The laugh track, that decades-old sitcom convention, has been drifting out of style in recent years. Most acclaimed comedies -- "30 Rock, "The Office," "Modern Family" -- don't use one, and cable ...

As the Emmys approach on Monday, there is an impressive roster of comedy series nominees like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Ted Lasso,” “Hacks,” “Barry,” “Only Murders in the Building.