'Jersey Shore' Dominates TV Ratings, Changes America
TV personalities Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Deena Nicole Cortese, Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola and Vinny Guadagnino of the show "Jersey Shore" arrive at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on September 12, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)more pics »With the NY Yankees battling the Boston Red Sox for first place in the American League East, every game matters. New Yorkers know this, which is why from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11, an average of 506,000 local viewers tuned into watch the Bronx Bombers step up to the plate against their arch rivals.
The Situation and Snooki enjoy each other's time. Or something like that.(Getty Images)If that stat seems impressive, it should. But so should this figure: 848,000 -- the number of viewers in the same regional market who enjoyed the Jersey Shore that same week. Surprising as this may sound, 300,000 more people opted for fist-pumping and hair gel over Derek Jeter and pinstripes.
And this was just in NYC. Nationwide, nearly 8 million Americans watched that week's episode, and the numbers have only gone up since then. In fact, even a national disaster couldn't stymie the show's surge in popularity. As Hurricane Irene battered the East Coast, rain-soaked residents flooded over to MTV to watch a special pre-VMA airing this past Sunday.
Cultural Impact
Many see the program's rise in the ratings as more than just another reality TV success story. As Adweek's TV guru, Mark Berman, told the NY Post, "the thing to remember about Jersey Shore is that it's not just a TV show, it's a cultural phenomenon."
But should we believe Berman? Ignoring the numbers for a moment, let's look at the cultural impact our favorite guidos and guidettes have had on American society. Pauly D wasn't the first person to fist-pump in public. But he and the rest of the cast have certainly helped popularize this simple, yet effective dance move. In a similar fashion, Snooki didn't invent the fake tan, but she's managed to make the procedure socially acceptable -- at least on some level.
Then there's the unique lingo the cast members use, much of which has entered the nation's lexicon. Surely you have a friend who enjoys shouting out "cabs are here! Cabs are here, bro" in a fake Jersey accent. If not, you should go out and find one, lest you continue leading an uncultured life.
Numbers Game
Before you get completely overwhelmed by Jersey Shore's ratings, let's put the show's numbers into proper perspective. Nearly 8.5 million viewers gathered last week to watch as Mike "The Situation" Sorrentinos' head lost a fight with a concrete wall.
But in that same week, an equal amount of Americans decided to spend their afternoon watching Judge Judy. And over nine million tuned in to see Pat Sajak and his uncomfortable smile on Wheel of Fortune. That said, both of those shows air on basic cable, whereas Jersey Shore does not.
Anyway you slice it, MTV has created a ratings juggernaut. And while it may seem absurd that the Snooki now earns $100,000 per episode to crash cars into police officers in Italy, you can't deny her and the cast a share of the pie they helped create. Besides, their six-figure salaries sound measly when compared with the $45 million Judge Judy rakes in each season. And all she ever did was pass the bar exam.
What It All Means
It may bother to know The Situation can command $100,000 an episode. But did you realize Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez earns that same amount every time he steps up to bat?
We realize the pitfalls of comparing a world class athlete to a champion of fake tans and killer poofs. But as we mentioned earlier, this guidette brings in more viewers each week than A-Rod, so the discrepancy bares mentioning.
Like a traffic jam caused by rubbernecking, Americans will continue to latch onto Jersey Shore, eager to take in the slow moving train wreck of entertainment. As the country continues to witness high unemployment, lay-offs and a faltering economy, millions can find solace in a surreal show built around partying, manufactured millionaires and over-indulgence.
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