How do we react when our favorite characters are taken away? An examination of a temporary parasocial breakup

Abstract

This study examined reactions to a temporary parasocial breakup situation during the television writers' strike of 2007-2008 when many television shows stopped airing new episodes. Past research on parasocial breakups and uses and gratifications theory was used to predict emotional and behavioral reactions. Questionnaire results revealed that participants with stronger parasocial relationships experienced greater distress-even after controlling for the number of favorite programs that went off the air. Moreover, those with greater television affinity reported greater distress when their favorite show was disrupted, although television viewing motives also played a role in this process. Finally, when their favorite shows were no longer airing new episodes, viewers primarily replaced television viewing time with other media exposure rather than increasing nonmedia activities such as social interaction. However, a number of these activities varied by gender. © Mass Communication & Society Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.