Appointment viewing

Definition

Appointment viewing refers to the practice of scheduling a specific time to watch a television program, as opposed to watching it on-demand or at a later time. This concept became especially significant during the era of network television, where audiences would gather around their TVs at a designated time to watch popular shows, creating a shared cultural experience. The transition from network dominance to cable introduced new viewing habits, where appointment viewing started to decline due to increased availability of content and the rise of digital streaming platforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the height of appointment viewing, shows like 'Friends' and 'The Simpsons' had dedicated time slots that drew in millions of viewers each week.
2. The introduction of DVR technology allowed viewers to record shows, leading to a gradual decline in appointment viewing as people could watch later at their convenience.
3. Social media platforms began to influence appointment viewing by creating buzz around certain shows, prompting viewers to tune in live for real-time discussions.
4. Cable networks like HBO revolutionized appointment viewing by producing high-quality series that encouraged viewers to watch episodes as they aired.
5. The concept of binge-watching has emerged as a counterpoint to appointment viewing, allowing audiences to consume entire seasons of shows whenever they choose.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of appointment viewing shape television programming during the era of network dominance?
  • Appointment viewing was crucial in shaping television programming as networks scheduled popular shows at specific times to maximize viewership. This led to the creation of iconic shows that defined prime-time slots, which encouraged audiences to gather and watch live. The communal aspect of appointment viewing also fostered a shared cultural experience among viewers, making certain programs cultural milestones and influencing advertising strategies.
• Discuss the impact that streaming services have had on the decline of appointment viewing.
  • Streaming services have fundamentally altered how audiences consume television content, leading to a significant decline in appointment viewing. With the ability to watch shows on-demand, viewers no longer feel pressured to adhere to specific air times. This shift has resulted in changes in how networks approach programming, as they now need to compete with vast libraries of content available at any moment, fundamentally transforming audience engagement and consumption patterns.
• Evaluate how the rise of social media has influenced audience behavior regarding appointment viewing in contemporary television.
  • The rise of social media has significantly influenced audience behavior concerning appointment viewing by creating real-time conversations around live broadcasts. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow viewers to engage with others while watching shows, enhancing the experience and incentivizing live viewership. This interaction can generate hype and increase ratings for certain programs, illustrating that while traditional appointment viewing may decline, it can adapt and thrive in new forms through social engagement.

Related terms

Nielsen Ratings:

A system used to measure the popularity and viewership of television programs, often influencing scheduling and advertising strategies.

Streaming Services:

Platforms that allow users to watch content on-demand, which significantly changed viewing habits and reduced reliance on appointment viewing.

Live Programming: Television content that is broadcast in real-time, often encouraging appointment viewing for major events like sports or award shows.