Sitcom vs. Series: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"A sitcom, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedic TV series with recurring characters in a common setting. A series is any narrative TV show presented in sequential episodes."
Key Differences
A sitcom, derived from the term "situational comedy," specifically refers to a genre of comedy that features characters sharing a common environment, such as a home or workplace, with humor based on situational interactions. Conversely, a series is a broader term encompassing any scripted or unscripted, fictional or non-fictional television show that unfolds in a sequential episode format, irrespective of its genre.
Sitcoms are characterized by their comedic content, a set of consistent characters, and, often, laugh tracks, which are not generally a component in many other series genres. Series, being a more umbrella term, includes a variety of genres ranging from drama to science fiction, thrillers, and beyond, each with its own set of stylistic rules and expectations.
When discussing production, sitcoms traditionally are filmed on set with multiple cameras and a live studio audience. In contrast, series may use single-camera setups, on-location filming, and lack live audience feedback, depending on their genre and production style.
Sitcoms, by nature, often resolve their conflicts within each episode, allowing audiences to tune in to any episode with minimal confusion. However, a series, particularly dramas, might have complex, overarching narratives that span across multiple episodes or even entire seasons, requiring consistent viewing to understand the full story.
In terms of duration, sitcom episodes typically adhere to a standard length — often around 22 minutes for half-hour slots or 44 minutes for hour-long slots with commercials. Series have a more flexible episode length, which can vary widely depending on the storytelling needs of the specific episode or series.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Genre of comedy
Sequential TV show
Content
Comedic situations
Various genres
Production
Often multi-camera
Single or multi-camera
Narrative Structure
Self-contained episodes
Ongoing storyline
Episode Duration
Typically standard
Can vary
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Sitcom and Series Definitions
Sitcom
A comedy series based on situations that characters encounter.
My favorite sitcom makes me laugh every time I watch it.
Series
A narrative TV show presented across multiple sequential episodes.
The series has captivated audiences with its complex characters and intricate plot.
Sitcom
A TV program usually filmed with a live audience or using a laugh track.
The laughter from the audience enhances the jokes in the sitcom.
Series
A TV show that may belong to any genre, including drama, comedy, thriller, or science fiction.
This science fiction series explores the implications of time travel.
Sitcom
A genre often featuring a consistent set of characters in a common environment.
The sitcom revolves around a quirky family living in New York City.
Series
A program that requires regular viewing to follow an overarching storyline.
You'll need to watch the series from the beginning to understand the plot twists.
Sitcom
A type of show known for episodic structure, where each episode presents a self-contained story.
You can watch any episode of this sitcom without needing to know the backstory.
Series
A show that unfolds over seasons, sometimes with changing characters and narratives.
The series is now in its fifth season, and the stakes have never been higher.
Sitcom
A television program that combines humor with everyday life's consistent settings and characters.
The sitcom realistically portrays office life but with a humorous twist.
Series
A number of objects or events arranged or coming one after the other in succession.
Sitcom
See situation comedy.
Series
A set of stamps, coins, or currency issued in a particular period.
Sitcom
Situation comedy.
Series
Physics & Chemistry A group of objects related by linearly varying successive differences in form or configuration
A radioactive decay series.
The paraffin alkane series.
Sitcom
A situation comedy
Series
(Mathematics) The sum of a sequentially ordered finite or infinite set of terms.
Series
(Geology) A group of rock formations closely related in time of origin and distinct as a group from other formations.
Series
(Grammar) A succession of coordinate elements in a sentence.
Series
A succession of publications that present an extended narrative, such as a comic book series, or that have similar subjects or similar formats, such as a series of cookbooks.
Series
A succession of individual programs presented as parts of a unified whole, such as the set of episodes of a television show or a podcast.
Series
(Sports) A number of games played by the same two teams, often in succession.
Series
(Baseball) The World Series.
Series
(Linguistics) A set of vowels or diphthongs related by ablaut, as in sing, sang, sung, and song.
Series
A number of things that follow on one after the other or are connected one after the other.
A series of seemingly inconsequential events led cumulatively to the fall of the company.
Series
(broadcasting) A television or radio program which consists of several episodes that are broadcast in regular intervals
“Friends” was one of the most successful television series in recent years.
Series
(mathematics) The sequence of partial sums of a given sequence ai.
The harmonic series has been much studied.
Series
A group of matches between two sides, with the aim being to win more matches than the opposition.
The Blue Jays are playing the Yankees in a four-game series.
Series
(zoology) An unranked taxon.
Series
(botany) A subdivision of a genus, a taxonomic rank below that of section (and subsection) but above that of species.
Series
(commerce) A parcel of rough diamonds of assorted qualities.
Series
(phonology) A set of consonants that share a particular phonetic or phonological feature.
Series
(electronics) Connected one after the other in a circuit, in series.
You have to connect the lights in series for them to work properly.
Series
A number of things or events standing or succeeding in order, and connected by a like relation; sequence; order; course; a succession of things; as, a continuous series of calamitous events.
During some years his life a series of triumphs.
Series
Any comprehensive group of animals or plants including several subordinate related groups.
Series
In Engler's system of plant classification, a group of families showing certain structural or morphological relationships. It corresponds to the cohort of some writers, and to the order of many modern systematists.
Series
An indefinite number of terms succeeding one another, each of which is derived from one or more of the preceding by a fixed law, called the law of the series; as, an arithmetical series; a geometrical series.
Series
A mode of arranging the separate parts of a circuit by connecting them successively end to end to form a single path for the current; - opposed to parallel. The parts so arranged are said to be in series.
Series
A parcel of rough diamonds of assorted qualities.
Series
Similar things placed in order or happening one after another;
They were investigating a series of bank robberies
Series
A serialized set of programs;
A comedy series
The Masterworks concert series
Series
A periodical that appears at scheduled times
Series
(sports) several contests played successively by the same teams;
The visiting team swept the series
Series
A group of postage stamps having a common theme or a group of coins or currency selected as a group for study or collection;
The Post Office issued a series commemorating famous American entertainers
His coin collection included the complete series of Indian-head pennies
Series
(mathematics) the sum of a finite or infinite sequence of expressions
Series
(electronics) connection of components in such a manner that current flows first through one and then through the other;
The voltage divider consisted of a series of fixed resistors
Series
A television production that can be episodic or serial in nature, often with a specific theme or concept.
The detective series gained popularity for its unique take on classic mysteries.
FAQs
Can a series belong to multiple genres?
Yes, a series can blend elements from various genres, such as drama, comedy, thriller, etc.
Do all sitcoms have laugh tracks?
Many traditional sitcoms have laugh tracks, but not all modern ones do.
Can a series change genres between seasons?
While uncommon, a series can shift genres, particularly in anthology formats.
What defines a sitcom?
A sitcom, or situational comedy, is defined by comedic content, recurring characters, and consistent settings.
Do sitcoms portray realistic situations?
While based on relatable scenarios, sitcoms often exaggerate for comedic effect.
Can a series end with unresolved storylines?
Yes, sometimes series are cancelled or intentionally leave open-ended narratives.
What's the difference between a series and a miniseries?
A miniseries is a TV show with a predetermined, limited number of episodes.
Are sitcoms only comedy?
Primarily, yes, though they can sometimes address serious themes with humor.
How have sitcoms evolved over time?
Sitcoms have adapted in style, humor, and content to reflect cultural shifts.
Are there sitcoms without regular characters?
Rarely, as recurring characters are a staple of the sitcom genre.
How do sitcoms impact culture?
They often reflect and influence societal norms, trends, and attitudes.
What’s an anthology series?
Each season or episode features different characters, stories, and settings.
Why do some sitcoms use live audiences?
Live audiences can enhance comedic delivery and timing for sitcoms.
How long is a typical series episode?
It varies, but many scripted series range from 30 to 60 minutes.
Are sitcoms always fictional?
Generally, yes, though some might be based on real-life experiences or settings.
Do series always have continuous narratives?
No, some series are episodic with self-contained stories, similar to certain sitcoms.
What makes a series a "limited series"?
A limited series has a pre-planned, finite number of episodes, usually telling a complete story.
Are series adaptations of other works common?
Yes, many series are based on books, films, or other pre-existing works.
Are web series considered series?
Yes, web series follow the same sequential format but are primarily distributed online.
What is the origin of the term "sitcom"?
It's a blend of "situational" and "comedy," denoting its genre.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
