Matt LeBlanc) Looking Shocked After Realizing the Truth about Chandler and Monica in Friends
7. The Harming Humor
The use of LGBTQ+ identities as a source of humor and ridicule, as seen in shows like 'Friends' and 'How I Met Your Mother', has perpetuated harmful stereotypes and contributed to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ communities. Treating LGBTQ+ relationships as punchlines not only perpetuates homophobia but also reinforces underlying sexism within sitcom structures.
Kathleen Turner as Chandler's Dad dressed in drag with a mic in Friends
Sitcoms should strive to represent LGBTQ+ identities with dignity and respect, moving away from harmful humor and towards authentic and affirming portrayals. By rejecting harmful stereotypes, sitcoms can create a more inclusive and uplifting environment for all viewers.
Carol and Susan's wedding in Friends.
