the returned - audience

what themes might the audience be able to identify with?

• grief

• death

• loss

how does the returned offer escapism?

• setting

• love stories

• dramatic supernatural narrative

what does the show utilise to create enigma codes and why?

cliff hangers because they engage the audience and encourage them to watch more

how else are enigma codes created?

by prosing unanswered questions

what unanswered questions are created?

• why have the dead returned?

• who is Victor?

• what is happening with the reservoir?

what does the marketing offer the audience?

the opportunity for collaboration and social interactions with other fans on Twitter

why does the DVD cover feature quotes & testimonials from companies and brands?

creates a high quality feel

what award is mentioned on the DVD cover?

Peabody Award

what rating did the returned get at the time?

100 rating

what does the high rotten tomatoes rating show?

there was word of mouth spreading about the enjoyment of the show

why was word of mouth vital?

seemingly authentic opinions from other audience members are significantly more influential than endorsement and adverts stating that the show is entertaining

how did they target fans of the supernatural genre?

harnessed typical conventions e.g., low-key lighting, locations, tense dramatic music, close up camera framing, ghostly elements in opening sequence

how is the zombie genre alluded to?

• subtle iconography e.g., neo-zombie returned

• obvious iconography e.g., skin rotting

why were some zombie fans disappointed?

lack of explicit focus on typical media representations of zombies - more unconventional

what is the age range and when would it be shown?

15+ so shown post watershed

why was social media used to draw in audiences?

appeals to the younger audience, esp. since being on All4

what did the marketing material often feature and why?

teenage and child characters which may indicate that it was okay to be watched by those who matched the characteristics of the cast

what demographic was marketed to and why?

ABC1

• complex narrative

• foreign language - subtitles

why might have some fans been drawn to the show?

previous fans of the film it was based on, which is mentioned in the title sequence

why would mentioning Canal+ bring in audiences?

pre-sold fans of the institutions who had seen previous programmes by them

what in the characters might have drawn in audiences?

diversity in personality opens up opportunities for a wide range of audiences to identify wtih

what in the characters might have discouraged audiences?

lack of ethnic and class diversity may have alienated some audiences