What constitutes a "hit" in your mind?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Assuming you care -- you don't need to let us know that you don't; we already know you're cool -- how do you know whether media content is a hit? Is it the amount of views/sales? Is it critical consensus? Is it a combination of the two?

Extra credit: What's something you consider a hit that most people normally would not?

 

[Ryujin]

As far as I'm concerned, critical consensus means nothing if a thing doesn't draw an audience, for purposes of whether it's a "hit." Also, being a "hit" doesn't imply that something is actually good. Pablum for the Public sells.

 

[payn]

A hit, in a general sense, is just something really popular. People connect to it for some reason. Perhaps its comedic, or maybe a compelling drama, but it has wide genre transcending appeal. Usually, its executed well and noted by critics alike, but there are exceptions.

EC is tricky, by my definition, but I think Game of Thrones is an example. The reasons GoT is a hit is that its fantasy that transcends genre. Very few fantasy titles are able to accomplish this. In this instance, you had good writing, generally good casting, and for a good while excellent execution. Normally, fantasy only attracts folks that like the genre, but GoT cast a wide net of political intrigue, mystery, action, romance, etc.. HBO has a reputation of taking these types of ideas and making them water cooler successful.