How time and space are constructed in TV series

to build itself into the schedule of its typical viewer.

in the development of plot.” Robert Thompson
Clip show
an episode of

a television series that consists primarily of excerpts from previous episodes.

“The One With The Invitation”

“Referring back” can be done with a help of a significant item

“Breaking Bad”

experience. Therefore, kind of breaks continuity and the flow of

the events happening on the screen and brings the viewer back to real space/time from medium-constructed space/time.

through a long period of time. So, there’s certain familiarity

that comes with it.

bring the viewer up to speed on what’s been going

on, to emerge the viewer to the perception of a new reality.

when you're with people."
The effects of the laugh track are

twofold: firstly, they signal not only that sitcom is intended to be funny, but also exactly where specific jokes are, and how the audience at home should be reacting to them; secondly, they create a communal, theatrical experience for that domestic audience, for it’s assumed that people laugh more, and find things funnier, if they hear other people laughing too. (Brett Mills)

While still one of the top genres of contemporary American television, sitcom has been making room for a new breed of comedy series, which rely on different technical specifications and take a new stance on television making - to the point of redefining what comedy is. (A, Savorelli)

crates an effect of openness
One of the most space-defining elements

in American sitcom is the couch, usually places in the center of the room or the shot.

“In any room containing a couch, the main shot is the frontal one, with a slightly diagonal variant that allows those sitting on the sides to be shot at an angle similar to those sitting on the couch, thus eliminating or diminishing any possible hierarchies among actors.” (A. Savorelli)

“Spatial ranking”:
- Important actions – higher-rank space
- Collateral action (episode tag) – lower-rank space