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Is there such a thing as a dramedy-light? I know the term may not exist, but I’d argue that the genre does. And veteran TV writer, comedian, and producer Monica Piper agrees, so much so that she’s willing to bet that the genre will be the go-to for writers in the future.
Piper is known for hit shows, including “Mad About You,” “Aaahhh!!! Real Monsters,” “Rugrats,” and “Roseanne.” Her focus has always been to find the funny in real life and real people.
We asked her what the future looks like for screenwriters and what they should be focusing on.
A dramedy is usually equal parts drama and comedy. But what I see on TV shows lately is heavier on the former.
The stories are still character-driven, emotional, and focus heavily on the character’s inner conflict, but they also give me laugh out loud moments. Think “Breaking Bad,” and “Succession,” which focus on the characters and their struggles, but pepper in some dark comedy.
Need help finding the funny? Read Piper’s serious tips for writing comedy for TV and movies before you get any further in your script.
Dramedy-light. You heard it here first,
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