"This guided tour of the American situation comedy is given by one of the most prolific directors of the genre. He describes the 10 steps of sitcom production and outlines the five-day process, from the early table draft to the final shooting in front of a live audience"-- Provided by publisher.

Foreword by Tom Hanks -- Introduction by Rosario J. Roveto, Jr. -- Joel's Approach to the Sitcom -- Step 1: Preparation -- Step 2: Staging -- Step 3: Dialogue -- Step 4: Fine Tuning the Acting -- Step 5: Writers' and Producers' Run-Through -- Step 6: Applying Producer Notes -- Step 7: Network Run-Through -- Step 8: Shooting the Show -- Step 9: Adjusting the Shoot -- Step 10: Final Shoot -- Conclusion.