WRITE A SITCOM
PLOT
2015-2017
Sitcom plots are best kept simple. And with a surprise ending.
A regular sit-com has two storylines which run concurrently. An A-plot and a B-plot.
The A – plot is the more detailed and interesting one and naturally takes up more minutes on screen. The relationship between your A and B plots can be any of the following:
​
1. The B-plot seems to be irrelevant all of the way through.
​
Then right near the end it sweeps in and meets up with the A plot, having an effect on or even bringing about the A plot’s resolution.
This is generally regarded as the most popular and classy way to write. Check out some videos of ‘Fawlty Towers’ (particularly the German Guests episode) to see how expertly this can be carried out. However this style can come across as very British and theatrical looking. You know the sort of thing. Very busy scenes with people running in and out and doors opening and closing. It can seem very dated. So care is needed.
​
2. The A and B plot can contrast/complement or mirror each other thematically.
eg ‘A’ plot – A teenage daughter is working too hard at school and tends to take life too seriously. (Teenager acting like a grown up)
‘B’ plot – Meanwhile her mum is always off gallivanting around town. (Grown up acting like a teenager)
Absolutely Fabulous did versions of this extremely well of course.
3. The A and B plots are not linked at all.
They run and conclude quite independently of each other. This used to be regarded as wrong in this county. BBC script editors and producers would tell writers that the two plots had to meet up in the end. But of course this wasn’t the case and is much less so these days.
Plot and Structure
Jamie Demetriou, Writer of Stath Lets Flats