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The Formula for a Successful Sitcom

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the everything-is-just-math dept.

indylaw writes "A team of scientists commissioned by British satellite channel UKTV Gold has developed a mathematical expression to predict the success of TV sitcoms. Using the formula [((R x D + V) x F) + S]/A, they determined that "Only Fools and Horses" and "The Office" are the best of British comedy, while "According to Bex" (which is being adapted for CBS in the fall and will star Jenna Elfman) scored in the bottom five."

3 of 291 comments (clear)

  1. The original Grauniad article: by alanw · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here is the original article, complete with scores for the top and bottom 5 shows.

  2. I dispute your theorem! by digitalamish · · Score: 5, Informative

    My evidence: The Pamela Anderson crapfest Stacked.

  3. Re:So... by justforaday · · Score: 3, Informative
    According to the Guardian article someone posted:
    Comedic value is determined by multiplying the recognisability of the main character (R) by their delusions of grandeur (D). This is added to the verbal wit of the script (V) and the total is multiplied by the amount someone falls over or suffers a physical injury (F).

    "The difference in social status between the highest- and lowest-ranking characters (S) is added and finally the total is divided by the success of any scheme or stratagem in the show (A). Each term in the formula is assigned a value up to a maximum of 10 to give an overall scientific score."
    --
    I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.