A senior marketing manager at Experian Simmons said, "Looking at the Democrats side, I don't mean to make light of it, but they seem to like shows about damaged people. Those are the kind of shows Republicans just stay away from." Haha. Though, I think that's actually a pretty fair assessment. A lot of Democrats tend to be well-educated (many with liberal arts degrees...), and also younger, and that demographic tends to appreciate shows that feature more complex storylines and characters (where the protagonist is not always a good person. Or, maybe a better way of putting it is that the protagonists have a tendency to be more morally ambiguous). These type of viewers usually aren't as interested in shows that fit the typical mold (i.e., unoriginal), have blah writing/art direction, are fluffy, or have a laugh track.
No surprise, the most polarizing shows (in the top 15) are Glenn Beck and Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
I had to do a double-take when I first went down the list of most popular Democrat shows. Mad Men at number two, very nice. Dexter at number 3, I approve. Then we get to Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami and 90210?!? What the fuck?! What caused that drop off to terrible land?
Reality shows tend to be more popular with Republicans. Five of their top 15 shows are reality shows. Whereas with the Democrats, one reality show is in the top 15 (and it's a pretty bad one).
I was surprised that Modern Family made the top 3 for Republicans, but didn't make the top 15 for Democrats (though Modern Family scored 124 with Republicans and 108 with Democrats. So it's not like Democrats have no love for Modern Family). I understand why Republicans would like Modern Family -- it's on ABC, it's a sitcom, it's about family. But it's also a kind of a progressive show. I mean, it does feature a happy gay couple that have an adopted child...and it doesn't result in the world catching on fire. I'm just surprised it's as high up on the Republican list and as low down on the Democrat list.
Yay Democrats: Democrats appreciate 30 Rock, Community, Parks & Recreation, and Breaking Bad for the great shows they are. Republicans are missing out.
The Republican score for Mad Men is 55 and for 30 Rock it's 68; yet their score for Dancing with the Stars is 117, The Bachelor is 114, and Two and a Half Men is 112?! Blasphemy!
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I'm definitely more of a democrat tv-watcher. There are two shows on the red side that I have watched a lot of (Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother), and only one do I currently watch (is How I Met Your Mother even on still? I just watched the first season or two). There are four shows on the blue side that I have watched a lot of (30 Rock, Community, Parks and Recreation, and Dexter), and three I still watch regularly.
ReplyDeleteI think Modern Family is my very favorite sitcom on right now. While I definitely laugh more at 30 Rock and think it's every bit as enjoyable, I'm a girl who needs a little more heart (or, um, sap), and Modern Family delivers.
I'm also more of a democrat tv-watcher. I actively/regularly watch 6 of the shows (Mad Men, Dexter, 30 Rock, Community, Parks & Recreation, Breaking Bad). On the Republican side, I actively/regularly watch one (Modern Family). In the past I have watched (and enjoyed) The Amazing Race and Survivor. But due to watching so many other shows/time constraints, they've kind of been left behind. I watched the first part of Survivor this season, but just missed too many episodes.
ReplyDeleteI love Modern Family, too. I was pretty surprised that it wasn't on the Democrat top 15 list. While I love it, I don't think it quite gets my top spot for favorite sitcom on right now. I think 30 Rock might just take the top prize. But I totally hear you about the heart/sap factor. I like a good dose of that as well, and Modern Family does a great job providing it. I think that's also one of the reasons why I love Glee. There's lot of "feel good" moments and scenes appealing to your emotions. Like the religion episode of Glee that was on a few weeks ago, holy shit I was crying my eyes out throughout that episode.
Ugly Betty also gave me plenty of heart/sap. I miss that show.
My list, in addition to the ones already included on the list, would include more premium cable shows, Glee, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
I don't watch much of Glee, but I always like it when I watch it. And I'm with you on the religion episode. I was crying in the first minute, man.
ReplyDeleteAnd It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is probably tied for first for me, but I haven't been able to watched any of the new season yet, because I was having a hard time finding it online after the first couple episodes, and then I forgot (but now that I remember, I'll go look RIGHT NOW).
Well if you're going to catch Glee anytime soon, skip yesterday's episode. It was not up to standard.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you saw the religion episode, and so you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I think that's my favorite Glee episode ever (just thinking about Kurt singing "I Want to Hold Your Hand" is making me teary-eyed). I love how quick-to-tears we are...it's pretty damn awesome.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been really good this season. So many good episodes. Hopefully you're able to find some online (and if you haven't checked for episodes yet, here's a reminder to do it RIGHT NOW).