A sitcom, short for "situational comedy," is a genre of television show that focuses on a fixed set of characters in a consistent setting. These shows typically revolve around humorous situations and interactions among the characters, often highlighting everyday life and relationships. Popular examples of sitcoms include Friends and The Office. Sitcoms usually feature a laugh track or live audience to enhance the comedic effect. Episodes are often around 20 to 30 minutes long and follow a formulaic structure, with a beginning, middle, and end. This format allows for character development and recurring themes throughout the series.