Month: February 2022

Rapid Insights: Euphoria’s Still Flying High

Already a breakout hit, HBO’s intensely compelling teen drama has nearly doubled in ratings with the recent premiere of its much-talked-about second season. Here’s what you need to know about Euphoria’s first season:

How did Euphoria’s audience compare to other teenage coming-of-age dramas?

It’s older. While all shows in this genre tend to skew female, Euphoria’s intense, hard-R content attracts more adults (71% aged 35+) than shows like Gossip Girl, Love, Victor, and Sex Education (all roughly 50% under age 30).

What’s different about the social buzz around the newest season?
It’s significantly more popular. While Season 1 social tracking was strong, there were ups and downs throughout its release, whereas online chatter for Season 2 hit our max of 160 with the premiere and hasn’t dropped since.

What element most drove viewers to tweet about the show?
Nate and Maddy’s Abusive Relationship (143). Their unhealthy and turbulent teen romance propels the story’s emotional extremes (swinging from Ecstasy to Loathing) that help amp up the online social chatter.

Which character’s journey did audiences find most engaging overall?
Rue (played by Zendaya). Her role as an LGBTQ+ Protagonist (146) exploring her sexual identity as well as her battle with Alcohol & Drug Abuse (133) makes her the heavyweight contributor to the show’s stellar ratings.

What makes the first season so bingeable?
It’s no-holds-barred depiction of Teen Life (136). The show’s multi-faceted portrayals of Teen Romance (130), teen Sexual Promiscuity (130), and the complicated ordeal of growing up keep viewers coming back for more.

Does the show’s explicit sexuality help or harm its reputation?
Help. The series’ varied depictions of Sexual Activity (135) served as a key ratings driver in season 1, and the core characters’ overpowering desire for sexual contact contributes to longevity (Physical Activity (113)).

Rapid Insights: Pam & Tommy Spark Another Media Frenzy

Already earning major buzz in the media, Hulu’s scripted new limited series fleshes out the deeply personal story behind one of the 90s’ most notorious real-life celebrity sex scandals. Here’s what you need to know about Pam & Tommy:

How do Pam & Tommy viewers differ from those of other recent celebrity bio-dramas?
They’re younger and more male (53% male / 47% <30), thanks to the show’s sexual overtones. Audiences for similarly dramatized famous media scandals, such as American Crime Story (FX), A Very English Scandal, and Feud, instead tend to be more female and overwhelmingly aged 30+.

Have audiences been talking about the series premiere?
Yes. Social Buzz in the days leading up to release was very high (150), outstripping anticipation for the first seasons of similarly true stories American Crime Story, Feud, and A Very English Scandal.

How different is Pam & Tommy from other present-day dramas set in the 90s?
It pulls in a broader range of genres. Compared to similarly throwback series like American Crime Story, Pose, Clarice, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, and Selena: The Series, Pam & Tommy has fewer overly dramatic elements and instead dials up the Comedy (109) and Romance (112).

Do viewers need to be familiar with the real-life scandal before jumping in?
No. The fact that the series is Based on a True Story (101) is only a modest reason for audience engagement; instead, the intricacies of the core couple’s Romantic Relationship (112) are a much bigger draw.

What emotional experience best makes viewers want to binge Pam & Tommy?
The core couple’s outrage at their privacy being violated. Tommy’s Aggressiveness (125) and Pam’s Anger (125) at the leak of their private sex tape both contribute to the series’ bingeability and link to today’s current reckoning with the way 90s pop culture eviscerated celebrities.

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Rapid Insights: Peacemaker’s Super(hero) Success

A spin-off of DC superhero film The Suicide Squad, this series tracks the next chapter for John Cena’s snarky, violent, “I’ll kill anyone in the name of peace” vigilante and has been an instant hit for HBOMax. Here’s what you need to know about Peacemaker:

How does Peacemaker’s audience compare to other DC Universe series?
Peacemaker skews decidedly more male and slightly younger (65% male / 41% <30)  than other recent DC siblings like Watchmen, The Flash, Doom Patrol, and Black Lightning.

How does the character’s dynamic personality impact the show’s success?
He helps engage the audience. Peacemaker’s status as a narcissistic Antihero doing good by doing bad is a top driver for both bingeability (136) and social buzz (112), and his irresistible Charisma & Confidence (120) is a key component of the series’ longevity.

How does its tone differ from other DC series?
It’s funnier. The snickeringly Awkward Misadventures (117) of Peacemaker and his ill-equipped team help make the show bingeworthy, and its dark, Twisted Humor (111) and ability to play with the Comedy (122) genre sets it apart from its more serious brethren.

Are people currently talking about it?
Yes, especially compared to previous DC shows. Peacemaker has seen consistently outstanding social tracking (160) throughout its first two weeks, an achievement on par with Watchmen. Other series like Doom Patrol, Superman & Lois, and Black Lightning did not see the same level of sustained buzz.

Is Peacemaker’s heavier focus on violence a good thing?
Yes, it helps it stand out. The show’s Stylized Action & Violence (114) is a key contributor to social buzz and engagement, more so than the lighter, more broadcast-friendly action in most other DC series.

What does Peacemaker have to offer non-comic book fans?
Compellingly deep relationships. The show highlights an Unlikely Friendship (127) between its abrasive protagonist and his compassionate, morally-driven new teammate and delves into the complicated Personal Backstory (123) with his withholding father.

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