Entertainment

Who Won? Who Cares?

The 87th annual Academy Awards were held last night, but most Americans still say they don’t follow awards shows closely and aren't influenced by them when it comes to their viewing, listening and buying habits. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on February 19-20, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Are the Oscars A Winner for Viewing Americans?

Most Americans don’t plan on tuning into the 87th Academy Awards tonight and are less inclined to watch a movie because it won an Oscar.

Americans Are Less Critical Of Impact Movies Have on Society

Americans don’t feel as strongly as they used to that movies send a bad social message, especially when it comes to violence.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Adults now think movies and the movie industry have a negative impact on American society, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s down from 50% in August 2013 and 51% in February 2011. Still, just 23% think movies have a positive impact on society. Nineteen percent (19%) say they have no impact at all, but just as many (18%) are undecided. The number who are undecided or think movies have no societal impact is up from past surveys. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

The new film “American Sniper,” based on the autobiography of former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, has been breaking box office records despite criticism from some that it glorifies a killer. Half of Americans have now seen the film or plan to go, while most dismiss the critics as politically motivated.

Are Critics of 'American Sniper' Anti-Violence or Anti-Military?

The new film “American Sniper,” based on the autobiography of former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, has been breaking box office records despite criticism from some that it glorifies a killer. Half of Americans have now seen the film or plan to go, while most dismiss the critics as politically motivated.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults have seen or are planning to see the Clint Eastwood-directed movie about a real-life highly-decorated U.S. serviceman fighting in Iraq. Thirty-two percent (32%) are not planning to see the film, but one-in-five (20%) still haven’t decided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Say Wait For Official Charges Before Pulling Cosby Shows

Though nearly half of Americans think it’s likely the recent sexual assault allegations against comedian Bill Cosby are true, they still think television networks should hold off on pulling his shows until he is officially charged with a crime.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of American Adults have a favorable impression of Cosby, including 16% who have a Very Favorable impression of him. Thirty-six percent (36%) view “The Cosby Show” star unfavorably, including 14% with a Very Unfavorable impression. Another 22% are not sure what they think of Cosby. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).    Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on November 23-24, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Would Choose to Be Superman

Americans say they would choose to be Superman if they could be any superhero, but if they had one super power, it would be the ability to see into the future. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of American Adults say that if they could have a super power it would be to see into the future. Nineteen percent (19%) say they would want the ability to fly. Fourteen percent (14%) would want X-ray vision, while the same amount (14%) would want to be immortal. Ten percent (10%) say they’d want super strength, while just four percent (4%) say they’d want super speed. Eight percent (8%) say they’d want some other power, while six percent (6%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

Most Americans View Newlyweds Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Unfavorably

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and hip-hop superstar Kanye West were married over the weekend in Paris. The news of their wedding was nearly inescapable, but that doesn't mean most Americans like the newlyweds very much.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 77% of American Adults have at least a somewhat unfavorable view of Kardashian, and just 11% view her favorably. This includes 48% with a Very Unfavorable opinion and only two percent (2%) with a Very Favorable one. Similarly, 71% have at least a somewhat unfavorable opinion of West, while just 13% have a somewhat favorable opinion of the rapper. This includes 45% with a Very Unfavorable view and four percent (4%) who view him Very Favorably. Six percent (6%) have never heard of Kardashian, and slightly more (10%) say the same of her new husband. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on May 24-25, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Don't Like Circus Clowns

Send in the clowns! Or maybe not since there’s a nationwide clown shortage. For a handful of Americans who have secretly (or not-so-secretly) thought about running away with the circus, now’s their chance.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that six percent (6%) of American Adults have thought about running away with the circus. Eighty-eight percent (88%) have not, but another six percent (6%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 23-24, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

25% Less Likely to Watch “The Tonight Show” After Leno Exit

Late night comedian Jay Leno ended his 22-year run as the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” last week, and Americans view him more favorably than his replacement, Jimmy Fallon. But more than half of adults say the switch from Leno to Fallon won’t impact their decision to watch the long-running show.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 69% of American Adults view Leno at least somewhat favorably, including 28% who have a Very Favorable impression of him. Sixteen percent (16%) view the funnyman unfavorably, with five percent (5%) who view him Very Unfavorably. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 7-8, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50 Years Ago Today: 63% Have Seen Beatles Debut on Ed Sullivan Show

Greet the Beatles.

That’s what 73 million Americans did 50 years ago tonight – when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr made their U.S. TV debut on CBS’ Ed Sullivan Show in glorious black and white. Sixty-three percent (63%) of American Adults say they have seen that show, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just one-in-three (34%) have not. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 5-6, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

23% Now Use Online Movie Streaming Services

Despite the growing popularity of online movie streaming services such as Netflix, most Americans are still more likely to watch a film on network or cable TV. 

Just 14% of American Adults rarely or never watch movies at home, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty-three percent (23%) watch a film at home at least once a week, while another 30% do so at least once a month. Thirty-one percent (31%) say they only occasionally watch movies at home.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 22-23, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

59% of Moviegoers Say Storyline Matters Most

Though less than half of Americans go to the movies at least occasionally, those that do go for the storytelling above all else.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 52% of Adults rarely or never go to the movies. Thirty-three percent (33%) go to the movies occasionally, while 14% go at least once a month. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:   Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 22-23, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

59% Think Violent Movies Lead to More Violence in Society

Americans still believe the movie industry has done more harm than good to society, particularly when it comes to violence.

Fifty percent (50%) of American Adults believe that, generally speaking, movies and the movie industry have a negative impact on American society. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 21% believe the movie industry has a positive impact on society, while 15% say it has no impact at all. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:  Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

Win an iPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 22-23, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

79% Say Americans Watch Too Much TV

Most adults continue to believe their fellow Americans watch too much TV, but fewer than ever admit they watch the tube daily. 

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Adults believe most Americans watch too much television, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.  Only seven percent (7%) disagree, while 14% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:  Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

Win an iPad: A new Rasmussen Challenge starts today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.  

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

49% Say Children’s Quality of Life is Worse Than a Generation Ago

Americans continue to believe kids are spending too much time in front of computers and other electronic devices, and nearly half think their quality of life is worse than it was for children a generation ago.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults say the quality of life for children today is worse than it was a generation ago. Just 29% think it’s better, and 16% think the quality of life is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:   Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

Win an iPad: A new Rasmussen Challenge starts tomorrow!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.  

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

81% Think Americans Pay Too Much Attention to Celebrity News

Which is more important: the riots in the Middle East or the latest celebrity scandal? Most Americans fear that, for many, it’s the latter.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 81% of American Adults think their fellow Americans pay too much attention to celebrity news and not enough attention to news that has real impact on their lives. This is down slightly from 86% in March 2011 and 87% in July 2010. Just 10% think Americans don’t pay too much attention to celebrity news. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Special Offer:   Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.  

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Are More Likely to Watch a Movie at Home

Most movie goers prefer to watch a movie in the comfort of their own home, and when a new film comes out, they wait to hear about it from friends and family before seeing it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of movie goers are more likely to watch movies at home than in the theater. One-in-three (30%) are more likely to go to the theater. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.

The national survey of 500 Movie Goers was conducted on January 15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

“Lincoln” Is the Oscar Favorite

Academy Award nominations were announced last week, and even though the 85th annual awards show does not air until February 24, most movie goers already have their winners picked. But only 44% say their favorite film of 2012 is an Oscar nominee for best picture, and even fewer think artistic merit is the biggest reason for a film to be nominated.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) of movie goers think Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” will take home the Best Picture prize come Oscar night, while 18% expect the blockbuster film adaptation of “Les Miserables” to win the prized statue, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s followed closely by “Argo,” the dramatization of the 1980 attempt to extract fugitive American diplomats from Iran, with 12% support. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.

The national survey of 500 Movie Goers was conducted on January 15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

“The Help,” Clooney and Streep Lead Among Oscar Watchers

There are five actors, five actresses and nine films up for the night’s biggest awards at the 84th Academy Awards airing this Sunday, and Oscar watchers already are calling the winners.

Ten percent (10%) hope the Alexander Payne-directed film, “The Descendants,” will win the Best Picture Oscar. After that the hoped-for winners and their level of support are the Brad Pitt sports vehicle “Moneyball” (7%), Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris" (5%), the 9/11-themed “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (4%), the Martin Scorcese-directed “Hugo” (4%), “The Tree of Life” (3%) by famed auteur Terrence Malick and Steven Spielberg's latest, “War Horse” (3%). Twenty-five percent (25%). however, don't have a preference.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 762 Adults who are likely to watch the Oscars was conducted on February 19-22, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Rarely Go To Movies

Most Americans rarely take a trip to the theater to see a movie, preferring instead to watch them in the comfort of their own home.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults rarely or never go to the movies, showing no change from this time last year. Thirty-two percent (32%) "occasionally" go out to the movies, while 12% do so at least once a month.  Only two percent (2%) go at least once a week. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 3-4, 2012 Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.