[PhasmaFelis]

It only works for recent shows. Outside of the last decade or two, every sitcom had to have a laugh track, period.

[dragonwriter]

> Outside of the last decade or two, every sitcom had to have a laugh track, period.

More correct: every live action sitcom used a laugh track and/or live studio audience.

[SamReidHughes]

The Simpsons didn't.

[PhasmaFelis]

I think Simpsons managed to trick the powers that be into classifying it as a cartoon instead of a sitcom. Different rules.