Assignment 1-4-5 Written Analysis 4

            All Sitcoms live and die by the formulas that define them.  The formula is generally a key portion to the ongoing plot of a series.  If the formulas are not popular with viewers, the show will likely not catch on.  Animated sitcoms are no different.  The ongoing popularity of The Simpsons and Family Guy are largely due to the successful formulas they implement on the shows.  The following is a description of some of the common formulas used on these popular animated sitcoms.

            Probably the most commonly used formula on Family Guy is the usage of “cut-aways”, as they are called on the show.  “Cut-aways” are pop cultural references that have little or nothing to do with the current scene being depicted.  They are set up by one of the main characters using a signaling phrase, such as “Like that time I”, “Just like…” or “Remember when we...”.  Once the signaling phrase has been said the scene cuts away to the reference they alluded to.  These “cut-aways” are usually a primary source of humor for an episode, generally containing a joke that has a small relation to the previous depicted scene.  Once the “cut-away” is over the show returns to the previous scene and continues on with the story.  The use of “cut-aways” in Family Guy is so prevalent that it has been mocked on other sitcoms, and even on the show itself.

            Another common formula used on The Simpsons is one in which Homer does something foolish.  There are several variations to this formula, but common renditions are ones in which Homer inadvertently ruins something or hurts someone and has to find a way to fix what he did.  The fix is generally very unusual or ridiculous, but almost always works.  This formula is also used a lot in Family Guy, as well as many other popular sitcoms.  A common rendition to the formula is one in which Homer temporarily takes a different job than his normal job at the nuclear power plant.  These temporary jobs are often ridiculous or unlikely to occur, such as becoming an astronaut, and are most often very short-lived.  The job is usually a source of humor due to its often demeaning nature, or for Homer’s inability to perform it.

            I think one of the keys to both shows’ continued success is in their ability to adapt the formulas they use with the current times.  Family Guy can (and often does) parody current events or reference contemporary pop culture in its “cut-aways”.  Homer and Peter both are frequently seen taking jobs or performing ridiculous stunts that can be tailored to the state society is currently in when the episode was created.  The ability to alter their formulas allows both shows to retain popularity and gain new fans as different aspects of popular culture continue to be referenced.

            Having analyzed formulas within television series for both this assignment, as well as this week’s class discussion, it is clear to me how important formulas are to television shows.  Writers heavily rely on formulas to help define the shows’ content, as well as how it will be conveyed.  Everyday people find comfort in formulas and often become fans of a particular formula style.  It would be hard for a television series to define itself if it could not standardize on how the story is being told episode to episode.  I can’t imagine what most of my favorite forms of entertainment would be like without heavy usage of formulas.

References

Brooks, J.L, Groening, M., & Simon, S. (Executive Producers). (1989). The Simpsons [Television series]. Hollywood: 20^th Century Fox.

Goodman, D.A., Callaghan, S., Sheridan, C., & MacFarlane, S. (Executive Producers). (1999). Family Guy [Television series]. Hollywood: 20^th Century Fox.