Pop culture is embedded into each of our lives, whether we realize it or not. The themes within popular media are often reflective of the current climate in our world, and the overarching lessons in some of the most popular TV shows today can inspire us to take new approaches to our creative marketing and advertising. Because these pieces of content are so popular with consumers, they can teach us what the audience cares about and give us insight into the most effective ways to communicate with them.

We’ve already seen some major pop culture phenomena hit our screens in 2021. In a year where we’ve all been furiously consuming media, content that can break through and become a favorite of many different groups is especially worthy of our attention. In this article, we’ll dive into three of the most talked about pieces of pop culture today and uncover some of the hidden marketing lessons we can take away from them.

The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit is a popular Netflix show that tells the story of a young girls who comes of age while becoming an expert in the game of chess. One of the biggest developments we see in Beth, the protagonist in the show, is her realization that becoming a champion will require much more than just talent. Beth is a naturally skilled chess player, but she isn’t able to become the best in the world until she puts in a great deal of hard work and research. Likewise, our talented team could create a beautiful, thoughtful piece of marketing content, but without the hard work to understand engagement and study the data, the campaign won’t be as effective as it could be.

Beth also teaches us the importance of adaptability. In the show, Beth is able to adapt to the constant unexpected changes to her surroundings, as she moves from an orphanage to her adoptive home to life on her own. She also learns to adapt her chess game, as she constantly recalculates her strategy after every move her opponent makes. Being prepared to adapt marketing campaigns to current events happening in our world is an invaluable asset. Adaptable messages are always relevant to consumers, and the ability to make quick changes means you can avoid appearing tone-deaf or caught off guard. Just be sure to give you and your team enough time to think through changes strategically to avoid rushed mistakes.

WandaVision

The new Marvel Studios TV show, WandaVision, premiered on Disney+ this year to wide acclaim from critics and fans alike. The weekly episodes followed a couple, Wanda and Vision, in their journey through an alternate universe of popular television sitcoms across the decades. While most streaming services release all the episodes of a new season at once, Disney+ chose to have WandaVision premiere weekly, just like traditional cable TV shows. Their approach paid off, as the show kept audience interest for months, creating a frenzy of discussion among fans who were waiting for the next piece of content.

When marketing content is broken down into smaller pieces, it can capture attention across a longer period of time, keeping one project relevant to the audience for a longer period of time. While one large content binge can create a huge spike in engagement, it’s not as sustainable over time. Consumers may quickly lose interest and move on to the next interesting thing.

WandaVision also teaches us that escapism is most powerful when it’s laced with relatability. On the surface the show seems to be about superheroes and magical abilities, which feels like a fantastical departure from reality. However, the characters in the show are actuallydealing with real feelings of grief and loneliness, and it’s those emotions that drive WandaVision forward. We can all relate to those core emotions, which have hit an all-time high for many people during the pandemic. This captivating combination of fantasy and relatability is something marketers should remember and implement in their own campaigns.

Oprah’s Royal Interview

Last month, CBS aired a blockbuster interview between Oprah Winfrey and British royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple has faced controversy and intense media scrutiny since their marriage in 2018, and in 2020 they made the widely publicized decision to step back from royal duties. To set the record straight on their experiences in the royal family, they both sat down for a televised conversation with Oprah. By telling their compelling story through an in-person interview, Harry and Meghan added a personal and emotional touch to their message. This approach made it easier for audiences to empathize with them.

Brands can take many lessons away from the success of the interview, including the importance of infusing brand personality and personal touches into marketing messages. As you consider the best way to deliver your content, think about which method will build the strongest, longest-lasting connection with customers. When it comes to the actual message your brand delivers, think beyond the basic features and benefits of your products and focus on crafting a story that will make your audience feel something.

We also saw Oprah’s expert ability to dig beneath the surface on display in this interview. Through her line of questioning, she uncovered more important details that told the story of Harry and Meghan’s experiences, which deeply resonated with millions of viewers who watched the special and discussed it for weeks. Using your marketing to go beyond surface level slogans and give more depth to what your brand truly cares about is essential in order to create an emotional effect that will stick with your audience in the future. In your next campaign, think like Oprah and build a strong story that will deliver a relevant, lasting message to viewers.