The movie and entertainment industries have advanced considerably. Due in part to the Internet and satellite technology, several television programs have amassed a huge following on a global scale.
Over time, television programs come and go. Some shows run far longer than others, but eventually, another show replaces them. Some shows succeed and become international phenomena in the never-ending battle for viewers’ attention.
There was merely regular primetime television long before streaming services were developed and gave viewers the option to binge-watch entire series in a single weekend. There have been several television programs that have held viewers glued to their seats for weeks and years on end, to see what would happen next. In order to relive the drama or enjoy the humor, fans would buy TV box sets on VHS or DVDs of certain TV shows, because they were so good.
The content has gotten even richer and more diverse as a result of the abundance of streaming services now at our disposal, and the ability to watch TV whenever and wherever we choose, which has pleased everyone. Some popular TV shows have done well to entertain viewers for years, making them have a lot of fans around the world. Here are some TV shows that have gained a global audience.
The Office
Based on a well-liked British series of the same name starring Ricky Gervais, this American television program is a favorite of many people. It came as a shock to many as the show’s first run attracted a whopping 11.2 million viewers in 2005. This was because it revolved around the humor and language of the British version of the show. Since then, the program has gained worldwide acclaim and has been imitated numerous times by the French, Germans, and Chileans. The show was made available for download on the internet in 2006, which contributed to its massive popularity.
Baywatch
Most people agree that Baywatch is the most watched American television program ever. At its peak, the Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff television program was broadcast in 142 nations.
Now, it has been estimated that over 1 billion people have watched it. After making its 1989 debut, Baywatch was canceled after only one season. In 1991, Hasselhoff and his business partners purchased the show’s rights and revived it. The popularity of Baywatch globally was one of the factors that gave it a second shot. The program was canceled in 2001.
The show has inspired many franchises and businesses to create niche products and services for the audience, including games. There is a slot available to play at Unibet’s online casino Pennsylvania platform, where gamers will have the same beach experience that is in the TV show. There are also other film-inspired slots available in the casino, with countless games like Jumanji, Hell’s Kitchen, Spartacus, thus highlighting the impact that TV shows have had across various niches.
House
The TV show has been the top American TV export to Europe since 2008. Fox hosted the program’s premiere in 2004. The plot revolves around Dr. Gregory House, a doctor who frequently has disagreements with his medical colleagues. 250 nations have received the show’s license from NBC Universal thus far. During the 2009 season, the program averaged 9.3 million viewers in France, an increase of 30% from 2008. With 4.7 million viewers, the show is also a huge hit in Italy. Also, each episode is seen by 4.2 million Germans on average. The TV show is also very popular and widely accepted in Poland and the Netherlands, too.
The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show has enjoyed astronomical popularity for more than 20 years, not just in the US but also in other countries globally. Oprah has a devoted following of female fans, which helps her enjoy enormous popularity internationally. The Oprah Show has always had a global feel thanks to her guests, including Hollywood movie stars and British singing superstar Susan Boyle. The show is broadcast in 156 nations, including distant countries like Niger, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The Cosby Show
As soon as The Cosby Show started airing in 1984, its popularity exploded. The NBC program, which starred comedian Bill Cosby, ran for eight seasons. Mainly due to shattering the traditional perception of African Americans on television, the program was a huge success. During its run, the show consistently garnered the highest ratings in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The program changed international television syndication and demonstrated that comedy could be successfully marketed abroad.