Characters, Stereotyping, Fictions and Ideologies
Sitcoms have more a general grip on their audiences than other popular genres which have obvious connections with more general ideological formations, like the spy thrillers in the 1960s or the crime series in the 1970s.
Ryall suggests that genres can be defined as patterns, forms, styles and structures, which mean that the viewer knows everything will be alright in the end. The 'inside/outside' dichotomy can be seen in sitcoms, e.g., when an 'outside' character enters the situation, disrupting the norm. …
