"The key to sitcom success is miserable people. If you see a happy couple, it's just gone, like when Sam and Diane got together on Cheers"

In this quote, Matthew Perry articulates a fundamental concept underlying many effective sitcoms: the appeal of characters in less-than-ideal circumstances or relationships. At its core, Perry suggests that the dynamic of anguish or dispute can work as a driving force for comedy in comedies, making them more relatable and appealing for audiences. This idea is exemplified in his reference to Sam and Diane from the traditional comedy "Cheers", where their romantic tension and on-again-off-again relationship ended up being a main plot point.

By explaining the characters as "miserable", Perry is highlighting how flawed, conflicted, or underwhelming situations can make characters more dynamic and narratives more compelling. A happy couple tends to do not have the stress and unpredictability that fuels humor and plot advancement in sitcoms. Joy can indicate an endpoint or resolution, which might risk minimizing the significant tension necessary to sustain the ongoing story of a comedy.

Situations filled with imperfections permit audiences to see their own lives reflected back at them, frequently with the added relief that comes from funny. The flaws and challenges produce opportunities for characters to grow, blunder, and generate compassion, all while providing a canvas for humor to thrive.

In "Cheers", the tumultuous relationship between Sam and Diane exemplified this principle. Their constant small talk, misconceptions, and contrasting characters stimulated viewer financial investment in their dynamic. Once they settled into a delighted relationship, as Perry notes, the significant tension dissipated, and with it, some of the comedic energy that had driven their story.

Perry's insight highlights the broader narrative method within comedies: embracing the complexity and messiness of life, characters, and relationships often causes the richest comedic material. It's the journey from dispute to resolution, peppered with humor and relatability, that keeps viewers returning for more.