House is considered a dramatic-comedy television show that “first went on air four years back in November of 2004” (Diaz) and is now in its fifth season of production. House has proved very popular and appeals to a wide audience base, reaching teenagers and college students up through the baby boomer generation. This show is based on the life and work of Dr. Greg House, who is a brilliant yet arrogant and rude diagnostician. Each episode details at least one mysterious medical case about which Dr. House (commonly referred to as House in the show) and his team of doctors attempt to diagnose and treat. House’s personality and antics are truly what set the show apart however, and are the primary reason I have chosen the show as my blog topic. The comedy aspect of this show is almost solely based on House’s inappropriate and often demeaning comments. His constant insults and derogatory remarks often revolve around race, gender, culture, and many other groups and/or people that often are the target of discrimination and bias. Thus, because this program contains aspects of many topics we will likely be discussing in Women Studies (racism, sexism, etc.) it will prove as a source rich in material available for analysis. In addition, even clothing of the characters (especially the sometimes provocative clothing of the female advisor) is thought and discussion provoking as it can be connected to the bias and sometimes discriminatory views of women and others. Another feature of this show which impacted my interest and ultimate decision was its popularity. Initially it seems that followers of this show may see comedy in House’s attitude and remarks not despite their derogatory nature but possibly because of them. This brings up the question of “why?”. I seek to look closer at this hypothesis throughout the semester as I gain the tools for analysis.

Diaz, Glenn L. “House: Premiere Details.” BuddyTV. 15 Sept. 2008. 19 Jan. 2009 < http://www.buddytv.com/articles/house/house-premiere-details-22744.aspx>.