Film Language Tag: laugh track
Laughter, sometimes with applause, added to a program that was (or was supposedly) recorded before a live audience. A laugh track gives the impression that the material was better received than it actually was or that the audience was larger than it really was. Generally limited to televised comedy programs, especially situation comedies.
A Surprising Call from Sapphire
"Sapphire Disappears", Amos 'n' Andy: Season 1, Episode 7
Amos (Alvin Childress), Andy (Spencer Williams) and Kingfish (Tim Moore) are surprised to discover that Sapphire (Ernestine Wade) is still alive and well.
Planning to go to Brooklyn
"Sapphire Disappears", Amos 'n' Andy: Season 1, Episode 7
With the help of Amos (Alvin Childress), Andy (Spencer Williams) and Kingfish (Tim Moore) decide to go over to Sapphire’s (Ernestine Wade) apartment to figure out where she went.
I Do Believe in Witches
"The Witches Are Out", Bewitched: Season 1, Episode 7
Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), her aunts Clara and Bertha, and their friend Mary ambush Mr. Brinkman (Shelley German) to protest his use of a stereotypically ugly witch as the branding for his Halloween candy line.
Like Anybody Else
"The Witches Are Out", Bewitched: Season 1, Episode 7
As Samantha's (Elizabeth Montgomery) relatives talk about the negative portrayal of witches during halloween time, she comes up with the idea to ask her husband, Darrin (Dick York), who works in advertising, to help turn their reputation around.
Trying to Fight
"The Witches Are Out", Bewitched: Season 1, Episode 7
Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) sees a sketch of a stereotypical witch Darrin (Dick York) drew for a Halloween candy client and labels it as discriminatory.
Witches Are People Too
"The Witches Are Out", Bewitched: Season 1, Episode 7
Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) enlists her witch aunts Clara (Marion Lorne), Bertha (Reta Shaw), and their friend Mary (Madge Blake) to protest Mr. Brinkman's decision to use a stereotypically hideous representation of a witch as the face for his Halloween candy brand.
Girls Who Share Something
"Sisters at Heart", Bewitched: Season 7, Episode 13
After talking with her mother, Tabitha (Erin Murphy) uses magic to erase the spots on her and Lisa (Venetta Rowles).
I'm For You
"Sisters at Heart", Bewitched: Season 7, Episode 13
Darrin's (Dick Sargent) client, Mr. Brockway (Parley Baer), arrives at the Stephens' Christmas party. There, he realizes that Mr. Brockway thought that Lisa, Tabitha's friend, was his daughter.
Minority Groups
"Sisters at Heart", Bewitched: Season 7, Episode 13
Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) and Darrin (Dick Sargent) struggle to hide the fact that Tabitha used magic to make her and her black friend, Lisa, polka dotted so they'd share skin colors.
Sisters
"Sisters at Heart", Bewitched: Season 7, Episode 13
Tabitha (Erin Murphy) and her friend Lisa (Venetta Rowles) have a play date. While the Stephens are busy, Lisa answers the door and sees a client of Darrin's who mistakes Lisa for Darrin's daughter. Tabitha uses magic to turn Lisa white.
Some of My Best Friends
"Sisters at Heart", Bewitched: Season 7, Episode 13
Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) turns Darrin's client, Mr. Brockaway (Parley Baer) black following racist comments he made.
Girls Night
"Beauty and the Beasts", Bosom Buddies: Season 1, Episode 7
After some convincing, Henry (Peter Scolari) and Kip (Tom Hanks) go to a bar.
Isabelle's Big Break
"The Show Must Go On", Bosom Buddies: Season 1, Episode 16
Henry (Peter Scolari), Kip (Tom Hanks) and the audience watch on as Isabelle (Team Hopkins) puts on her performance.
Ellen Comes Out
"The Puppy Episode (1)", Ellen: Season 4, Episode 22
Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) tries to come out to Susan (Laura Dern) at the airport.
Ellen Comes Out
"The Puppy Episode (2)", Ellen: Season 4, Episode 23
After talking with the psychiatrist, Ellen Morgan (Ellen DeGeneres) makes up her mind to come out as a lesbian to Peter (Patrick Bristow) and her other friends. They are all shocked but then they show their support.
Bud Gives Chanthini a Gift
"Fair Exchange", Father Knows Best: Season 5, Episode 10
After leaving the house out of embarassment, Bud Anderson (Billy Gray) returns and gives Chanthini (Rita Moreno) a gift for Raksha Bandhan.
Chanthini Explains Raksha Bandhan to the Andersons
"Fair Exchange", Father Knows Best: Season 5, Episode 10
Chanthini (Rita Moreno) explains Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu celebration between sisters and brothers, to the Andersons. She uses Bud (Billy Gray) for a demonstration, who then becomes embarrassed.
Chanthini Talks to Kathy
"Fair Exchange", Father Knows Best: Season 5, Episode 10
After arriving at the Anderson's home, Chanthini (Rita Moreno), an exchange student from India, explains aspects of her culture to the curious Kathy (Lauren Chapin).
"Of Course It Was A Line!"
"The Pilot", Friends: Season 1, Episode 1
Monica (Courteney Cox) voices her frustration with Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and her brother Ross (David Schwimmer), over man's unsavory tendencies. Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) cuts up her credit cards after being persuaded by her friends.
Ross and Rachel's Chance Encounter
"The Pilot", Friends: Season 1, Episode 1
The titular Friends comfort Ross (David Schwimmer) after his marriage ends. His sister Monica (Courteney Cox) gives him advice as her friend Rachel (Jennifer Anniston) suddenly appears.
History Class
"Michael Gets Suspended", Good Times: Season 1, Episode 5
James (John Evans, Sr.) prepares to whoop Michael (Ralph Carter) for getting suspended from school.
James versus the Bank
"The Mural", Good Times: Season 3, Episode 12
J.J. (Jimmie Walker) reveals the mural for the bank, but Mr. Hewitt (James Wheaton) does not like it.
Basketball, Fried Chicken, and Watermelon
"Fonzie's New Friend", Happy Days: Season 3, Episode 12
Sticks (Jack Baker) meets Richie (Ron Howard), Ralph (Don Most), and Potsie (Anson Williams).
False Rumors
"Fonzie's New Friend", Happy Days: Season 3, Episode 12
Fonzie (Henry Winkler) tries to convince everyone at Arnold's to come to Richie's (Ron Howard) party.
Joke Dates
"Fonzie's New Friend", Happy Days: Season 3, Episode 12
Richie (Ron Howard) tries to set up Meralee (Carol Williams) with Fonzie's friend Sticks Downey (Jack Baker).
Nobody's Coming
"Fonzie's New Friend", Happy Days: Season 3, Episode 12
Richie (Ron Howard) discovers that no one is coming to his party, being prejudiced against Sticks (Jack Baker) and Kathleen (Jerii Woods).
Qualifications
"Fonzie's New Friend", Happy Days: Season 3, Episode 12
Mrs. Stevens (Vivian Bonnell) visits Richie's (Ron Howard) house to judge whether their are appropriate chaperones.
Lucy is Interviewed
"Homecoming", I Love Lucy: Season 5, Episode 6
Lucy (Lucille Ball) is having trouble adjusting to her husband, Ricky's (Desi Arnaz) new-found fame. She accepts an offer to do an interview.
The Ricardos Deal with Fame
"Homecoming", I Love Lucy: Season 5, Episode 6
Ricky (Desi Arnaz) and Lucy (Lucille Ball) get swarmed by his new fans after returning from their trip to California
Lucy talks to her friends about Ricky's family
"The Ricardos Visit Cuba", I Love Lucy: Season 6, Episode 9
Lucy (Lucille Ball) believes she made a terrible impression on Ricky's family
Everybody, Meet Chris
"Woman to Woman", Living Single: Season 3, Episode 22
Max (Erika Alexander) is excited that her best friend Shayla (Karen Malina White) is bringing over her fiancée Chris (Tanika Ray).
Max and Shayla
"Woman to Woman", Living Single: Season 3, Episode 22
Max (Erika Alexander) finds Shayla (Karen Malina White) and expresses her apology for her reaction to meeting Shayla's fiancée Chris (Tanika Ray).
Roommates reacting to their lesbian friend
"Woman to Woman", Living Single: Season 3, Episode 22
Hosting the pre-wedding party, the main characters are preparing for the bride's friends to come. Synclaire (Kim Coles) is overreacting, Khadijah (Queen Latifah) is quite cool since she knew it for a long time, and Regine (Kim Fields) is worried about herself.
Fuji Receives a Letter
"A Letter for Fuji", McHale's Navy: Season 2, Episode 13
Fuji (Yoshio Yoda), a prisoner of war in McHale's team, receives a letter from a woman back in Japan.
Parker Disguises as a Japanese Soldier
"A Letter for Fuji", McHale's Navy: Season 2, Episode 13
In an attempt to sneak into a Japanese base, Ensign Charles Parker (Tim Conway) disguises himself as a Japanese soldier.
Crew Fights at the Party
"Fuji's Big Romance", McHale's Navy: Season 3, Episode 15
When Captain Binghamton (Joe Flynn) visits the base, a fight breaks out between the crew and the Natives.
Fuji Sails on the Boat
"Fuji's Big Romance", McHale's Navy: Season 3, Episode 15
Fuji (Yoshio Yoda) rides the crew's boat along with his love interest, Sulani (Yvonne Ribuca).
Gray Area
"Don't Ask Don't Tell", Roseanne: Season 6, Episode 18
Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) tells Nancy (Sandra Bernhard) that Nancy's girlfriend kissed her at the gay bar the night before.
Meet Sharon
"Don't Ask Don't Tell", Roseanne: Season 6, Episode 18
Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) and Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) meet Nancy's (Sandra Bernhard) new girlfriend, Sharon (Mariel Hemingway), who invites the two out to a new gay bar
Roseanne Comes Clean
"Don't Ask Don't Tell", Roseanne: Season 6, Episode 18
Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) tells her husband, Dan (John Goodman) that Nancy's girlfriend kissed her
Roseanne's Kiss
"Don't Ask Don't Tell", Roseanne: Season 6, Episode 18
Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) is distraught after being kissed by her friend Nancy's (Sandra Bernhard) girlfriend at a bar the night prior
Sharon Kisses Roseanne
"Don't Ask Don't Tell", Roseanne: Season 6, Episode 18
While at a gay club, Nancy's girlfriend, Sharon (Mariel Hemingway), kisses Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) by surprise
Culture Shock
"Lamont Goes African", Sanford and Son: Season 2, Episode 17
Lamont's (Demond Wilson) dinner party comes to an end when Olaiya (Paula Kelly) calls him out for his treatment of Sanford (Redd Foxx).
Dinner with the Japanese Family
"Home Sweet Home", Sanford and Son: Season 4, Episode 7
Fred (Redd Foxx) and Lamont Sanford (Demand Wilson) go to a dinner party with the Japanese family.
Scooby and the Gang Follow a Creepy Lead
"What a Night for a Knight", Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: Season 1, Episode 1
Shaggy warns the rest of the gang about The Black Knight's suspicious activities. After Scooby-Doo (Don Messick) crashes into his best friend, he follows a trail of red paint with Fred (Frank Welker), Velma (Nicole Jaffe), and Daphne (Indira Stefanianna Christopherson). They then discover a secret passageway hidden inside a sarcophagus.
Jerry and George's Relationship
"The Outing", Seinfeld: Season 4, Episode 17
While Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) waits with George (Jason Alexander) and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) to meet a student reporter (Paula Marshall), Elaine notices a woman eavesdropping. To mess with her, Elaine jokes about the pair being gay. Later on, the reporter interviews Jerry with George present, leading her to assume that they're a couple.
Jerry Forgives Sharon
"The Outing", Seinfeld: Season 4, Episode 17
Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) kisses Sharon (Paula Marshall), the reporter who falsely outed him and George (Jason Alexander) as gay in a recent story. George surprises them both by arriving at the apartment. George proceeds to act as though Jerry is cheating on him with Sharon.
Not That There’s Anything Wrong with That
"The Outing", Seinfeld: Season 4, Episode 17
After Sharon (Paula Marshall) promises not to publish allegations that Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) and George (Jason Alexander are gay, a joke Jerry makes to George on a dual-line phone is overheard and leads to her doubling down on the story angle.
Darryl's African Masks
"The Wizard", Seinfeld: Season 9, Episode 15
Attempting to determine his ethnicity, Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) asks Darryl (Samuel Bliss Cooper), her new boyfriend, about his collection of African masks.
Interracial Couple
"The Wizard", Seinfeld: Season 9, Episode 15
At Monk's Cafe, Darryl (Samuel Bliss Cooper) expresses confusion at a server’s (Constance Zimmer) and patrons' responses to him and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), suggesting that they're under heightened scrutiny as an interracial couple. Elaine interprets this to mean that Darryl is Black.
Jerry and George Meet Elaine’s New Boyfriend
"The Wizard", Seinfeld: Season 9, Episode 15
Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) introduces her new boyfriend Darryl (Samuel Bliss Cooper) to Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) and George (Jason Alexander). After Darryl leaves, the trio discuss Darryl's racial identity, prompting Elaine to inquire into whether he is, as Jerry suggested, Black.
Just a Couple of White People
"The Wizard", Seinfeld: Season 9, Episode 15
After an exchange with a Black server (Bahni Turpin), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is forced to discuss racial identity with her boyfriend Darryl (Samuel Bliss Cooper).
Why Don't You Ask Him?
"The Wizard", Seinfeld: Season 9, Episode 15
George (Jason Alexander) and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) discuss her unwillingness to ask her new boyfriend Darryl about his background. They then run into the Rosses (Grace Zabriskie and Warren Frost), who wrongly believe him to be living in the Hamptons.
Rocky Cheers Up CeCe
"Start It Up", Shake It Up: Season 1, Episode 1
Rocky (Zendaya) catches up with friend CeCe (Bella Thorne) after a humiliating audition. Rocky assures her of her dancing talent and individuality. The two are then taunted by goofy antagonists Gunther (Kenton Duty) and Tinka (Caroline Sunshine) which reignites CeCe's firey passion.
Shake It Up Chicago Auditions
"Start It Up", Shake It Up: Season 1, Episode 1
CeCe (Bella Thorne) and Rocky (Zendaya) audition for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be background dancers for Shake It Up Chicago.
Jodie Has a Solution
"Episode 4", Soap: Season 1, Episode 4
Jodie (Billy Crystal) and NFL quarterback Dennis Phillips (Bob Seagren) discuss the future of their relationship.
That's Life
"Episode 10", Soap: Season 1, Episode 10
Jodie (Billy Crystal) and Dennis (Bob Seagren) break up, and Mr. Gerber (Harold Gould) tells his life story.
Brothers
"Kelly's Kids", The Brady Bunch: Season 5, Episode 14
After overhearing the Kellys talk about their bigoted neighbor, their three adopted boys run away to the Brady house. Greg (Barry Williams) discovers them, brings them inside, and the boys reunite with the Kellys
Mrs. Payne
"Kelly's Kids", The Brady Bunch: Season 5, Episode 14
Mr. Kelly (Ken Berry) and Mrs. Kelly's neighbor, Mrs. Payne, comes over to complain about Matt, the kid they just adopted.
Mrs. Payne Redux
"Kelly's Kids", The Brady Bunch: Season 5, Episode 14
Mrs. Payne (Molly Dodd) returns to the Kelly household to complain about the two newly-adopted boys, who are Asian and Black.
Three Musketeers
"Kelly's Kids", The Brady Bunch: Season 5, Episode 14
The Kellys visit the Bradys and show them what their three adopted sons did to a copy of The Three Musketeers.
What Difference Does It Make?
"Kelly's Kids", The Brady Bunch: Season 5, Episode 14
After adopting Matt, the Kellys (Brooke Bundy, Ken Berry) go visit the Bradys (Florence Henderson, Robert Reed) to tell them that they're going to adopt Matt's two best friends, who are Asian and Black.
The Right Time
"Happy Anniversary", The Cosby Show: Season 2, Episode 3
The Huxtables perform Ray Charles' "The Right Time" for grandma and grandpa.
Eddie and Max Reconcile
"Guess Who's Coming for Lunch?", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 7
After Eddie's (Brandon Cruz) best friend, Max (James Cole) gets upset due to a prank, he apologizes and they reconcile.
Tom and Betty Talk
"Guess Who's Coming for Lunch?", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 7
After inviting Betty (Cicely Tyson) over for a blind date, widower Tom (Bill Bixby) talks with her about learning Japanese and their children.
Tom Meets Betty for the First Time
"Guess Who's Coming for Lunch?", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 7
Widower Tom (Bill Bixby) meets his son's new friend and his mother, Betty (Cicely Tyson), for a blind date, where he realizes she is Black.
Eddie Confronts Mrs. Livingston
"An F for Mrs. Livingston", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 11
Believing that Mrs. Livingston (Miyoshi Umeki) will kill herself, Eddie (Brandon Cruz) confronts her.
Eddie Speculates Mrs. Livingston will Commit Suicide
"An F for Mrs. Livingston", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 11
After talking with a friend, Eddie (Brandon Cruz) thinks that his housekeeper, Mrs. Livingston (Miyoshi Umeki), is going to commit "hara-kiri."
Mrs. Livingston Passes Her English Exam
"An F for Mrs. Livingston", The Courtship of Eddie's Father: Season 1, Episode 11
After previously failing her English exam, Mrs. Livingston tells Eddie (Brandon Cruz) and his father (Bill Bixby) that she passed.
Henry Walden Asks Rob to Write for Him
"I'm No Henry Walden!", The Dick Van Dyke Show: Season 2, Episode 26
Henry Walden (Everett Sloane) asks Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) to write for him for an upcoming television project
Henry Walden Meets the Writers
"I'm No Henry Walden!", The Dick Van Dyke Show: Season 2, Episode 26
Henry Walden (Everett Sloane) enters the writers' office and meets Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) and his coworkers
A Gotcha
"Once a Friend", The Jeffersons: Season 4, Episode 3
George (Sherman Hemsley) recieves a note from someone named "Edie Stokes" to meet up at a hotel, which makes Louise (Isabel Sanford) suspicious. George reckons the name is misspelled and is actually from his old navy friend, Eddie Stokes.
Already Out of the Closet
"Once a Friend", The Jeffersons: Season 4, Episode 3
George (Sherman Hemsley) goes to visit his old navy friend, Eddie, only to find out that Eddie now goes by Edie (Veronica Redd) and identifies as a woman.
I Found Eddie
"Once a Friend", The Jeffersons: Season 4, Episode 3
Louise (Isabel Sanford) thinks that George (Sherman Hemsley) is lying about his old navy friend having had a sex change. In an attempt to convince her, George enlists Leroy to pose as Edie, which backfires.
Strictly Platonic
"A Man About the House", Three's Company: Season 1, Episode 1
Jack (John Ritter) tries to convince Chrissy (Suzanne Somers) and Janet's (Joyce DeWitt) landlords to let him move in with the girls. Janet finally convinces them by telling them that Jack is gay.
The Galloping Gourmet
"A Man About the House", Three's Company: Season 1, Episode 1
After falling asleep in roommates Chrissy (Suzanne Somers) and Janet's (Joyce DeWitt) bathtub, Jack (John Ritter) wakes up to the girls making breakfast.
Hiding The Relationship
"The Clip Show", Will & Grace: Season 0, Episode 1
Will (Eric McCormack) arrives at Grace’s (Debra Messing) studio distraught over his new boyfriend Matt hiding their relationship. Grace advises him to end the relationship before he leaves, but later, she is surprised to learn they're still together.
Camp Straighten Arrow
"Grandpa Jack", Will & Grace: Season 1, Episode 4
Elliot (Michael Angarano) and Emma (Natalie Dreyfuss) stop over to pick up their son Skip (Jet Jurgensmeyer) from his grandfather, Jack (Sean Hayes). As his parents wait in the lobby, Skip lets Jack and Will know he is going to a camp where they attempt to "fix" queer-presenting kids.
Jack and Will Intervene
"Grandpa Jack", Will & Grace: Season 1, Episode 4
Will (Eric McCormack) distracts the conversion camp counselors (Andrew Rannells, Jane Lynch) while Jack (Eric McCormack) talks to his grandson Skip (Jet Jurgensmeyer). After Jack convinces Skip that the camp is a bad idea, Elliot (Michael Angarano), Skip's father and Jack's son, lets Jack know that he has decided to take Skip out of the camp.
Jack Finally Meets Skip
"Grandpa Jack", Will & Grace: Season 1, Episode 4
Jack (Sean Hayes) and Will (Eric McCormack) are surprised by the arrival of Jack's grandson, Skip (Jet Jurgensmeyer), who Jack has never met.
Spying on Skip
"Grandpa Jack", Will & Grace: Season 1, Episode 4
Jack (Sean Hayes) and Will (Eric McCormack) go to Camp Straighten Arrow, a conversion camp where Jack's grandson Skip (Jet Jurgensmeyer) has been sent by his parents. They try to get Skip out of the camp, but are stopped by Skip's parents.
Brothers
"Brothers, A Love Story", Will & Grace: Season 3, Episode 14
Will (Eric McCormack) goes to meet Matt, his new boyfriend who works on-air as a sportcaster, at Madison Square Garden. Though Matt greets him warmly at first, when Harry (Dion Anderson), his boss, arrives he conceals their relationship by referring to Will as his brother.
Not Going Public
"Brothers, A Love Story", Will & Grace: Season 3, Episode 14
Will (Eric McCormack) argues with Grace (Debra Messing) over his decision to keep seeing Matt (Patrick Dempsey), who wants to hide their relationship. After some pleading, Grace agrees to join them for food. Partway through the meal, Matt's boss, Harry (Dion Anderson), brings up a rumor that Matt is gay. Matt denies the rumor and Will, who Harry believes to be Matt's brother, comes out.
Will's New Boyfriend on TV
"Brothers, A Love Story", Will & Grace: Season 3, Episode 14
Will (Eric McCormack) watches basketball at home with his friend Jack (Sean Hayes). After Grace (Debra Messing) arrives late, she joins them and Will points out his new boyfriend, Matt (Patrick Dempsey), a sportscaster, to the pair onscreen.