Situational comedy, often abbreviated as sitcom, is a genre of television or film that focuses on a fixed set of characters in a consistent setting. The humor typically arises from the characters' interactions and the various situations they find themselves in. Common themes include family dynamics, friendships, and workplace scenarios, all designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Classic examples of situational comedy include shows like Friends and The Office, where the characters navigate everyday challenges and misunderstandings. The format usually features a light-hearted tone, with episodes often concluding with a resolution that reinforces the comedic elements of the story.