Does anyone remember the time when, aside from dramas, viewers were treated to a vast number of sitcoms? Where did they go, and why haven’t there been any new series in recent years?

For recent K-drama fans, it's worth noting that many of the sitcoms that aired in the past played a key role in launching the careers of new actors. Despite their often lengthy episode counts, these sitcoms provided something fresh and entertaining in each episode. They were hilarious, romantic, and full of heart. In contrast to dramas, which typically have hour-long episodes, sitcom episodes were around 30 minutes, making them a light and delightful watch.

Some of the most memorable sitcoms include the "Nonstop" series, the "High Kick" series, "Potato Star 2013QR3," and "Vampire Idol." If you’ve seen any of these, you’ve likely noticed many now-famous actors, including Lee Jong Suk, Kim Woo Bin, Jung Il Woo, Hwang Jung Eum, Seo Ye Ji, Yeo Jin Goo, Yoo In Na, and more.

The "Nonstop" series became unexpectedly popular, ultimately running for six seasons. First airing in 2000, this sitcom followed the daily lives of a group of college students who were roommates and neighbors. Then there was the "High Kick" series, a fan-favorite across all age groups. It became a cultural phenomenon, spawning viral memes and catchphrases, like Krystal’s iconic “bbuing bbuing” and Shin Hye’s “banggu ddonggu.”

Other standout sitcoms like "Potato Star 2013QR3" and "Vampire Idol" took a unique approach, breaking away from the typical sitcom formula. "Potato Star 2013QR3" kicked off its series with a comedic sci-fi twist as a giant asteroid heads toward Earth. "Vampire Idol" followed the comedic misadventures of a young vampire prince who comes to Earth to see his favorite idol perform, only to get stranded with his three loyal servants.

There’s something truly light-hearted about these sitcoms. Each episode feels more personal than a typical drama, and despite the large number of episodes in a season, it never feels overwhelming. You don’t need to start from the first episode to enjoy the series—each episode stands well on its own, making it easy to jump around and still have a great time.

So, why haven’t we seen any new sitcoms from broadcasters in the last few years? These shows were a fantastic launchpad for rookie actors and provided a refreshing, light break from the intensity of K-dramas. But despite their charm and popularity, sitcoms have largely disappeared from our screens.

One reason could be the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, which have shifted the focus to high-budget, cinematic dramas that appeal to international audiences. K-dramas, with their intricate plots and emotional rollercoasters, have become the main course, while sitcoms, with their shorter, more laid-back vibe, have fallen off the radar.

Then there’s the fact that variety shows and web series have taken over the light-entertainment space. They offer similar humor and relatability but cater to modern viewers who prefer unscripted, bite-sized content. Still, it’s hard to deny the unique comfort that sitcoms brought. They were easy to watch, feel-good, and gave us iconic characters and catchphrases.

So, will they ever come back? With so many fans holding onto the nostalgia of classics like “Nonstop” and “High Kick,” there's always hope for a revival. After all, trends in entertainment are constantly evolving, and the demand for light-hearted, fun content might just bring sitcoms back into the spotlight. Here's hoping broadcasters are listening!