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Facebook has given Trendrr preliminary access to previously unanalyzed Facebook user engagement data on chatter relating to television content.

Our analysis reveals that there is a large amount of TV-related social activity on Facebook — in numbers approximately 5 times as large as that of all other social networks combined as measured by Trendrr.

Trendrr’s analysis of second-screen Facebook activity during one week in May** found that the volume of Facebook user engagement relating to television programming was 5 times as large as all other social networks combined. Activity related to broadcast television was 7 times as large, while activity linked to cable-television programming was 4.5 times as large as all other social networks combined. Second-screen activity levels on Facebook were particularly high among viewers of dramas and comedies.

This strategy is sure to appeal to Millennials, a key audience for TV networks and social sites alike, but its logic runs deeper than chasing a behavioral trend. Blending TV with social media is like converting a stage play into improv. When content producers take direction from the audience, the results are dynamic and customized.

This phenomenon has particular import for the producers of content that has a long lead time and only airs once a week. In order to sustain its relevance, producers must ensure it appears current. That means supplementing TV shows with fresher, more frequent material that lives online, and inviting viewers to take part in its distribution.

Similarly, BuzzFeed introduced a program earlier this month called Social Tune In that aims to bridge the gap between online content and the TV screen. In collaboration with AMC Networks' comedy channel IFC, BuzzFeed has created BuzzFeed Blocks that are airing on Saturday nights.