4.5.4
Audience
Audience
Audience
When Luther was originally aired, audiences could watch the show on BBC 1 at 9PM.


Airtime
Airtime
- Luther was originally aired at 9PM on BBC 1.
- This airtime places Luther's target audience between ages 25-40.
- Luther aired on BBC 1 in a primetime slot.
- This made the audience expect that Luther was a high-quality show.


Audience engagement
Audience engagement
- To help engage audiences, the BBC produced a series of trailers.
- These trailers were released on the BBC's own platform and its social media pages.
- Unique content was developed on the official BBC webpage for Luther.
- This content was called ‘Postcards from Alice’.
Uses and Gratifications
Uses and Gratifications
Luther offers many uses and gratifications for audiences.


Uses and gratification theory
Uses and gratification theory
- Katz and Blumler's uses and gratification theory suggests that media users play an active role in choosing and using the media.
- This theory suggests that media has no power over audiences.
- Luther offers many uses and gratifications for audiences.


Escapism
Escapism
- Escapism is readily available throughout the set episode of Luther.
- For example, in the form of chase sequences at the start of the episode.
- For example, in the form of detective work which John Luther undertakes.


Surveillance
Surveillance
- As a realistic crime-drama, audiences are able to perform surveillance on the episode.
- The audience can gain insight into how the investigations take place.
- This can be seen when John Luther analyses Alice Morgan’s behaviours during the interrogation.


Identity
Identity
- Luther offers opportunities for its audience to develop their sense of personal identity.
- For example, through the fact that John Luther is a black male.
- Black males are often presented negatively in crime dramas.
- Luther affords a rare opportunity for young, black men to positively identify with a character from this genre.


Relationships
Relationships
- Due to Luther's viral nature, there are many ways in which audiences can participate in personal relationships.
- There are large amounts of social media posts.
- For example, on Luther Wiki and Luther fan pages on Fanpop.
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Jump to other topics
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books