A rapper with a heartfelt message, a champion boxer and a UFC fighter had viewers talking passionately on social media over the past week.
The Wrap has partnered with Canvs, the emotion analytics company, for a weekly look at some of the characters and personalities that have TV viewers the most worked up on social media. The data below covers Aug. 23-29 and is drawn from the most emotionally reacted-to television programs, including broadcast, cable, streaming and PPV.
The 2017 MTV Video Music Awards was the most emotionally reacted-to broadcast over the last 7 days, garnering 748,017 Emotional Reactions (ERs) during the star-studded show that was simulcast and streamed online.
The rapper Logic received the most mentions during the night. After performing his hit “1-800-273-8255” on stage with Alessia Cara and Khalid, Logic gave an emotional speech about suicide prevention (the song is named after a suicide hotline number). Viewers applauded the heartfelt and hopeful message about shattering the stigma around depression and suicide.
Logic just gave me chills #VMAs2017
— Hayleyyyyy (@hayleylott1998) August 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/amayajanelle_/status/901992611191410688
https://twitter.com/AllyIs0kay/status/901994175004073985
Wow! Logic is inspiring. #VMAs
— Ashley (@AshleySearcy) August 28, 2017
In what was billed as “the biggest fight in combat sports history,” champion boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. faced off against mixed martial artist Conor McGregor on Aug. 26 for a PPV match that received 616,894 ERs and absolutely riveted fans. One of the most interesting aspects of this fight is that the participants come from very different backgrounds and are used to different rules.
On one hand is Mayweather, an undefeated multiple-time boxing world champion — who had been in retirement up until this match. McGregor is a UFC Lightweight Champion and for many was decidedly the underdog of the night. The fight has been in the works since a contract was signed in May, and viewers eagerly anticipated the evening, taking sides about the desired outcome.
I'm so excited #MayweatherMcGregor
— lisa (@alltoowe113) August 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/BryanMillo/status/901654717150978048
Ready to see Mayweather get it 💪🏻
— Brandon 💰anquedolce (@BrandonG15) August 27, 2017
IT'S TIME. LET'S GO McGREGOR 🔥
— eric (@eric_m4v) August 27, 2017
Although McGregor started off strong and pulled ahead during the first few rounds, he eventually succumbed to Mayweather and was declared unable to defend himself, due to fatigue, by the referee. And while many people rushed to congratulate Mayweather on the win (making his record 50-0), messages of respect and kudos also poured in for McGregor.
Well done Mayweather 👏 👏
— Chocolat Chaud🇨🇩🇦🇴 (@Chance_bayola) August 27, 2017
Hats off to Mayweather #50-0
— Jordan Smith (@jdnsth04) August 27, 2017
MCGREGOR MAKING US PROUD.
— Rachel Kelty (@_a7xangel) August 27, 2017
got to give that man McGregor props
— Kailyn M. (@kailynmarcano_) August 27, 2017