Author: Claire

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Is the same Dexter audience tuning in for this new revival? 
Yes and no. All four of the existing Dexter series show a roughly even gender split (for Resurrection: 47% men / 53% women) and heavily favor viewers 35+ (for Resurrection: 78%). However, the original series premiered back in 2006, meaning that fans watching the pilot live on Showtime are 19 years older now in 2025; thus, the 22% of the Resurrection audience that’s aged <35 today suggests that the franchise has picked up a considerable base of new and younger fans in the years since.

How important is the Dexter brand to the success of Resurrection? 
Extremely. Resurrection picks up shortly after the finale events in the New Blood limited series, in which (spoiler alert!) the titular antihero was shot and seemingly killed. Fans of Dexter Morgan are undoubtedly flocking to this sequel to see how he survived and where his story will go next. The fact that Resurrection is an IP Extension (137) is its #1 overall viewership driver, and the storytelling tools that have become closely associated with the franchise (Dexter’s snarky Voice-Over Narration, 122; serial killer Murder Violence, 124; deeper themes around Father-Child Relationships, 125) are also crucial audience draws.

What’s setting this new Resurrection series apart? 
Dexter’s arc. In Dexter, the character hid in plain sight as part of the Miami PD, maintaining a clean façade to hide his lethal extracurriculars; in New Blood, he hid out of sight in an isolated small town, avoiding anyone who might recognize him from the past. Now, in Resurrection, our favorite killer’s no longer quite so hidden, luridly embracing his antisocial Dark Passenger (Fish Out of Water, 122) in vibrant New York City (NYC Setting, 113), all while Being Hunted (120) by an old Miami coworker who finally knows what he’s capable of. The now-Captain Angel Batista–a mainstay of the original series–at last suspects Dexter of being the notorious Bay Harbor Butcher (Murder Suspect, 125) from all those years ago and is hot on his heels, injecting this series with a larger dose of Anticipation (118) and Terror (116) compared to its predecessors. These new pieces to Dexter’s journey are particularly boosting Resurrection’s ratings and potential longevity.

How is Resurrection’s social buzz? 
Absolutely killing it. The late-May trailer spiked social chatter to the top of our buzz meter (at 160) for several days; online activity shot back up only a month later–an entire two weeks before the show’s premiere–and has stayed up there ever since, with no dips at all in the weeks between new episodes. And Resurrection’s rising tide has indeed lifted all boats, as the other shows in the Dexter canon have also seen major uplifts. Both the original Dexter and New Blood have been sitting steadily at (160) since late May, and Original Sin has been hovering in the “outstanding” buzz range since mid-July. Fans of the franchise are likely comparing and contrasting and discussing earlier plot points, given how intertwined the storylines are across all four series.

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What’s pulling viewers into Countdown? 
A high-octane undercover team. Countdown takes an action-forward approach to its crime-solving, punctuating its many thrilling scenes of Action & Violence (144) with moments of humor to keep the tone light and fun. The series follows a band of covert operatives from different law enforcement agencies all Working Undercover (119) to stop a nuclear bomb from detonating in America’s second largest city. Audiences are tuning in for their breathtaking Heroism (136) and Teamwork (125) as well as the sharp, playful Co-worker Relationships (134) and Unlikely Friendships (115) that develop among the mismatched group.

What’s making Ballard so compelling? 
Solving crimes in a familiar universe. A spin-off of the mega-successful Bosch and also based on a Michael Connelly novel series, Ballard follows LAPD Detective Renée Ballard as she delves into a series of unsolved cold-case murders (Solving A Murder, 130; Death Theme, 120) and uncovers a far-reaching web of police corruption and cover-ups. The show’s ties to Bosch (IP Extension, 146)–the popular titular character even cameos in the trailer (Returning Character, 125)–are its #1 viewership driver, and audiences are leaning into Ballard’s similarly-themed Police Procedural (125) elements and complex, darker tone.

What’s setting Smoke apart? 
Ambiguity, suspicion, and the potential for twists. From author Dennis Lehane, Smoke was inspired by a true-crime podcast and follows a pair of troubled investigators–one a police detective, the other with the fire department–who reluctantly Team Up (131) to stop a pair of serial arsonists (Criminal Investigation, 152; Fighting Crime, 135) before they can kill again. The show’s big hook is its enigmatic arson investigator (Mysterious Character, 117), who falls Under Suspicion (129) and becomes a major suspect in his own case. The possibility that he’s hiding Dark Secrets (130) and putting others’ Lives in Danger (133)–including his police partner–creates heavy tension and suspense and is keeping viewers glued to their seats.

How are these shows doing in terms of online chatter? 
Great. All three immediately rocketed to the top of our social buzz meter (at 160) upon their premieres and held that level consistently for two full weeks post-release. Since then, Countdown and Smoke, both on a weekly roll-out schedule, have seen a bit of a drop between new episodes but have nevertheless stayed in “outstanding”-level territory; Ballard, whose full first season was released all at once, has remained at (160) since its drop, with no variation

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Which of the show’s two genres is most influencing its appeal? 
Moral crime drama. We’re seeing a gender-balanced audience (50% men) of those 30+ (80%)–a much closer match for the world of anti-hero crime thrillers than soapy family melodramas. Shows like Ozark, Yellowstone and Animal Kingdom all maintain a similar gender balance, while series that lean more into tumultuous, twist-filled family relationships (Revenge, Nashville, This Is Us, Bloodline, A Million Little Things, and even the creator’s own Dawson’s Creek and The Vampire Diaries) all appeal more heavily to women.

Are these crime-based elements propelling the show’s ratings? 
Absolutely. The show’s top five ratings drivers all center around the affluent Buckley family’s descent into organized crime (Criminal Organization, 160; Crime Family, 146) as they attempt to save their one-proud empire from spiraling into decay. Outwardly respected business moguls whose family has dominated the North Carolina fishing industry for generations, the current crop of Buckleys will do anything to preserve this at-risk legacy, turning to High Stakes (136) smuggling, Drug Dealing (134), and worse for ever-higher and riskier payouts (Avarice & Greed, 128) as fishing becomes increasingly unreliable as a source of wealth. The Waterfront joins similar gritty crime dramas (e.g. MobLand, Peaky Blinders) in leaning on its less-than-legal underworld elements to pull in audiences.

Where does the family drama piece come in? 
It inspires bingeability. While viewers may be tuning in for the Buckleys’ fledgling criminal empire, they’re staying glued to their screens for the family’s interpersonal clashes, toxic melodramas, deep-seated Marital Problems (125), and soapy Family Legacy (112). The secrets of this toughened, hardened clan (Tough Guys, 151) provide plenty of fodder for relationship twists and turns throughout the show’s first season, especially in the wake of their Life Changing Decision (116) to become involved in crime. The binge-driving emotional experience of Surprise (119) is also gripping audiences, who are eager to see the storyline zig and zag.

How is the show’s social buzz? 
Very impressive. For the first four weeks of its release, The Waterfront held a consistent (160) on our social buzz meter, maxing out our top measured level of chatter for a length of time exceeding most comps. While online activity has since dipped very slightly, it’s still hanging out near the top of “outstanding” territory at (150), promising continued buzz for weeks to come. The star-studded crime thriller MobLand saw a similar streak of social virality after its release back in March.

What will help propel The Waterfront into a second season? 
The chance the Buckleys will get caught. Among the show’s many secondary characters is a DEA agent sniffing around the family’s drug smuggling, and, along with the stresses inherent in Working with Family (117) on such an illegal enterprise, the potential for a Criminal Investigation (114) with Emotions Running High (114) will help maintain the suspense and stakes across future seasons.

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Who’s been watching this new aquatic adventure show? 
We’re seeing an audience that leans toward men (55%) and is heavily older, both on linear AMC (90% aged 35+, with the largest demo 55+) and streaming AMC+ (78% aged 30+, with the largest demo 45+). This viewership matches other linear-based historical adventure epics like Vikings, Black Sails, Into the Badlands, The Last Kingdom, and The Librarians: The Next Chapter. (Notably, genre entrants that originate on streaming–Shōgun, Marco Polo–tend to land a bit younger overall.)

What’s the series’ biggest draw? 
Its odd couple pairing. At the heart of the show is the ‘opposites attract’ energy between the mercurial, secretive Nemo and the privileged, stubborn Humility Lucas, a woman forcibly taken aboard after the Nautilus collided with her ship. Though initially adversaries from very different backgrounds, the pair ultimately forges an Unlikely Friendship (145) as their adventures progress, and it’s this element that spurs the most dynamic character growth and propels all four of our key metrics: ratings, bingeability, social buzz, and longevity.

What else is pulling in viewers? 
The crew’s interactions. Nemo and his Nautilus companions (save Humility Lucas) start the show as prisoners of the East India Mercantile Company, sentenced to hard labor constructing the firm’s powerful new submarine. Through a carefully-planned uprising (Rebels, 122), they succeed in taking over the vessel and sail to freedom in the open seas, refashioning what was intended as a war machine into a ship of exploration and scientific discovery. Audiences are tuning in for this motley crew’s compelling Team Dynamics (112) as brothers-in-arms and now deep-water sailors, and to see them clash and cooperate as they take the Nautilus on new adventures. Interestingly, the series’ connection to the famous classic novel does not appear anywhere in its list of top drivers, possibly because nearly all of its characters and storylines were invented fresh for the show.

What’s keeping audiences watching? 
Adventure and suspense. The show’s exhilarating, swashbuckling sense of Outdoor Adventure (122) couples well with the heightened stakes of the crew’s Dangerous Mission (119): to avoid capture and death at the hands of the sinister East India Mercantile Company officers hot on their trail. This overall tone of excitement, helped along by the Action & Violence (119) marking each deep-sea peril and hero-to-villain confrontation, is keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

What landed best in the show’s native UK and Australia? 
Humility and adventure but not the wider crew. Produced in Britain and filmed Down Under, Nautilus boasts the same overall top driver in these markets as it does in the US: the spark-filled Unlikely Friendship (125 AU; 120 UK) between Nemo and Humility Lucas. The show’s broader sense of Outdoor Adventure (121 AU; 119 UK) is also crucial in driving ratings, bingeability, and social buzz in both markets. However, the Team Dynamics (87 AU; 87 UK) and Rebel (102 AU; 102 UK) status of Nemo and his crewmates that are so important to American audiences are not nearly as interesting to viewers here, who instead seem to prefer a narrower story focus on the two ‘odd couple’ protagonists.

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Who’s been tuning in for this likeable new show?
With its golf focus and midlife crisis arc, we’re seeing an audience that’s mostly men (64%) and heavily aged 30+ (71%)–a notably more off-center sweet spot than many other lighter sports-focused dramas. Comparable shows like Ted Lasso, Cobra Kai, Running Point, The Game, Friday Night Lights, All American, and Ballers appeal to a somewhat more balanced streaming viewership, both in gender (45-56% men) and age (57-67% aged 30+).

What’s pulling in viewers and driving Stick’s ratings?
Weighty topics handled with a light touch. The two characters at the heart of Stick–disgraced pro-golfer Pryce and sullen teen prodigy Santi–are dealing with fears of abandonment and low self worth thanks to past trauma. Both have Anger Issues (123) as the latter grapples with deep-rooted Teen Angst (133) and the former tries desperately to resuscitate his future (Trying to Save Career, 128), laying an effective foundation for relatable drama and true character development. At the same time, the show’s gently humorous take on their story (Awkward & Funny Moments, 141) lightens the tone and invites audiences into their world.

What’s keeping audiences glued to their screens?
Warm character dynamics. Pryce and Santi are surrounded by caring friends and family (Supportive Relationships, 134) who boost them up as needed, and the unlikely yet genuine Mentorship (119) and Male Friendship (129) that develop between the pair as they butt heads and find common ground is the show’s beating heart. Their relationship is buoyed by an optimistic, feel-good strain of comedy (Feel Good Humor, 122), and it’s the show’s unique brand of inspiring warmth that’s driving bingeability and bringing viewers back throughout the season.

What type of emotional experience are viewers looking for?
A well-rounded one. Stick’s top emotional drivers reflect both the weightiness of its characters’ trauma and the hope of their ultimate success, both in golf and in life. As Pryce and Santi experience a range of very human emotions, from the lows of self-Loathing (134) and lash-out Aggressiveness (134) to the highs of competitive Anticipation (134) and hard-won mutual Trust (134), audiences are right there with them, pulled along by the relatability of their Optimism (110), Sadness (113), and general Apprehension (134) towards life.

Where do the sports themes come in?
They help with longevity. All of the show’s specifically sports-related elements top the list of drivers that will help push Stick to a second season: its insider focus on the golfing world (Sports Focus, 120), its protagonists’ specifically Coach-Athlete Relationship (129), and its centering on a pair of rootworthy Underdogs (137) who are fighting their way to the top. Stick very much falls in line with other sports-based dramas and dramedies in this area, whose long-term story engines also tend to be fed by similar themes.

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Do these shows always attract the same viewers? 
No. The age and gender skew of their audiences can vary widely, from mostly men (Ironheart, She-Hulk, Ahsoka) to primarily women (Batwoman, Supergirl), and heavily 30+ (Echo, Jessica Jones) to largely <30 (Ms. Marvel). This variation likely reflects the wide range of tones, subgenres, and violence levels incorporated into these series, each of which has a different appeal. For Ironheart, we’re seeing a viewership that’s 60% men and 58% aged 30+, aligning most closely with fellow Disney+ entry She-Hulk.

Is it important to these shows’ success that their superheroes are women? 
Not like it used to be. For the DC and Marvel series that premiered several years ago, the fact that they were led by powerful heroines rather than much more typical male protagonists was one of their very top viewership drivers (Strong Female Character, 151 – Batwoman (2019); Strong Female Protagonist, 148 – Jessica Jones (2015)). However, as both universes expanded and female superheroes happily became more common–both on TV and in theaters–their gender became less important. The more recent shows in each canon instead pull in viewers based on the nuances of their own specific stories and character development; the fact that they’re helmed by women doesn’t even appear among their key drivers.

What does spur ratings among the more recent female-led series? 
Superhero excitement and relatable characters. As with their male-led counterparts, shows like Ms. Marvel, Echo, She-Hulk, Ahsoka, and Ironheart trade heavily on their Stylized Action & Violence, heightened suspense (Life in Danger, Dangerous Mission), cool and imaginative Superpowers, and broader universe connections (Marvel Universe, Star Wars Universe) to get fans pumped and eager to watch. And underlying this layer of Action and Adventure is a broad base of emotional heart as these characters must navigate Family Relationships, Family Conflict, Emotional Turmoil, Friendships, and, in one case, Teen Angst, making it easy for viewers to sympathize and connect.

What’s setting Ironheart apart from the other Marvel shows? 
A Journey of Self Discovery (160). Though Ironheart is a superhero origin story just like many of its brethren, this version focuses on a frustrated teenage genius eager to be recognized for her skills and put her own stamp on the world, and its unique viewership drivers–beyond the action and Marvel connections–all revolve around her personal growth. The show tracks protagonist Riri, first introduced in the second Black Panther film, as she grapples with Tough Decisions (135), works to Overcome Adversity (126) (lack of funds, MIT expulsion, personal loss), and ultimately rises to the occasion, both emotionally and through her crime-fighting tech advancements (Stepping Up, 124; Bettering Oneself, 128). Riri is also a heroine who, like her idol Iron Man, invents her own superpowered capabilities rather than develops them supernaturally (as in Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, Echo, and Jessica Jones).

What’s the buzz potential for these superhero series? 
Extremely high. Thanks to the widespread popularity of their respective universes, these female-led series–just like their male-led counterparts–can spur tremendous chatter online, especially the more recent entries. Whereas ten years ago, shows in this genre took a bit longer to catch on and build word of mouth (e.g. 2015’s Jessica Jones, which didn’t really hit its stride until T+40 days after release), Ms. Marvel, Echo, She-Hulk, Ahsoka, and now Ironheart (all released since 2022) immediately maxed out our social buzz meter (at 160) with their premiere and remained there for a number of weeks.

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Who’s tuning in for this intriguing new series? 
We’re seeing an audience that’s mostly women (60%) and heavily aged 35+ (90%)–a profile right in line with other linear series about mysterious supernatural happenings in a small town. Shows like The Returned, The Leftovers, Manifest, Wayward Pines, Grimm, and Haven all hit a similar viewership sweet spot (56-65% women / 89-94% aged 35+).

What’s Revival’s biggest draw? 
Its unique spin on Solving A Murder (146). After the dead awaken (Afterlife, 125), small town police officer Dana Cypress (Female Professional, 127) must figure out who killed her younger sister, a “reviver” who has no memory of her own demise. Working with a CDC lab contact to analyze the supernatural evidence (Scientific Method, 125), Dana contends with Murder Suspects (131) both living and undead to uncover what happened and how it might be related to the miraculous “Revival Day.” The show leverages its high-concept set-up to infuse a procedural framework with fresh new layers, inject a sense of the macabre (Death Theme, 130), and bring its original source material to life (Based on a Book, 137), keeping audience glued to their seats and driving both bingeability and longevity.

Why else are viewers tuning in? 
For its unsettling slice of Small Town Life (122). Revival’s isolated setting makes the Mysterious Event (117) at its center that much more unnerving, amplifying the unease of its 4,500 residents as they’re forcibly blockaded from the rest of the world by the CDC. The show’s exploration of the widespread paranoia as well as its focus on Dana’s maladjusted personal life (snarky and resentful, she’s desperate to escape while trying her best as a Single Parent (122)) are helping to boost ratings.

How is the show’s social buzz? 
Really good. The pilot’s premiere on June 12 spurred significant online activity, maxing out our social buzz meter (at 160) for several days. Though chatter dipped a bit in the week between new episodes–a common occurrence for series on a weekly rollout schedule–it nevertheless remained in “promising” range (at 118) before spiking right back up into “outstanding” territory (at 149) with episode two. This pattern suggests a promising hold for the rest of the show’s first season.

What’s appealing to Canadian audiences? 
Dark humor in a small town. Filmed entirely in New Brunswick, Syfy’s Revival is airing simultaneously across the border on CTV Sci-Fi, and Canadian audiences are being pulled in by different elements than their American counterparts. In particular, the show’s Twisted Humor (116 CA) carries much more weight here, especially as it relates to quirky Small Town Life (120 CA) and Dana’s misadventures as a Single Parent (120 CA). At the same time, the whodunnit investigation at the heart of the story (Solving a Murder, 80 CA; Murder Suspect, 93 CA; Scientific Method, 103 CA) is much less compelling.

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Who’s been watching this compelling new series? 
We’re seeing an audience that’s 53% women and 81% aged 30+–a more gender-balanced viewership than many similar dark crime dramas. Other entrants in this space often appeal more heavily to women, even those led by male detectives (e.g. Mare of Easttown, Happy Valley, Long Bright River, Broadchurch, Wallander, Sherlock–all 57-63% women), though they all show a similarly heavy 30+ skew.

What’s the show’s biggest draw? 
Its eccentric protagonist (Eccentric Character POV, 145). After a case gone wrong destroys his meager emotional stability, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck is relegated to the cold case basement, investigating unsolvable crimes that no one else wants to touch (Lifestyle Change, 118). Brilliant yet thoroughly unlikeable–his judgement, sarcasm, and ego spare no one–he’s tasked with putting together a competent team (Team Up, 140) willing to embrace his vicious quirks and sand down his edges. Audiences are tuning in and staying put for Morck’s tortured Journey of Self Discovery (130) as he attempts to course-correct his flailing life and overcome the Psychological Turmoil (113) of past trauma–his personal story drives both ratings and bingeability.

What else about the series is attracting viewers? 
Tension and suspense. Dept. Q traffics in Dark Themes (160) and dangerous situations as Morck becomes fixated on solving the seemingly unsolvable: the disappearance of a high-profile prosecutor four years prior. As his team ventures farther down the twisted rabbit hole (Conspiracy and Cover Ups, 117) in their Search for the Truth (132), audiences are reveling in the riveting emotional experience (Terror, 128; Surprise, 117; Aggressiveness, 114) of their high-stress investigation.

How does the show’s online buzz look? 
Killer. Online activity skyrocketed with the show’s full-season release on May 29, maxing out our social buzz meter (at 160) and holding steady at peak levels for nearly three weeks straight. Viewers are texting and tweeting about the same key driver that’s drawing them into the show: Morck’s erratic character.

What will help catapult Dept. Q into a second season? 
The crime-solving elements. While the show’s acerbic protagonist is what’s driving ratings, it’s the steady drumbeat of its Police Procedural (119) framework that will keep its story engine running for seasons to come. Audiences will keep returning to see Morck follow new clues, crack new cases (Solving A Murder, 116), and put new perpetrators behind bars (Criminal Justice System, 111), all in a quaint Edinburgh setting (British Culture, 114).

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Who’s the typical audience for this type of show? 
Mostly women 30+. In keeping with the broader mystery-thriller sweet spot, this ‘wealthy crime’ subgenre also tends to appeal most strongly to a female audience, with streaming viewership landing at 57-68% women and 68-77% aged 30+; Sirens falls toward the upper end of both ranges (65% women, 74% aged 30+). An exception can arise if the series also weaves in darker, bloodier elements to bring in more men; the violence-filled The Fall of the House of Usher, for example, actually skews slightly male (55%).

How important is wealth to these shows’ success? 
Very. The elite status of the protagonists is what sets up the series’ core themes and provides the contrast between the rarefied setting and the sordid crimes within it. Story elements like the characters’ high Social Status, conspicuously Wealthy Lifestyles, and efforts to rise higher still (Power Struggles)–especially when set against dark Secrets & Lies, a Criminal Investigation, the Death of a Loved One, or a Murder Mystery–help to drive ratings, bingeability, and social buzz. A number of these shows also feature an audience surrogate (Fish Out of Water) in the form of a lower-class outsider, who serves as an effective onramp for viewers by being just as taken aback at the disturbing peek behind the 1% curtain (e.g. Sirens’ older sister, The Perfect Couple’s new fiance, The White Lotus’s hotel staff).

What else helps these series bring in viewers?
Centering on family. Nearly all shows within this microgenre–even those with a more wide-ranging set of characters (e.g. The White Lotus, Nine Perfect Strangers, Death and Other Details)–explore Family Relationships within this moneyed milieu, honing in particularly on themes of Family Dysfunction and Family Tension. Though shown through a fairly melodramatic lens, it’s nevertheless these universal themes that make the shows more broadly relatable and accessible to viewers, and the wealthy protagonists more sympathetic. Audiences can feel for the broken Father-Child Relationships (135) in The Fall of the House of Usher, for example, or the strained Sibling Relationships (128) on The White Lotus while still scoffing at the absurd behavior of their out-of-touch elite.

What’s setting Sirens apart? 
Dark comedy. While Netflix’s newest show incorporates all the key elements of its subgenre, it also adds a heavy dose of Twisted Humor (128) into its exploration of wealth and power. The series examines a young woman’s creepy, worshipful devotion to her billionaire boss, and its depiction of the billionaire’s absurdly curated ‘Stepford Wives’ persona and over-the-top cult-like influence has viewers snickering–while still leaning into its mounting sense of danger and tension.

What’s the buzz potential for these types of shows? 
Very high. Most of these series immediately maxed out our social buzz meter (to 160) upon release, with a number sustaining that level of online activity for weeks (especially The White Lotus and The Undoing). Sirens seems on track to make a similarly impressive splash; it’s currently still holding at (160) twenty days after its premiere and has already outpaced last fall’s The Perfect Couple.

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