Analytics Firm Picks 10 Most Anticipated Fall Shows Based on Social Chatter

By John Consoli -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/21/2012 1:49:08 PM

Networked Insights, the analytics company that uses social network data to help brands understand how viewers respond to TV shows and advertising, has issued a list of the 10 most anticipated new 2012 fall broadcast network series.

NI -- which is funded by Goldman Sachs -- analyzes conversations in social media across the Internet. The social data comes from a variety of social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and thousands of blogs and forums.

The shows on the list aren't necessarily the ones most likely to succeed, but are those that have been most discussed by potential viewers.

The series with the highest social index ranked from one to ten are: The New Normal (NBC); Revolution (NBC); The Mindy Project (Fox); Elementary (CBS); The Following (Fox, midseason); The Carrie Diaries (The CW); Arrow (The CW); Last Resort (ABC); Nashville (ABC); and Vegas (CBS).

The study does offer one-sentence summaries for each of the 10 shows stating why they have a chance for success. Regarding the most anticipated series, NBC's The New Normal, the study says it's "funny, semi-realistic and like Modern Family meets Glee," while second pick, NBC's Revolution, is an "intriguing premise and has fan favorite showrunners [Eric Kripke, of Supernatural fame, who created the series with J.J. Abrams and Jon Favreau]."

Networked Insights has done work with both TV networks and advertisers, and recently formed a partnership with MagnaGlobal, the strategy, intelligence and media investment arm of Mediabrands, which oversees media agencies such as Initiative and Universal McCann, among others.

NI's clients include CBS, Turner, MTV, Lifetime, Starcom MediaVest Group, AT&T, Kraft, P&G, MillerCoors and Verizon.

The analytical research also says Fox's The Following resonates because it has "Kevin Bacon cast in a solid plot," while The Mindy Project is "a nice mix of humor and realism."

ABC's The Last Resort has "a strong cast and crew," while the network's Nashville stars Connie Britton who is seen by many as a "great actress."

CBS' Elementary drew praise because "Sherlock Holmes stories in general are very enjoyable," while for Vegas, "the star-studded cast is the draw, particularly Michael Chiklis."

And about The CW's The Carrie Diaries it says, "AnnaSophia Robb is worth watching it for, and the plot works," while for Arrow, "it has a familiar cast and style for current CW viewers."

Networked Insights also included additional show-by-show detail and information gleaned from the online posts it monitored from May 1 through Sept. 12.

The New Normal (NBC)

Showrunner Ryan Murphy's comedic style resonates strongly with viewers.
Viewers are excited to watch The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member NeNe Leakes in a new role for her.
Among the sentiment of those discussing the show, 13% identified it as positive, 3% negative and 84% neutral.

Revolution (NBC)

Viewers expressed excitement after watching the extended teaser during the Olympics.

Many viewers think the show has promise but have doubts that NBC can resist cancelling the show.

It is being discussed across social networks by fans of The CW's Supernatural, Fox's Alcatraz, NBC's Awake and TNT's Falling Skies.

Viewer sentiment for the show is 46% positive, 4% negative and 50% neutral.

The Mindy Project (Fox)

Show star Mindy Kaling has a large social following and is considered very funny in everything she does.

The show contains situations that are relatable to viewers.

It is being discussed across social networks by fans of Fox's The New Girl and NBC's The Office.

Viewer sentiment for the show is 33% positive, 6% negative and 61% neutral.

Elementary (CBS)

Overall, viewers are happy with the casting.

With Watson being a woman, viewers discuss the possibility of a romance between her and Holmes.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of CSI: Miami and PBS' Sherlock.

Viewer sentiment for the show is 31% positive, 8% negative and 61% neutral.

The Following (Fox)

Showrunner Kevin Williamson is drawing heavy viewer attention, but Kevin Bacon has him beat for leading viewer interest.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of CBS' Person of Interest and USA's Burn Notice.

Viewer sentiment is 35% positive, 10% negative and 55% neutral.

The Carrie Diaries (The CW)

AnnaSophia Robb is a huge draw for tuning in.

Viewers like the concept.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of The CW's Gossip Girl, ABC's Revenge and HBO's Girls.

Viewer sentiment is 31% positive, 4% negative and 65% neutral.

Arrow (The CW)

Fans of The CW know the cast and feel it is an aesthetic fit to what they are used to watching on the network.

Original Green Arrow comic fans are not impressed with the reinterpretation.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of The CW's Smallville and The Vampire Diairies.

Viewer sentiment is 12% positive, 9% negative and 79% neutral.

Last Resort (ABC)

While Scott Speedman gets a lot of publicity, Andre Braugher has more social conversation.

Shawn Ryan is still remembered for his previous TV hits including The Shield on FX.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of TNT's Leverage and USA's Burn Notice.

Viewer sentiment is 21% positive, 9% negative and 70% neutral.

Nashville (ABC)

Viewers offer much praise of series costar Connie Britton.

There's mixed sentiment around costar Hayden Panettiere, but a majority of viewers thinks she fits the role.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of ABC Family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager and ABC's GCB.

Viewer sentiment is 25% positive, 5% negative and 70% neutral.

Vegas (CBS)

The show's cast-which includes Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis-is much more of a draw to viewers that the plot and story line.

The show is being discussed across social networks by fans of FX's The Shield, HBO's Boardwalk Empire and AMC's Mad Men.

Viewer sentiment is 23% positive, 3% negative and 74% neutral.