Netflix Boss Namechecks Big Bang Theory Creator When Explaining Why He’ll Never Give Up On Traditional Sitcoms

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It’s clear that streaming services have significantly altered the TV entertainment landscape, and some types of shows that were popular years ago don’t seem to resonate as much with audiences now. This has led to discussions about whether the traditional sitcom format is obsolete. Some producers believe it’s a thing of the past and only suitable for reruns. However, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is determined to keep the genre alive, and he recently highlighted a significant comedy producer in support of this stance.

In his role as company head, Ted Sarandos anticipates a resurgence of certain types of programming, particularly multi-camera sitcoms. During an episode of the “What A Joke Podcast With Papa And Fortune”, Sarandos hinted that their streaming giant is developing a new comedy series spearheaded by Chuck Lorre, known for hit shows like “The Big Bang Theory“. Sarandos offered a sneak peek into the upcoming show’s development, expressing initial enthusiasm about the project.

Currently, we’re catching up on Leanne Morgan’s latest comedy series produced by Chuck Lorre. I recently had a chance to view some of its episodes and found them incredibly amusing.

The upcoming Netflix series is another sitcom that follows in the footsteps of shows like “Roseanne,” “Seinfeld,” and “George Lopez,” all named after comedians. This new show is titled “Leanne,” named after comedian Leanne Morgan. Her popular Netflix stand-up special, “I’m Every Woman,” served as the inspiration for this series and will touch on similar topics such as reentering the dating world as a grandmother going through menopause, as reported by Tudum.

Streaming platforms like Netflix have been home to multi-camera sitcoms for some time now, with shows such as “The Ranch,” “Mr. Iglesias,” “That ’90s Show,” and more under their belt, even including “Disjointed” produced by Chuck Lorre. Nevertheless, these streaming sitcoms haven’t achieved the same level of success as network TV comedies before the streaming era. Although single-camera comedies are increasingly popular, Ted Sarandos remains steadfast in his perspective, a stance influenced by some valuable advice he received.

Reflecting back, I often ponder about programming in a similar vein as an old piece of advice: if there were past joys from childhood that have since disappeared, should one revisit them? Sometimes, it’s just a single misstep or unfortunate event that led to their disappearance. And for me, that lost treasure is the multicamera setup. I’m not ready to let go of the multicam yet.

Historically, multi-camera shows have been recorded in front of a live audience within a studio setting. This approach has been a mainstay of television entertainment for numerous years, and it’s the method used to create some of the most memorable sitcoms ever produced. Shows like Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, Cybill, and The Big Bang Theory are prime examples of Chuck Lorre’s creations that were filmed this way. Ted Sarandos mentioned The Big Bang Theory along with other comedic masterpieces when arguing for the format’s enduring appeal.

Absolutely! I find it incredibly fascinating that we have been telling stories in a deeply rooted, timeless manner since the dawn of civilization. Shows like The Big Bang Theory, Friends, and Seinfeld are prime examples of this, and their appeal remains strong even today. They stand the test of time.

Among the leading series during the golden era of modern sitcoms, spanning from the ’90s to the ’00s, just before single camera shows started dominating TV, are those three shows. They remain as relevant today as they were back then, and Ted Sarandos could not have found a more fitting ally in his mission to rejuvenate the multi-camera format.

It’s worth noting that Chuck Lorre has experimented with the single-camera format throughout his career. For instance, his show “Young Sheldon,” a prequel to “The Big Bang Theory,” and “The Kominsky Method” were both shot in this style and ran for seven seasons on CBS and three seasons on Netflix respectively. His latest production, “Bookie,” also followed this format before it was canceled. Most recently, Lorre reverted back to using multiple cameras and a live audience for “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” a spinoff of “Young Sheldon” that is currently in its first season on air.

Fundamentally, Chuck Lorre and his creative partner Steve Holland believe that a sitcom’s success hinges more on its comedic appeal than its filming style. Lucky for us, Lorre appears to possess this knack, explaining the longevity of his shows across various generations. Here’s hoping he and Ted Sarandos can keep these kinds of funny shows alive. By the way, keep an eye out for Leanne on Netflix’s schedule around 2025.

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2025-02-22 22:37