Since TV’s invention, it has become an integral part of daily life across the United States. Now there are more than 330 million TV sets in homes around the country and we spend a lot of time watching them.
On average, Americans watch six hours of TV a day. But why do people watch TV?
While you may think “I like watching TV to keep up with the sport” this may not be the same for someone else. In fact, there are many reasons why watching TV is one of the most popular leisure activities in the US today.
If you’ve ever wondered “why do people like watching TV” then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out seven reasons why watching TV is so popular in the US today.
1. Watching TV to Unwind
After a long, busy day, you often need to get out of your own head in order to relax. Watching TV is a great way to do this as it can provide a welcome distraction from your day.
Whether it’s a true-crime documentary or an undemanding comedy, there is a show out there for everyone.
It may be that certain programs will appeal to you better on different days depending on your mood. But if you’re looking for some downtime, checking out the latest shows is well worth it.
2. Education
If you’re wondering why watch TV and enjoy enriching your life then look no further. There are hundreds of great educational TV shows out there to keep you informed and up-to-date.
Checking in on the daily news is a great way to keep in touch with the latest headlines from around the world. But you can also go deeper with your individual interests. From fly fishing to true crime to home baking shows, there’s something out there for everyone.
3. Watching TV to Keep Up With Trends
When a popular new TV show comes out, you can be sure everyone will be talking about it. More often than not, the internet will be flooded with stories, memes, and jokes about it.
Because of this, people watching TV will be able to communicate about this new cultural phenomenon. Watching the latest shows means you’ll know what everyone is talking about and you’ll be able to join in with the conversation.
4. Cliff-Hanger Scripts!
Another reason that people spend so much time watching TV is that a lot of shows are highly addictive. This is unsurprising really – they’re written to keep us hooked.
Before on-demand streaming and playback, a lot of TV show scripts had more self-contained episodes with a few major story arches. They also usually featured a “previously on…” introduction at the beginning of the show. This helped to keep viewers interested even when they’d missed the last episode and couldn’t watch it on catch up.
However, now scripts need to keep people interested in watching the new episode as soon as possible. Cliff-hanger endings and unresolved storylines both mean that we’re always keen to see watch happens next.
5. TV is Accessible Entertainment
When it was first invented, only a few homes in America could afford a TV. Nowadays, a lot of homes have multiple sets throughout them.
This means that TV has become an extremely accessible form of entertainment. It’s often much cheaper than going to the movie theatre or to a concert. In fact, some streaming platforms even let you watch these shows at home for free!
Streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Pluto TV, mean that people who like watching TV have access to more shows than ever before. Wondering “what is Pluto TV“? You can find out more by clicking on this link.
6. Using TV for Company
As well as helping to keep you in the loop with your friends and family, TV can be a nice way to feel like you have company in your home. This is why it is often very popular with older people who live alone.
Turning on your favorite TV show makes your home fills your room with conversation or laughter. It can be a great way to break up a quiet day or a nice way to keep your brain engaged.
For example, brain-challenging games and quiz shows are a great way to feel involved and to keep your brain active.
7. Escapism
TV can show us a completely different perspective on life and the world around us. This makes them a great way to escape the stresses and strains of daily life.
Travel documentaries or wildlife shows are great ways to see unique and wonderful parts of the world. Even within these genres, there is something for everyone.
Comedy travel shows are a great way to have a laugh while enjoying beautiful sights. But if you’re more interested in getting down and dirty in nature, then extreme travel shows will be right up your street.
Or if you’re looking for something less demanding, losing yourself in the latest dramas of Selling Sunset is a great way to get out of your own head. This is what makes reality TV shows so popular.
Whatever type of escapism you’re looking for, your TV is sure to provide it!
Why Do People Watch TV? There Are Many Reasons!
As you can see there are many answers to the question “why do people watch TV”? However, one thing you can be certain of is that TV helps to connect people, whether they’re watching it together or not!
For more great information on the importance of technology in our daily lives, keep scrolling!
