The sitcom generally follows one of two narrative strategies: serial or episodic. An episodic sitcom uses a formula where no lasting changes occur to its characters or situation. At the end of each episode, everything is ‘reset’. Serial narrative is very similar; while nearly everything remains stable from episode to episode, larger changes may carry over. (For example, a character going to college or a new character being added to the cast.)
These strategies look very alike in sitcoms. Each episode is dedicated to one theme, problem, or lesson; a small cast of characters operates in the same world each episode; few significant lasting changes occur. This style is clear in many of the pre-teen-aimed sitcoms of Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. In that context, a common example of the stagnancy of the sitcom world is the reluctance to initiate romantic relationships between characters.
Relationships remain stable in this situation in order to milk the most out of friendships, rivalries, and romantic tension. No matter what happens during an episode of Lizzie McGuire, at the end, Lizzie and Kate are still enemies, her brother is still annoying, and her best friends are still Miranda and Gordo. This allows viewers to watch the series without having to catch every single episode. The audience is comfortable jumping in because they know what to expect from this world. It isn’t until the post-series movie that Kate regrets her ways and Gordo and Lizzie admit their feelings for each other. The writers don’t have to deal with the consequences of these changes, and the audience still (eventually) gets the satisfaction of resolution.
Pictures:
http://www.impawards.com/tv/posters/zoey_101.jpg
http://images.tvrage.com/shows/5/4269.jpg
http://oi27.tinypic.com/14scl7n.jpg
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