Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

bif

(25,549 posts)
Sun May 25, 2025, 04:36 PM Sunday

What's with bringing back laugh tracks?

I tried to watch a couple newer comedies on Netflix and had to quit after about 10 seconds because I absolutely hate laugh tracks. I thought that era was over forever. The shows were "Disjointed" and "The Upshaws".

I was thinking that they could offer the show and you could click on a "No Laugh track" button for folks like me.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What's with bringing back laugh tracks? (Original Post) bif Sunday OP
I haven't seen either, but it seems to me I've heard them elsewhere too. Few comedies make me laugh hlthe2b Sunday #1
To me, a laugh track is like bif Sunday #2
I find the laugh tracks totally annoying. TommieMommy Sunday #3

hlthe2b

(109,894 posts)
1. I haven't seen either, but it seems to me I've heard them elsewhere too. Few comedies make me laugh
Sun May 25, 2025, 04:45 PM
Sunday

--much lately anyway (although that is not all their fault), but those tracks can be jarring. Old shows, I expect it, and frankly, don't even notice it as much.

That said, I am pretty amazed at what QUALITY shows can do to keep your attention without even a musical soundtrack. Case in point if you've watched the highly realistic "The Pitt" on HBO-MAX (I've only caught a handful of relatively minor medical/technical issues thus far, and even a few of those could reflect the era when the advisors went to school and what was then taught). But, the action proceeds with virtually no music (except the end credits and, interestingly, that instrumental piece had viewers demanding more--a full version with vocals was released online and commercially at the end of the season.)

I run on, but back to the issue at hand. I agree, ditch the laugh tracks and instead make comedies better. And for dramas, more strategic/limited use of music can be effective.

bif

(25,549 posts)
2. To me, a laugh track is like
Sun May 25, 2025, 04:54 PM
Sunday

Having someone in the room with you saying, "That was funny...Laugh!" It's so annoying!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Netflix, Streaming Videos & DVDs »What's with bringing back...