<P> A laugh track (or laughter track) is a separate soundtrack for a recorded comedy show containing the sound of audience laughter . In some productions, the laughter is a live audience response instead; in the United States, where it is most commonly used, the term usually implies artificial laughter (canned laughter or fake laughter) made to be inserted into the show . This was invented by American sound engineer Charles "Charley" Douglass . </P> <P> The Douglass laugh track became a standard in mainstream television in the U.S., dominating most prime - time sitcoms from the late 1950s to the late 1970s . Usage of the Douglass laughter decreased by the 1980s when stereophonic laughter was provided by rival sound companies as well as the overall practice of single - camera sitcoms eliminating audiences altogether . </P>

Where do the laughs come from on tv shows
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