DJariya

The question is in the thread title.

I'll let this poll be multiple answers. I know alot of new dramas and comedies don't get watched in this forum, so I was kind of curious to see what you guys factor in for deciding to watch it or not?

davidh777

Here's some initial feedback.

Why do you try a show for the first time?

auto

Man, you love TV.

Abob Teff

Wow ... When I started weighing the choices found out the things I thought mattered really didn't. It turns out "Time" was my number one followed by the trailers or promos.

Actors, show runners, networks ... None of that mattered that much to me. If it looks good I will try to watch it. Time is the biggest factor for me, so it has to look really interesting for me to latch on at the beginning. Otherwise I will wait for two or three seasons and catch up on video or Netflix.

DJariya

I forgot you did that thread. Although, I think I added a little more meat to the poll.

DJariya

I've worked in TV production since I graduated from college. I work at FOX Sports and NFL Network you know. It's in my nature, and yes I love TV whether it's scripted or sports.

This forum would be a ghost town without me.

Michael Corvin

I'd post my thoughts but Djariya's head is in the way. :P

DJariya

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

davidh777

Yes, you have more choices, including network, which a number of people mentioned.

TimeandTide

Was torn between "internet comments" and "critics reviews". Two of the last three shows I binge-watched--Arrow and Orphan Black--we're only on my radar due to the praise in this forum. The third--The Good Wife--was result of just hearing so many good things about it in the press. So opted for "internet comments".

GuessWho

Time. With 2 little kids, I'm already barely able to keep up with the 5-6 shows I watch regularly. This entire current season of Modern Family so far is still on the DVR.

Raul3

I will probably never watch a show that's more than 5 seasons.

Most new shows I watch them based on the trailer.

Netflix, Hulu, OnDemand availability is a plus if its more than 2 seasons.

Cardsfan111

I chose critics/internet comments. I rarely watch new programming but if there's a buzz about it, I'll likely check it out at some point.

Michael Corvin

Nothing malicious, just a silly jab based on this comment:

Serious answer?

1. A kick ass trailer
2. Time - a lot of 'my' shows have ended the past 2-3 years so I've been trying out more than usual
3. Star power - I didn't think this mattered to me, but the trailer for Intelligence combined with Josh Holloway and Marg Helgenberger got me to set the DVR. Same for Tricia Helfer and Killer Women.

auto

I sure do appreciate you my friend. You bring A LOT to this forum.

MLBFan24

TV schedule is a factor

I mostly give all serial dramas a chance. Rarely bother with procedural dramas.

I am terrible at choosing great comedies. I usually join the bandwagon when they hit syndication.

Red Dog

Most important is the premise, not on the list.

Next most important factor is the network - mainly cable vs. OTA since cablenets generally deliver better series and offer many re-airs making them easier to record.

PhantomStranger

Creative talent and cast are the most important factors for me. I also trust certain networks much more than others in identifying the right mix for a hit show.

Defiant1

I completely agree. I can't believe the premise/basic plot isn't an option. It should be the #1 reason why anyone watches any show.

starseed1981

Honestly, as I've gotten older and more integrated into social media the main driver for me is actually the writing team and showrunners. Talent has just become increasingly irrelevant for me.

Geofferson

Agreed on premise. In addition, I'll throw in network, creative team and message boards/social media. Over the years there have probably been several shows I chose to try out based on this forum's comments.

dan30oly

I only watch tv shows with a season/series of 6 episodes or less.

Goat3001

My main factor is how it's being received by the general public. So pretty much this message board along with my friends. Most recently I watched and enjoyed Orphan Black and Arrow, mainly because of how they were received by the DVDtalkers.

That's obviously an important factor but not always. For example, someone recommended to me that I watch Psych. I enjoyed it a lot. Meanwhile, I've watched the Mentalist, almost the exact same concept but I barely made it through an episode.

Also, there are shows where the basic plot doesn't sound interesting to me but the show ends up being great. Six Feet Under and Mad Men fall into that category for me.

wendersfan

Probably some combination of time, number of episodes, reviews, and comments. I really only have time to watch one show at a time. I try to watch about an hour of TV, two to three nights a week. So, my ideal show is one that has very few episodes, maybe six to twelve a season, and no more than three of four seasons. This (hypothetical) show would have good reviews and be liked by people here whose opinions I take into account.

ETA - something that I might start taking into account is whether or not the show is/was aired on a network that has commercial breaks. I'm about halfway through the first series of Broadchurch, and, while I really like the show generally, the 'rhythm' of pacing a show so there's some reveal or dramatic moment right before a commercial break is starting to annoy me. The last couple of shows I watched were Borgen and Forbrydelsen, and I don't think either had that issue, so it's startling to see it now.

superdeluxe

I would say Network, Show runner, Trailers, and who is in it. Plus type of show. Good topic Djaryia!