Rapid Insights: Moon Knight’s Tortured Superhero Will Enthrall
Disney+ is about to do it again with the upcoming introduction of its newest MCU streaming series. Starring Oscar Issac as the titular Marvel superhero, the show promises a darker direction than its predecessors and has already set critics and audiences abuzz. Here’s what you need to know about Moon Knight:
How will the show’s audience look as compared to other MCU series?
Very similar. Moon Knight viewers are expected to lean male (54%) and be mostly older (61% aged 30+), right in line with Disney+’s live-action dramas Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Hawkeye.
How does the show’s social buzz look in advance of its series premiere?
Very promising. After early spikes from the trailer drop and a magazine exclusive, online activity has been climbing steadily as its release date approaches, undoubtedly boosted by a series of positive first reactions from the critics.
What will set Moon Knight apart from other MCU series?
Its darker elements. This series swerves heavily into Horror (142), much more so than previous Marvel entries, thanks to a focus on its titular superhero’s deep Psychological Turmoil (105) and tormented psyche. Tonally, it looks to have more in common with Daredevil and Jessica Jones than the more recent Loki and Hawkeye.
Will the show’s blend of mental health issues and superpowers be a driver?
Yes! Protagonist Marc Spector (Oscar Issac) suffers from dissociative identity disorder, and his Fish Out Of Water (118) storyline and Journey of Self-Discovery (118) as he comes to terms with his superpowered vigilante persona will create a compelling narrative, similar to what hooked audiences in Legion and Doom Patrol.
Which part of Marc Spector’s journey will most draw in viewers?
His quest for balance. While it’s clear that the character’s broader MCU connections will be extremely important to audiences, what will also be sticky are his dual desires for Power (105) and Tranquility (105) as he struggles to both right societal wrongs and find peace from his torments.
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Rapid Insights: Body Parts
Rapid Insights: Body Parts Offers New Beginnings
TLC has found great success by leaning into the addictively fascinating nature of unusual medical procedures. Audiences just can’t get enough of the charismatic doctors and moving patient stories, and the network’s newest series–premiering next April–will undoubtedly follow suit. Here’s what you need to know about Body Parts:
How does the show’s audience look?
Mostly female (65%) and heavily older (81% aged 35+)–right in TLC’s wheelhouse. Viewers for Body Parts are predicted to be extremely similar to the network’s other medical reality shows like Dr. Pimple Popper, My Feet Are Killing Me, and My 600-lb Life.
What will make Body Parts so watchable?
Anaplastologist Dr. Allison Vest. The compassionate Medical Professional (160), her highly specialized Medical Procedures (160) (she restores missing anatomy with silicone prosthetics), and the resulting heartfelt Doctor-Patient Relationships (160) she’s able to forge will drive viewership; the popular Dr. Pimple Popper relies on the same alchemy.
What will drive the show’s social engagement?
Its positive approach to improving lives. Dr. Vest’s Optimism (113) and all-out efforts to help her patients Better Themselves (120) and embark on New Beginnings (118) will inspire uplifting emotions like Awe (131) and Amazement (138) online.
What will make the series unique among similar shows?
Its beautiful artistry. While its medical aspects will inspire tune-in, the brilliant Creativity on Display (120) as Dr. Vest molds stunningly lifelike prosthetics for missing hands, ears, and even eyes will keep viewers coming back for more.
Where will Dr. Vest’s coworkers fit in?
They’ll provide strong support. While Dr. Vest and her patients will be Body Parts’ primary draws, the Workplace Dynamics (114) among the staff at her medical clinic will provide a secondary source of online chatter and bingeability.
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Rapid Insights: Halo
Rapid Insights: Halo Joins the (Streaming) War
Anticipation is so high for Paramount+’s upcoming live-action video game adaptation–based on the global megahit gaming franchise of the same name–that the streamer has already renewed it for a second season pre-premiere. Here’s what you need to know about Halo:
Will the audience for Halo be primarily male?
Yes. As would be expected for an action-heavy series based on a first-person shooter game, men are predicted to make up the bulk of Halo viewers (68%), a much greater proportion than seen for fellow game-based series The Witcher, Arcane, and Castlevania; all, however, skew older (age 30+).
What does the social buzz look like going into the show’s release?
It’s picking up. The trailer drop in January spurred a big spike in online conversation (151), much of it around changes made to the video game’s backstory and character relationships. Two months later, as we approach the show’s premiere date, its buzz is on an upward trajectory, tracking similarly to The Witcher.
How important is the original video game in attracting viewers?
Crucial. While the Halo IP Extension (108) as a concept remains a secondary consideration, the well-known premise of the franchise–its clear delineation between Good vs. Evil (158) in the epic Power Struggle (132) between the UN Space Command and the parasitic alien Flood–will drive the bulk of audience engagement.
Which is more important for key audiences, focusing on Master Chief or following his entire team?
Focusing on Master Chief. The core character’s Leadership (131) and Heroism (120), both ported over from the original video game, are a big draw for audiences. However, the Teamwork (118) and coordination among the broader UN Space Command and its allies are also important, especially for driving online chatter.
What emotional experience will make the show bingeworthy?
The excitement of the war. The Terror (114) and Surprise (111) that shock audiences as Master Chief and his team press forward on their Mission to save humanity will keep viewers glued to their seats.
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Rapid Insights: Severance
Rapid Insights: Severance is Apple+’s Success
Apple TV+’s newest sci-fi-based psychological thriller scripted series, Severance – starring Adam Scott and Britt Lower and directed by Ben Stiller–is receiving critical acclaim for its current-day relevance and incisive social commentary. Here’s what you need to know about Severance:
How does the Severance audience compare to other psychological thrillers?
It’s more male. While Severance viewers tend to be men (58%), similarly dark Apple TV+ series like Servant, The Shrink Next Door, and Home Before Dark lean female, though all skew older (30+).
How was Severance’s word-of-mouth after its launch?
Strong. After the show’s premiere, viewers’ positive word-of-mouth pushed the level of online search to “outstanding” (160); in line with Netflix series launches.
What’s driving the show’s SVOD ratings boom?
Its high-concept premise. Viewers appreciate the Moral Ambiguity (125) surrounding its central conceit–an experimental Medical Procedure (116) that allows office drones to completely separate their work and home lives–and find the resulting story eminently bingeworthy.
What makes Severance so resonant right now?
It leans into current real-world issues. The show offers a cutting Social Commentary (108) on concerns surrounding Mental Health (113) and Work-Life Balance (112), topics that the COVID pandemic has brought to the forefront.
Which storyline is keeping viewers most engaged?
Petey’s escape. Audiences are eager to follow protagonist Mark as he slowly begins to realize that all is not as it seems and piece together the Mysterious Event (115) that caused Petey to flee their seemingly perfect workplace.
Which story element is predicted to help Severance reach a second season?
Universal surveillance. In addition to its intriguing premise and current-moment relevance, the show’s layered concept of office workers tracked as experimental subjects by their company, which in turn is monitored by another entity, all of whom are watched by the viewers at home is very sticky (Surveillance Footage (117)).
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Rapid Insights: Winning Time
Rapid Insights: Winning Time Shoots and Scores
Hot off the heels of the Rams’ big win comes a series about another mega-successful Los Angeles-based sports team. This upcoming limited series from HBO tells the story of the Lakers’ meteoric rise to stardom in 1980s LA. Here’s what you need to know about Winning Time:
Will this be a hit for HBO?
We predict yes! Winning Time’s trailer launch had even more online chatter than The Last Dance’s trailer launch and, in tandem with the strong story drivers, our AI is predicting “outstanding” ratings for the series on Premium Cable (131).
Will the viewing audience be overwhelmingly male?
No. In spite of the series’ heavy Sports Focus (160), both men and women (51% male / 49% female) will tune in thanks to its Celebrity (125) character-driven drama; viewership will also skew heavily older (76% 35+).
Which of the real-life Lakers will make the most compelling character?
Magic Johnson. The show’s focus on the guidance and Mentorship (141) young Magic received from the team’s owner and coach is the #1 driver for audience engagement.
Whose perspective will be more important, the players’ or the owners’?
The players’. The show’s depiction of a real-life period in American History (130)–the Lakers’ famous Showtime era–from the African-American POV (127) of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a top driver of audience engagement.
Will the 80s period setting add to the appeal?
It’s a good backdrop but isn’t what will grab eyeballs. The 1980s (108) stylings add flavor and color, but the story and character relationships provide more compelling hooks.
Which emotions will make viewers want to talk about the show?
The more upbeat, hopeful aspects. The Joy (118) and Optimism (118) felt as the underdog Lakers finally start Winning (118) are key emotions contributing to social buzz.
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Rapid Insights: Euphoria
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)).
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Rapid Insights: Pam & Tommy
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
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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Rapid Insights: The Book of Boba Fett
Rapid Insights: Boba Fett Hunts Down Audiences
Disney+’s newest entry into the Star Wars TV canon–and second live-action offering after The Mandalorian–follows the original film trilogy’s most notorious bounty hunter. Here’s what you need to know about The Book of Boba Fett:
How does Boba Fett’s audience compare to other of Disney+ Star Wars series?
Its viewer demographics (64% male / 64% 30+) are nearly identical to those of The Mandalorian but skew older than the audiences for animated programs like The Bad Batch and Visions.
Are the same story elements driving interest in both live-action Star Wars originals?
No. While their shared franchise connection is undeniably crucial to their longevity, The Mandalorian has found success primarily by tracking a core Mission (160), while Boba Fett’s appeal is centered around building out the broader Star Wars Universe (125).
How do the key emotional drivers for Boba Fett compare to those of The Mandalorian?
They’re a study in contrasts. Boba Fett’s suspenseful, dark plunge into Tatooine’s criminal underworld introduces Terror and Surprise, which contrasts sharply with The Mandalorian’s more whimsical journey with baby Grogu and feelings of Awe and Amazement.
What is the impact of the central character in each live-action Star Wars series?Though opposites in nature, both drive engagement. Anti-hero criminal Boba Fett’s Tough Guy (114) posturing allows for Stylized Violence (124) inside a Criminal Organization (117), all of which boost series viewership. For The Mandalorian, engagement depends on the more traditionally heroic Mando’s Bravery (132) and Stepping Up (133) when needed.
How has Boba Fett’s social tracking differed its series predecessor?
It’s been positive but more variable. In contrast, buzz for The Mandalorian skyrocketed with its Season 1 premiere and remained consistently high throughout its first month of release – fueled by it being the first Star Wars live-action offered on Disney+.
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Rapid Insights: 1883
Paramount+’s new period western–a prequel to the wildly popular Yellowstone–has set viewership records for the streamer thanks to its well-known cast and on-brand themes of family and trust.
Here’s what you need to know about 1883:
How does the prequel’s audience differ from that of the original series?
It’s markedly younger and more male. The move from linear to streaming-only has shifted viewer demographics younger, while the more traditional western themes are driving more males. Yellowstone: 49% male / 88% 35+, 1883’s 61% male / 67% 30+.
Is this a short term spin off or long term franchise piece?
A long term piece of the franchise. The IP Extension (121) is a top driver for the prequel’s longevity, and the parallels between 1883’s Dutton family and their direct descendants on Yellowstone not only hook audiences, but will keep them invested for multiple seasons. The fact that both shows will inform each other will also help sustain viewership long term.
What’s driving the success of both series?
They’re all about family. Just like its predecessor, 1883 primarily focuses on the soapy, dramatic Family Life (137) and Family Relationship (129) of the Dutton clan, critical ratings drivers for both shows. That said, while Yellowstone’s family themes were more rooted in building an empire together, 1883 will be successful by emphasizing the Dutton family coming together as they traverse brutal the Great Plains to stake their claim in Montana.
How does Sam Elliot’s character impact the show’s dynamics?
He adds complexity to the suspense. The compelling questions of Trust and Loyalty (141) introduced by his mysterious cowboy character not only drive ratings but also bingeability and social buzz.
Does the inclusion of more traditional western action help 1883’s ratings?
Somewhat. While the series’ brutal, gun-based Action & Violence (118) helps mostly with social buzz, it also leans into themes of Bravery (127) and Survival Skills (116) that more directly impact viewership.
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