Research into genre: domestic comedy

Research into domestic comedy

A domestic comedy is centred on a family unit or small and familiar group of people. They are generally characterised by the stereotypical nuclear family protagonists. Humerous events often happen to one character and usually take place in the family home.

Meet th Parents, Meet the Fockers and Meet the Little Fockers are an example of domestic comedies. The films are mainly based around Ben Stillers character meeting his girlfriends family and then introducing them to his family. This ties in with the description of a domestic comedy as the humerous events take place within the extended family unit.



Domestic comedies often have similar characters in them that are relatable for modern characters. This usually includes the parents and children. Often the parents are over protective even if their child is now an adult. There is a rebellious teenager causing stress for the parents and kind granparents.


There is often a running joke throughout the film(s) that keeps reoccuring. In the Meet the Parents series this is Ben Stillers characters name, Gaylord Focker.

Our film is categorised as a domestic comedy due to the close relationship between the characters and the comedic twist at the end. There are lots of films and TV series that fit into this category including films such as Meet the Parents, Step Brothers, Home Alone, The Other Woman, Family Guy and Mrs Browns Boys.

Not all domestic comedies are set in a family home. Films such as home alone and the other woman are classed as domestic comedies but contain other locations. The other woman has scenes in the work place, an office, but also on the beach and at a hotel.

By researching other domestic comedies I can take ideas to improve our film and have a better understanding of the typical set up of a domestic comedy. This research has helped me to seee the similarities and differences between the domestic comedy films to make our film more realistic and true to life.