Comedy drama explained

Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau dramedy,^{[1] [2] [3]} is a genre of dramatic works that combines elements of comedy and drama. In television, modern scripted comedy dramas tend to have more humour integrated into the story than the comic relief common in drama series but usually contain a lower joke rate than sitcoms.

History

In the very influential Greek theatre, plays were considered comedies or tragedies. This concept even influenced Roman theatre and theatre of the Hellenistic period. Theatre of that era is thought to have long-lasting influence, even in modern narrative works.^[4] Even today, works are often classified into two broad buckets, dramas and comedies. For instance, many awards that recognize achievements in film and television today, such as the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards segregate several award categories into these two classifications.

The 20th century saw a rise in film and television works that could be described as comedy-dramas. The term is a translation from the French "comédie dramatique". The portmanteau "dramedy" came to be in the 1980s.

Characteristics

In January 2022, Rafael Abreu, writing for the StudioBinder Blog defined this genre as follows:^[5] Abreu also adds that dramedies often deal with relatable and serious topics such as divorce, illness, hardship, and heartache.

Notable examples

Television

Examples of American television comedy dramas include: M*A*S*H, The Love Boat, Moonlighting, The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd,^[6] Northern Exposure, Ally McBeal, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives,^[7] Scrubs and BoJack Horseman. The term "dramedy" was coined to describe the late 1980s wave of shows, including The Wonder Years, Hooperman,^[8] Doogie Howser, M.D., and Frank's Place.^[9]

Film

• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)This movie follows the lives of a dysfunctional family of geniuses. It's known for its distinctive style, humor, and emotional depth.
• Stranger than Fiction (2006)A unique story about an IRS auditor who discovers he's the protagonist in a novel, blending existential themes with humor and romance.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006)^[10] A heartwarming tale about a dysfunctional family's road trip to a children's beauty pageant. The film is celebrated for its humor, character development, and touching moments.
• Juno (2007)This film tells the story of a teenage girl dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. It's praised for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and a mix of light-hearted and serious themes.
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, this movie explores themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and romance, all while maintaining a comedic tone.
• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)Directed by Wes Anderson, this film is known for its unique visual style, quirky characters, and a captivating story that blends comedy with elements of drama and adventure.
• The Martian (2015)^[11] Combining elements of science fiction with humor and human resilience, this film tells the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars.
• The Big Sick (2017)A real-life love story with cultural clashes and a medically induced coma, delivering laughs and poignant moments.
• The Farewell (2019)Based on an actual lie, this film explores family, culture, and the complexities of saying goodbye, balancing light-hearted moments with emotional depth.

See also

• List of comedy drama television series
• Black comedy
• Dramatic structure
• Melodrama
• Seriousness
• Tragicomedy
• Psychological drama

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dramedy. Cambridge Dictionary. Cambridge University Press. 30 May 2018.
2. Web site: Dramedy. https://web.archive.org/web/20160926041642/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/dramedy. dead. 26 September 2016. Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. 30 May 2018.
3. Web site: 1 July 2021 . Rethinking the Dramedy: What Is It, Anyway? . 11 April 2022 . Paste Magazine . en.
4. Web site: Cartwright . Mark . 14 July 2016 . Ancient Greek Theatre . 20 January 2024 . World History Encyclopedia . en.
5. Web site: Abreu . Rafael . 9 January 2022 . Dramedy Explained — A Study of the Comedy Drama Genre . 21 January 2024 . StudioBinder . en-US.
6. Web site: Brinkmoeller. Tom. Classic "Molly Dodd" Series Remains Locked Up, Awaiting 'Bail'. TV Worth Watching. 3 September 2010. 15 August 2018.
7. Weiner. Allison Hope. Is 'Desperate Housewives' a comedy?. Entertainment Weekly. 20 December 2004. 20 November 2021.
8. News: Kelley. Bill. The Best And The Brightest Abc's Hooperman – The Hands-down Winner Of The Best New Show Of The Year – Introduces A New Format, dramedy, While Slap Maxwell Reintroduces Dabney Coleman. Sun Sentinel. 23 September 1987. 24 September 2017. 24 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170924095527/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1987-09-23/features/8703150300_1_hooperman-lewis-erlicht-brandon-stoddard. dead.
9. News: Hill. Michael. Bochco gives dramedy another go with 'Doogie Howser, M.D.'. Los Angeles Times. 6 August 1989. 15 August 2018.
10. Web site: 21 June 2023 . Dramedy Defined: Understanding the Comedy-Drama Genre . 21 January 2024 . Daisie Blog . en.
11. Web site: Funk . Allie . 10 December 2015 . 'The Martian' Is A Comedy, Says The Golden Globes . 21 January 2024 . Bustle . en.