TV "Extras"

     When watching some American television sitcoms, it seems so predictably silly that the "extras" in each episode don't speak.  They might nod, shake their head, gesture silently... but they don't say anything.  It's so weird because real people don't behave like that.  Maybe TV networks got cheap and don't want to pay for the "extras" to add a few words.  But, the shows lose believability.  Older TV shows and foreign ones don't have that peculiar problem; everyone speaks--as in real life.  How can you portray "real life" if the audience knows that only the main characters (and the guests of each episode) are vocal.  It's comical when Lewis and I watch TV, and we say, "The police officer will merely shrug."  Or, "Here comes a store owner upset at the mess they're making; watch him only gesture angrily."  Or we watch characters pass through a crowded restaurant... where you don't hear any voices other than the 2 characters.  I'm sure they have the budget for it.  They should make the shows better.