The formation of television in the USA was different than for movies. The early cameras were incredibly large, required close access to transmission equipment, and needed high ends technical staff to maintain it. Also, Rockefeller Center was built in NYC for the express purpose of being a television studio, the first of its kind in the world.
So, a lot of early television was done on various stages. Since Broadway was nearby, TV companies pulled a lot of theatre acting talent to make television shows. Because these people were used to performing in front of an audience, they brought audiences with them.
Scripted comedies ended up being holdouts in switching to non-audience filming because it was thought that the live audience made the viewing experience better for the television audience. People watching alone could laugh with the audience.
The formation of television in the USA was different than for movies. The early cameras were incredibly large, required close access to transmission equipment, and needed high ends technical staff to maintain it. Also, Rockefeller Center was built in NYC for the express purpose of being a television studio, the first of its kind in the world.
So, a lot of early television was done on various stages. Since Broadway was nearby, TV companies pulled a lot of theatre acting talent to make television shows. Because these people were used to performing in front of an audience, they brought audiences with them.
Scripted comedies ended up being holdouts in switching to non-audience filming because it was thought that the live audience made the viewing experience better for the television audience. People watching alone could laugh with the audience.