Audience expectations

Definition

Audience expectations refer to the assumptions, beliefs, and anticipations that viewers bring to a comedy, influenced by cultural norms, genre conventions, and previous experiences. These expectations can shape how jokes are received, characters are perceived, and narratives are understood, especially in the context of postmodern and self-referential comedies that often play with or subvert these anticipations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In postmodern comedies, creators often play with audience expectations by intentionally breaking the fourth wall or using self-referential humor.
2. Audience expectations can vary significantly based on cultural context; what is humorous in one culture may not resonate in another due to different social norms.
3. Self-referential comedies often create layers of meaning by referencing their own formats and tropes, making audiences aware of their expectations while simultaneously challenging them.
4. The relationship between audience expectations and humor is complex; sometimes, the violation of these expectations leads to greater comedic effect.
5. Viewers' familiarity with genre conventions allows them to anticipate certain outcomes, which can be manipulated for comedic purposes, creating surprise and laughter.

Review Questions

• How do postmodern comedies utilize audience expectations to enhance their humor?
  • Postmodern comedies often leverage audience expectations by playing with familiar genre conventions. By either adhering to or subverting these norms, such comedies create moments of surprise or irony. For instance, when a character acknowledges they are in a comedy, it can both fulfill and disrupt what the audience anticipates, creating a unique comedic experience that resonates on multiple levels.
• Discuss how cultural differences influence audience expectations in comedic narratives.
  • Cultural differences significantly shape audience expectations as humor is deeply rooted in societal norms and values. What might be considered funny in one culture could be seen as offensive or confusing in another. This disparity requires comedians to be aware of their audience’s background, as jokes that align with the cultural context can enhance relatability and humor while those that clash may fall flat.
• Evaluate the impact of self-referential humor on audience engagement and expectation in comedy.
  • Self-referential humor engages audiences by making them aware of the comedic process itself, prompting them to think critically about what they are watching. This technique challenges traditional audience expectations by inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of comedy and its conventions. The interplay between expectation and reality enhances viewer investment and enjoyment as they become active participants in decoding the humor.

Related terms

Genre Conventions: The established norms and characteristics that define a specific genre, guiding audience expectations about themes, styles, and narrative structures.

Subversion: The act of challenging or overturning established norms or expectations within a narrative, often used in comedy to surprise or provoke thought.

Metacommentary: A narrative technique where a work comments on itself or its genre, often drawing attention to its own construction and audience expectations.