The Office and iTunes
I needed to buy a gift certificate this morning for the iTunes Store so while I was there i just started cruising around. One of the things that I noticed was the list of top selling TV Shows. I don’t know all of the factors that go into this list and how often it is updated, but my guess is that it stays pretty current. Well, if you look right now, The Office is reigning supreme. For instance, in the top twenty shows, here are how the numbers stack up in teh Top 20.
The Office- 4 episodes (including the number one spot)
Grey’s Anatomy- 4 episodes
Lost - 2 episodes
Heroes- 2 episodes
Battlestar Galactica- 2 episodes
I have a few random comments on this, and I’d like to hear your comments.
1) I think it’s especially amazing that the most recent episode of The Office is still number one, even though it has been in the store for three days now.
2) The Office is a show you can laugh at over and over like “Seinfeld.” Maybe this makes people more likely to buy it as opposed to CSI or Lost. They are mostly mystery and drama shows and once you watch it, you know what happens. I’m not saying these are bad shows, I just think they are less likely to add to a collection.
3) The Office was one of the first shows offered. Maybe that got people into the habit of buying it from iTunes.
However it works out, I think it is impressive. I hope The Office continues to do well. Any other thoughts?
October 16th, 2006 12:13
I think #2 is spot on. I’ve occasionally purchased episodes of LOST when I’ve been out of the country or had to work late. I only watch them once. The Office, on the other hand, I watch over and over and over. Maybe I’m more interested in a chuckle rather than drama since I deal with drama everyday
October 16th, 2006 12:42
LOST has only had two episode so far this season (late premiere). It usually does very well in the rankings, too (got to re-watch for all those clues).
Another aspect that kind of goes along with #3, is that the target demographic for The Office consists of those likely to use iTunes and have iPods.
October 17th, 2006 03:50
Yes- a word to those i-tunes people: please! For the sake of those Office/Lost fans from OZ- please allow us to buy the episodes. I feel sorley deprived at not being able to!
October 17th, 2006 16:40
go battlestar galactica!
yeah, i think the office is doing so well because it’s infinitely watchable. it’s funny as heck and the jokes don’t get old after one listen. you always notice something new every time, whether it’s a certain type of glance at the camera, or what someone in the background is doing. i must have watched season 2 five times over during the summer.
i live somewhere far, far away that doesn’t get most of the shows i watch — at least not immediately (i think Lost season 2 just started here). i just torrent all the shows i watch. it’s not like i’m taking away from the companies because there never was the option to watch the show live (and thus add one household rating & get brainwashed by paid commercials). plus if the show rules i’ll buy the dvds sooner or later (just bought band of brothers box set, good stuff). anyhoo, just my 2 cents