TV VIEWERSHIP PREFERENCES 
YouGov released the results of a late-April survey of 1,00 Adult citizens, to understand their preferences around TV and Streaming. With all the content available, only 23% agreed that we are in the “golden age of TV”, with 32% unsure, and 46% disagreeing with the statement. The survey also looked at small screen preferences over movies (44% vs. 34%), binging behaviors (42% binge half the time they watch TV), an inclination towards serialized, hour-long shows, and new content vs. repeats of older content. The report also dug into “the paradox of choice” or “decision paralysis,” noting that 38% of people are overwhelmed by the number of options available. (YouGov: 6/2/2022)
CTV PENETRATION
New research from Leichtman Research Group’s Connected TVs 2022 survey found that “87% of U.S. households now have a connected-TV device of some kind” (e.g. Roku, Amazon Fire, a smart TV, a console or Blue-Ray player). Accelerated by the pandemic, the report illustrates how quickly the US video market has matured, as the penetration was “just 80% two years ago and 69% as recently as 2017.” Also of note, smart TV penetration reached 71% (up from 58% in 2020), and the mean number of devices per household is 3.9 (up from 3.2 in 2020), with 46% of adults watching their connected TV devices daily (up from 40% in 2020). (NextTV: 6/3/22)
CTV UPFRONT SPENDING
Estimates from eMarketer predict that “one-third of the projected $18.9 billion ($6.41 billion) in CTV and streaming advertising revenue this year will be bought before the TV season starts.” This figure represents a 35% increase from last year’s $4.76 billion. eMarketer also predicts that CTV will account for 68.3% of all upfront digital video spending — up slightly from last year’s 66.1%. (MediaPost: 6/2/22)
TV’s TOP 100
Variety looked at broadcast network and cable TV’s winners and losers for the 2021-22 season, including a ranking, rating, share, and A18-49 viewership for the top 100 programs. NFL football held the top four spots (winner), and the NBA makes a couple of appearances, while MLB didn’t make the cut. Other programs in the top 10 include Yellowstone, This is Us, and a four-way tie for 7th place with Chicago PD, 9-1-1, Survivor, and Chicago Fire. The report also looked at the top 100 shows among total viewers (NFL took three of the top four spots with Yellowstone at #3), the 20 most-watched networks by total viewers, and the top-rated networks by adults 18-49. (Variety: 5/31/22)
ELEVATE YOUR DIRTY SHIRLEY
Good Morning America turned to mixologist Saeed “Hawk” House, for his take on the summer’s popular “comeback” drink, the Dirty Shirley. His “elevated” version includes homemade cherry grenadine (including pomegranate juice), freshly squeezed lime juice, tequila, and lime-flavored sparkling water instead of soda. And of course, it’s garnished with a cherry and a lime wedge. Cheers! (Good Morning America: 6/3/22)
