SKY RESEARCH: TV REPLACES THE WEATHER AS UK'S TOP TOPIC FOR SMALL TALK
The average Brit spends a staggering 15 days a year making small-talk, with ‘unexpected endings’ topping the list of the most talked about TV moments.
New research commissioned by Sky reveals that over the last 12 months, whilst keeping their minds off the serious topics of COVID-19 or Brexit, 44 percent of Brits admit they like to discuss TV and movies they have recently seen, whilst the lives of their children (35 percent) and pets (29 percent) emerged as other things Brits love to natter to colleagues, friends, family, and strangers about.
Chit chat is more important than ever, with 89 percent saying small talk is important in making people feel connected and part of the community and the new research reveals the UK usually spends an hour a day on average shooting the breeze with everyone from shopkeepers (59 percent) to colleagues (40 percent) and delivery drivers (40 percent).
Over a third of people said that they were looking forward to discovering new TV shows and films in 2021 and Sky will be bolstering its catalogue of choice with its biggest ever line-up of TV and films this year. More than 125 original series, films and specials will air in 2021 – a 50% increase from last year – with a big boost in original films and documentaries.
Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content, Sky UK and Ireland, commented: “As a nation Brits have earned a reputation for our chit chat being focused on the weather, but our research reveals that the last year has seen TV taking over the top spot in the nation’s small talk. Clearly during such a tough period, unmissable TV and films have played a big part in bringing friends, family and colleagues together. And now, during a time where we’re still spending a lot of time at home, we are pleased to be bringing more top Sky quality TV and film content to the UK such as To Olivia, The Nevers, Landscapers and ZeroZeroZero that are sure to provide some much-needed escapism. No need to ever talk about the rain again!”