Easter Sunday is part of the movie studios’ self-fulfilling comedy doomsday prophecy: Only greenlight a handful of big-screen comedies; dump the ones you make in theaters at a time when they’re destined to fail; then throw up your hands and say “See? No one wants to see comedies anymore.”
Headlining a movie blockbuster is one of the surest paths to becoming a star. But if there are no comedy movies, it follows that there can be no comedy movie stars.
1
The networks gave up on sitcoms. (For now?)
In earlier generations, television sitcoms were star makers. In the 1970s, Welcome Back, Kotter propelled John Travolta into movie stardom. In the 1980s, Family Ties did the same for Michael J. Fox. More recently, Parks and Recreation introduced the world to Chris Pratt -- no Guardians of the Galaxy if Pratt doesn’t get established in Pawnee first. Mike and Molly and The Gilmore Girls made the world safe for Melissa McCarthy to mess her dress in Bridesmaids. See where we’re going here?
Hit situation comedies (or any situation comedies) are hard to find in 2022. This past season saw moderate hits in Abbott Elementary and Ghosts, but neither were buzzy enough to launch a superstar. (Any of your friends texting you late at night to see if you caught that crazy episode of Abbott Elementary? Yeah, we didn’t think so.)
Networks have bailed on sitcoms for this coming season as well. Fewer TV comedies than ever mean fewer breakout opportunities for young comedy stars. Another roadblock for Gen Z comics on the rise.
So here’s the good news: There will be hit comedy movies again. And once the Gen Z version of The Hangover or Superbad makes a bajillion dollars, the other copycat studios will rush to make more. Same with sitcoms -- once someone creates the Gen Z Office, a tsunami of situation comedies will follow. And it’s inevitable that a TikTok comedy star will find widespread fame. Our money is on the next two years, if anyone is taking wagers.
So hang in there, Gen Z. Your comedy day is coming. And it won't be Easter in August.
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