Rapid Insights: ‘Dying for Sex’ Flips Cancer Tropes Into Bold Wish Fulfillment

FX on Hulu recently dropped a daring and moving new limited series dramedy that has critics abuzz and already speculating on Emmy nominations for its leads. Based on a true-story podcast of the same name, the show stars Michelle Williams as a woman diagnosed with terminal Stage IV cancer who decides to use her last remaining days to explore the full range of her sexuality and desires.

Here’s what you need to know about Dying for Sex:

Vault AI 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 watching this unique new show?
We’re seeing an audience that leans somewhat toward women (59%) and is heavily aged 30+ (71%)–a notably different viewership profile than other series that deal frankly with sex. Female-fronted sex dramedies like Sex EducationThe Sex Lives of College Girls, Grace and FrankieFleabagGirls, and Shrill as a category tend to appeal much more strongly to women (62-73%) and generally skew younger (45-68% aged 30+).

Why are viewers tuning in?
For the ride-or-die Female Friendship (160) at the show’s center. Dying for Sex’s beating heart comes from the incredibly tightknit bond between struggling cancer patient Molly and her brash BFF (160) Nikki, who vows to support her friend through the end of her life after she leaves her unfulfilling marriage. This Supportive Relationship (145) forms the emotional backbone of the show, infusing it with both humor (Awkward & Funny Moments, 133) and pathos as Molly–and the audience–grapple with her terminal diagnosis.

What type of viewing experience are audiences looking for?
One with great emotional depth. The series echoes Molly’s journey through grief, discovery, and revelation, taking viewers through the same richly complex highs and lows as the protagonist and her loved ones. From Anger (139)Fear (134), and Sadness (132) to Awe (139)Joy (136), and Love (120)Dying for Sex covers the full range of human experience under the shadow of our mortality.

What’s making the show so bingeworthy?
Molly’s journey of self-discovery. Her diagnosis-spurred drive to experience all variations of Sexual Activity (120)–along with the awkward Sexual Humor (111) that accompanies it–is what’s keeping audiences glued to their seats as they come along for the ride of her intense sexual awakening. Molly’s sexual bucket list also makes the show feel quite unique, as it puts a very different spin on the Dying Protagonist (119) theme; other shows centered around terminal cancer (e.g. New AmsterdamBreaking Bad, Red Band Society) tend to choose very different routes.

How is the show’s social buzz?
Strong. After the trailer spiked into “promising” range (peaking at 118), the April 4 release of the full first season shot to the top of our buzz meter (at 160) and stuck there for a solid week. Though online activity has since dropped off a bit, it still remains in “outstanding” territory (at 128), suggesting that the show will continue to have legs. Viewers are primarily tweeting and posting about Molly’s Life Changing Decision (147) to abandon her 15-year marriage in order to pursue a sexual journey and rely on her best friend for support.

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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘Paradise’, ‘Zero Day’, ‘The Diplomat’, and ‘The Residence’ Reimagine Presidential Fiction

Audiences have long been fascinated with the White House and its most powerful occupant, and TV series spotlighting the highest levels of D.C. politics have been plentiful, even on the purely fictional plane. But while viewers have always tuned in for the benevolent (The West Wing), the schemers (House of CardsVeep), and even the accidentally-in-change (Designated SurvivorCommander in Chief), today’s real-life political upheaval has made this presidential subgenre feel particularly topical. Four recent series dive into the White House scene from different angles, from comedy to mystery to thriller to sci-fi, and in doing so, are uniquely positioned to take advantage of 1600 Penn being so broadly top-of-mind: Netflix’s Zero DayThe Residence, and The Diplomat and Hulu’s Paradise.

Here’s what you need to know about this current presidential trend:

Vault AI 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

Do these shows appeal to the same audience? 
Not at all. While all four series delve into the presidential, their unique takes on the office and its trappings lean into different viewership profiles. Comedic murder mystery The Residence appeals most strongly to women (57%), thrillers Zero Day and The Diplomat skew heavily toward men (61% and 58%, respectively), and sci-fi drama-thriller Paradise is roughly gender-balanced (53% men / 47% women). All of these shows do, however, land in the same age range, largely pulling in adults 30+ (75-80%).

How important are their ties to politics? 
They’re keeping viewers watching. All four series portray fictional worlds with fictional presidents, and none explicitly dips into the flashpoints of today’s highly-charged arena or obviously mimics any specific politicians. They largely take an escapist approach to real-life politics, whether leveraging them for inspiration as to what might happen (The DiplomatZero Day) or ignoring them completely (The Residence). Nevertheless, audiences are finding their portrayals of White House machinations irresistible as a potential glimpse behind the real-life scenes, and their common themes of Political LifePolitical Manipulation, and Power Struggles are top drivers of bingeability. The politics of these series are keeping viewers glued to their seats–even if they’re not what’s initially pulling in audiences.

What draws viewers to these types of series?
Dangerous Missions (125)
 and High Stakes (121). The White House offers a uniquely heightened setting for thrilling suspense, and all four of these shows leverage it to the utmost–even when cutting it with comedy. Tense thrillers Zero Day, which stars Robert De Niro as a former president investigating a deadly cyberterrorism attack; Paradise, which tracks Sterling K. Brown as a Secret Service agent investigating the president’s murder; and The Diplomat, which follows Keri Russell as an ambassador defusing international crises on behalf of the US government, all lean into a number of hardhitting drivers that ramp up the tension: Under Threat (160), Emotional Roller Coaster (145), Police Action (144)Life in Danger (144), Scary Situations (129)Tough Decisions (128). Even the humorous The Residence, in which eccentric detective Uzo Aduba investigates a murder at a state dinner, still leans into the more serious aspects of its plot for ratings: Dark Secrets (122), Murder Mystery (121)Emotions Running High (118). But while these shows’ absorbing escapism is ultimately their main attraction, their political topicality surely helps them cut through the noise.

Is there a strong opportunity for social buzz with this topic? 
Most definitely. The recent release of all four series–season two for The Diplomat, season one for the others–generated strong online activity, and every one immediately rocketed to the top of our social buzz meter (to 160). Zero Day, Paradise, and The Diplomat remained at the top for at least three solid weeks–Paradise lasted two full months–while The Residence, released just over two weeks ago, is still going strong. Their powerful convergence of topicality and escapism may be keeping these shows so top-of-mind.

Do US political themes appeal internationally? 
Sometimes. Other English-speaking markets (the UK, Australia, New Zealand) appear to have a greater potential interest in these types of shows than elsewhere, with Zero Day and Paradise gaining a bit of “promising” traction there thanks to themes of Political ManipulationThe Residence, on the other hand, stands out globally for its “outstanding”-level storyline exploring Political Life in a US Federal Agency, but The Diplomat’s American-centric drivers look comparatively soft everywhere outside the US.

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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘Adolescence’ Exposes New Dangers at the Crossroads of Family and Violence

Earlier this month, Netflix released a four-part limited series that hit a very topical nerve, and the show has skyrocketed to the top of the streamer’s charts by capturing a disturbing piece of the modern zeitgeist. The drama follows a 13-year-old boy suspected of killing a girl from his school after becoming immersed in Andrew Tate-like misogynistic ideas online.

Here’s what you need to know about Adolescence:

Vault AI 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 watching this intense drama? 
We’re seeing an audience that’s roughly gender-balanced (52% women / 48% men) and heavily skewed to those 30+ (73%). This represents a slightly different make-up than other dark dramas that explore similar territory, such as Defending JacobUnbelievable, and When They See Us, which are more likely to favor women (58-72%).

Why are viewers tuning in? 
For the character drama. While Adolescence tackles a very broad and culturally relevant topic, it does so through the narrow lens of one 13-year-old boy and his family, and it’s these (fictional) character and story specifics that are actually pulling in audiences. The show’s exploration of the murder’s aftershocks feels compellingly deep: as the family crumbles (Broken Family, 118) and the despairing parents fear that they’ve utterly failed their son (Inner Conflict, 125), they nevertheless do everything in their power to defend him (Protective Parent, 117) and better understand his struggles (Teen Angst, 120). All are key ratings drivers.

What type of emotional experience are viewers signing on for? 
A challenging one. The show centers the ideas of toxic masculinity and social media as poison, following their trajectory to a tragic yet logical conclusion as they become filtered through a young boy’s turmoil. Audiences are confronted by a whole host of negative emotions throughout the season, including Apprehension (121)Vigilance (118)Disgust (118)Loathing (116)Aggressiveness (115)Sadness (113), and Grief (113), as Adolescence makes clear that no one wins in this modern situation.

What’s making the series so bingeworthy? 
Its exploration of the causes. Whereas what happens is driving ratings, why it happens is driving bingeability, and viewers are leaning forward to discern the complicated motives behind Adolescence’s classmate killing. Thirteen-year-old Jamie is a victim of Bullying (136) at school and at home, and his role model for masculinity is a quick-to-anger father who often explodes at the women in the family (Father-Child Relationships, 122). This, coupled with a failure to catch his slide into the disturbingly toxic “red pill” online community, leads his parents into a moment of crisis (Moral Dilemma, 129): is Jamie’s crime actually their fault?

How does the show’s social buzz look? 
Through the roof. After the late-February trailer first spiked interest in the show (peaking at an “outstanding” 132), its full-season drop on March 13 immediately maxed out our social buzz meter (at 160), where it has remained firmly ever since. The series seems primed to stay top-of-mind for audiences for some time to come, as they text and tweet about the specifics of Jamie’s story and the terrifying questions it poses for society.

 

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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘Good American Family’ Blends Scandal, Courtroom, and Family for Max Impact

Last week, Hulu released the first episodes of a gripping new ‘ripped from the headlines’ drama, and it has already started grabbing attention and climbing the charts. The limited series stars Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass as a loving couple who adopt a little girl with dwarfism only to discover that she may not be at all what she seems.

Here’s what you need to know about Good American Family:

Vault AI 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

Does this show hit the usual true crime drama sweet spot? 
Definitely. We’re seeing a viewership that leans heavily toward women (66%) and those 30+ (75%), the same audience segment that enjoys other ‘based on a true story’ dramatizations like CandyThe Staircase, A Friend of the FamilyThe ActInventing Anna, The Girl from Plainville, and Love & Death (all 59-72% women / 67–80% 30+).

What’s the show’s top viewership driver? 
The scandal. After Midwestern couple Kristine and Michael Barnett adopt the short-statured Natalia Grace from Ukraine, her unusual behavior leads them to suspect she’s actually an adult lying about her age. But from Natalia Grace’s point of view, she’s merely a child trying to defend herself from the couple’s abuse, neglect, and abandonment (Child Abuse, 129)Good American Family goes farther than many of its true crime brethren, following this infamous case all the way through the courts (Courtroom Drama, 160) as judges are called on to litigate the details, and viewers are tuning in largely to see the intense final showdown.

Why else are so many people tuning in? 
For a peek into this dysfunctional Adopted Family (145). The series explores the Family Life (127) of the Barnett parents and their three sons, and the many ways everything implodes following their adoption of Natalia Grace. The Barnetts’ initial high-minded desire to save a child (Idealism, 124) and welcome her into their fold (Family, 114) contrasts mightily with the rising Family Tension (125) as they ultimately turn against her, and audiences are eager to see how it all goes so disastrously wrong.

What’s keeping viewers watching? 
Its ‘ripped from the headlines’ nature. The fact that Good American Family is Based on a True Story (128) is its #1 driver of bingeability–a much weightier position than we typically see for other true crime dramas. In this case, the real-life story–the idea that an adult may be perpetrating a Scam (122) by posing as a 7-year-old child–becomes so increasingly bizarre that viewers have to keep watching to find out the truth. Is Natalia Grace actually a little girl, as she insists, or truly a fully-grown woman, as the Barnetts claim? Who’s the real victim and who’s the real villain?

How does the show’s social buzz look? 
Very strong. Our social buzz meter saw a big spike in online activity (maxing out at 160) with the original trailer drop in late February, and then started climbing again as the marketing campaign picked up steam throughout March. The release of the first two episodes last week pushed it back up to the very top (again at 160), where it has remained firmly ever since.

 

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.

*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

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Rapid Insights: ‘Deli Boys’ vs. ‘Running Point’—How Tone Transforms Family Chaos

Two hilarious and critically-acclaimed new half-hour comedies about dysfunctional families dropped recently on streaming, and both have achieved significant buzz. Hulu’s Deli Boys follows two spoiled brothers who find themselves tangling with the criminal underworld after the family business they inherit turns out to be a front for cocaine smuggling. Netflix’s Running Point stars Kate Hudson as a reformed party girl desperate to prove herself after being left in charge of her family’s Lakers-like pro basketball team.

Here’s what you need to know about these fresh new comedies:

Vault AI 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

Do these shows appeal to the same audience? 
No. Thanks to a darker tone and scenes of shocking (though humorous) violence, Deli Boys appeals strongly to men (65%)–a pointed gender skew, and even heavier than many similarly crime-focused comedies like Barry (57%), The Gentlemen (58%), and Mr Inbetween (55%). In contrast, Running Point’s viewership is gender-balanced (51% men / 49% women), landing better with women than many other sports-themed series (American Sports Story, ClippedWinning Time–all 63-73% men) thanks to its strong female protagonist.

What do these two comedies have in common?
Fish Out of Water (134)
 protagonists. In both shows, the bumbling progeny of wealthy parents are handed an intense family legacy they’re not fully equipped to take on; at the same time, these adult children are surrounded by Family Dysfunction (151), sibling rivalries (Sibling Relationship, 122), and off-kilter business set-ups (Working with Family, 160). In Deli Boys, brothers Mir and Raj become the unwitting heirs to a cocaine empire after their father dies unexpectedly–and promised they were merely inheriting ownership of a state-wide convenience store chain. In Running Point, billionaire party girl Isla is suddenly promoted to president of her family’s pro basketball team after her competent elder brother is shipped off to rehab. In both series, these themes of family and belonging are the key drivers of longevity, setting the stage for future seasons.

What’s making Deli Boys stand out as unique? 
Crime and dark comedy (Twisted Humor, 121)Deli Boy’s ratings are being driven by its humorous twist on the crime-thriller genre, and the unexpected laughs it’s able to wring from shockingly Bloody Violence (143), an intense Criminal Organization (160), and the act of Committing a Crime (133) are giving it buoyancy. The show also revels in putting a unique spin on its specific milieu: it heightens the aspirational story of a prosperous immigrant clan who have achieved the American dream by making them a hilariously over-the-top Crime Family (132) ruling gangland with an iron fist. These distinctive elements are what’s pulling in so many viewers.

What’s differentiating Running Point? 
Sports and light humor. Where Deli Boys goes dark, Running Point serves up divertingly Awkward & Funny Moments (134) and snarky Adult Humor (153) as it plays up the Arrested Development (146) of protagonist Isla and her billionaire family. And rather than crime, the show situations itself in the captivating world of pro basketball (Sports Focus, 139), a setting appealing not only on its own merits, but also because it offers Isla the chance to Step Up (144), overcome her flaws (Overcoming Adversity, 129), grapple with new challenges (Difficult Workplace, 133), and ultimately prove herself worthy (Ambition & Drive, 128). Isla’s lighthearted journey and the comedy that underpins it propel both ratings and bingeability for the show, and viewers are tuning in–and staying tuned–to both laugh at and cheer for her success.

Are the shows popular on social media? 
Definitely. Both series peaked at or near the top of the “outstanding” range on our social buzz meter after their first season drop, and both show signs of continued engagement. While Running Point reveals more long-term robust chatter–it has maxed out our meter (at 160) almost continuously since its release on February 27–Deli Boys is also proving to be a sticky show, bouncing between “outstanding” and high-level ”promising” buzz several weeks after its own release.

 

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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘House of David’ Unlocks Action Drama’s Power in Biblical Epics

Amazon Prime Video recently premiered a new Bible-based epic that has already turned into a surprise hit, posting big viewership numbers and generating plenty of buzz among certain audiences. The series traces the rise of David, an outcast teenager who eventually becomes the most celebrated king of ancient Israel.

Here’s what you need to know about House of David:

Vault AI 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

Does House of David appeal to the same audience as The Chosen? 
No. For David, we’re seeing an audience that’s mostly men (64%) and mostly aged 30+ (68%), largely thanks to its war-action focus and younger male protagonist. The Chosen, in contrast, which retells the story of Jesus’s life, pulls in more women (59%) and skews considerably older (92% aged 35+ on linear / 77% aged 30+ on streaming).

Why are viewers tuning in? 
To see David fight Goliath. The show’s first season culminates in that legendary confrontation, and audiences are eagerly watching to see underdog David (Overcoming Adversity, 115) challenge the towering Philistine with his slingshot. The young shepherd’s Heroism (136) and Bravery (113) make for an exciting climax as he single-handledly defends his homeland–the ancient kingdom of Israel and Judah (Distinctly Realized World, 111)–from the invading forces.

What’s making the show so bingeworthy? 
David’s journey to the throne. The series follows David’s inspirational Journey of Self Discovery (147)–made more revealing by carefully-deployed Voice-Over Narration (140)–as he overcomes early Family Tragedy (112) to become the wise, brave king of Scripture. His rise counters the fall of the once-mighty King Saul (Royalty, 151), a leader felled by his own hubris, and viewers are hooked watching David’s destiny unfold.

How important is the religious aspect? 
It’s supportive. While the specifics of David’s story are what’s attracting viewers, the show’s faith-based storytelling (Spirituality, 116) and Biblical origins (Based on a Book, 113) are contributing to its social buzz and likely longevity. David’s tale extends far beyond his battle with Goliath, and there’s plenty of source material left to bring into future seasons.

How’s the show’s social buzz? 
Stellar. Its level of online chatter shot up to (160) (the very top of our buzz meter) with its three-episode premiere on February 27 and landed there again a week later with the drop of episode four. Though there have been slight dips between weekly episode roll-outs, its buzz has nevertheless remained firmly in “outstanding”-level territory. Viewers are engaging in David’s storied heroism and the show’s ties to religion and spirituality.

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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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘A Thousand Blows’ Shows How History’s Grit Fuels Crime Drama

A gritty new historical drama on Hulu has gotten critics buzzing for its fierce and unfiltered portrayal of the real-life seedy underbelly of 1880s London. From the prolific creator of Peaky Blinders, the show follows two Jamaican immigrants as they fight for survival in the violent East End, clashing with a dangerous bare-knuckle boxer and the conniving leader of an all-female crime syndicate.

Here’s what you need to know about A Thousand Blows:

Vault AI 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 dark new drama? 
We’re seeing an audience made up mostly of men (63%) and those aged 30+ (67%). The similarly violent Peaky Blinders showed the same gender skew (65% men) but trended quite a bit older (78% aged 30+), potentially thanks to its heavier focus on Married Life (116) and Family Relationships (137)–themes that tend to land best with those who can personally relate.

Why have audiences been watching? 
For its gritty thrills. A Thousand Blows boasts the same top two ratings drivers as the long-lived Peaky Blinders: a gripping peek into a compelling (and loosely factual) Criminal Organization (134) and its sharp bursts of remorseless Action & Violence (122) that make the portrayal feel true-to-life. For A Thousand Blows, this means a deep dive into the Forty Elephants, an all-woman syndicate of thieves and crooks, and their conflicts with the illegal underground world of bare-knuckle boxing. These core elements create a tense viewing experience full of Surprise (116)Terror (116), and Anger (114) that’s making audiences want to sit up and lean forward. At the same time, the show’s protagonists–two Fish Out of Water (120) immigrants new to this world–set up an effective entry point that introduces viewers to its many colorful characters and mores.

What’s making the series so bingeworthy? 
The ruthlessness of the period. The show’s exploration of this specific corner of British Culture (142) and real-life history (Based on Historical Events, 127) puts an entirely new spin on its portrayal of shocking violence and a dog-eat-dog way of life. Audiences are being sucked into the Ambition & Drive (132) of its larger-than-life Tough Guy (129) characters, especially a hardened and lethal champion boxer and the cunning leader of the Forty Elephants (Strong Female Character, 124).

How is the show’s level of online chatter? 
Strong. With its full first season drop on Feb 21, the series rocketed to the top of our social buzz meter (at 160), remaining there for a solid week and hovering consistently in the “outstanding”-level range thereafter. Peaky Blinders proved quite buzzy over the length of its run, and A Thousand Blows may find a similar level of social media success.

What will help push A Thousand Blows into future seasons? 
Its Sports Focus (139). To gain a foothold into such a brutal community, the show’s Jamaican immigrant protagonist Hezekiah enters the illegal boxing ring and goes up against a furious champion loath to cede the spotlight, especially to a Black man. Though Hezekiah’s path becomes ever more winding–the leader of the Forty Elephants wants him for her criminal schemes–his struggles in the ring (his Underdog (123) status, his growing success and Winning (112)) will help to provide story fodder for the show’s already-ordered second season and beyond.

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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.

*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

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

Rapid Insights: ‘Win or Lose’ Expands Pixar’s Legacy with Original Storytelling

Disney+ has just added an original new animated comedy to its Pixar line-up that, unlike most of its predecessors, is not based on an earlier film, and critics are already dubbing it a home run. The show tracks a middle-school co-ed softball team in the weeks before their big championship game, and each episode shows the same events from the perspective of a different character using a unique visual style.

Here’s what you need to know about Win or Lose:

Vault AI 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 new animated series? 
We’re seeing a demographic profile that, thanks to its sports focus, leans mostly to boys and men (61%) and suggests a healthy dose of family co-viewing (58% aged <30 / 42% aged 30+). This audience closely mirrors that of fellow Pixar adventure-comedy Cars on the Road, while both Monsters at Work and Dream Productions pull in more parents (50% aged <30 / 50% aged 30+).

Why are viewers watching? 
For the Pixar of it all. Though Win or Lose can’t lean on familiar characters and storylines to draw in eager fans, the fact that the show is still an Animated Comedy (160) from the beloved studio is its top ratings draw. Similarly, its most inherently Pixar-like themes–a Journey of Self Discovery (160), deep Friendships (129) and Family Relationships (150), lesson-worthy Emotional Turmoil (141)–drive its viewership and social buzz. The show benefits from the brand’s reputation for high-quality storytelling in the same way its predecessors–Cars on the Road (Cars), Monsters at Work (Monsters, Inc.), Dream Productions (Inside Out), Forky Asks a Question (Toy Story), Dug Days (Up)–could point to the first-class films that birthed them.

What’s making the show so binge-worthy? 
A peek into childhood. Win or Lose’s multi-character Coming of Age (123) story and effective portrayal of the ups and downs of middle school (Tweener Life, 127Bullying, 115) are the top drivers for its bingeability. Its silly, kid-friendly Over-the-Top Humor (118) layers on top to lighten the tone and inject a compelling sense of fun.

What type of viewing experience are audiences leaning into? 
An affecting one. Pixar is known for showing a broad sweep of deeply-felt emotions, and Win or Lose is no exception. As its middle-school protagonists struggle to gain Acceptance (117), make friends (Social Contact, 146), follow their Idealism (136), and meet Family (147) demands, viewers are being drawn in by the universal relatability of their emotions: everything from Awe (160)Optimism (148), and Ecstasy (139) to Grief (143)Contempt (136), and Remorse (136).

What will help propel Win or Lose into a second season? 
Sports. The series’ heavy Sports Focus (140) and accompanying themes (Competition, 143; Coach-Athlete Relationships, 134; Overcoming Adversity, 132) offer rich story fodder for future potential seasons. Audiences want to see the young protagonists continue to grow, improve their softball skills, and, hopefully, apply lessons learned on the field to their everyday lives.

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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.

*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.

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Rapid Insights: ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Explores How True-Con Blends Fact, Fiction, and Frenzy

Netflix just released a buzzy new limited series that fits right into the modern trend of dramatizing real-life cons and scams. Joining the likes of Inventing AnnaThe Dropout, and The Thing About Pam, this new show tells the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who faked a battle with cancer to promote her own brand of alternative medicine.

Here’s what you need to know about Apple Cider Vinegar:

Vault AI 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 there a common audience for this type of true-con drama? 
Sort of. The most notable examples of this microtrend–Apple Cider VinegarInventing Anna, The Thing About Pam, Dirty John–tend to focus on female scammers or their female marks, and so their audience tends to be mostly women (64-70%). The Dropout, which details Elizabeth Holmes’ run at Theranos, is the major exception, reaching a gender-balanced viewership (50% men / 50% women). In addition, while all skew heavily toward those 30+, the social media connection of Apple Cider Vinegar appeals to a slightly younger audience (63%) than its genre brethren (69-80%).

How important is the con in attracting viewers? 
Very. The real-life Scams (131, Apple Cider Vinegar), hidden Secrets & Lies (128, Inventing Anna), and Betrayals (121, Dirty John) perpetrated in each of these cases–capped off by their resulting media Scandals (127, The Dropout)–are top drivers of viewership for their respective series. This aspect of the plot, as well as the fact that they’re all Based on True Stories, particularly contributes to bingeability, with audiences watching eagerly to see how each scammer gets caught.

What’s the opportunity for social buzz within this microgenre? 
Extremely high. The Thing About Pam, The Dropout, and Inventing Anna all maxed out our social buzz meter (to 160) for a sustained period during their initial runs, with Anna in particular demonstrating robust staying power. The outrageous nature of these scams tends to get people talking, and their prolonged online chatter keeps interest high. So far, Apple Cider Vinegar is mimicking the pattern set by Inventing Anna: a sharp rise in buzz immediately after release that has yet to waver many days later.

What sets Apple Cider Vinegar apart from these similar shows? 
Its all-too-relevant cultural commentary. In delving into the world of cancer patients (Illness, 145) and treatments (Medical Procedures, 133), the show not only skewers the dubious credibility of modern social media and its self-styled wellness influencers, but also the medical establishment that fails to treat patients like human beings. Belle Gibson uses fraud to gain Social Status (124) and wealth via social media app (Gizmos & Technology, 117), but her Selfishness (119) and Moral Corruption (111) have lethal consequences as her followers adopt her worthless health advice. At the same time, the show is sympathetic to the desperate women who turn to her channel when they feel unsupported and dismissed by their mainstream doctors.

How does Australians’ interest in this series differ from Americans’?
The social media aspect isn’t a driver. While audiences Down Under are as invested as Americans in Apple Cider Vinegar’s portrayal of their own local scam artist (Antihero, AU 133) and the real-life Scandal (AU 137) she perpetrated, they’re not as captivated by the venue of her fraud. Belle Gibson’s burning desire for Social Status (AU 40) via social media apps (Gizmos & Technology, AU 40) only registers in the “disappointing” range in Australia, far below the level of interest shown in the US.

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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.

*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: ‘Paradise’ Reveals the Art of Blending Sci-Fi into Prestige Thrillers

Hulu recently premiered a buzzy new mystery-thriller series laced with a sci-fi twist, and it’s already creating a major stir among critics and viewers alike. Set in a seemingly idyllic, peaceful community populated by the world’s elite, the show follows a steely Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) investigating the murder of the U.S. President (James Marsden) he was sworn to protect.

Here’s what you need to know about Paradise:

Vault AI 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 watching this exciting new series? 
Paradise is an effective blend of Mystery (125)Crime (123)Thriller (118)Sci-Fi (113), and Drama (113), and its resulting viewership profile lands it right in the middle of these genre audiences. The show is more gender-balanced (53% men / 47% women) than other political thrillers that lean heavily into sci-fi (SiloThe ExpanseBattlestar Galactica – 59-67% men), action (The Night Agent, The Recruit24 – 59-62% men), or melodrama (Scandal, The Family – both 72% women). Instead, it aims right down the middle and fits best alongside shows like Designated SurvivorHouse of Cards, and Madam Secretary.

Why are so many viewers tuning in? 
For the protagonist’s struggle. Agent Xavier Collins–the Secret Service operative at the center of the whirlpool–makes for a sharply compelling lead as he grapples with the ramifications of the President’s murder. As the head of POTUS’s security detail, his Psychological Turmoil (144) is overwhelming: it happened on his watch, he’s one of the top suspects (Under Threat, 160), and at least a part of him wanted the man dead (Inner Conflict, 125). Audiences are clamoring to watch him navigate the politically treacherous waters within the nation’s greatest halls of power in a fight that’s perilously ‘sink or swim.’

What kind of emotional experience is the show offering? 
A tense one. Viewers are experiencing the same Fear (120)Rage (110), and Disgust (110) as Agent Collins as he embarks on a High Stakes (121)Dangerous Mission (125) to uncover and expose the truth. These suspense-thriller elements are contributing heavily to the show’s ratings.

What’s making Paradise so watchable?
The broader mystery. The series’ bingability is being driven by the shadowy goings-on behind the scenes of government, as a series of high-powered Conspiracies and Cover Ups (134) and unscrupulous Secret Organizations (114) are slowly brought into focus. All is not as it seems within Paradise’s slice-of-Americana utopia, and the questions surrounding who killed the President may or may not be linked to a series of life-or-death decisions he made for the nation only three years before (Political Manipulation, 121).

How’s the show’s social buzz? 
On cloud nine. A two-day-early surprise pilot drop catapulted the level of online chatter to the top of our buzz meter (at 160), and it hasn’t budged from that high ever since. This pattern is somewhat unusual for a series with a weekly roll-out; most shows see a notable dip in buzz between episodes, suggesting that Paradise boasts much higher-than-average stickiness and momentum.

 

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.

*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

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