Killing Comedy Genres

Are there any shows which have killed a comedy genre dead or at least knocked it out cold?

A good example would be Trigger Happy TV. Since then there's been very little hidden camera shows which were any good. This is, in my opinion, because Trigger Happy TV was so good there's no point making something similar. Day Today and Brass Eye are two other shows which have done this.

Then on the shite side of the spectrum we have shows that are so crap, predictable and 'safe' that they breed comedy offspring like rabbits. E.g. Little Britain begat Catherine Tate Show (I know it was before but who cares), Titty Bang Bang, Adam and Shelly, Marc Wooten. Basically every rubbish thing BBC Three produce that isn't Two Pints.

Then in the middle we have the slow burners such as, I would argue, The Young Ones leading indirectly to the Mighty Boosh via several Reeves and Mortimer shows.

So which shows either kill off the genre, ruin the genre for everyone or keep the genre going?

Simpsons

Quote: Gavin @ January 10, 2008, 8:47 AM

Simpsons

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How do you figure that?

Quote: Gavin @ January 10, 2008, 8:47 AM

Simpsons

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Spawned Futurama and inspired Family Guy and American Dad.

I think Hyperdrive has ended the space-sitcom for a while.

Quote: ContainsNuts @ January 10, 2008, 9:02 AM

I think Hyperdrive has ended the space-sitcom for a while.

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I think HyperDrive almost killed off comedy as a genre.

Quote: ContainsNuts @ January 10, 2008, 9:02 AM

I think Hyperdrive has ended the space-sitcom for a while.

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More than likely! That said, they're currently filming a comedy film set in space at Pinewood at the moment (Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel).

It's a good topic this - I can't think of anything genre wise, but I think it safe to say we still won't be seeing any sitcoms set in a hotel for a while.

Quote: David Bussell @ January 10, 2008, 8:54 AM

How do you figure that?

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Because No new animation can come out that isn't instantly compared to simpsons. You try getting one picked up it's almost impossible.

True, but isn't that the opposite of killing a genre?

Not really because it dilutes the genre, vareity is spice of life.

The Office? Has there been any docu-comedies since?

It's interesting - maybe if there's a rubbish but popular show then other people think they can do it better and there's lots of similar ones, but if there's a high quality popular show then people still write them but they don't make the grade in comparison and don't get broadcast.

Or it could just be that broadcasters don't like paying for shows that are too similar to shows that are already out there and very popular shows like Trigger Happy, The Office etc live long in the memory.

Apparently Titty Titty Bang Bang is one of the most popular shows on BBC3. That proves there is no God. I'm going to pray to Dawkins to smite them.

Is Trigger Happy well thought of? I always considered it to be a bit of a dud. A fad, if you will. Certainly no longevity.

I loved Trigger happy the snail crossing the road was brilliant.

Trigger Happy TV was huge in America for some reason. I've got a few American friends who wouldn't stop going on about it, a few years back.

I really loved it... the 2 rabbits shagging in the lift...BRILLIANT!

Quote: Gavin @ January 10, 2008, 12:14 PM

Not really because it dilutes the genre, vareity is spice of life.

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Dilutes the genre by having more than one? Anyway the question was kill a genre not spawn one.

Quote: Simon Stratton @ January 10, 2008, 12:24 PM

The Office? Has there been any docu-comedies since?

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I think there was a mocumentary series with Chris Langham as the presenter/narrator. The Thick of IT is shot in the same style - without the 'to camera' scenes but otherwise it stands alone in sitcom terms.