With a plethora of options from Hulu to Netflix and HBO, Americans are increasingly passionate about their favorite TV shows.
But is your binge-watching aligned with the preferences of your fellow state residents? It might be surprising to discover the viewing habits that dominate your region.
Let’s dive into which shows are most popular across the USA and what those choices might reveal about each state.
To identify the most popular TV shows in each state, data was cross-referenced from IMDB’s most-watched TV shows with Google Trends data.
This comprehensive analysis, conducted by Zippia, offers a fascinating look at the programs capturing the most attention across the country.
On average, Americans spend about 4.9 hours watching TV each day, making these viewing preferences a significant part of daily life.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular TV shows by region:
- Southern States
- Alabama: “The Vampire Diaries”
- Arkansas: “Supernatural”
- Mississippi: “Grey’s Anatomy”
- North Carolina: “Grey’s Anatomy”
- South Carolina: “Supernatural”
- Tennessee: “Friends”
- Western States
- Alaska: “WandaVision”
- Arizona: “The Boys”
- Hawaii: “Cobra Kai”
- Montana: “Yellowstone”
- Nevada: “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”
- Oregon: “The Umbrella Academy”
- Utah: “The Office”
- Washington: “The Umbrella Academy”
- Wyoming: “The Crown”
- Midwestern States
- Iowa: “The Big Bang Theory”
- Kansas: “Modern Family”
- Minnesota: “Fargo”
- Missouri: “Ozark”
- Nebraska: “Friends”
- North Dakota: “Shameless”
- Ohio: “Friends”
- Oklahoma: “The Big Bang Theory”
- South Dakota: “NCIS”
- Wisconsin: “Friends”
- Northeastern States
- Connecticut: “The Vampire Diaries”
- Delaware: “The Umbrella Academy”
- Maine: “The Queen’s Gambit”
- Maryland: “The Umbrella Academy”
- Massachusetts: “The Handmaid’s Tale”
- New Hampshire: “Breaking Bad”
- New Jersey: “The Sopranos”
- Rhode Island: “Peaky Blinders”
- Vermont: “The Crown”
- Mid-Atlantic States
- California: “Friends”
- Colorado: “Friends”
- Florida: “Suits”
- Georgia: “Stranger Things”
- Idaho: “Friends”
- Illinois: “Friends”
- Indiana: “Friends”
- Kentucky: “Chicago Fire”
- Louisiana: “American Horror Story”
- Michigan: “Friends”
- New York: “How I Met Your Mother”
- Pennsylvania: “Friends”
- Texas: “Friends”
- Virginia: “Suits”
- West Virginia: “Virgin River”
What Do These Popularity Choices Say About Each State?
Several interesting patterns emerge when examining TV show preferences by state. For instance, the enduring popularity of “Friends” spans numerous states, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions.
This could be attributed to the comforting nostalgia the show provides, offering viewers a familiar and light-hearted escape.
Other regional trends are also apparent. The Western states show a fondness for series with strong visual elements and unique storylines.
Montana favors “Yellowstone,” possibly reflecting the state’s appreciation for stories centered on ranch life and dramatic landscapes.
In the South, supernatural and medical dramas resonate well. The popularity of “The Vampire Diaries” in Alabama and Connecticut, and “Supernatural” in Arkansas and South Carolina, indicates a taste for fantasy and complex narratives.
Meanwhile, Mississippi and North Carolina’s love for “Grey’s Anatomy” underscores an affinity for high-stakes medical drama with intricate character relationships.
Interestingly, Georgia’s preference for “Stranger Things” may be linked to the show being filmed near Atlanta, fostering a stronger local connection.
How Streaming Services are Shaping Our Viewing Habits?
The rise of streaming services has fundamentally transformed how Americans consume media. Over 89% of US households now use a streaming service.
Streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and HBO have revolutionized viewing habits, offering on-demand access to vast libraries of content.
This shift is further evidenced by the increasing number of households cutting cable cords in favor of more flexible and cost-effective streaming options.
With nearly 600 new scripted TV shows produced in the US in 2022 alone, viewers have an unprecedented variety of choices.
Alicia Richards