Why don't American animated shows have a continuing story?

Question

I know there are exceptions, but most American animated TV shows are like sitcoms: They just have individual episodes and very little continuity. Some American cartoons will have the occasional story arc, but for the most part every episode is meant to be self-contained. Why is this, and how come Japanese animation is the exact opposite? Nearly every anime I've heard of follows a continuing story.

In America, even cartoons that do have a well-established continuity don't have the same feeling of a main, overarching story that you find in serialized TV shows. Think of Adventure Time: even though the show has strong continuity, you can start watching from any episode and not feel lost.

There are plenty of serialized live-action shows in America, but rarely cartoons. Why is this? And why is Japanese animation serialized, while animation in America is the opposite?

Answer 1

Because most Japanese animated shows are serious and not comedies. There isn't a serious need for continuity within comedy as they're based around situations.

Answer 2

Because the writers don't want their show to have an ending, they want to keep feeding the cash cow ala spongebob.

Answer 3

Mostly for the reason you said, so you can start anywhere and not feel lost, but if you choose you can go and watch the story arc. Plus as someone said it's more comedy so situational simple stories and animation focus