SOSC 4318: Modes of Communication: "Reading Television?"
That 70's Show
 
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That 70's Show
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Semiotics
Why is That 70's Show a comedy?

The typical characteristics of a comedy are very evident in this sitcom. The laugh track is apparent after every mishap or misunderstanding. Even though the viewer never sees an audience watching the show, a laugh track is used to indicate to the viewer when it is appropriate to laugh.

Each character is developed to contrast another. Fez, in particular is an interesting character for comic relief. Fez is an exchange student who was never exposed to American culture. As a result, he looks for chocolate eggs on Veteran’s Day. His inability to understand the social norms of an American society is overemphasized as a means for comedy. Fez doesn’t seem to understand social norms and is always portrayed as the outcast. His appearance and behaviour are always different from the other cast members. His protrayl as ‘the other’ actually mocks the stereotypes of the American culture. Fez even looks different and unable to understand coding. Like most comedies, the character Fez is unlike the other characters. His character confirms that the show is a comedy because of his outcast appearance and misinterpreted understanding of stereotypes from the 70’s.

That 70’s Show actually makes fun of the characters in the show. The social stereotypes are over emphasized and mocked to create further comedic plot. That 70’s show uses its time based plot to make fun of clothes, trends, and ideals of that era. In fact, the show may not be an ideal representation of the 70’s, but instead an outlet for teenagers from the 90's to make fun of their parents old trends.

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Written by Sarah Potter

 
 
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