Brits talk more about TV shows than they do about their jobs or relationships

Adults talk more about TV shows than they do the weather, work – and relationships, a study has found. A poll, of 2,000 TV viewers, found 39 percent spend more time discussing the latest series with friends and family than they do the weather forecast (27 percent), or their employment (24 percent).

And people also have longer conversations about what’s on the box than food (24 percent) and relationships (17 percent).

When it comes to boxsets, 51 percent have something unfinished at any given time – with an average of four outstanding shows on their current TV viewing list.

A lack of time (36 percent), forgetting what’s happened so far (33 percent), and mood changes (32 percent), are the most common reasons for this.

But 32 percent get bored mid-episode, so switch to something else and never go back to it – and 11 percent give up on their current series to view something new, which everyone else is talking about.

The study, commissioned by streaming service, Roku, to launch its new “What to Watch” feature, also found the average TV enthusiast currently has five “to watch” series on their list, and will add two new ones to this every month.

Sally Nelson, director of UK product at the brand, said: “With hundreds of new films and TV shows released each year, the choice of entertainment can become overwhelming.

“Paired with the pressure to be a part of cultural conversations, we now know how people feel – with the research showing that an individual has to watch at least two series each month to keep up.”

According to the poll, 65 percent take up to 20 minutes to choose what to watch, with 29 percent then viewing half an episode before deciding whether or not to continue with it.

The main components considered when deciding on their TV content include what mood they are in (49 percent), whether it’s been recommended by someone they know (27 percent), and the cast (25 percent).

However, if they ever find themselves struggling, half will go on a scrolling frenzy until they find something which appeals to them, while 14 percent will refer to a list they keep of shows which they come across in their everyday lives.

It also emerged half have previously watched an unfinished show “just for the sake of it”, rather than for the enjoyment.

But one in 10 feel anxious, knowing they have a selection of not fully finished programmes on various streaming services. And 22 percent blame their attention span for their irregular TV viewing habits, according to the OnePoll.com data.

Sally Nelson added: “In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to maximize our leisure time, and the last thing people want to do is waste precious moments deciding what to watch. If we reduced this time by half, people would have enough time to enjoy an extra series per year.”

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