There
are some signs that can signal the end of a sit-com. This is a list of typical
story lines found in comedy television. So if you have a show you love, chances
are they won’t be canceled until you’ve seen these episodes. And if you hate
the show, these plots are also signs that the writers have nothing left, so
expect a new show. – By DaRohn Sercey
The episode when one of the characters has to marry
someone they just met, so that person can remain in the country.
Either they’ll find a way for them to stay in the
country. Or they will get married, and have to learn everything about each
other, because the immigration guy will be looking closely. They will get the
marriage annulled after the commercials. They will find a way for the foreigner
to stay.
Time left: 2 seasons
The episode when they met a celebrity, usually
because their limo breaks down. Or a character couldn’t scrap together $65 for
concert tickets.
The character will either sneak into the stars hotel
room by, the window ledge, a room service cart, or both.
Time left: 4 seasons
One or more characters start a business. They never
have a license, and are usually selling cookies, muffins, or brownies.
Someone always takes an order that’s too large to
fill. So now they have to stretch the ingredients, and cook the sweets in ¼ the
usual time. There will be a food fight.
Time left: 3 seasons
The episode when there is a misunderstanding. Usually
from a partially heard phone call, or a conversation in the next room.
This is no biggie. It can go anyway. But it will
probably have a character thinking that someone only has 6 months to live.
Time left: 1 season
Someone is going to court. Don’t worry, it’s civil
court, and if the writers are desperate, the characters will appear on a
popular TV court show.
A judge will have the two parties realize that their
friendship is more important than whatever they are there for.
Time left: 3 seasons
The flashback episode. Which is usually set up by
characters getting stuck in an elevator, or in a janitor’s storage room.
(Because there’s always a reason to enter the janitors closet)
They will get out. And if they were stuck with
someone they didn’t like, they’ll come to an understanding.
Time left: 2 ½ seasons
The episode when a character has to deliver
someone’s baby. This may happen in an elevator, unless they are snowed in.
They will call 911. The future mother will just
happen to be wearing a sundress. Someone will have to get a newspaper (maybe to
get ink on the baby). The paramedics will arrive once the baby is born.
Time left: If a main character didn’t have the baby, there are only 15 episodes left.
The episode when a character is dating a celebrity.
No one believes them for half the show. If a singer,
the star will sing a popular verse. The relationship will end before the
credits, because they can’t do the long distance relationship thang.
Time left: 2 days
The characters go on a talk show. They will compete
either against their friends, or a neighbor.
Somehow no one will win anything.
Time left: ¾ of a season
The episode in which someone either thinks they’re
pregnant, or they’ve knocked someone up.
The first time the writers pull this crap, the
results are always negative. And the characters will be upset about the
results. (Who’s ever been sad from a negative preg test? That’s party time!)
Time left: 2 seasons
The serious episode. The one begins with a content
advisory warning. It ends with the cast sitting on a couch, straight faced,
saying, “If you, or someone you know have a problem with (fill in the blank), call 1-800-???-????.”
They can do this show twice. General topics include date rape, drugs, and
discrimination.
Someone gets the help they need.
Time left: 2 episodes
Someone is getting an inheritance from a relative
they’ve only met twice.
It’s never money, just a parrot. Turn the channel
when you hear, “ The reading of the will is on Monday.” At this point the
writers know they’re screwed, and are already looking for new jobs.
Time left: 10 episodes
There’s a road trip, either to a concert, or a club
in the next state. The car happens to break down. By chance the closes place of
refuge is a gas station/auto repair/diner, owned by a guy named Jimmy. And
he’ll want a minimum of $1500 for the burgers and timing belt.
Do ask me how the characters get out of this one.
Five minutes after this episode ends, you won’t remember either.
Time left: 1 season