As the UK sits down to watch some of this year’s most highly anticipated shows, such as Stranger Things and Love Island, connectivity provider TalkTalk has released a new report into the nation’s TV viewing habits.
The research reveals almost three quarters (71%) of Manchester residents consider sitting down to watch TV with their loved ones as “family time”. The latest TV figures reveal the average adult currently spends 2 hours 39 minutes watching TV each day [1], which leaves the question what do people choose to watch and when?
To find out, TalkTalk surveyed 2,000 UK respondents to uncover the nation’s viewing habits.
Manchester’s Top Five Genres:
- Drama
- True Crime
- Thriller
- Comedy
- Sci-Fi
While drama is the favourite among the nation (22%), it’s also the most preferred genre for Manchester residents with one in five putting this in their top three (22%).
There seems to be a dark theme to the TV genres that Mancunians watch the most, with true crime placing second (16%) and thriller in third (15%).
What does Manchester Watch for Different Moods and Scenarios?
Comedy is the top choice when Mancunians need a pick-me-up. If they’re feeling down (18%), hungover (14%) or even going through a break-up (18%) the city like to cheer themselves up with a bit of humour.
Interestingly, the horror genre seems to creep in when the city are watching TV shows or films with other people. When spending family time with adults horror is the most preferred option, by a rather iconic and supersitious 13% of respondents. Likewise, a scary film or show is the second most popular option when Manchester residents are on a first date – what a way to set the mood!
Love Island is NOT Manchester’s Favourite Reality TV Show
When it comes to reality TV, nearly three quarters of Mancunians (74%) say they watch at least one reality show. Surprisingly, Love Island, which is one of the UK’s most spoken about reality shows, doesn’t make the top five and places seventh overall.
I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! takes the crown for the city (35%), followed by Gogglebox in second (32%). Third place is split between The Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing, both watched by a quarter of residents here (25%).
Lindsey China, Head of TV Partnerships at TalkTalk, said, “Our research has found that for 48% of the UK, having access to streaming services has reduced how often they now go to the cinema. With so much choice of what to watch at home, it’s interesting to see what people all across the country are watching and how this changes for different moods or situations.”
Find more information about what Manchester, and the nation, like to watch and when here.
