We Are Listening...
Hey everyone!
We wanted to talk about something we've been thinking about when it comes to choosing the shows we react to next.
First, we LOVE that so many of you participate in the polls and lobby for the shows you want us to watch. That's a huge part of what makes this community fun, and we definitely want to continue giving you a voice in what we watch.
At the same time, we've heard your comments about our current system: the most popular shows are almost always going to have an advantage in the polls.
That makes sense—popular shows have bigger fanbases! But it can also mean that some lesser-known shows that could be an AMAZING fit for Reaction Therapy may never really have a chance.
Our goal has always been to have a variety of shows on the channel and to give as many of your suggestions as possible a legitimate opportunity. We don't want every new show to simply come down to which one has the biggest fanbase.
So we're thinking about ways we can make the process a little more balanced while still keeping YOU involved in choosing what we watch.
A few ideas we're considering:
• Hidden Gem Polls — Occasionally having polls made up entirely of lesser-known/lesser-voted on shows so they aren't competing directly against huge established series.
• Trial Reactions — Letting the winner of one of those polls get a guaranteed trial of a few episodes. We could then see how you guys respond to it, how we enjoy reacting to it, and whether it feels like something we should continue.
• Tom's Choice — Every once in a while, Tom may choose a show that he thinks is especially well suited for Reaction Therapy or one he really wants to do—even if it isn't necessarily the biggest or most popular show being suggested.
• Different Types of Polls — Instead of every show competing in the same pool, we could have different categories or paths for shows to make it onto the channel.
Nothing is set in stone yet. We're sharing this because we want you to know that we're listening, and we're actively thinking about ways to make the process better.
We know how much it means when you've been lobbying for a show for months and just want us to give it a chance. At the same time, we know a lot of you love voting for the big shows you've been waiting to see us react to.
We're trying to find a balance between both.
The intention isn't to take your vote away. It's actually the opposite—we want to create MORE opportunities for different shows and different groups within our community to have a chance.
Ultimately, we want Reaction Therapy to have a great mix of popular shows, hidden gems, and shows that give us something really interesting to talk about from a mental health perspective.
And we'd love your input:
What do you think would be the fairest way to give lesser-known shows a real chance while still keeping our Patreon polls important?
Let us know your ideas below. We're listening! ❤️
— Nick & Tom
Comments (76)
I like all of these ideas
Golden age of HBO early to middle 2000’s ✌🏻😊
This is a great idea!
Since you’re watching 4 shows a week, you could do make 2 shows get selected in regular polls, 1 show is toms choice (or a trial show), and the 4th show is from the hidden gem pool. This way you could cover all the bases and still have flexibility.
I think hidden gem and Tom's choice are good ideas. It seems like I'm in good company with that idea lol. I think a lot of people would appreciate seeing something that's new to them too.
I can’t BELEIVE we didn’t get shamelsss . That is heartbreaking
All of these sound like good options but hidden gem polls might be the most efficient way to cover lesser-known shows that members prefer. Thanks for continuing to evolve the channel!🙏🏾
Love the idea of Tom’s choice and giving less popular shows a chance. A lottery of less known/popular shows to watch the first episode of would be fun to
Sounds like great ideas! I am all for it. Hidden Gem and Tom's choice are probably my favorites. And perhaps trial/mystery weeks more often.
Yes you said it a lot in this post YOU for the hidden gem
Ooo I love the suggestions, especially Tom's choice! I think since it's Tom's channel he DESERVES the right to be able to make a couple choices or so in a calendar year lol. But I also like the idea of hidden gem polls and other themed polls. Like that creates opportunities to also theme the content around the time of year, could do a "holiday" reaction so to speak like in December for the movies watched that month, to name an example.
Toms choice sounds like an idea or even some smaller shows that need attention. But first.... Pluribus 😄
You gotta have Ozark and Beef on there. Either show would be great for the channel. Ozark is a must since you’ve already seen Breaking Bad, BCS and The Sopranos
I love the idea of Tom's Choice and Different Types of Polls! Tom should have a say in what he watches and it's more fun to see him react to what he enjoys and/or what he sees as fitting for the channel (then he also has more to say about the show) than just him reacting to something he maybe has no real connection to and just "has to" watch because it's popular. And Different Types of Polls would just give shows a chance that maybe aren't as big, but are really good (and would maybe calm down the war that ensues in the comments every time 😂)
Usually the more seasons to a show... the bigger fanbase or more popular it is. You could do polls based on season length. Three polls.... 2 season shows, 3-5 season shows and 6+ season shows for example. You could then add categories to those polls.... like "2 Season Psy-Fi Shows" then the next set of polls you could do "2 Season Drama Shows". Narrowing down what can we can suggest in a poll would be a great start.
Will always be an advocate for each category of show getting its own poll so that as many parts of the fanbase gets covered and the least amount get alienated. I'm sure GOT fans won't feel all that alienated if ONE cartoon gets voted alongside TWD, Dexter and whatever mainstream show gets voted in. This section of the fanbase will always have at least 2-3 days a week dedicated for that type of show, while the types of fans who stuck around for other types of shows get increasingly alienated.
I think it would be cool if they'd just add all suggested shows to one big poll and then narrow it down. And make sure to keep that list for the next time a show ends. Then they could keep that entire list minus the winning one and just do another poll. I think it would be easier than making a suggestions thread all over again. That still doesn't mean all of the shows will be watched, but at least for a few polls they are already entered. Also some of the suggestions from Nick fit to this as well. At least you could make it so suggested shows get more chances then.
Personally, my two favorites are the Trial Reaction: A. So tom can have a chance to get to preview shows before deciding on watching them B. I dont watch a lot of shows either so it would give people like me a chance to preview shows before continuing And 100% Toms’s Choice: I would want tom to pick a show that he wants to watch. Ill watch it also since its probably something i havent seen before🙌🏻
Maybe mob psycho has a chance 🫣
This is awesome! All of the ideas sound great to me. It gets jarring having the biggest show win all the time even if other shows will have more for you to comment on
Gotta go for Tom's pick, feels right for the reactor to get their own choice. Last time was one of the greatest series ever. Otherwise, hidden gem polls that don't get time to shine against the larger shows.
Tom's choice or you can use spin the wheel app
I love the ideas. I’m excited about “Tom’s Pick”, it would be nice for you to watch something YOU want to watch, and not being “forced” into it by popularity. Also, I truly believe in Quality>Quantity 😁
Tom's Choice and Hidden Gems would be AMAZING! I mostly think this because of Bojack being right up his alley considering what the show is entirely about and how deep it goes into Psychology.. I think if he looked into it, he would like it! (I suppose Trial Reactions could work for this as well) I also think Tuca and Bertie would fit as well for Hidden Gems.. since I know it isn't as known.
Definitely Tom's choice and hidden gems. The criteria for "hidden gems" needs to be established and broadcast loudly so everyone understands and isn't surprised. Sopranos was a great choice and I suspect Tom would pick Rome HBO if given a choice 😆
The hidden gem and Tom choosing both sound good to me!
I kind of like all the ideas.
1 Tom's choice 2 Genre poll 3 Hidden gems
I was voting for Shameless because I felt like as a therapist watcing it, that would be a really interesting show to see your perspective on. I've only ever watched I think 2/3 seasons of Shameless before a loonggggg time ago and don't even remember, I just remember enough to know that it's a good fit for that lol.
Robby suggests narrowing it down to the top 4 shows then just let Tom pick which one he wants to react to.
I 100% agree with allowing less popular shows/shows that have smaller fanbases. To have more of a shot. And of course I understand that people love shows like game of thrones. And I was one of those people that really wanted the walking dead to win. So I understand. It being a popular show and all. But me personally I would like to see some more hidden gems get the spotlight. And would like to see Tom react to more anime as well.
I love the hidden gems poll idea. The most voted show gets the deserved attention, but so do the less known ones in a separate poll. Different category polls also accomplishes this. Tom’s pick would also be interesting!
I really appreciate that this post was made, I feel like it was needed. I like the idea of hidden gem polls a lot, since smaller shows have almost no chance against behemoths like game of thrones or the walking dead, for example. I think letting tom choose shows as well is also a great idea. He's the one who watches the content so I think it would be very fair for him to have a voice as well. As an additional idea, maybe have a livestream where tom reacts to one episode of 2-3 shows the patreon have voted on and Tom can pick which one he wants to pursue? Or perhaps leave it to a patreon poll after the livestream, that way people have a chance to see the options more clearly. Either way, no matter what ends up happening, I'm just happy its being considered at all :)
I love the idea of Hidden Gem and Tom’s Choice 😁
That's a great idea, really appreciate that you're making sure every voice gets heard :D Hope Mr. Robot gets chosen one day, would really be interested in a therapist perspective on the mental health and therapy sessions portrayed in the show.
Hmmm all I hear is “Fallout is next oooohhhhh” 👻
Oooo I am all for Tom’s choice!
Happy to see some new ideas be worked on for this. What ever yall choose works for me
Love the Idea of Hidden Gem Polls and Toms Choice 🫶🏾 I think the overall separation of shows with big fan bases vs shows that some people think are a good fit for the channel is a great way to almost keep everyone happy lol. Thanks so much for the consideration.
Hey, everybody!!! perhaps an unpopular opinion- but i think russian doll would be a fantastic show that I just remembered that isnt in any of the poles or runnings. Specially the main charecter's relationship/bond with her lifelong therapist.
I totally hear that, but let me ask ya'll something. If yall do a show- let's say its squid games or whatever, can yall see that the patreon members aren't tuning in?
I think it would be great idea if you take the less voted for shows and have a lucky dip. You put the names in a hat and draw one out at random on a livestream
Arcane and Pluribus should be in the poll
Arcane has already been reacted to. You can check it out in the collection section.
This post is a breath of fresh air and I love the thought put into it. Hidden Gems and Tom's Choice! Six Feet Under has to make it!!!!!
We won’t let him forget‼️
The tricky part is what’s defined as a “hidden gem,” i’m kind of leaning towards Tom’s choice if it had to be one or the other.
I love all of the above ideas!
Honestly yes I really want tom to react to American horror story
I'm for Tom's Choice, he is the reactor after all he should have at least some say. :)
Silo
Love it!
Trial poll is dope. Monster should have been an automatic pick for this channel
Tom's choice and hidden gem should be the two. It would ensure variety
Toms choice is perfect.
I love the idea of 3 paths: Community Choice, Hidden Gem, and Tom’s Choice. Keep the regular polls where the most popular show wins, but occasionally have a Hidden Gem poll where overlooked shows compete against each other, with the winner getting a few trial episodes. I just wouldn’t judge those trials purely on views, since lesser-known shows are already at a disadvantage. Engagement, comments, and whether YOU guys are enjoying it should matter too. And Tom absolutely deserves a wildcard sometimes! We’re here for your reactions, not to hire you to watch TV by committee 😂❤️ It gives smaller shows a chance without taking anything away from the Patreon vote.
Agree with all this!
I also still support the idea of an anime tier ngl… (this most recent Naruto poll loss did a number on me yall)
I second, with the caveat that Western animation should compete against it too. I think we're at a point with Western animation where that having a general "animation" slot could be interesting. Without something like that, we wouldn't get Invincible if it was made today.
I like the hidden gem poll but there has to be a discussion on what counts as a hidden gem there has to be some kind of metric.
Berserk Anime !!
This sounds like a really good solution💯
thanks guys! i think a Tom's choice every once in a while would be great
Tom’s Choice. I know we want Jujutsu Kaisen. Yuji Itadori is watching!
Yes💯 I also think it’s not a lot of us younger people in here to be heard for this gem im only in my early 20s but Tom content is the only thing I’ve been watching
i think hidden gems and tom’s pick would be great options. you always watch shows we want but you should be able to pick one you want to watch. also hidden gems give shows that aren’t that popular a chance bc they can be just as good
That’s so sweet 🥹 thank you! ☺️
I love this channel for how hard they work to make sure every voice is heard, it’s not necessary but it’s very appreciated Frankly I like all the ideas. Hidden gem polls are fun and Tom only picks bangers
I agree
W thank u guys
I thought it was over for me😭 jjk might see light of day❤️
Holy essay
Your brain is fried brother. Maybe he should’ve put a subway surfers video underneath it
Yes! Hidden Gem polls! Throw Mr. Robot in there!
that sounds lovely ! 💕
Mr robotttttttt