Forgotten Quote by Joyce DeWitt
“I mean, sitcoms shouldn't be doing 'Saturday Night Live.' You can't just do bit after bit after bit. You have to string it together with tight writing and performances. Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to do this.”
About This Quote
The quote critiques the trend of sitcoms adopting fragmented, sketch-like formats, arguing that sustained narrative cohesion and polished execution are essential for quality television.
In simple terms: Sitcoms need tight, cohesive storytelling, not disjointed sketches.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrated writing and performance.
Themes
Narrative structure
Comedy format
Television quality
Writing discipline
Performance cohesion
Mood
Critical
Analytical
Reflective
Type
Critique
Observation
Advice
When to use this quote
- Developing a new series
- Revamping an existing show
- Evaluating pilot scripts
- Teaching TV writing
- Analyzing audience feedback
Key Concepts
Sitcom genre
Sketch comedy
Scriptwriting
Production standards
Practical Applications
- Creating a pilot with a clear arc
- Improving episode flow through script workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fragmented humor affect audience engagement?
- What balance between sketch and narrative works best for modern viewers?
A Different Perspective
Some viewers enjoy rapid-fire humor and may prefer sketch-like pacing over traditional arcs.
![“The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30. This is something Lorne [Michaels] has said often about Saturday Night Live, but I think it’s a great lesson about not being too precious about your writing. You have to try your hardest to be at the top of your game and…” quote by Tina Fey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/tina-fey-484_perfectionism_the-show-doesn-t-go-on-because-it-s-read_553963.jpg)
