NEWS COPY
One in five Brits has lied about watching a TV show in order to ‘fit in’ new research reveals.
A study of 2,000 people showed the pressure to be in the know with the latest must-see shows or keep up with the workplace chat has led to millions of people faking their way through conversations rather than be seen to be out of the loop.
More than half of those polled felt a genuine pressure to watch certain shows in order to fit in, with Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones topping the list of essential television for the nation.
The study also showed the importance of television shows in modern culture with more than two thirds of Brits feeling left out whenever they’ve been unable to see a show everyone is talking about.
The research, which was commissioned by Sky Atlantic, found a person’s television taste defines them more than ever it seems, 55 per cent said they judge others more on the type of things they watch than by the music they listen to or the books they read.
The study also compiled the best-loved shows of all time with Game of Thrones show inside the top ten at number seven beating time-honoured British classic Doctor Who, which finished eighth.
Sky Atlantic’s research marks the arrival of every episode of Game of Thrones ever on demand through Sky Box Sets and NOW TV, and found devouring episodes soon becomes an everyday habit- the average viewer had clocked up 13 consecutive days of watching an episode of something they love.
Yesterday a spokesman for Sky Atlantic said: “As the results prove, the shows we identify with and become fans of play a big part of who we are and, much like our choice of books or music, help define us as a person.
“Some shows are so big that people clearly feel a pressure to get involved and find out what the fuss is all about rather than feeling left out.
“But the way in which we consume these shows is changing and the passion surrounding today’s big shows means people are looking for ways to catch up and be a part of it.”
“Game of Thrones emerged as one of the shows people were most likely to feel a fear of missing out on or regret not getting in to first time round.
“With all four series now available on-demand, now might be the time to rectify that.”
The study also found three in ten have not left the house for a whole day in order to watch their favorite show and a similar number have sacrificed not getting dressed or showering to carry on the marathon.
Women are more susceptible to feeling left out, but men are more likely to blag their way through a conversation by pretending they’ve seen something they haven’t.
And Brits know whether they can expect a long love-affair early on in a show- the average viewer can tell if a show is for them after 16 minutes of watching.
While a less patient one in ten knows within under three minutes if they’ll be around for episode two.
But getting hooked can take its toll- men proved more likely than women to skive off work in order to watch a show, but women had more whole days without leaving the house due to being hooked on a television series.
More than a third would have serious doubts about a potential date if they had completely different tastes in television.
The Sky Atlantic spokesman added: “We’re a nation that values our television and are passionate supporters of high-quality drama, compelling storylines and shows that always leave us wanting more.
“But the way in which we consume these shows is changing and the passion surrounding today’s big shows means people are looking for ways to catch up and be a part of it.”
TOP 10 ESSENTIAL SHOWS BRITS FEEL PRESSURE TO HAVE WATCHED
1. Breaking Bad
2. Game of Thrones
3. House of Cards
4. Orange is the New Black
5. Downton Abbey
6. Walking Dead
7. 24
8. Homeland
9. American Horror Story
10. Gavin & Stacey
THE 15 GREATEST EVER TV SHOWS
1. Fawlty Towers
2. Only Fools and Horses
3. Breaking Bad
4. Big Bang Theory
5. Friends
6. Black Adder
7. Game of Thrones
8. Doctor Who
9. Father Ted
10. Downton Abbey
11. The Inbetweeners
12. Sherlock
13. 24
14. Gavin and Stacey
15. The Simpsons
ENDS
