Symptoms : Skit seems well done, and an awful lot like comedy, but no actual laughs

Diagnosis : Premise-itis. The premise is executed faithfully but there’s no actual jokes, just the logical extension of the premise. No zazz.

Treatment : A good stiff rewrite, and then a table read, and if nobody laughs during the table read, start over again. Repeatedly ask ... more >

Symptoms : Skit seems well done, and an awful lot like comedy, but no actual laughs

Diagnosis : Premise-itis. The premise is executed faithfully but there’s no actual jokes, just the logical extension of the premise. No zazz.

Treatment : A good stiff rewrite, and then a table read, and if nobody laughs during the table read, start over again. Repeatedly ask “Yes, but what part of this is funny? Where’s the joke? what are the comedy beats here? Where would the laugh track go?”