The Impact of Laugh Tracks on Television Shows: More Enjoyable or Unbelievable?

Laugh tracks are a common feature in television shows, designed to enhance the viewing experience by giving the impression that a performance is inherently funny. However, their effectiveness and reception vary widely depending on the show and the viewer's personal taste. In this article, we’ll explore the dual nature of laugh tracks—how they can make a show more enjoyable and create a sense of unreality.

Introduction

Laugh tracks are audio recordings of laughter that are inserted into broadcast performances to enhance the comedic value of the show. They are often used in sitcoms and are intended to engage the audience and make the content appear funnier than it might otherwise seem. While some viewers appreciate the additional layer of humor, others find them jarring and detracting from the authenticity of the performance.

The Purpose and Effectiveness of Laugh Tracks

The primary purpose of a laugh track is to:

Engage the audience emotionally and make them laugh even when they might not have otherwise. Provide a reference point for when a joke or humorous moment needs emphasis. Create a consistent tone of humor throughout the episode.

When a laugh track is well-integrated, it can indeed make a show more enjoyable. For instance, shows like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, despite their outdated humor, are still entertaining because viewers find enjoyment in the absurdity and laugh track adds to this enjoyment.

The Case Against Laugh Tracks

Not all shows benefit equally from laugh tracks. In some cases, the insertion of canned laughter can make a show seem less authentic and less comedy-driven. For example, the show My Mother the Car might be averse to using a laugh track because it doesn’t rely on traditional comedic structures.

Furthermore, for viewers who place a high value on natural performances and the authenticity of a show’s humor, the use of laugh tracks can be a turn-off. These viewers may prefer that the laughter comes naturally from the actors and the storyline, rather than from a pre-recorded source.

Examples of Genuine Laughter vs. Canned Laughter

One of the best examples of this is the show Friends. In the initial seasons, the laugh track was relatively subtle and authentic, relying on the real laughter of the studio audience. This approach enhanced the realism of the show and made it more enjoyable for many viewers who appreciated the genuine collective joy of the actors.

However, as seasons progressed, the laughs became more artificial, often interrupting the natural flow of conversation. This shift led to a notable decrease in the show’s authenticity, making some viewers and critics question the quality of the humor.

Conclusion

The use of laugh tracks on a television show can indeed make it more enjoyable, as it enhances the emotional impact and provides a standardized comedic tone. However, it can also create a sense of unreality, making the show appear less genuine and less funny in the long run.

Ultimately, the impact of laugh tracks depends on the individual viewer's taste and the show’s ability to integrate them naturally. For those who prefer authentic humor and realistic performances, a more minimal approach to laugh tracks might be more satisfying.

Regardless of the approach, the key lies in using laugh tracks in a way that enhances the overall viewing experience and does not detract from the natural flow of the show.