tv-writing TV sitcom -- legs or simplicity?

[Strawberry]

Hello, all! I'm back with another question.

As I mentioned here on my last thread, I'm working on a TV series about the afterlife. I think it's more of a dramedy than anything else, but I know I have to choose whether to make it primarily a comedy or drama. I submitted scripts to the major TV writing competitions and identified as a comedy writer, so I think I should make it a comedy, but I'm wondering if it's too complicated to sell as such.

What's more important when it comes to writing a sitcom? The fact that it has legs and plenty of stories to tell and explore? Or simplicity and more linear storytelling? I'm conflicted. I think this idea is really interesting but it is definitely more complex than some of my other sitcom ideas; the other ideas are more traditional for comedy, don't really have the elaborate story or set-up that this one does, but are also less unique.

Advice?

 

[IndiePaul]

Background: OP started the 'TV series based on religion?' thread.

Okay, you ask:

What's more important when it comes to writing a sitcom? The fact that it has legs and plenty of stories to tell and explore? Or simplicity and more linear storytelling?

I think you're proposing the wrong answers.

Ask:

What's most important when it comes to writing a comedy sitcom?

I'd say great characters that people love, and great humor.

Look at Desperate Housewives, Two Broke Girls etc.

Stick to getting the fundamentals right - which are damn difficult to get right enough to sell.

• great characters that people love
• great humor
• plenty of killer one-liners

Your writing has to be so good that when the ad break comes, people stay with your show. Comedy is a very tough gig.