TV comedy shows question

[nudemetalz]

Okay, so this is probably a dumb question (and I've come to the right place for that )....but how does the laughing work?

For instance, 2 And A Half Men, ..everytime Charlie does something silly, is it in front of a bunch of audience next to the set and they laugh voluntarily, or do they have to when a big sign comes up that says "laugh now !!!"...or is it a big laugh button pushed by some technician...?

I know whenever I watch "Married With Children", whenever Al Bundy made his grand appearance, the audience went wild and he didn't say anything 'til they had shut up..

What ya's think?

[onearmedbandit]

I remember when they would announce '............ is filmed in front of a live audience'. And yes MwC definitely had a live audience. The likes of Two and a Half Men probably used 'canned laughter'.

Wiki Link -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh_track

[Edbear]

Some shows are in front of a live audience who are told when to laugh, many shows use "canned laughter". Rarely, you have a live audience where they can be spontaneous.

[Scuba_Steve]

Theres usually 3 types of laughs used.
1. A pre recorded sound that just gets added
2. Live laughter that gets edited before release (So that moron that can't stop laughing doesn't carry-on in the final product for the next 5mins & spoil it)
3. Unedited live laughter.

The U.S. usually use option 1 (especially noticeable in the 80's-90's)
British (BBC & likes) & game shows more often than not go option 2.
Stand-up & live usually have option 3.

Now along with the 2 "live" options, yes there usually is a big sign saying "laugh", "clap", "cheer", "boo" etc. etc. etc.

You now know a little more about the world of T.V.

[Big Dave]

[nudemetalz]

excellent, thanks peoples !!!

[spajohn]

Okay, so this is probably a dumb question (and I've come to the right place for that )....but how does the laughing work?

For instance, 2 And A Half Men, ..everytime Charlie does something silly, is it in front of a bunch of audience next to the set and they laugh voluntarily, or do they have to when a big sign comes up that says "laugh now !!!"...or is it a big laugh button pushed by some technician...?

I know whenever I watch "Married With Children", whenever Al Bundy made his grand appearance, the audience went wild and he didn't say anything 'til they had shut up..

What ya's think?

On the live shows they find a funny bit, then do it again and again getting you to laugh louder and more. Then insert that laughter where they want on the TV version.

[slofox]

The yanks have to use canned laughter 'cause amerikan audiences are too dumb to know when to laugh themselves...

[eelracing]

The yanks have to use canned laughter 'cause amerikan audiences are too dumb to know when to laugh themselves...

I dunno tho anyone who can take the piss out golf is tops in my book...he's touring here soon as well.

[slofox]

I dunno tho anyone who can take the piss out golf is tops in my book...he's touring here soon as well.

That man is the exception that proves the rule!

[wysper]

That man is the exception that proves the rule!

I really hate that saying. Not picking on you Slo, but I am bored, it is raining and I had to type something. I'll shut up now.... probably

[slofox]

I really hate that saying. Not picking on you Slo, but I am bored, it is raining and I had to type something. I'll shut up now.... probably

It's a bit of a cliche, yes. But true in Robin Williams' case...

I reckon the rain could just about eff off for a bit now...

"Waikato to Taranaki, including Bay of Plenty, Taupo and Taihape

Rain from Waikato to Taranaki, spreading elsewhere this afternoon or evening, easing to showers tomorrow."


Sod it. I wanna dry road for a change...

[Mudfart]

The yanks have to use canned laughter 'cause amerikan audiences are too dumb to know when to laugh themselves...

this is very true, if you watch dave letterman, many of his jokes are well over the heads of the audience, so they all put out the fake laugh, as if they know what they are laughing about.
a real homer simpson moment, again and again and again.

[Maha]

The reality is, some shows are just not funny but the clever producer people can make you believe that it is by adding in strategically placed laughter.
See how I added the laughing icon? after reading the sentence, you may think its a bit of humour when clearlt it is not.

[Big Dave]

this is very true, if you watch dave letterman, many of his jokes are well over the heads of the audience,

I just thought it was because Letterman rarely says anything funny.