The Modern Use of Laugh Tracks in Television Shows

While the use of laugh tracks in television shows has declined over the years, a few contemporary sitcoms still incorporate this style of humor enhancement. This article explores which modern shows still use laugh tracks, the reasons behind their continued use, and the differences from past decades.

Contemporary Shows Using Laugh Tracks

Although the prevalence of laugh tracks has decreased, some modern sitcoms still benefit from their use due to their multi-camera formats. Here are a few examples:

The Big Bang Theory

One of the most popular sitcoms of the 21st century, The Big Bang Theory used a laugh track throughout its 12-season run. The show's blend of scientific humor, emotional depth, and the interplay between its characters made it a household name. The laugh track helped enhance the live audience reaction, making the comedic moments feel more immediate and authentic.

That '70s Show

In contrast, That '70s Show also utilized a laugh track during its series run from 1998 to 2006. The show's blend of 1970s nostalgia and mature humor resonated with audiences, despite the ongoing decline in the use of laugh tracks. The laugh track served to support the comedic moments in a way that synched well with the attractive live studio audience.

The Ranch

In more recent years, The Ranch has employed the use of a laugh track. This modern western sitcom focuses on interactions between characters from diverse backgrounds, and the laugh track adds a layer of authenticity to the scene, enhancing the comedic timing and audience engagement.

The Evolution of Laughter in Television

The use of laugh tracks in sitcoms has evolved significantly over the years. Today, these tracks are typically used to enhance the live audience reaction, ensuring that the laughter is natural and in sync with the plot. Contrast this with past practices, where laugh tracks were often inserted after the fact, sometimes drowning out dialogue in the process. This has made the modern use of laugh tracks less invasive and more subtle.

Live vs. Artificial Laughter

Most sitcoms today rely on live studio audiences, where the actual laughter of the audience is captured on tape. However, there are instances where real laughter is not available. In these cases, a carefully crafted artificial laugh track is used to maintain the pace and rhythm of the show. For example, if the audience is not present for a specific scene, a pre-recorded laugh track can fill the gap, ensuring the flow of the narrative remains smooth.

Industry Practices and Preferences

The decision to use a laugh track in a sitcom often depends on the show's format and the preferences of the production team. Multi-camera sitcoms, where the editors are present during taping, are more likely to use laugh tracks, as they enhance the live feel of the recording. In contrast, single-camera productions typically do not use laugh tracks, as the performances are edited in post-production without the real-time audience feedback. However, in both formats, the use of artificial laughter is limited to situations where it is necessary to ensure a seamless viewing experience.

Conclusion

While the prevalence of laugh tracks has declined over the years, a few modern sitcoms still rely on them to enhance the live audience reaction and maintain the comedic timing of the show. The use of laugh tracks today is more subtle and thoughtful, reflecting the changing landscape of television production and viewer preferences.