Page "Laugh track" Paragraph 17

Network research suggested that the laugh track was required in order to brand a single-camera show as a comedy.

In 1965 CBS showed its new single-camera sitcom Hogan's Heroes to test audiences in two versions: one with the laugh track, the other without.

Partly due to the somewhat cerebral nature of the show's humor, the version without the laugh track failed with test audiences, while the version with canned laughter got an excellent reaction.

The show was broadcast with the laugh track, and CBS decided to utilize Douglass ' services moving forward for all single-camera sitcoms.