Survey on TV series consumption in France

A sociological survey conducted in 2022 by Hervé Glevarec, Clément Combes, and Thibaut de Saint Maurice examined how over 2000 French individuals consume television series. The study continues a research project started in 2017 and is set to be repeated in 2027 as part of the ERC Demoseries program, which explores how television series influence societal views, including perceptions of security.

Cultural shift in TV series since the 1990s

Television series have undergone a major cultural transformation since the 1990s, driven by the diversification of content and the rise of pay channels like HBO. The emergence of the Internet and the ability to download non-French, especially American, series illegally contributed to this change. American series evolved from a single-episode format to more serialized storytelling with long narrative arcs, reshaping how people watch them.

Impact of video on demand platforms

The rise of video on demand (VOD) platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ has largely replaced piracy as a way to access series. According to the survey, up to 86.8% of 18-30 year olds use VOD services, while live television consumption has dropped to 30.7% among this age group. In contrast, live television remains popular among those over 71 years old, with 76.1% still watching it regularly.

Changing environment for series consumption

The "ecology of series consumption" has changed significantly with the rise of digital platforms. While people still mostly watch series at home, they are no longer limited to the living room or kitchen. Viewers now watch on laptops in their bedrooms, showing a more individualized and ritualized form of consumption. This shift has led to a deeper connection between audiences and the series they watch, with viewers drawn to content that reflects their personal lives and identities.

Fragmented viewership and character appeal

The survey found that while some series, like Game of Thrones, attract large audiences, most have a fragmented viewership. Characters in contemporary series are often described as "intelligent," capable of handling complex situations without being "genius." Viewers are especially attached to characters in distress, such as Walter White in Breaking Bad or Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, who succeed in difficult situations despite not being morally perfect.

Hyper-realistic portrayal and societal reflection

Television series are noted for their "hyper-realistic" portrayal of both anticipation and reality. They often address contemporary issues and reflect a complex world, allowing viewers to engage with different communities and expand their worldviews. Economic factors, such as the "club" economy of pay channels, enable production houses to take creative risks and segment their offerings without targeting the general public.

Published findings and related research

The study, titled Series that count. Sociology of a contemporary taste, was published by Éditions de l'Aube in April 2026. A related work, Taking series seriously?, by Sandra Laugier, was published by CNRS Éditions in September 2026.