21 Fandom Facts - mental_floss on YouTube - List Show (306)

TL;DR

Fandoms have a long history, influencing TV shows, books, and even space stations.

Transcript

ladies and gentlemen hello I'm Mike this is Mental Floss on YouTube and did you know that in 1969 fifteen Star Trek fans called in to a local Canadian television station to complain that their favorite show was being interrupted by another program the broadcast that they were angry about was that of the Apollo 11 they didn't want their sci-fi show ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Early fandoms existed for Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes in the 1800s.
• 🪭 Modern TV shows like Teen Wolf and Pretty Little Liars engage with fans through social media and incorporate fan works.
• 🛀 Fans have saved shows like Chuck and Jericho through creative campaigns and petitions.
• 🖐️ Harry Potter fans turned Quidditch into a real sport played worldwide.
• 💦 The Five Hundred and First Legion is a Star Wars fan group known for charity work and portrayed in official Star Wars media.
• 🥹 Fans closely analyze George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books, holding him accountable for inconsistencies.
• 👾 Fandoms have influenced various aspects of pop culture, from TV shows to space station names.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes fandoms show early fan engagement?

Jane Austen's niece addressed a letter to Georgina Darcy, showing fan enthusiasm. Sherlock Holmes fans convinced Arthur Conan Doyle not to kill off the character based on feedback from his mother.

Q: How have modern TV shows like Teen Wolf and Pretty Little Liars engaged with their fan base?

These shows incorporate fan-created music, art, and storylines, showcasing fan works during commercial breaks and using Twitter to interact with fans.

Q: How have fans influenced the storylines of Xena and Lord of the Rings?

Xena fans discussed and influenced the potential romance between Xena and Gabrielle. Lord of the Rings fans petitioned Peter Jackson for more focus on Thorin in The Hobbit movie adaptation.

Q: How have fans saved TV shows like Chuck and Jericho from cancellation?

Chuck fans bought Subway sandwiches to get NBC's attention, while Jericho fans sent pounds of nuts to CBS, leading to show renewals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fandoms have existed since the 1800s, with Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.

• TV shows like Teen Wolf and Pretty Little Liars engage with fans through social media and fan works.

• Fans have saved TV shows like Chuck and Jericho through creative campaigns and petitions.