Humour and Intertextuality: the Use of Inter-Referentiality in The Simpsons, South Park and Family Guy

Abstract

The paper analyses how three iconic American TV shows have used humour to individualize their respective identities and intertextuality to differentiate from each other. The Simpsons, South Park and Family Guy occupy special places in American popular culture and they are chosen in this paper not only for their unique identities, but also because of the rivalry that exists between them in the media, in their content and between their fans. This rivalry puts a particular spin on the way the shows approach intertextuality in that inter referentiality took on a prominent role in defining their identity and in conveying not only the messages and meanings behind various episodes, but also the philosophy behind each show.