Why Viewers Can't Get Enough 'Desperate Housewives'
Women Feel They Can Relate To Characters, Their Problems
November 18, 2004
CLEVELAND -- ABC's "Desperate Housewives" is the new hit show
this fall that everyone is talking about.
But what makes it so popular? NewsChannel5's Paul Kiska reported on why people,
young and old, are desperate to watch "Housewives."
As another workday begins, radio listeners from Westlake to Cleveland to Willoughby
are still talking about America's hottest new show.
"I think the show is getting a lot of buzz -- you fall in love with it," said Q104
radio host Jen Toohey.
The phone lines light up when Toohey says the words, "Desperate Housewives."
New episodes of "Desperate Housewives" air Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
At Arabica Coffee in Willoughby, Sandy Newmark and her friends are busy planning a
fund-raiser, but talk turns to the hit show that's heating up the suburbs.
"I think a lot of women can relate -- many women relate more than they admit," said Newmark.
Women tune in for all sorts of reasons, but most agree that it's entertaining.
"It's just entertainment; it's cute and I like the clothes," said "Housewives"
viewer Tashana Cooper.
Cooper said, "Women need an outlet and they live through some of those women on TV, I think."
Psychologist Lori Stevic-Rust many women are lonely and can relate to the show's characters.
Stevic-Rust says if the show relied on sex appeal alone, it wouldn't last.
But real heartfelt issues people can relate to, like trust, relationships and raising kids, connect viewers
to the characters.
"Feeling the burden of parenting, feeling like the neighbor is better - there's a competitive edge
we feel - and they do it in a way we can relate to," said Stevic-Rust.
© Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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