Smosh
 · 2 min read
 · Michael Faxon
Table of contents

Comparing Smosh's Try Not to Laugh and Food Battle: Production Style and Audience Appeal

Introduction

Smosh has been a pioneer in online entertainment, creating a vast array of content that appeals to different audience demographics. Among their popular series are "Try Not to Laugh" and "Food Battle," each offering a unique viewing experience. This article breaks down the differences in production style and audience appeal between these two series to highlight what makes them distinct and enjoyable in their own right.

Details

  • Production Style

    • Format and Structure
      • "Try Not to Laugh" features a competitive format where participants must resist laughing at a series of funny videos or skits.
      • In contrast, "Food Battle" is a scripted series that centers around various food-themed competitions between characters, often featuring narrative arcs.
    • Cinematography and Editing
      • The editing in "Try Not to Laugh" is fast-paced, highlighting the reactions of the contestants and the comedic clips, creating a lively atmosphere.
      • "Food Battle" employs cinematic techniques typical of scripted shows, such as storyboarding, set design, and continuity editing, enhancing the narrative experience.
    • Sound Design
      • "Try Not to Laugh" utilizes sound effects and audience laughter tracks to amplify comedic moments and maintain engagement during the competition.
      • "Food Battle" incorporates thematic music and sound cues that align with the storyline, adding depth to each battle scene.

  • Audience Appeal

    • Target Demographics
      • "Try Not to Laugh" tends to attract a younger audience, particularly teens and pre-teens, as it engages viewers with relatable humor and challenges.
      • In comparison, "Food Battle" appeals to a broader demographic, including older fans, due to its humorous take on nostalgic food rivalries and quirky characters.
    • Engagement Level
      • The interactive nature of "Try Not to Laugh" allows viewers to participate by challenging themselves to not laugh, fostering a sense of community and involvement.
      • "Food Battle" offers a more passive viewing experience that focuses on storytelling, making it suitable for viewers who enjoy narratives with comedic elements.
    • Replay Value
      • "Try Not to Laugh" has high replay value since viewers can easily watch or participate in different episodes multiple times, each viewing potentially resulting in new reactions.
      • Although "Food Battle" is enjoyable, it relies on its storyline; therefore, the replay value may be lower as episodes can feel less dynamic compared to quick comedic clips.

Conclusion

Smosh's "Try Not to Laugh" and "Food Battle" stand out for their distinct production styles and audience appeal. While "Try Not to Laugh" emphasizes interactive laughter challenges with fast-paced editing and younger demographics, "Food Battle" leans into scripted storytelling, appealing to a wider range of viewers. Understanding these differences underscores Smosh's versatility in producing content that resonates with diverse audiences while maintaining their unique comedic voice.