# Sitcom Single-Cam — Series Sub-Type

> Modern sitcom shot single-camera. More cinematic, naturalistic. Slightly dramatic.

## Defining elements

- Single camera (filmed like film)
- No live audience
- More naturalistic acting
- Less joke density (but jokes still essential)
- Cinematic locations
- Often character-driven over formula

## Examples

- The Office (US)
- Parks and Recreation
- Modern Family
- Arrested Development
- 30 Rock
- Atlanta
- Veep
- Ted Lasso
- The Bear (border with drama)

## Structural conventions

### 22-min structure
```
COLD OPEN (1-2 min)
- Standalone joke moment
- Or quick scene

ACT 1 (5-7 min)
- Episode problem set up
- Character beats

ACT 2 (10-12 min)
- Complications, multiple storylines
- Quirky character moments

ACT 3 (5-6 min)
- Resolution (often quieter than multi-cam)
- Heart moment

TAG (1 min)
- Final joke or character beat
```

### Mockumentary subset
Some single-cams use mockumentary form (The Office, Parks):
- Talking head interviews
- Camera crew acknowledged
- Character self-aware

## Voice / style

- More naturalistic dialogue
- Subtler jokes
- Visual comedy possible
- Dramatic moments allowed
- Heart beneath comedy

## Episodes

- 22 min
- 13-22 episodes per season
- Often shorter seasons than multi-cam

## Single-cam vs multi-cam joke density

Lower (2-4 jokes per minute typically). Compensated by:
- Visual comedy
- Reaction shots
- Awkward silences
- Character work

## When to write single-cam

- Modern sitcom audience
- Cinematic look desired
- Character-driven comedy
- Streaming or cable
- Subtler humor
- Can include heart/drama moments
