Social Wit List: May 2016

NEW YORK: Of all the new programs that debuted globally in May, HISTORY’s Roots event series generated the most buzz on social media, according to The WIT.

A remake of the landmark 1977 miniseries, adapted from the novel by Alex Haley, the four-night event miniseries charts the fate of a man from Gambia drawn into slavery in colonial America in the late 18th century and the eventual freedom of his family. The debut on HISTORY stirred up some 121,000 comments on Twitter and Facebook, about the #AmazingCast and #EyeOpening subject, which some thought was #ToughViewing.

C’est pour nous, c’est cadeau ! on France’s D8 generated around 84,000 social-media comments. The emotainment event watches as the production team fulfills the dreams of viewers: a spectacular marriage proposal, a meeting with a star, a surprise birthday party, etc. Facebook and Twitter comments from an #EngagedAudience centered on the #Kindness in the show and the #StarHost.

Megyn Kelly Presents marked the first network prime-time special hosted by Fox News’s Megyn Kelly and featured a variety of celebrity interviews, including Donald Trump. There were around 62,000 social-media comments about the broadcast, with #Polarizing views. #TrumpFans took to Twitter and Facebook during the broadcast, as did those who have a #NeverTrump stance. Some thought it was an #ExcellentITW and others a #WeirdITW, and many believed the Fox News presenter was #TooSoft on the U.S. presidential hopeful.

Another political-themed program, How Should I Vote? – The EU Debate on BBC One, stirred up a lot of buzz. Live from Glasgow, the debate was on the issues that matter to younger voters ahead of the June referendum on whether or not the U.K. should remain in the EU. #EngagedViewers sent around 57,000 tweets, some of which noted the show’s #AggressiveTone.

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration on ITV ranks fifth on the list of May’s most-buzzed-about broadcasts. The star-studded live event hosted by Ant & Dec took place in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. There were approximately 53,000 social-media comments, including those discussing the #BoredQueen at the #StarFilled event that had #AmazingActs.

From Brazil’s Globo, Haja coração is a new version of the ’80s comedy telenovela Sassaricando about two women who are complete opposites: a rich heiress in search of fame and a market seller who blames the heiress’ family for the death of her father. Around 52,000 comments were made on social media about the debut, with #InitialSkepticism being washed away by the #LaidBackHumor of the #FunTelenovela that saw the return of #ManyFamiliarFaces.

El destape on C5N in Argentina generated some 52,000 tweets as well. The investigative magazine show is focused on politics and the economy, with caustic humor from host Roberto Navarro. Many on Facebook and Twitter gave #Kudos for the #Straightforward and #Insightful reporting: #JournalismRocks.

The drama Hayatimin Aski on Kanal D in Turkey saw some 47,000 tweets. This romantic series revolves around a love triangle between colleagues at an advertising agency. Social media was buzzing about the #NiceRomance of the #FeelGoodShow and many gave #KudostoCast.

There were some 45,000 tweets about the debut of Kamaleón on TVN in Chile. The humorous variety show sees comedian Stefan Kramer present a mixture of interviews with celebrities he impersonates (sometimes next to the real-life guest), stand-up and live music. There was much chatter on social media about the #Entertaining and #HilariousSpoofs, but some thought the broadcast had #TooManyAds.

Moundir et les apprentis aventuriers on W9 in France stirred up around 37,000 social-media comments. In a heavenly but tough setting, the show follows as Koh-Lanta (Survivor) alum Moundir gives survival lessons and challenges 12 contestants who are used to comfort, glitter and clubbing. There was a lot of #CandidateBashing on Facebook and Twitter and people feeling sorry for the #PoorAdventurers.

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