Need further proof that the massive red blob between New York and Los Angeles controls the country? Take a look at the latest study from leading media-research company Experian Simmons, which has broken television popularity down to Republicans and Democrats. (Don't worry: Political persuasion aside, you're still a douche if you watch The Office.) Click ahead to find out the (not) shocking results.
As it turns out, popular shows are watched by Republicans! The Amazing Race, Modern Family, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory, among other Nielsen thoroughbreds, have a larger number of Republican fans than Democrat ones. The reason for this? Basically that Republicans like rooting for a winner. (No wonder so many Yankees fans are also Republicans.)
On the flipside, "critically acclaimed" series like Mad Men, Dexter, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights and Parks & Recreation are watched by Democrats. So, the losers. Of course the fact that Democrats might consider themselves "too cool for school" is only half the issue, according to John Fetto, senior marketing manager for Experian Simmons.
"The big shows with mass appeal tend to have above-average scores from Democrats and Republicans but with higher concentrations of Republicans. Looking at the Democrats side, I don't mean to make light of it, but they seem to like shows about damaged people. Those are the kind of shows Republicans just stay away from."
Ah-ha! So are Democrats the smart ones or does their self-loathing just speak to another character flaw?
As for Republicans, it seems that they also like shows chock-a-block with children, specifically when it comes to TLC.
"Based on Experian's data from last spring, TLC's audience isn't any more Republican than most other cable networks: But the channel gradually has been adding more heartland-friendly titles one would expect conservatives to appreciate. In addition to Sarah Palin's Alaska, there are several "breeder" titles like 18 Kids & Counting. The network also just ordered a limited series, Homecoming, showing surprise military-family reunions."
So, I know what you're thinking: What does this all prove? Not a whole lot that you didn't know already, other than that a reboot of Eight is Enough, co-starring Jon Hamm and Sarah Palin, would probably be the highest rated television series of all-time.
ยท The Reign of Right-Wing TV [THR/The Live Feed]