The last two years have witnessed one of the most transformative periods for TV viewership.
Consumer adoption of streaming skyrocketed during the pandemic, with more than 15 million years’ worth of content streamed in 2021 alone and showing no signs of slowing down. In the meantime, consumers reached for content that hit the right notes — whatever those notes might be: from feeling part of a community, touching their soul, tickling the funny bone, or just plain fun.
Given the fragmentation of the media landscape and increased narrow-casting of content, there's never been a more important time to understand how consumers are engaging with and reacting to programming.
That’s why Canvs has introduced the “All The Feels” Awards (AF Awards) for 2021—identifying the shows with the highest emotional reactions across four different categories, as well as the overall Most-Engaging winners. The awards were compiled using Canvs’ methodology from the OTT Power Rankings, and are based on Canvs TV’s unique analysis which combines comments from a direct Twitter feed with programming data across virtually every known program.
The result is a powerful view into how consumers are engaging with both linear and OTT entertainment, and the key moments, talent and other drivers shaping the conversation.
In keeping with Canvs’ approach to going beyond basic sentiment to identify nuanced reactions based on 42 emotions, the Canvs AF Awards recognize programs across five categories based on the emotions viewers expressed in their social commentary about the show.
Most Loved — “Rupaul’s Drag Race”
It’s no surprise that season 13 of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” on VH1 was the most loved show across Linear and OTT programming. In 2021, the reality series boasted a 45% Emotional Reaction Rate specifically around the 3 Drag Queens, Tamisha Iman, Kandy Muse, and Denali.
Tweets:
“tamisha iman is bloody stunning #dragrace”
“Kandy muse is a queen !”
“My love for Rupaul’s drag race is no joke”
The runner ups for the most loved program in 2021 were Hulu’s new sensation “Only Murders in the Building” and NBC’s long-running show, “The Voice.”
Most Anticipated — “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”
The rise of Disney+ in 2021 pushed this program right to the top of the most anticipated programs of the year. Releasing the second half of the trailer during Super Bowl LV, Disney+’s marketing of the mini-series got fans excited with over 500,000 reactions from the fans waiting in anticipation for the series premiere.
Tweets:
“FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER DROPS TODAY LETS GOOOO”
“i’m hyped for The Falcon and Winter Soldier”
“100% can’t wait to watch falcon and winter soldier tonight”
The runner ups for the most anticipated program in 2021 were Paramount’s hit “Yellowstone'' and Comedy Central’s “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.”
Most Funny — “The Upshaws”
In 2021, we were introduced to some new stars of comedy, but it’s also clear that fans on social media have a wide variety of humor. Netflix’s “The Upshaws” took the #1 funniest program in 2021. This new series about a working-class African-American family in Indiana who strives for a better life and happy home while juggling everyday struggles, which has already been renewed for a second season, boasts a 42% Funny Emotional Reaction Rate…and not surprising with Wanda Sykes on the cast list.
Tweets:
“Ready for s2 of The Upshaws, so hilarious.”
“Wanda Sykes funniest character on The Upshaws”
“The upshaws funniest shit on Netflix rn”
The runner ups for the funniest program were Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen'' and Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac”; a wide variety of humor amongst fans for sure.
Most Tears - “Black-ish”
As “Black-ish” is now underway on its 8th and final season. Fans are not coping well with the end of one of their favorite shows, and one of ABC’s biggest hits. The long-running series kept fans in their feels during season 7, eliciting tears from break-ups, deaths, and a good family bond. The show garnered a 46% Emotional Reaction Rate in 2021.
Tweets:
“@blackishabc This episode moved me to tears.”
“Blackish ending after season 8 😭”
“Watching Black’ish season 7 episode 1. WHY AM I CRYING?”
The runner ups for most tearful programs were HBO Max’s “And Just Like That…” and E!’s “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”
Most Cringey - “Dave”
FXX’s “Dave” starring famous rapper Lil Dicky premiered only its second season in 2021, but its awkwardness was felt by all. The show follows a character, Dave, around as he does whatever it takes to because the famous rapper he knows he is destined to be, based on Dave Burd or Lil Dickey’s real life! Most of the awkward and cringey moments had to do with Kendall Jenner’s cameo and seemingly friend-zoning Dave!
Tweets:
“#Davefxx is such a cringe show but I can’t stop watching lol”
“The last two episodes of #DAVEFXX have been very cringing 😬😬😬😬”
“This season of #DAVEFXX is going to be a lot more awkward than the first”
The runner ups for the most cringey program were Netflix’s “Sex Education” and ABC’s “The Bachelor.”
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And now, for the overall Most Engaging Programs of the Year:
The 2021 Most Engaging Programs of the Year:
