BREAKING BAD
S5E16 - "FELINA"

The Status & Income Model
From the Status & Income Model, I would suggest that this televsion episode and indeed the series as a whole would have a target audience from B to E. I think this show has a wide audience, established by its straight-forward storylines and often humourous situations; allowing an audience to quickly be engaged regardless of their status in society or their income. Bs, often creatives in the middle class, may be attracted to this programme because of its writing or any of the more high-brow aspects of the show including the cast or crew. C1s and below may also be appealed to through this show's set-piece moments. Although, the fees associated with US cable TV stations may affect the unemployed and disadvantaged from even viewing Breaking Bad.
Y&R's 4Cs Model
Breaking Bad is a drama based around the exploits of a high-school chemistry teacher as he 'breaks bad', going against the grain and becoming a producer of crystal meth to support his family after he has died of cancer. I believe this show appeals to The Reformer and their ideas of tolerance, their social awareness and their view of themselves as intellectuals. Breaking Bad does this through its use of the main character Walter White and his underdog status throughout the show's first season adhering to their beliefs of 'independence'. Being 'anti-materialistic', they will be fascinated by White's obsession with obtaining this money; in the end for his own gain - viewing him as a villain.
The Lifestyle Categories
Breaking Bad appeals to the Cowboy, Groupie and Rebel lifestyle categories. All of these audience types will find something in the show that appeals to them. Cowboys are interested in making money quickly and easily and will be intrigued by Walter White's rise and rise into power through his money-making enterprise; perhaps even idolising or jealous towards the character. Groupies, the categories most interested in acceptance by those around them, will be appealed to by Breaking Bad through its status as an 'event show'; an often discussed show that will definitely be talked about after its airing. This could prompt them to discuss the show at length when conversing with friends whom share a mutual love for the programme. Rebels may also be attracted to the character of Walt and his journey from meek to mighty and the taking back of his own destiny.
The Uses and Gratifications Model
Elements of Breaking Bad fit each category of the Uses and Gratifications model. For Information/Surveillance, this show can sometimes become news because of some controversy or heated discussion regarding the latest episodes and especially towards the last ever episode. For Personal Identity, arguably the most apparent, the audience may place themselves into the shoes of the main characters such as Jesse or Walt and the decisions they have to make to better themselves through the series. The family dynamic is also a point of interest when looking at the ways in which the audience are forced to relate with characters in an environment when each one is morally grey. Social Interaction, particularly through the internet, has become even more apparent in the world today and no different in Breaking Bad. Through this interaction, the show has become iconic and we can associate certain imagery with it - passed around the internet as a meme and remembered adding to its iconography. Simply as Entertainment/Escapism, this show revolves around danger and the study of change - constantly keeping its audience on the edge of their seats no matter the episode. This may provide some escapism as well because of the danger involved in something the audience cannot hope to do in their lives, which Walt is living in the story; a sort of 'wish fulfilment'.
S5E16 - "FELINA"
The Status & Income Model
From the Status & Income Model, I would suggest that this televsion episode and indeed the series as a whole would have a target audience from B to E. I think this show has a wide audience, established by its straight-forward storylines and often humourous situations; allowing an audience to quickly be engaged regardless of their status in society or their income. Bs, often creatives in the middle class, may be attracted to this programme because of its writing or any of the more high-brow aspects of the show including the cast or crew. C1s and below may also be appealed to through this show's set-piece moments. Although, the fees associated with US cable TV stations may affect the unemployed and disadvantaged from even viewing Breaking Bad.
Y&R's 4Cs Model
Breaking Bad is a drama based around the exploits of a high-school chemistry teacher as he 'breaks bad', going against the grain and becoming a producer of crystal meth to support his family after he has died of cancer. I believe this show appeals to The Reformer and their ideas of tolerance, their social awareness and their view of themselves as intellectuals. Breaking Bad does this through its use of the main character Walter White and his underdog status throughout the show's first season adhering to their beliefs of 'independence'. Being 'anti-materialistic', they will be fascinated by White's obsession with obtaining this money; in the end for his own gain - viewing him as a villain.
The Lifestyle Categories
Breaking Bad appeals to the Cowboy, Groupie and Rebel lifestyle categories. All of these audience types will find something in the show that appeals to them. Cowboys are interested in making money quickly and easily and will be intrigued by Walter White's rise and rise into power through his money-making enterprise; perhaps even idolising or jealous towards the character. Groupies, the categories most interested in acceptance by those around them, will be appealed to by Breaking Bad through its status as an 'event show'; an often discussed show that will definitely be talked about after its airing. This could prompt them to discuss the show at length when conversing with friends whom share a mutual love for the programme. Rebels may also be attracted to the character of Walt and his journey from meek to mighty and the taking back of his own destiny.
The Uses and Gratifications Model
Elements of Breaking Bad fit each category of the Uses and Gratifications model. For Information/Surveillance, this show can sometimes become news because of some controversy or heated discussion regarding the latest episodes and especially towards the last ever episode. For Personal Identity, arguably the most apparent, the audience may place themselves into the shoes of the main characters such as Jesse or Walt and the decisions they have to make to better themselves through the series. The family dynamic is also a point of interest when looking at the ways in which the audience are forced to relate with characters in an environment when each one is morally grey. Social Interaction, particularly through the internet, has become even more apparent in the world today and no different in Breaking Bad. Through this interaction, the show has become iconic and we can associate certain imagery with it - passed around the internet as a meme and remembered adding to its iconography. Simply as Entertainment/Escapism, this show revolves around danger and the study of change - constantly keeping its audience on the edge of their seats no matter the episode. This may provide some escapism as well because of the danger involved in something the audience cannot hope to do in their lives, which Walt is living in the story; a sort of 'wish fulfilment'.
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