All comedy is based upon suffering. Whether it's a prat fall, a pun which breaks language, or pointing out the hypocrisy and foolishness of others. As such, sitcoms are full of 'evil' in one way or another. In something like Friends it's the general stupidity and naivete of the characters. In Seinfeld it's their self-involved narcissism.
The danger comes when viewers fail to recognize this, and start internalizing the negative character traits of their favourite sitcom characters. For instance, I know somebody who's internalized the negative traits of Bender from Futurama. On the show, he's a lovable jerk. In reality, he's an unlovable jerk; just a toxic asshole that nobody wants around.
This is why the Bible warns about 'sitting in the seat of scoffers'; comedy can be a powerful tool, but it's a blade that cuts both ways. The comedian takes on an enormous mantle of responsibility, and even the best comedy needs to be handled with respect. Like sex, it's one of those fires that, if not tended properly, can quickly spiral out of control.
The danger comes when viewers fail to recognize this, and start internalizing the negative character traits of their favourite sitcom characters. For instance, I know somebody who's internalized the negative traits of Bender from Futurama. On the show, he's a lovable jerk. In reality, he's an unlovable jerk; just a toxic asshole that nobody wants around.
This is why the Bible warns about 'sitting in the seat of scoffers'; comedy can be a powerful tool, but it's a blade that cuts both ways. The comedian takes on an enormous mantle of responsibility, and even the best comedy needs to be handled with respect. Like sex, it's one of those fires that, if not tended properly, can quickly spiral out of control.