Ok, I admit it. I am a HUGE fan of this TV Show. As I type this, I don’t even have cable, but I made sure to catch up on every episode on abc.com as I still search out my TV provider. I was introduced to this show by word of mouth through Facebook at episode 4. In one evening, I caught up on the episodes I’d missed and was HOOKED. But I noticed a few things that were quite interesting about the cast members of this show. They were using social media to build momentum like I’ve not seen for a television show before. So here are my 5 reasons why the Scandal cast is Crushing Social Media.
Scandal Cast: STANDING: GUILLERMO DIAZ, COLUMBUS SHORT, JEFF PERRY, TONY GOLDWYN, HENRY IAN CUSICK;SEATED: DARBY STANCHFIELD, KATIE LOWES, KERRY WASHINGTON credit ABC
1.Understand The Meaning of Community
Everyone on this picture as well as other cast members have a twitter account and they use it. The cast members are actively engaged with their fans and are appreciative of the followers. I saw this tweet from Kerry Washington that sums it up.
Warning, this is a live tweet and not an image.
To @SonOfSouthie & all NEW FOLLOWERS
its always me on twitter UNLESS its signed “kw’s krew” & then..its my krew
cc: @vh1 @carriekeagan
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) June 7, 2012
2. Utilizing the Power of the # (Hashtag)
There are so many quotable moments in this show, but the one that has tied back a sense of community is the use of the hashtag #Gladiator. If you are a true Scandal follower on Twitter or any Social Media platform you refer to yourself as a #Gladiator. This comes from the line in Season 1, Episode as Harrison (Columbus Short’s Character) refers to himself as a “Gladiator in a suit.” From there, the reference just took off and sealed the Scandal Fan community.
3. Utilizing Call to Action
On the Scandal Facebook Fan Page this one question raised 41 shares, my like + 2164 others, and 578 comments. And not to shabby to only be on air for two months and have over 228K fans. With these simple calls of action statements, keeping the community engaged is being accomplished as we go through the Summer months waiting on the next season.
4. Highlighting others outside of self
One thing I’ve observed since following the cast of scandal on Twitter is that their tweets are very affirming to others. It’s not uncommon to see cast members highlight a fan or a colleague. Some even suggest other shows to watch or books to read while Scandal is in hiatus. As the cast continues to build community, the stronger the bond will be to the show overall.
5. Having Fun
Again, as we see the human elements of the cast, a connection is being built through their adventures. The Scandal cast is enjoying this ride and are allowing their fans, through social media, to enjoy it with them.
What other ways do you see Social Media utilized in watching television? Do you feel a sense of community with social media and your favorite shows? Who’s your favorite Scandal Cast member on Twitter or Facebook? Leave a comment and let’s chat.
Related Links
To Follow the cast of Scandal in one Twitter list Click Here
Facebook: Scandal Fan Page
Afterbuzz Tv (Recap commentaries that are very good): Click Here
Order Scandal Season One on DVD From Amazon: Scandal: The Complete First Season
This is an affiliate link to Amazon, and if you choose to purchase your DVD set through this link, I will donate the proceeds from your purchase to the V Day Organization. Learn more here. Learn more here.
