Comedy drama (also known by theportmanteaudramedy)[1][2] is ahybrid genre that combines elements ofcomedy anddrama.[3] In film, as well as scripted television series, serious dramatic subjects (such as death, illness, betrayal, grief, etc.) are handled with realism and subtlety, while preserving a light or humorous tone.[4][5]
The term "dramedy" began to be used in the television industry in the 1980s.[6][7][8] Modern television comedy dramas tend to have more humour integrated into the story than thecomic relief common in drama series, but usually contain a lower joke rate thansitcoms.[citation needed][not verified in body]
InGreek theatre, plays were considered comedies or tragedies (i.e. drama): the former being light stories with a happy ending, and the latter serious stories with a sad ending.[8] This concept even influencedRoman theatre and theatre of theHellenistic period. Theatre of that era is thought to have long-lasting influence, even in modern narrative works.[9]
Even today, works are often classified into two broad categories: dramas and comedies. For instance, many awards that recognize achievements in film and television, such as thePrimetime Emmy Awards and theGolden Globe Awards,[10][11] segregate several awards into these two classifications.
The 20th century saw a rise in film and television works that could be described as comedy-dramas. In American cinema,The Kid (1921) byCharlie Chaplin is acknowledged as the firstfeature length film to blend comedy and drama.[12][13][14]
In January 2022, Rafael Abreu, writing for the StudioBinder filmmaking blog, defined this genre as follows:[15]
A dramedy is a movie or program that balances the elements of a drama and a comedy. Also known as a comedy drama, this hybrid genre often deals with real life situations, grounded characters, and believable situations. The ratio between the drama and comedy can vary, but most of the time there is an equal measure of both, with neither side dominating.
Abreu also adds that dramedies often deal with relatable and serious topics such as divorce, illness, hardship, and heartache.[15]
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Examples of comedy dramas in film include:
Examples of television comedy dramas include:
| Name | Year | Country | Notes | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ally McBeal | 1997–2002 | United States | ||
| Andi Mack | 2017–2019 | United States | ||
| Barry | 2018–2023 | United States | ||
| Desperate Housewives | 2004–12 | United States | [17] | |
| Doogie Howser, M.D. | 1989–93 | United States | ||
| Due South | 1994–99 | Canada | ||
| Eight Is Enough | 1977–81 | United States | ||
| Elsbeth | 2024–present | United States | ||
| Emily in Paris | 2020–present | United States | ||
| Entourage | 2004–2011 | United States | ||
| Fleabag | 2016–19 | United Kingdom | ||
| Gilmore Girls | 2000-2007 | United States | ||
| Hacks | 2021-present | United States | ||
| Hooperman | 1987–89 | United States | [6] | |
| Ludwig | 2024 | United Kingdom | ||
| Monk | 2002-09 | United States | ||
| Moonlighting | 1985–89 | United States | ||
| Northern Exposure | 1990–95 | United States | ||
| Only Murders in the Building | 2021-present | United States | ||
| M*A*S*H | 1972–1983 | United States | ||
| Sex and the City | 1998–2004 | United States | ||
| Shrinking | 2023-present | United States | ||
| Succession | 2018–2023 | United States | ||
| Ted Lasso | 2020-present | United States | ||
| The Bear | 2022-present | United States | ||
| The Big C | 2010–2013 | United States | ||
| The Love Boat | 1977–86 | United States | ||
| The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | 2017–2023 | United States | ||
| The White Lotus | 2021-present | United States | ||
| The Wonder Years | 1988–93 | United States | ||
| You’re the Worst | 2014–19 | United States |
a TV show or movie that is a mixture of drama (= telling serious stories) and comedy (= jokes and situations intended to make you laugh)
