List of gimmicks in television shows
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Today many television shows make use of stylistic gimmicks to differentiate themselves from other programs of the same genre. A "gimmick" in this sense thus refers to a show's unique characteristic, that while subtle, makes it visibly different from other similar shows. For example, one gimmick of the sitcom Frasier is that scenes are introduced with "title cards," a feature that is not widely used in other shows.
Not all shows have gimmicks, but the practice has recently become more prevalent, largely due to audiences' increasing familitarity with conventional show formats.
[edit] Gimmicks in TV shows
[edit] Sitcoms
- The Simpsons- In its introductory sequence, the show has three, the first has Bart Simpson writing a line as punishment on a chalkboard in the opening, the second is much rarer, with Lisa Simpson playing different music as she is thrown out of band practice, and a "couch gag", in which the cast runs onto a couch in some wacky manner.
- South Park- During the first few seasons, the character of Kenny was killed off in nearly every episode.
- Frasier- "Title cards" introduce each scene.
- Home Improvement- Computer-generated "wipes" change scenes, the character of Wilson has a face that is always obscured (see also unseen character), and the credits frequently feature bloopers.
- The War at Home- On-screen action is frequently interrupted by cuts to clips of the characters speaking directly to the viewer.
- Just Shoot Me- Each scene is introduced with one of the "headlines" from the front of the magazine. They have a somewhat tenuous link to the content of the scene.
- American Dad- during the opening sequence Stan picks up a newspaper with a different gag headline.
- Bernie Mac- Little notes to the audience appear on the screen including ironic names for objects which Bernie has discussed in his frequent "conversations" with "America."
[edit] Other Shows
- Power Rangers-Throughout all the seasons of this long-running children's action/adventure show (1993 - present), the un-morphed teens (rangers) would always wear casual clothing that is the same color of their specified ranger-color. (Ex. The red ranger would wear the color red on every average day, as would the blue ranger, pink ranger, etc.)
