Why Ryan Shazier, Eugene Porter and Bruno Mars Are TV’s Social Media MVPs of the Week

Steelers linebacker, a Savior from “The Walking Dead,” and a famous singer had viewers talking passionately on social media

Ryan Shazier Pittsburgh Steelers
Getty Images

Check out the week’s most emotionally reacted-to TV personalities and characters below.

A Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, a Savior from “The Walking Dead” and a famous singer had viewers talking passionately on social media over the past seven days.

The Wrap has partnered with Canvs, the emotion measurement company, for a weekly look at some of the characters and personalities that have TV viewers the most worked up on social media. The data below covers Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 and is drawn from the most emotionally reacted-to television programs, including broadcast, cable, streaming and PPV.

During the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on ESPN, which generated 156,555 Emotional Reactions (ERs), Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a serious back injury while trying to tackle another player. As he was carted off the field, viewers took to Twitter to offer condolences, thoughts and prayers. A day later, Shazier tweeted, thanking his fans for their support. (The latest word from his doctors is that he does not require surgery at this time, but will undergo additional testing and evaluation over the next few days.)

The most recent episode of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” (13,132 ERs) centered around Eugene Porter (portrayed by Josh McDermitt) and viewers were not shy about expressing their distaste for the guy. The character has never been liked — he’s been regarded as selfish, cowardly and physically weak — and this episode’s spotlight on him gave fans all the more reason to shout out their true feelings. (As always, “hate watching” is one of the great drivers of social media response to TV shows.)

On Nov. 29, the musician and five-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars debuted his TV special “24K Magic Live at the Apollo” on CBS (12,729 ERs). The show featured a performance on top of the Apollo marquee as well as moments in the streets of New York filled with music and singing — and his fans loved all of it. Messages of adoration and enjoyment flooded Twitter, with some viewers commenting about Mars’ talent and others sending typical comments about his good looks (with some haters also in the mix).

https://twitter.com/No_Por_Favor/status/936073924445687808

Comments