“I Like the Metamorphosis of the Characters”: Dynamics of Transnational Television Comedy Engagement

Authors

  • Sharon Lockyer Brunel University London
  • Diana Elena Popa “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Romania

Keywords:

transnational television comedy, Romania, audiences, British television comedy

Abstract

This article contributes to debates on transnational television comedy audiences through analysis of Eastern European audiences’ engagement with British television comedy. Using questionnaire and focus group data, it examines the extent and nature of British television comedy engagement by Romanian audiences and the limits of broadcasting British television comedy to Romanian audiences. The research reveals Romanian audiences’ high involvement with television comedy. More than half of the participants watch British television comedy. Three themes regarding Romanian audiences’ engagement with British television comedy are identified: (1) transnational television comedy aesthetics; (2) transnational television comedy as intellectual comedy; and (3) ethical limits of transnational television comedy. These themes highlight the complex contours of transnational television comedy engagement.

Author Biographies

Sharon Lockyer, Brunel University London

Director, Centre for Comedy Studies Research (CCSR)Senior Lecturer in Sociology and CommunicationsTel: +44 (0)1895 267373

Diana Elena Popa, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Romania

Professor of English

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Published

2016-01-04

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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