Animated sitcom

An animated sitcom is a subgenre of the sitcom that is animated instead of live action.

History

Early history

The Flintstones, which debuted in 1960, is considered the first example of the animated sitcom genre. The similar cartoon The Jetsons, which took place in the future rather than the past, followed in 1962.

Animated sitcoms have been more controversial than traditional cartoons from the onset. The Flintstones was originally oriented at parents, as an animated version of The Honeymooners, though it was primarily popular with children.

The Japanese animated sitcom Sazae-san, based on the comic strip of the same title, began airing in 1969 and, as of 2013, is recognised to be the world's longest-running animated television series.

In the 1970s, the cartoon Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, often considered an influence on the contemporary Family Guy, debuted and further pushed the envelope. It ran from 1972 to 1974.

The Simpsons and expansion of the genre

In 1987, The Simpsons shorts debuted on Fox's The Tracey Ullman Show. The first full-length episode, "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire", debuted on December 17, 1989. It is the first American animated sitcom not to have a laugh track, unlike other animated sitcoms prior. It remained the sole English-language mainstream adult-oriented animated sitcom until the late 1990s, which saw the debuts of Beavis and Butt-head, King of the Hill, South Park, Daria, Family Guy and Futurama.

21st century

Canadian examples from the decade include Chilly Beach, Odd Job Jack, and, most recently, Fugget About It.

Adult animation became more popular, premiering critically acclaimed shows such as Drawn Together, American Dad!, Archer, Bob's Burgers, Rick and Morty, BoJack Horseman, and Big Mouth.