British Television Viewers Traumatised When TV Shows End - Many Fall In Love With Characters
When television shows end, it can be hard on the viewers, especially if the show ends in an unsatisfactory way, with plot holes left unfilled, and strands left open. And it’s not me saying this, but the British public who responded to a poll by Tiscali TV.
1,586 people were questioned in the poll over their favourite programmes, how they felt when it came to an end, and how they felt toward the characters.
According to Digital Spy, 22% of British viewers suffer what is called TV Trauma when a programme comes to an end. Amongst the younger generation of 16 to 24-year-olds, the proportion rises considerably to 32%.
If that wasn’t bad enough, 29% of respondents claimed to have fallen in love with a TV character, including 50% of the younger generation. The most popular choices were Doctor Who’s Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) and Cold Feet’s Adam Williams (James Nesbitt).
Psychologist Dr. David Lewis said of the findings:
“TV personalities generate a powerful emotional bond with some viewers through seeming close, yet being unobtainable. This combination creates a strong attachment, which can be more potent than the one held with their own friends and family.”
The top ten most-mourned TV shows in full:
1. Only Fools and Horses
2. Friends
3. Fawlty Towers
4. Cold Feet
5. Sex And The City
6. The Office
7. Cheers
8. West Wing
9. The Sopranos
10. The OC
Even just looking at that list, there are a few shows that I felt some sadness for when they ended, particularly Friends. However, I can’t say I’ve ever fallen in love with a character before, maybe because I’m too sensible to fall in love with someone who is merely a part being played by an actor!
There is also a current generation of programmes on which may be included in this list in the future, with Heroes and Lost certainly leaving a big hole in my life when they finally come to an end. The only positive thing to remember is that the chances are a new show will quickly replace a finished or cancelled one.
Leave a Reply