2/1/13
ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos is the TV series airing on a broadcast network that attracts the largest number of parents and children under age 13 watching together, according to E-Poll. “Women control the primetime viewing choices, and some of these shows aren’t as appropriate,” says E-Poll’s Mary Ann Farrell. “Moms really have a hard time with curse words.” There are several keys to attracting co-viewing audiences:
Make it funny. “Families want something they can laugh at together,” says Farrell, noting that Wipeout, America’s Funniest Home Videos, and The Middle provide all-ages humor.
Make it competitive. Families gravitate to competitive reality programming that shows a family dynamic. “[These shows] make it clear that they are appropriate to watch with kids,” says E-Poll’s Mary Ann Farrell. There are several characters they can identify with, there’s no sexual content or violence. “Look at Shark Tank. It’s educational, appeals to everyone, and is entertaining.”
Cartoons aren’t always kid-friendly. Traditional cartoons, such as The Simpsons and Family Guy, don’t attract as many co-viewing families as more surprising shows like NBC’s Revolution and ABC’s Modern Family. The reason is that the edgy content turns off moms. “[Shows] need to make it clear it’s appropriate for kids.”
Teens Go Solo. This co-viewing phenomenon tends to end once children become teens, says Farrell. However, there are some girl-skewing shows, such as Gossip Girl, that continue to attract co-viewers largely based on those families’ habit of watching TV?together.
Source: E-Poll, Mary Ann Farrell, SVP Research, 16133 Ventura Blvd., #905, Encino, CA 91436; 818-995-4960, x22; mfarrell@epoll.com; www.epollresearch.com.
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