Running gag

Definition

A running gag is a comedic device where a joke or humorous situation is repeated throughout a sitcom, often becoming more elaborate or contextually relevant each time it resurfaces. This technique builds familiarity with the audience and can create a sense of anticipation, as viewers look forward to the recurring humor. Running gags help to establish character traits, enhance plot development, and contribute to the overall comedic tone of the show.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Running gags often evolve over time, with the humor becoming increasingly layered or context-driven as the series progresses.
2. Successful running gags rely on timing and delivery, as well as the audience's familiarity with the recurring element.
3. Examples of running gags can include catchphrases, physical comedy elements, or specific character interactions that consistently elicit laughter.
4. The use of running gags can deepen audience engagement by creating shared knowledge and experiences within the show's fanbase.
5. While running gags are common in sitcoms, they can also appear in other genres, although their comedic impact is most pronounced in humorous contexts.

Review Questions

• How does a running gag enhance the audience's connection to characters within a sitcom?
  • A running gag enhances the audience's connection to characters by creating familiarity and shared experiences. As viewers see the same joke or situation repeated, they begin to associate it with specific characters, which deepens their understanding of those characters' personalities and quirks. This familiarity fosters a sense of community among fans who recognize and anticipate these recurring elements, making them feel more invested in the characters' journeys.
• Discuss how running gags contribute to the overall structure of comedic tension in sitcoms.
  • Running gags play a significant role in building comedic tension by establishing expectations that are then subverted or fulfilled throughout an episode or series. They create anticipation for how and when the gag will resurface, which can heighten viewer engagement. By strategically placing running gags within episodes, writers can maintain momentum in comedy while also allowing for character growth and narrative progression as the gags evolve over time.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of running gags compared to one-time jokes in sitcoms in terms of audience engagement and humor longevity.
  • Running gags tend to be more effective than one-time jokes for long-term audience engagement because they create ongoing interactions between characters and viewers. This repeated exposure helps build a shared understanding of humor that can resonate more profoundly than isolated jokes. Over time, running gags can accumulate layers of meaning that enrich their humor, allowing them to remain fresh and relevant even after multiple appearances. In contrast, one-time jokes may deliver immediate laughter but lack the enduring impact that keeps audiences returning for more.

Related terms

Callback: A callback is a joke or reference that returns to an earlier moment in the same episode or a previous episode, usually to evoke laughter by reminding the audience of a previous funny situation.

Character Quirk: A character quirk is a unique personality trait or behavior exhibited by a character that adds depth to their personality and often serves as a source of humor.

Set-up and Pay-off: This is a storytelling technique where a situation or joke is introduced (the set-up) and later revisited (the pay-off) to deliver humor or plot resolution.