As an avid comedy series fan, I’ve been feeling like the genre has been suffering in recent years, thanks to streaming.
But with all the recent news about network pilots, I’m starting to have hope that sitcoms might be making a comeback.
Across major networks like CBS and NBC, it seems like comedy is starting to regain its priority.
Even better, the comedy series that are being picked up sound like they have the potential for longevity.
Let’s review what pilot season has in store for fellow sitcom-loving TV Fanatics!
It’s All About Family
While sitcoms might not offer Succession-level family drama, family sitcoms have been cornerstones of the genre since its inception.
Currently, one of the biggest family-focused sitcoms on air is George and Mandy’s First Marriage on CBS.
CBS ordered a pilot for The Tillbrooks, a historical, family-based multi-cam sitcom, but unfortunately, it fell through.
However, CBS picked up Eternally Yours, a sitcom about a vampire family struggling to accept their daughter’s human boyfriend.
I’m super excited about this one in particular because it’s created by the Ghosts showrunners.
Plus, I’ve been craving another vampire sitcom since What We Do in the Shadows ended.
CBS isn’t the only network tapping into the family sphere.
FOX recently sold a multi-cam comedy titled The Dogwood to ABC. It follows a workaholic mom.
The Dogwood is also created by one of the co-creators of the iconic series Mom, so it’s sure to deliver plenty of delightful motherhood-related content.
Also, NBC ordered a pilot for a series titled Newlyweds, a multicam, relationship-based sitcom.
While these family-oriented comedy shows are exciting, workplace sitcoms seem to be all the rage.
More Than Just Co-Workers
It feels like recent decades have seen the drastic rise of workplace sitcoms–and I’m not complaining!
Recently, medical sitcoms have been having their moment, specifically the Scrubs revival and St. Denis Medical.
Another genre that’s blending into the sitcom world appears to be the private-investigation procedural.
NBC recently ordered a single-comedy pilot featuring New Girl alum Jake Johnson as a private investigator.
While it hasn’t yet been officially confirmed for a series, the initial reactions seem generally positive.
Especially since Brooklyn Nine-Nine producer Dan Goor is attached to the series, I’m crossing my fingers that it gets picked up.
While all these pilots are great news, it’s also important to do a quick reality check on how optimistic we should be.
Sitcoms Galore or a Fleeting Interest?
In recent years, a long-lasting sitcom with several seasons has felt increasingly rare.
Some exceptions to the rule have been The Neighborhood, which is ending this spring, and Abbott Elementary, already confirmed for Season 6.
All this pilot buzz doesn’t guarantee that any of these potential upcoming series will have a strong enough run to make a memorable impact in the genre.
After all, CBS already canceled its freshman series DMV this year, and the future of NBC’s Stumble is not very bright.
However, the fact that all these networks are including comedy during pilot season is definitely a good sign.
In the era of streaming, it seems many networks and streamers haven’t been prioritizing the creation of long-lasting comedy shows.
Sure, there’s HBO with shows like Rooster and I Love LA catering to huge audiences, but the art of the classic sitcom has been pretty dismal in recent years.
And with all this news about networks considering beefing up their comedy slate, I have high hopes for sitcoms making their long-awaited comeback.
Which of these series are you excited about seeing? What are some of your favorite comedies currently on air?
Comment your thoughts below!
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