Nothing Changes, Nor Ever Will

Sitcoms are known to follow a very specific formula, one that was created long ago. The most important aspect of said formula is the sense of consistency. Where some series like "Lost" and "House" evolve over time to create an overarching story, situational comedies retain short, episode-long narratives that serve as a cookie-cutter templates for an unchanging concept. After the initial concepts of the program are set (characters, setting, general plot types), the only parts that are altered are the short term plot points. The incidences are wrapped up within the episode to prevent any lingering questions about continuity.

One of my favorite sitcoms is "King of Queens." In one episode, the two main characters fight about having a baby. The conflict rises to engulf every part of their lives, turning them against each other. By the time the 22 minutes are up, the two are back as they were, loving but dysfunctional, having resolved the child issue. In the next episode, the fight is never discussed at any length and the characters go on as if nothing ever happened, a classic sitcom scenario.