Study: Republicans like TV shows about "winners," Democrats prefer "damaged people"

A newly released survey from media-research company Experian Simmons breaks down what people are watching on television according to which political party they associate themselves. In what should be a by the numbers list, there are some actual surprises as to what both Democrats and Republicans are watching these days.    

No surprise that one group likes Glenn Beck and the other Keith Olbermann, but what about Republicans watching Modern Family? A show that features a gay couple with an adopted Vietnamese baby. Are they watching because they think it's a cute story that only Hollywood could dream up? And what the hell are Democrats doing watching Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami?     

Well, it turns out that there's a reason for these viewing habits. Republicans, according to the survey, like shows about winners, which is why reality shows American Idol, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars are favorites. While Democrats "like shows about damaged people," which is why they're watching Mad Men, Dexter, 30 Rock, and Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami.     

The survey also notes that networks are more likely to pander to Republicans and conservatives with content, as they watch and are fans of the bigger hit shows, while Democrats pray Parks and Recreation won't be cancelled.