3. Pregnancy Problems
This may be a surprising addition to the list because it isn't necessarily a plot that's employed for comedy purposes. It is easy to forget that the sitcom genre is not about all out comedy and that there are elements of relatable drama involved as well. With this in mind, we have our third plot that will never die; the pregnancy troubles. For some people having children is simple and quick and there are very few problems or hitches along the way. More often than not, however, there can be complications at nearly every turn. Many sitcoms recognise this and look to mirror it in their plots when children are added to the character roster of the show. In fact since these shows are based heavily on characters overcoming problems in their lives, sitcom pregnancies very rarely run without a hitch. Inevitably a sitcom pregnancy will be riddled with fertility tests, frustration and in some cases even miscarriages. This sounds like unpleasant viewing, but again I must reiterate that sitcoms are not just about cheap laughs and that the overcoming of relatable, realistic problems is part of their uplifting appeal. We like to see the characters come through these trials because it gives us hope that we could do the same. To say that there are no laughs to be had at these plots would be entirely untrue, though, and the best sitcoms do manage to find some key moments of comedy in these otherwise serious situations. The understandable discomfort that male characters have with the fertility testing process and also the uncanny likeness that the fertility doctor in 'How I Met Your Mother' has to another main character are definite comedic highlights in this often used plotline.