Couch potato couples watch a staggering 676 hours of TV together every year, according to new research
COUCH potato couples watch a STAGGERING 676 hours of TV together every year, according to new research.
Researchers took a detailed look at modern life for British couples and revealed on average, we now watch or stream 13 hours of TV, series’ and movies together a week – that’s the equivalent of 28 days a year.
In fact, according to the poll, a third of love birds said they much prefer staying in to going out on date nights – while 91 percent said watching TV together brings them closer as a couple.
According to the poll by Relish Broadband, Bake Off is the TV show Brits are most ENJOY watching as a couple (34 per cent said it was their favourite) - with Game of Thrones coming second place (33 per cent) followed by Doctor Foster (27 per cent) and Coronation Street (25 per cent).
Watching TV together gives British couples things to talk about for 65 per cent of them, while 58 percent insisted it makes them laugh, 42 per cent said sitting in front of the television gives them a chance to cuddle up.
Leading Psychologist, Dr. Becky Superman said: “In Victorian times, we would gather around the fire together while someone read from a book.
"With the advent of the radio, families got together to listen to radio dramas and shows like Listen with Mother. Human beings just love storytelling.
"Nowadays, we are spoilt for choice with movies and TV dramas and, just like our ancestors, we prefer to engage with them in company.
"It’s a way of having fun and feeling close to one another, so it is no surprise that spending time together snuggled up watching our favourite shows is a way to bring couples together.”
Bridget Lorimer, Head of Brand and Consumer Marketing at Relish, comments: “It’s great to see that British couples are rewriting the rules of romance.
"As a provider of broadband in the capital, we hope our Valentine’s hampers and plug and play hub provide the perfect partnership for those Londoners staying in this Valentine’s Day.
"And our same day delivery service means Londoners can order in the morning and be streaming their favourite shows by the evening!”
However, it’s not all sweetness and light, as 31 per cent claimed that they regularly fall out with their other half over what to watch.
A thrill-loving 65 per cent of those polled said they were EVEN planning on a romantic night in this Valentine’s Day, rather than attempting to go out for a meal.
Just over a third of couples will be ordering a take away this Valentine’s Day, with 35 per cent of those ordering Chinese, 32 per cent Indian, and 19 per cent Pizza.
When it comes to dressing up for our other half on Valentine’s Day we Brits take a more relaxed approach with 33 per cent planning to don their PJs, while a further 22 per cent will put on their track suit bottoms and T-shirt.
Only 14 per cent of women will wear sexy underwear, while 21 per cent of unromantic blokes will wear whatever they came home from work in.
In fact, the average British couple will be tucked up in bed on Valentine’s at 10:30pm Chocolates are British couples’ favourite TV snack (55 per cent), followed by crisps (47 per cent), cheese and biscuits (26 per cent) and nuts (25 per cent).
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When it comes to drinks – WINE is the nation’s favourite TV tipple (39 per cent) followed by a mug of tea (27 per cent), fizzy drinks (23 per cent) and coffee (19 per cent).
The data also revealed the key elements of a cosy night in together include getting the central heating on (61 per cent), getting the house neat and tidy (44 percent), locking the doors (44 percent) and having your phone next to you (21 percent).
Going out for Valentine's night is too expensive for 44 percent of Brits, while 33 percent said it’s simply too busy and a further 30 percent said they were beyond “forced” shows of romance.