'Shogun' Episode 6 and the British TV Landscape With Flo Lloyd-Hughes
Mar 28, 2024
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Flo Lloyd-Hughes joins to discuss British TV habits, 'The Traitors' popularity, and American shows in England. The hosts analyze 'Shogun' episode 6, highlighting standout performances and favorite moments.
UK TV trends focus on hyper local content resonating with national audiences.
UK lacks mass appeal scripted shows compared to US, relies on live sports and reality TV for engagement.
Success of UK shows like Mr Bates vs the Post Office highlights power of local narratives.
Deep dives
Impact of Local Stories on TV Consumption
In the UK, there is a trend towards creating hyper local scripted shows and factual content that resonates with national audiences. An example of this is the show Mr Bates versus the Post Office, which highlighted a miscarriage of justice. The show's success sparked real-world impact, leading to policy changes. This focus on local stories taps into a sense of national interest and drives engagement.
Challenges in Achieving Monocultural TV Viewing
Unlike in the US, where shows like Game of Thrones fostered monocultural viewing experiences, the UK's TV landscape lacks similar mass appeal scripted shows. Live sports coverage and reality TV formats still drive widespread, simultaneous viewing and social media conversations. The absence of a recent scripted hit that unites audiences in real-time discussion indicates a shift towards on-demand viewing habits.
Popular British TV Shows & Viewer Response
Highly acclaimed shows like Mr Bates versus the Post Office and One Day captivated UK audiences, sparking emotional reactions and widespread attention. These productions tapped into local narratives and cultural relevance, contributing to their success. While some viewers may have had critical perspectives, many UK viewers found deep emotional connections to these series, demonstrating the power of storytelling in engaging diverse audiences.
Evolution of Television Viewing Habits in the UK
The podcast delves into the evolution of television viewing habits in the UK, specifically focusing on the impact of streaming platforms and the traditional BBC model. It highlights the tension between the public service broadcaster model of BBC, funded by license fees, and the emergence of streaming services like Netflix. The discussion also touches on the shift towards cord-cutting, the decline of traditional cable TV subscriptions, and the increasing popularity of streaming platforms among younger audiences.
Nostalgia and Trends in Television Programming
The conversation explores the trend of nostalgia in television programming, particularly in the UK, with a focus on the revival of classic shows like 'Gladiators' and 'Big Brother'. It discusses how cultural and economic factors influence the decision-making process in creating new content, with a shift towards nostalgia-driven shows. The podcast also touches on the popularity of British cop thrillers and crime shows, reflecting on the authenticity of content produced by streaming services for global audiences.
Chris and Andy break down the sixth episode of 'Shogun,' talking about their favorite moments from this episode and Anna Sawai's standout performance (1:00). Then, Chris is joined by Flo Lloyd-Hughes, host of The Ringer's 'Counter Pressed,' to talk about British TV-watching habits, including the popularity of 'The Traitors' U.K. (27:17) and what American shows have crossed over to become popular in England this year (44:42).
