Comedy drama

Comedy drama (also known by the portmanteau dramedy)^[1][2] is a hybrid genre of works that combine elements of comedy and drama.^[3] In film, as well as scripted television series, serious dramatic subjects (such as death, illness, betrayal, grief, etc.) are dealt with realism and subtlety, while preserving a humorous tenor.^[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 the comic relief common in drama series, but usually contain a lower joke rate than sitcoms.^{[citation needed][not verified in body]}

In Greek 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 influenced Roman theatre and theatre of the Hellenistic 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 the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards,^[10][11] segregate several awards into these two classifications.

The term "dramedy" is a translation from the French "comédie dramatique".^{[citation needed]}

The 20th century saw a rise in film and television works that could be described as comedy-dramas. In American cinema, The Kid (1921) by Charlie Chaplin is acknowledged as the first feature 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]

The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this section, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as appropriate. (November 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Examples of comedy dramas in film include:

Examples of television comedy dramas include:

• List of comedy drama television series
• Black comedy
• Dramatic structure
• Melodrama
• Seriousness
• Tragicomedy
• Psychological drama

• "Dramedy Defined: Understanding the Comedy-Drama Genre". Daisie. 21 June 2023. (platform co-founded by actress Maisie Williams and producer Dom Santry)
• Havas, Julia; Sulimma, Maria (2020). "Through the Gaps of My Fingers: Genre, Femininity, and Cringe Aesthetics in Dramedy Television". Television & New Media. 21 (1): 75–94. doi:10.1177/1527476418777838. hdl:2086/16957. ISSN 1527-4764.
• Mather, Nigel (2006). Tears of laughter: Comedy-drama in 1990s British Cinema (1st ed.). Manchester, England: Manchester University Press. ISBN 978-0719070761.
• Ortega, Oscar (10 April 2024). "Drama Or Dramedy: Defining The Voice Of Socially Relevant Comedy". A Hot Set. A.N. Publishing.
• Taylor, Robin (27 May 2021). "What is Comedy Drama?". BBC Writers. BBC.