the laugh track

• The network has interfered

• Indicates lazy writing

• Invented by Charles Douglass.

• Used to ‘sweeten’ a show that needed an enhanced audience response.

• First used by the Harry McCune Show in 1950.

• Replaced audiences completely in the 60’s because the studios had no room for a live audience.

• Has been used in sitcoms ever since.

• http://giganticdrumkit.blogspot.com/2007/11/laugh-track.html

• http://www.andheresthekicker.com/ex_ben_glenn.php

• http://lesswrong.com/lw/b8/i_changed_my_mind_today_canned_laughter/

• http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1S1-9198801030420188.html

• http://www.altmedia.net.au/comedy-blimey-the-best-of-british/10205

• http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/article/3780/

• http://orangejuicesnobbery.blogspot.com/2009/08/laughter-in-can.html

• http://www.tvparty.com/laugh.html

“ Such classics as 'The Beverly Hillbillies', 'The Munsters' or even 'Bewitched' wouldn't be nearly as fun - and indeed, would be almost inconceivable - without the laugh track. Case in point: Cartoon Network's newly remastered versions of 'The Flintstones' omit the 1960s laugh track, and the jokes largely fall flat with a thud.”

• http://www.oztam.com.au/documents/2009/E_20090510.pdf

• http://www.oztam.com.au/documents/2009/E_20090308.pdf

• http://www.oztam.com.au/documents/2009/E_20090719.pdf

• http://www.oztam.com.au/documents/2009/E_20090802.pdf

• http://www.oztam.com.au/documents/2009/E_20090104.pdf

• http://en-us.nielsen.com/rankings/insights/rankings/television