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Two weeks ago, ABC premiered a fun and fizzy new crime procedural that has been increasingly on the case, wooing audiences across platforms and creating a promising new hit for the network. The show stars Kaitlin Olson as a night janitor and single mother whose sky-high IQ and ability to see what the cops have missed–inadvertently discovered after a mishap in the police precinct–lands her a consulting role with LAPD’s Homicide Division.

Here’s what you need to know about High Potential:

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 watching this comedy-laced procedural?
We’re seeing a viewership that’s 65% women and 93% ages 35+, the exact same sweet spot hit by other quirky cop shows centered around a genius detective, such as Monk, The Mentalist, Psych, Elementary, and Unforgettable.

What’s driving the show’s ratings surge? 
Its amusing team dynamics. Olson’s character Morgan–an eccentric, unapologetic, marches-to-the-beat-of-her-own-drummer force of nature–is a Fish Out of Water (116) in the staid LAPD, and her irreverent yet insightful perspective (Eccentric Character POV, 119) often clashes with her by-the-book police teammates. The Unlikely Friendship (121) (and likely slow-burn romance) that develops between Morgan and her skeptical detective partner as they learn to work together (Teamwork, 119) is a key reason viewers are tuning in.

What’s making High Potential so bingeworthy? 
Morgan. The show’s Genius (126) protagonist offers a fresh, fun take on crime solving, with her witty, Sarcastic Humor (124) and misguided attempts to follow police protocol (Awkward & Funny Moments, 126) injecting a rich vein of comedy into what can sometimes be a dry genre. Viewers want to follow her Journey of Self Discovery (123) as she realizes her potential and learn more about her personal life as a Single Parent (125) to three lively kids.

How is the show’s social buzz? 
Promising. Our social buzz meter registered only average levels (100) of online chatter when the pilot premiered but started climbing rapidly the next day, finally peaking in “outstanding” territory (at 154, just under the 160 maximum) after the second episode. Online discussions are focusing on Morgan’s dual priorities as she’s pulled between her new LAPD role and her responsibilities at home (Work-Life Balance, 128).

What will help High Potential reach a second season? 
Its procedural framework (Police Procedural, 115). The show’s crime-solving elements offer a built-in, easily repeatable whodunit story engine, with viewers eager to see Morgan and her team (Investigators & Detectives, 121) sift through clues, investigate evidence, leverage forensics (CSI, 134), and finally Solve A Murder (119) every week. This fundamental aspect of the series is what will propel its longevity.

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.

HBO’s upcoming new satirical comedy takes a world that seems both aspirational and exhilarating to the average viewer and seeks to correct this widespread perception. Inspired by real-life behind-the-scenes incidents from various Marvel and DC movies, the show–created by industry vets Jon Brown, Armando Iannucci, and Sam Mendes–follows the cast and crew of a fictional superhero film as they attempt to overcome disaster, chaos, and studio meddling and complete their mega-budget production.

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

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 new satire? 
We’re predicting a viewership that leans to men (60%) and especially those 35+ (89%). This audience is notably more male than many previous comedies about the inner workings of the film and TV industry, including Barry, Entourage, 30 Rock, Episodes, and Bojack Horseman (all 38%-57% men).

What’s the show’s most important viewership driver?
Humor. The Franchise is a zany yet biting comedy about the stranger-than-fiction absurdities inherent in the franchise filmmaking process, and its multitude of Awkward & Funny Moments (134) across various mishaps, clashes, and disasters are crucial for all four key areas we measure: ratings, bingeability, social buzz, and longevity. The series’ sharp wit (Sarcastic Humor, 118) also helps specifically with making it feel bingeworthy.

Why else will viewers be watching? 
For a behind-the-scenes look at Show Business (119). Audiences will want to see the often dysfunctional (and presumably fictionalized) Workplace Dynamics (123) on a big-budget film set, with the built-in Conflicts of Interest (121) between the development execs, director, actors, crew, and other suits and creative types who all have a stake in the movie (Co-worker Relationships, 119). The resulting chaos and drama will prove an irresistible hook, helping to drive the show’s ratings.

What type of viewing experience can audiences expect? 
An Emotional Roller Coaster (127). Underneath the show’s overarching humor, viewers will sympathize with the film’s beleaguered below-the-line crew as they struggle desperately to keep their massive production afloat. Audiences will bounce between a bevy of emotions right alongside the main characters, from Surprise (120), Terror (118), and Loathing (117) to Optimism (117), Ecstasy (117), and Acceptance (117).

What will help push The Franchise to a second season? 
Its sense of urgency. The series’ fictional superhero production is rapidly spiraling out of control (Losing Control, 123), and the consequences are potentially dire thanks to the incredible amount of money involved. The cast and crew are in a Race Against Time (134) to complete filming and must make some increasingly Tough Decisions (126) before the studio intervenes and possibly fires them all. This overwhelming sense of crisis will help ramp up the stakes and propel the show’s story engine into a second season and beyond.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.