Television Situation Comedies: Female Weight, Male Negative Comments, and Audience Reactions

Abstract

Content analysis of prime time television situation comedies examined body weights of female central characters, negative comments made by male characters about their weight or bodies, and audience reactions. Below-average weight females were over-represented in the programs. The heavier the females, the more negative comments made to or about them by the males. This was reinforced by audience laughter. (SM)