Uncategorized

Rapid Insights: A Very Royal Scandal Sets the Standard for Prestige Drama and Real-Life Scandal

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Luke

This week, Amazon Prime Video will be premiering its third limited series that traces an infamous, real-life UK scandal that dominated the headlines in its day. Instead of politicians (2018’s A Very English Scandal) or the nobility (2021’s A Very British Scandal), however, this new series tackles the very top of British society, dramatizing journalist Emily Maitlis’s (played by Ruth Wilson) 2019 bombshell interview of Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen) about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Here’s what you need to know about A Very Royal Scandal:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Is the audience the same for all three Scandal miniseries?
No. For A Very Royal Scandal, we’re predicting a more gender-balanced viewership (45% men / 55% women) that leans heavily toward those 30+ (76%)–closer in line with the English Scandal audience. A Very British Scandal, however, appealed much more strongly to women (71%), because of its antihero Female Protagonist (126) and exploration of women’s empowerment in the 1960s.

What do these three limited series have in common?
A real-life story that rocked the tabloids. The factual nature of each show’s ripped-from-the-headlines scandal (Based on Historical Events, 134) is a key viewership driver, whether the story takes place in the distant (English, British) or very recent (Royal) past. Each series explores the reveal of hidden truths (Exposé, 129) from within the upper echelons of British society, from Parliament (Political Life, 113 – English Scandal) to the peerage (Nobility, 135 – British Scandal) to the royal family (Royalty, 125 – Royal Scandal), leaving viewers eager to witness the shocking goings-on within what are often very closed-off circles.

What will set A Very Royal Scandal apart from its predecessors?
The Emotional Roller Coaster (143) of a smart, probing interview. While English Scandal focused on a politician’s Forbidden Love (124) affair and British Scandal looked at the Marital Problems (140) and Adultery (153) within a Duke’s marriage, Royal Scandal pulls away from romantic entanglements and instead spotlights a pivotal moment between adversaries. The show centers on the prolonged on-camera confrontation between Prince Andrew and journalist Emily Maitlis about Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein (Conflict of Interest, 119), with Andrew ultimately Losing Control (113) of his intended narrative. This clash and its aftermath–including Andrew’s World Turned Upside Down (127) and the royal family’s Political Manipulations (113) to distance themselves from his disgrace–are important drivers for both ratings and bingeability.

What type of viewing experience will audiences be tuning in for?
One that spurs outrage. Unlike English and British Scandal, which both leaned into the salaciousness of illicit love affairs and tempted viewers with a more positive and intriguing set of emotions (Anticipation, Awe, Interest, Trust), Royal Scandal will be laying bare the monstrosity of the accusations against Prince Andrew. Feelings like Rage (113) and Disapproval (112) will be brought to the fore as audiences look to understand the extent of his guilt.

Which themes will help this series make a splash in the UK?
Its ties to the current monarchy. British audiences will lean even more than Americans into Royal Scandal’s focus on a true story (Based on Historical Events, 144 UK) involving familiar Royalty (136 UK), both of which land far above any other theme in driving viewership.

—

Missed one of our recent rapid insights? Catch up on popular titles below:

English Teacher Rewrites the Rules of School-Based Comedies
Bad Monkey Injects Dark Comedy and Danger into Crime Drama

Time Bandits Balances a Cinematic World with TV Character Depth

The Decameron Thrives on Dark Comedy and Medieval Mayhem

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

*Publicly released trailers for series are evaluated using Vault’s algorithms – utilizing our proprietary 120K+ story element database alongside viewership performance and other datasets – to identify unique combinations of stories, themes, characters, and genre elements that will drive success.

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: English Teacher Rewrites the Rules of School-Based Comedies

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Luke

Last week, FX released a hilariously provocative new comedy series that tackles hot-button issues through the lens of a dysfunctional public high school. Created by its star Brian Jordan Alvarez, the series focuses on the trials and tribulations of overwhelmed educators in an Austin, Texas suburb as they grapple with wily students, entitled parents, and modern-day issues like wokeness, social media, and red-vs-blue politics.

Here’s what you need to know about English Teacher:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

How does this audience compare to other school-based series?
It is gender-balanced. Other shows that focus on the inner workings of education often skew toward women, including Abbott Elementary, A.P. Bio, Glee, and A Teacher (all 61-69%); for English Teacher, however, we’re seeing a viewership that leans slightly to men (54%), placing it closest to outlandish dark comedy Vice Principals.

What about the show is most appealing?
Its varied sense of humor. Its various jokes make up four separate top viewership drivers, from the miscommunications, generational differences, and Awkward & Funny Moments (136) between teachers and students, to the Sarcastic Humor (128) of its lead characters, to its biting satire of modern-day political topics and the overall education system (Topical Humor, 118; Satirical Humor, 116). English Teacher’s comedy helps buoy all four areas that are key to a show’s success: ratings, bingeability, social buzz, and longevity.

Why else are viewers tuning in?
For a behind-the-scenes look at education. Just like Abbott Elementary, audiences appreciate English Teacher’s focus onWorkplace Dynamics (121) among Educators (121) in a School Setting (129), and its up-close-and-personal perspective on high school teachers struggling to deal with students, the curriculum, and each other is an important ratings driver.

What’s making the series so watchable?
A diverse set of characters. The show’s titular English teacher is an LGBTQIA+ Protagonist (130) who loves his role as an educator but, among other frustrations, finds himself under investigation after kissing his boyfriend in front of the students. The show offers up his perspective as one of many unique takes on the complex culture clash that is high school today; the school’s students, parents, and other teachers similarly reflect a wide range of viewpoints (Cultural Diversity, 120) that play into the show’s satirical themes.

How’s the show’s social buzz?
Strong. Though its early August trailer release did not make many waves, online chatter shot to the top of our social buzz meter (maxing it out at 160) with the premiere of its first two episodes on September 2. Viewers are talking about its awkward comedic moments and diverse cast of zany characters.

—

Missed one of our recent rapid insights? Catch up on popular titles below:

Bad Monkey Injects Dark Comedy and Danger into Crime Drama

Time Bandits Balances a Cinematic World with TV Character Depth

The Decameron Thrives on Dark Comedy and Medieval Mayhem

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: The Perfect Couple Capitalizes on Hilderbrand’s Bestseller and Kidman’s Star Power

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Luke

On Thursday, Netflix is dropping a buzzy new limited series based on a popular whodunit novel about a shocking murder at a picture-perfect beach wedding weekend. This new crime drama stars Nicole Kidman as a wealthy matriarch unhappy with her son’s choice of bride; the loaded cast also includes Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Eve Hewson, and Meghann Fahy.

Here’s what you need to know about The Perfect Couple:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Will this show appeal to the same viewers as Kidman’s previous TV dramas?
Largely yes. For The Perfect Couple, we’re predicting a viewership that’s mostly women (68%) and heavily aged 30+ (77%)–the same audience sweet spot as Nine Perfect Strangers, Big Little Lies, The Undoing, and Expats. All of these twisted mysteries feature stacked ensemble casts, murky hidden secrets, and actress Kidman playing an enigmatic elite.

Why will audiences be adding The Perfect Couple to their queue?
For the wedding backdrop. The show opens as guests arrive for a picturesque beach wedding in Nantucket (Getting Married, 147), and the stress, clashes, and squabbles of such an emotionally-charged time (Emotions Running High, 132) provide the perfect set-up for homicide. Bride Amelia is marrying into the wealthy Winbury family over the objections of its imperious matriarch (Overcoming Adversity, 127) and her immature progeny (Arrested Development, 118), and the unfolding drama, capped off by a dead body on the sands, will prove irresistible to murder mystery aficionados.

How important is the show’s source material?
Very–and more so than usual. The fact that The Perfect Couple is Based on a Book (126) by bestselling author and “queen of the summer beach read” Elin Hilderbrand serves as an “outstanding”-level ratings draw, a feat that’s somewhat uncommon among serial adaptations. With Big Little Lies, for example, its novel ties do not appear at all among its top viewership drivers, and for Nine Perfect Strangers, its source material helps with social buzz but does not by itself pull in viewers. Shows whose literary origins do hold sway with ratings are often based on well-known properties like Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer (both novel series from Michael Connelly) or Game of Thrones.

What will keep viewers glued to their seats?
Irresistible Family Secrets (129). As the show unfolds, the Family Dysfunction (141) and toxic dynamics (Family Relationships, 134) within the wealthy, powerful, and seemingly perfect Winbury clan become more and more apparent and dark revelations (Conspiracy and Cover Ups, 120) will ultimately come to light. Which of these all-American elites is the murderer? Audiences will want to stick around and find out.

How does the series’ social buzz look?
Promising. The show’s mid-July trailer drop saw a big two-day spike in online chatter, maxing out our social buzz meter (at 160) as consumers were eager to learn more. With the full episode release later this week, the buzz levels have again been climbing and will likely hit another peak once viewers start watching. Fans will primarily be posting and tweeting about the Winburys’ family secrets and dysfunctional relationships–the same elements that will drive its bingeability.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: Bad Monkey Injects Dark Comedy and Danger into Crime Drama

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Luke

A quirky new dark comedy that premiered recently on Apple TV+ has already become the surprise hit of the summer thanks to its fun, humorous approach to the crime genre. From the creator of Shrinking and Scrubs, the series stars Vince Vaughn as a disgraced homicide detective-turned-restaurant health inspector who embarks on his own investigation after a tourist finds a severed arm in the Florida Keys.

Here’s what you need to know about Bad Monkey:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Is this series appealing to the typical crime drama audience?
No. Crime fans tend to be women, especially those aged 30+, as evidenced by the viewership for serious-minded whodunnits as varied as The Lincoln Lawyer, The Killing, Bosch, Mare of Easttown, Luther, and Under the Banner of Heaven (all 55-67% women on SVOD). In contrast, Bad Monkey, while also leaning 30+ (77%), brings in more men (54%), a viewing profile much more in line with quirkier series like Poker Face, Based on a True Story, and Florida Man that amplified the comedy and action alongside the crime-solving process.

Why are viewers tuning in to Bad Monkey?
For the suspense and stakes. Vaughn’s wisecracking former detective Andrew Yancy continuously puts his own Life in Danger (140) as he haphazardly investigates the haze of secrets swirling around the severed arm. Confrontations (114) with bad guys lead to explicit threats (Under Threat, 120) as the vortex of Conspiracy and Cover-Ups (122) grows; all are big ratings draws as audiences want to see Yancy wriggle out from each new scrape.

What’s making this show so compulsively watchable?
Its sense of fun. Bad Monkey’s enticing combination of off-kilter Action & Violence (155), dark, Twisted Humor (132), and scenic sun-soaked vistas from Miami to the Bahamas (Road Trip Adventure, 121) create a memorable viewing experience that’s a perfect complement to the dog days of summer. It also helps that the show is based on a popular satirical beach read of the same name (Based on a Book, 133).

What will help push Bad Monkey to a second season?
Its Murder Mystery (114). As with many crime-based series, the idea of Solving A Murder (113), especially within the milieu of law enforcement (Criminal Investigation, 126), offers a fruitful and compelling story engine for potential future seasons. More straightforward procedurals like Law & Order, True Detective, Bosch, and The Lincoln Lawyer–as well as the more satirical Poker Face and Based on a True Story–depend on similar drivers for their own longevity.

How is the show’s online buzz?
Great. The series rocketed to the top of our social buzz meter (at 160) with its first episode drop on August 14 and has remained there ever since. So far, Bad Monkey’s trajectory looks very similar to Poker Face, which saw similarly sustained chatter during its first season run.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: KAOS Reimagines Zeus’s Midlife Crisis with a Modern Mythical Twist

Posted on August 20, 2024August 28, 2024 by Luke

Next week, Netflix will be premiering a new fantasy-based dark dramedy series that puts a unique modern twist on classical Greek mythology. The show follows Zeus (Jeff Goldblum), the corrupt and arrogant king of the gods, as he attempts to defy an ancient prophecy and stop three humans with cosmic significance in what amounts to a midlife crisis on Mount Olympus.

Here’s what you need to know about KAOS:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for this modern twist on Greek mythology?
We’re predicting a viewership that’s skewed toward men (62%) and those 30+ (65%). This profile falls right in line with several other series that tackle various pantheons past and present, including American Gods, Moon Knight, and Good Omens; the animated Krapopolis and Blood of Zeus and the teen-focused Percy Jackson and the Olympians, however, lean younger (52-60% aged 30+).

What type of story will KAOS be telling?
A tale of a vengeful god. The series charts the out-of-control spiral of the all-powerful Zeus, the ruler of Mount Olympus, who starts to believe that an ancient prophecy–one that portends the end of his reign–is finally coming true, heralded by a new wrinkle in his forehead. As he becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless, the show revels in his Rage (116), Terror (114), Aggressiveness (114), and Disgust (112), and his urgent quest for Power (118) and Vengeance (115) drives its external conflicts. KAOS blends elements of Horror (125), Fantasy (122), Action (116), and Thriller (111) to craft a uniquely twisted and inventive story.

How important is the Greek mythology of it all?
Extremely. KAOS reinterprets a broad list of names pulled straight from the annals of classical lore, from gods (Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Dionysus) to mortals (Orpheus, Eurydice, Ariadne, Caeneus) to those in between (Medusa, Prometheus, Minos). The Multiple Storylines (148) that weave together their tales portray a compelling, Distinctly Realized World (140) where the Greek pantheon still lives on Earth among regular humans. This overarching sense of Myth & Fantasy (157) is the show’s #1 overall viewership driver, most notably contributing to its bingeability; the theme also tends to be similarly important for other series that dwell in mythology (e.g., Ragnarok, American Gods, Percy Jackson and the Olympians).

Why will viewers be adding KAOS to their queue?
For its epic Power Struggle (122). While the story takes place in the present and puts a unique modern spin on ancient Greek mythology, its overarching themes of gods and men are timeless, and KAOS plays up eternal conflicts around dominance, family, and fate. Desperate to maintain his grip on his unruly kin and fracturing empire, Zeus becomes more and more controlling, using his omnipotence (Supernatural Force, 118) to wreak ever-greater havoc (Abuse of Power, 126); in retaliation, brash human Rebels (133) dare to defy his wrath and fight back by renouncing their belief in his pantheon. This clash of wills is what will ultimately drive the show’s ratings.

What will help this series reach a second season?
Action, comedy, and Emotional Turmoil (114). Alongside its drama and power struggles, KAOS injects a strain of sardonic Twisted Humor (114) that will keep viewers chuckling and scenes of jarringly Bloody Violence (121) that will keep them on their toes, the latter often at the hands of Zeus and his petulant Anger Issues (114). These elements will help keep the show feeling fresh and unexpected, and, intertwined with the near-the-surface emotions of its most volatile characters, will keep the story engine churning through future seasons.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: Time Bandits Balances a Cinematic World with TV Character Depth

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Luke

Cult classics are quirky, offbeat, often subversive films that live off the mainstream grid but attract a die-hard following that keep their legacy alive. In recent years, a number of these niche movies have been successfully reinterpreted for TV, and Apple TV+ recently premiered a fun new fantasy adventure series that joins their illustrious ranks. Based on Terry Gilliam’s 1981 family flick of the same name, this show–produced by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement and starring Lisa Kudrow–follows a young boy who joins a band of misfit thieves on zany adventures through time.

Here’s what you need to know about Time Bandits and other cult classic remakes:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who’s the typical audience for these TV reinterpretations?
It depends. The idea of a “cult classic” spans genres and storytelling styles, and the viewers who tune in for their series-length iterations are just as varied; horror comedy Ash vs Evil Dead (based on the Evil Dead trilogy), for example, attracts men (55%) and primarily those 35+ (90%), supernatural thriller Teen Wolf (from the 1985 Michael J. Fox film) has a broader age appeal (61% age 35+), and action-fantasy-romance Buffy the Vampire Slayer (a reimagining of the 1992 Kristy Swanson movie) is a big draw for women (65%). For Time Bandits, we’re seeing a viewership that leans mostly to men (64%) and those aged 30+ (64%).

Are shows based on these films likely to succeed?
They quite often do. A number of these series have made a major impact on mainstream TV, and a few have even become cult classics in their own right. For example, Fargo (inspired by the 1996 Coen brothers movie) has won prestigious awards, Westworld (based on the 1973 Michael Crichton film) dominated the conversation in its early years, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (a prequel to the 2001 movie) reassembled a storied cast, and all maxed out our social buzz meter (at 160) with each new season’s release. Time Bandits saw an encouraging upswing in online conversation (hitting a peak at 158) with its first episode and is now seeing weekly spikes with each new episode drop.

Why do viewers tune in for these types of series?
To see a fully-realized world. Cult classic movies are often filled with fantasy and sci-fi, and their TV versions carry over the same trappings; their Magic (137) (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, a prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson movie), Supernatural Forces (117) (Teen Wolf), and Paranormal Activity (118) (Ash vs Evil Dead) are typically top ratings drivers because they flesh out an original universe that truly pulls viewers in. Series that inhabit other genres use a similar technique, immersing their audience in unique real-world locales to jump-start viewership, from Fargo’s frozen north and its bumbling cops and criminals (Solving a Murder, 122; Moral Corruption, 120) to the karate dojo (Physical Activity, 144) of Cobra Kai (a sequel to the Karate Kid movies). Time Bandits does both, leveraging cool Time Travel (152) alongside a sense of everyday suburbia as its boy protagonist’s World Is Turned Upside-Down (142). Interestingly, these shows’ movie origins do not typically appear in their top viewership drivers; these series live or die by their own storytelling merits. (Time Bandits is a notable exception, as its IP Extension (116) helps promote its bingeability.)

What’s making Time Bandits stand out?
Its Family (133)-friendly aspects and comical version of the past. Unlike most other cult classics, the main character in Time Bandits is an 11-year-old boy, and the show follows his young perspective as he travels through history with a band of adult thieves. His Child POV (136) and High-Stakes (117) Outdoor Adventures (122) in imaginative landscapes from Georgian England to the Harlem Renaissance to the realm of the ancient Mayans are top viewership draws. While the show delves into a similar general sense of Myth & Fantasy (117) as other series in this category, it nevertheless feels entirely original.

What keeps these shows going for multiple seasons?
The character relationships. While their unique, unfamiliar worlds are the key to drawing in viewers, it’s the TV medium’s strength in crafting universally relatable character dynamics that keeps audiences coming back. The goofy Unlikely Friendship (117) at the heart of Ash vs Evil Dead, Cobra Kai’s heartwarming focus on Mentorship (146) and Parenthood (140), the growing Camaraderie (115) in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and Teen Wolf’s angsty Teen Romance (119) are all crucial drivers for each show’s longevity. For Time Bandits, it’s the Team Up (123) between the titular thieves and the young boy protagonist–a geeky outcast searching for where he belongs–that will push the story forward into future seasons.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: The Decameron Thrives on Dark Comedy and Medieval Mayhem

Posted on August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 by Luke

Netflix recently premiered a hilarious new limited comedy series and it’s already climbing the service’s Top 10 list. Loosely based on a bawdy and irreverent medieval short story collection, the show follows a group of nobles and their servants in 1348 Florence as they attempt to hide from the deadly Black Plague in a wine-soaked countryside villa.

Here’s what you need to know about The Decameron:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who’s been tuning in for this historical satire?
We’re seeing a gender-balanced viewership that leans toward men (53%) and is mostly aged 30+ (69%), nearly identical to the audience for improv comedy Murderville and very similar to those for the dark humor-laced Bodkin, Mrs. Davis, Based on a True Story, and Bad Sisters.

What’s driving the show’s ratings?
Friction at the villa. The series’ premise revolves around a collection of eccentric oddballs trapped in an isolated estate, Big Brother-style, and what begins as a medieval bacchanalia of luxury, sex, and wine quickly descends into Moral Corruption (127) and dog-eat-dog chaos (Chaotic Lifestyle, 119). The group ultimately dissolves into factions competing for control over the property, and Confrontations (139) increasingly escalate into Murder Violence (129). This deliciously soapy turmoil and who-will-survive conflict are what’s piquing viewer interest.

Which aspect of the show keeps viewers watching?
The comedy. The top four drivers for the show’s bingeability revolve around its wry, quirky, and sophomoric jokes, from the dark Twisted Humor (160) surrounding the Black Death to the bawdy Sexual Humor (123) of its many debaucheries to the Arrested Development (132) of its kooky characters. Its class-based Satirical Humor (123) that ridicules the nobility–as well as its connection to a pandemic Outbreak (121)–particularly gives it a sense of modern relevance that audiences appreciate. The Decameron joins the likes of Search Party, Murderville, Bodkin, Mrs. Davis, Based on a True Story, Bad Sisters, and Barry in the importance of its dark, twisted comedy as a key driver.

What type of viewing experience are audiences expecting?
A light and funny one. In keeping with its heavy focus on humor, the show leans into the type of upbeat emotions that generally accompany comedy, such as Amazement (139), Surprise (130), Joy (130), and Awe (130).

How’s the show’s social buzz?
Really good. Though The Decameron’s mid-summer trailer drops caused barely a ripple, the show rocketed to the top of our buzz meter (to 160) with its July 25 full-season release. In addition to the humor, viewers are posting and tweeting about its soapy Multiple Storylines (117) that follow a whole host of bizarrely hilarious characters whose Emotions Run High (117).

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: Agatha All Along and The Penguin Explore the Magic and Mayhem of Evil

Posted on July 31, 2024August 6, 2024 by Luke

This September, a pair of diabolical villains will take center stage in two much-anticipated new series set within their respective superhero cinematic universes. Marvel baddie Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) will attempt to regain her powers in Disney+’s Agatha All Along, a spin-off from 2021’s WandaVision, while HBO’s The Penguin will track the rise of DC crime lord and Batman archenemy Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 film The Batman.

Here’s what you need to know about these upcoming shows:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for the rise of these supervillains?
It depends. We’re predicting that Agatha All Along will have a relatively broader appeal, reaching a gender-balanced audience (50% men / 50% women) and leaning slightly toward those 30+ (57%)–very similar to predecessor WandaVision. In contrast, The Penguin will likely show a more targeted resonance, skewing heavily to men (74%) and those 30+ (66%), an even stronger bent than seen for fellow HBO/Max DC entrants Peacemaker and Watchmen.

What will these two series have in common?
An exploration of evil. In spite of representing the DC-Marvel divide, both shows follow a unique, compelling villain hellbent on overcoming a world set against them and gaining power for nefarious ends. Spell-bound Agatha is on a Journey of Self Discovery (135) to revive her true magical self while Seeking Revenge (131) against the superpowered hero who stripped her of her dark powers. Oswald Cobblepot, an Underdog (133) in the criminal underworld, is dealing with a World Turned Upside Down (160) in the aftermath of a mafia kingpin’s death and is determined to take his place (Ambition & Drive, 116). These commonalities are all top viewership drivers. Additionally, both series’ ties to their respective cinematic worlds (Marvel Universe, 133; DC Universe, 133) propel their bingeability as viewers anticipate seeing them fit into the broader story.

What will set Agatha All Along apart?
Comedy and a coven. As with most of its Marvel brethren, the show offers a strong dose of humor alongside its supercharged adventures, leaning into the Horror Comedy (124) genre as it follows the amusing Awkward Misadventures (120) of Agatha and her team of misfits. Similarly in the MCU vein, the series features a Team Up (158) of individuals with special abilities, in this case a coven of Witches (114) with magical Superpowers (136) who must band together to face the trials of the legendary Witches’ Road. While the villain-as-protagonist offers a less-common twist on the Marvel formula, viewers will be excited to see their same favorite aspects of the universe continued in this newest Phase Five series.

What will make The Penguin feel unique?
Gloom and gangsters. The Penguin takes on the opposite tone of Agatha, playing up the dark Noir (121) elements that landed so successfully in its predecessor film The Batman and amping up violent Confrontations (130) between truly Ruthless (118) criminals. Instead of a team, the series also follows a merciless lone wolf as he navigates the vice-filled Chaotic Lifestyles (127) and Family Tension (128) within a brutal Criminal Organization (120). Viewers will be on the edge of their seats experiencing the Terror (113) and Aggressiveness (111) right alongside the characters.

Do these shows have strong online buzz?
Absolutely. Agatha All Along stands out as particularly buzzy, showing big spikes in online chatter (maxing out our social buzz meter at 160) with every Disney+ announcement, piece of production news, and, most recently, the new teaser trailer release, but The Penguin is no slouch either, peaking at (153) with its first-look production stills last year. Both shows are easily primed for social media dominance when their first episodes drop in September.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: Lady in the Lake Doubles the Impact with Dual Protagonists

Posted on July 24, 2024August 6, 2024 by Luke

Last week, Apple TV+ released a buzzy new period crime drama that’s based on a popular, critically acclaimed novel of the same name. The limited series stars Moses Ingram as a Black woman bartender in 1960s Baltimore, whose murder becomes the obsession of Natalie Portman’s character, an investigative journalist.

Here’s what you need to know about Lady in the Lake:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who’s tuning in for this thrilling new miniseries?
Women 30+. We’re seeing an audience that’s mostly women (63%) and notably 30+ (79% aged 30+)–the very same fanship that watches other women-led Mystery (130)–Crime (124) Dramas (118) like Love & Death, Candy, A Friend of the Family, The Staircase, and The Thing About Pam.

What’s pulling in these women 30+ viewers?
The dual Women Protagonists (145). Lady in the Lake follows aspiring journalist Maddie Schwartz (Female Professional, 113), a Jewish housewife who leaves her overbearing husband to pursue what quickly becomes an obsession: solving the murder of Black woman bartender Cleo Johnson. The episodes follow both Maddie and the deceased Cleo, tracking their Inner Conflicts (121) and drawing parallels between their struggles for Independence (120) and Social Status (120) at a time when both Jewish and Black women often found themselves powerless and voiceless. All are key ratings draws.

What type of viewing experience are audiences expecting?
An unsettling one. The emotions with the most ratings traction are those that play into the show’s darker, more conflicted elements. Viewers are looking to experience the same unsettling feelings and Emotional Turmoil (117) that follow both Maddie and Cleo throughout the story: Disapproval (120), Anger (115), Aggressiveness (115), Loathing (111), and Terror (110).

What will keep viewers watching?
The suspense. As Maddie digs deeper and deeper for the truth and refuses to back off (Ambition & Drive, 115), she comes under threat from dangerous criminal elements (Life in Danger, 130) who have a vested interest in Cleo’s murder remaining unsolved. In addition, the fact that the show is based on a popular novel (Based on a Book, 123) makes fans want to compare this filmed version with the one they’ve read.

How’s the show’s social buzz?
Promising. Though its June trailer drop netted only a modest bump (to 113), the show saw a marked increase in online chatter (peaking at an outstanding 134) starting July 11 thanks to a notable ramp-up in publicity. Then, the July 19 release of the first two episodes pushed it over the top, maxing out our social buzz meter (at 160). Viewers are posting and tweeting about Maddie and her journey as well as the all-too-relevant Racial Issues (111) of 1960s Baltimore.

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here

Rapid Insights: Those About to Die Thrills with To-the-Death Gladiatorial Battles

Posted on July 18, 2024July 31, 2024 by Luke

This coming Thursday, Peacock will be premiering a much-anticipated new epic drama inspired by the same 1958 book that gave rise to the Oscar-winning film Gladiator. Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Anthony Hopkins, the new series explores the violent, corrupt world of bloody, do-or-die gladiatorial competition in Ancient Rome.

Here’s what you need to know about Those About to Die:

Vault uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for this historical epic?
Men. Thanks largely to its focus on brutal arena battles, we anticipate an audience that’s mostly male (65%) and mostly aged 30+ (65%). This profile is similar to other action-heavy series like Citadel, The Continental, Vikings, and DMZ, as well as fellow sword-and-sandals dramas Rome and Spartacus.

Why will viewers be adding Those About to Die to their queue?
For the Roman Battle Action (148). The biggest ratings draw for this saga is the bloodthirsty Action & Violence (127) taking place in the unique environs of Ancient Rome (Distinctly Realized World, 129), which features ultra-high-stakes gladiator combat where only the winners survive (Life in Danger, 125). In leaning on brutal spectacle to pull in viewers, the series joins similar epics boasting original, fully-fleshed-out worlds like House of the Dragon, Wheel of Time, and The Legend of Vox Machina.

What type of viewing experience will audiences be looking for?
An emotional roller coaster. Amidst its ferocious battles, the series promises a suspenseful mix of ups and downs that will in turn exhilarate and distress, with viewers carried along by the shifting inner turmoil of the gladiators as they cycle through emotions: from Surprise (116) to Vigilance (118), Awe (118) to Terror (116), Optimism (118) to Anger (113) and Aggressiveness (113).

What will keep audiences hooked?
The political intrigue. In addition to the Circus Maximus, the show spotlights a vicious competition for power and influence (Power Struggle, 113) among players from all levels of Roman society, with enough Ambition & Drive (111) to make them dangerous. With contenders as varied as Emperor Vespasian and his sons, a savage boss of the criminal underworld, a patrician couple adept at pulling secret strings, skillful gladiator mercenaries, and a Strong Mother (113) desperate for Vengeance (120) after her son is forced into slavery, viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats wondering who will prevail. The fact that the series is Based on Historical Events (112) makes it that much more compelling.

What will help push Those About to Die to a second season?
The gladiatorial Competition (135). Thanks to its to-the-death style of fighting, the show effectively features an Elimination Game (119) where any combatant in the ring (or, more broadly, any character fighting for power) could conceivably be killed off at any point. This ever-present sense of stakes helps create a robust story engine with the potential to drastically change the set-up for future seasons. Interestingly, Those About to Die depends on the same elements for its longevity as a number of reality game shows, including The Traitors, The Weakest Link, Ink Master, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and The Voice (as well as fellow drama Squid Game).

Introducing Genre DNA™

Redefine your understanding of TV subgenres

Introducing Genre DNA™ – TV subgenres redefined by groundbreaking AI analysis to reveal the true drivers of viewership.

See the insights that others can’t

Genre DNA™ goes beyond traditional TV genre classifications by analyzing over 1,000 scripted and unscripted series on both linear and SVOD platforms from the last 5 years.

Each Vault Genre DNA™ report offers a precise analysis of your chosen TV subgenre, uncovering its unique drivers of viewership.

Learn More

Stay in the know

Subscribe to get Rapid Insights delivered to your inbox or follow us on LinkedIn

Past Rapid Insights: Miss one? Check out previous issues here