5 Generic TV Sitcom Plots That Will Never Die

1. 'The One That Got Away' Returns

It's a lifetime classic and undoubtedly a sitcom classic as well. There are songs, books and poems written about people unfortunate to have 'one that got away' in their lives. So when these people return into a life some time after they got away, so to speak, there can be a huge impact on the life they have returned to. When most people have moved past their disappointment and gotten on with their lives, how do they deal with encountering this person again? Sitcoms explore this scenario regularly, and it's easy to see why. This is a plotline that can offer big laughs, as well as advancing a story or even developing a character past their regular dimensions. In a show like 'How I Met Your Mother' the return of the 'one that got away' has a huge impact on protagonist Ted's life, to the point that he goes to great lengths to keep her in his life. In this case, although there are inevitably a few laughs along the way, this plays out a more serious plotline in order to advance the narrative. In 'Arrested Development', however, the return of Sally Sitwell - the object of a young Michael Bluth' affections - is used almost entirely for comedic purposes. Sally's return sees Michael continuously try but fail to demonstrate that he is a real man and is worthy of her affection as well. The situation escalates with each new encounter, leaving Michael embarrassed for our entertainment. So there you have it; five sitcom plots that have made the rounds across this hugely popular genre. This list is by no means exhaustive, however, and we'd love for you to add your own examples in the comments below. Let us know what plotlines you've recognised across numerous series' and let us know why you think they are going to live forever!