Series Formula

The Sitcom Code breaks down what needs to happen

• in each episode, by the minute.

• in each episode, by the second.

• in each season, by the episode.

• in each season, by the script.

Sitcoms, minus commercials, are typically _________ [with] a script of __________

• 35 minutes long, 25- 40 pages

• 30 minutes long, 10- 20 pages

• 15 minutes long, 30-40 pages

• 22 minutes long , 25-40 pages

There are generally how many main acts (in American TV)? These acts are usually divided by commercial breaks

• 3

• 5

• 2

• 1

One hallmark of SitComs is that the protagonists___________.

• always find success

• usually never change

• frequently fail

• find love

List the 5 parts of the Series Formula

• The ____________

• The _____________

• The ______________

• The ______________

• The ______________

The Teaser usually occurs during

• 1-3 minutes

• minutes 13-18

• minutes 8-13

• minutes 3-8

What is a spanner?

• Another season in the episode

• Another obstacle the protagonist must face

• Another problem overcome

• A side character introduced in the episode

Every sitcom episode has a main plot (story A), as well as one or two subplots (stories B and C).

• FALSE

• TRUE

If a subplot is introduced, it must-

• be about the protagonist

• be funny

• involve failure

• be even briefer than the main plot

If a subplot is introduced, the subplot must also-

• link to the ultimate conclusion of the main plot.

• feature one of the minor or secondary characters

• feature the protagonist

• feature the antagonist