Probably my favourite TV shows are traditional sitcoms, with 3 cameras and a live studio audience. I'm talking about British shows like Red Dwarf, Father Ted, Black Books and American shows like Frasier, Friends, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Big Bang Theory.

Does such a thing exist on Japanese TV? Or for laughs do I have to choose between comedy based J-dramas and those wacky variety shows (which I find a bit silly..).

EDIT: I'm starting this thread after finding out Red Dwarf has been released in Japan, with a dubbed Japanese audio-track (the first episode is on the European series 1 DVD - man wish I could hold of the rest), so must be a market for them..

I don't know, I just go by what's on d-addicts. ;p By that I mean um, that I observe what's listed on d-addicts, or rather I have a friend do so, and then I import the legitimately licensed DVDs while clucking my tongue at the evil pirates.

There are a few titles mentioned on the appropriate Wikipedia page - 『HR』、『スチャラカ社員』、『ダイラケのびっくり捕物帖』。
Also, in the realm of Anime 『あずまんが大王』 and　『らき☆すた』 are often compared to Seinfeld.

Great thanks! So now we know they exist, any recommendations?

(will definitely check out those animes).

I love this one: やっぱり猫が好き
With the cast from 「かもめ食堂」

Manga yes...there are tons of manga that are just comedic and hilarious


actual TV shows....don't know, haven't seen that much

Live audience? You mean a laugh track?

Anyway, two that come to mind that I've personally seen are セレぶり３ and パフュームのシャンダリアハウス. Can't guarantee that you'll like them.