bitcom

English

Etymology

Blend of bit +‎ sitcom.

Noun

bitcom (plural bitcoms)

1. (technology, informal) A short sitcom-style comedy video viewed online.
   • 1995 November 5, “(article title)”, in Variety‎^[1], Los Angeles, C.A.: Penske Media Corporation, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-04-28:

     WWW apes TV with bitcoms

   • 2006 September 6, “Web site fosters 'comedy community'”, in CNET‎^[2], archived from the original on 28 April 2024:

     The site, which officially launched Monday, features videos, dubbed "bitcoms," of 30 to 90 seconds. Visitors can also participate in contests, vote and comment on all posted material from comics such as site co-founder Ray Ellin and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Dean Edwards.

   • 2007 March 1, “Snack Attack!”, in Wired‎^[3], San Francisco, C.A.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-04-04:

     Sitcom to Bitcom

   • 2008 January 23, Gail Schiller, “Open mike night with TBS 'bitcoms'”, in The Hollywood Reporter‎^[4], Los Angeles, C.A.: Eldridge Industries, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-04-28:

     The bitcoms are shot in a comedy club and feature either TBS talent or comics hired by TBS especially for the bitcoms.

   • 2008 July 7, Stuart Elliott, “Networks employ ’pod-busters’ to keep viewers in their seats”, in The New York Times‎^[5], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-12-05:

     For instance, TBS, part of Turner Entertainment, will offer four different pod-busters - bitcoms, which will feature comedians performing skits about sponsors like Pizza Hut; microseries, two-minute shows that integrate advertisers like Revlon into plots; customized spots for series like "House of Payne" and "My Boys," featuring cast members promoting sponsors like Chrysler and Alltel; and matchups between the themes of spots and shows, known as TV in Context.

Usage notes

• The term "bitcom" enjoyed some popularity in the mid-2000s but has since faded into obscurity. Although the concept remains extremely popular, there is no longer any specific name for this style of content.