How this TV show used the live studio audience as a focus group to make the most watched tv program in the world.

At the height of its fame, Top Gear was the most-watched tv show in the world.

It even broke the Guinness record for the most-watched factual program – 350 million viewers for a weekly episode.

There were many things that made the show what it is.

But one thing that definitely played a role – they were very smart about how they recorded interviews with guests.

The interviews went on way longer than they should've.

But there was a clever reason why they did that.

They used the live audience as a focus group.

While Jeremy Clarkson was interviewing guests and making jokes, the show's producer, Andy Wilman, was behind the audience, making notes about what resonated with the audience and what didn’t.

To leave only the best bits in for the actual episode.

Cause It doesn’t matter how much research you do ahead. Or how good are the jokes on paper. Or what do you think is good.

The truth is what happens when you put it out there, and people see it.

That’s why it’s smart to always pre-test whatever you are launching.

We at Wynter offer products in no-code fashion to see whether people are willing to pay for them.

(And, ofc, help you to pre-test your messaging before you put it out there)

Amazon uses its fake press-release playbook. Standup comedians do shows at dive bars.

Kanye does listening parties(he should pre-test some other things he's saying tho).

They all serve the same purpose. Getting feedback before building/shipping the final version.

There’s nothing like feedback from a real audience.