Key Highlights
- A survey by Freeview channel Great Action revealed a generational divide in Brits’ favorite James Bond actors.
- Sean Connery was named the best James Bond by over a quarter of British TV viewers, with Roger Moore following closely behind.
- Younger Brits prefer Roger Moore as their favorite 007, while older generations favor Sean Connery.
The Generational Divide in James Bond Preferences
A recent survey by Freeview channel Great Action has highlighted a significant generational divide among British audiences when it comes to identifying the best James Bond actor. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 TV viewers from across the nation, revealed that while older generations hold a special place for Sean Connery as the original 007, younger Brits are more inclined towards Roger Moore.
Sean Connery: The Original Dr No
According to the survey, nearly half (45%) of 65-75-year-olds rank Sean Connery, who starred in the first Bond film “Dr. No” and several others, as their number one choice for James Bond. Furthermore, over a third (38%) of viewers aged 55 and above chose Connery as their favorite action hero. The late Scottish actor was also voted by nearly half (45%) of 75-year-olds and older as their all-time favorite action star.
Roger Moore: Suave and Popular Among Younger Generations
In contrast, younger Brits showed a strong preference for Roger Moore. The actor, who took over the role after Connery’s retirement in 1973, was favored by 22% of Gen Z viewers (aged 18 to 27), surpassing both Connery and Daniel Craig, who starred as Bond in more recent films like “Skyfall” and “No Time To Die.” Moore’s films are known for their lighter tone compared to the more serious recent instalments.
Overall Preferences
The survey also included a wider range of action heroes. Bruce Willis topped the table of ultimate action heroes, with 32% of UK viewers choosing him as their favorite. Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone were among the other popular choices, securing fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Industry Context
The research by Great Action came in the wake of a report that explored viewing and streaming habits of older UK audiences who feel “forgotten” by modern TV producers. This generational divide in James Bond preferences reflects broader trends where classic action heroes with “proper grit” are preferred over today’s stars among mature viewers.
Relaunch of Great Network
The findings align with the relaunch of the Great network, which aims to bring back the best of British television for a nation of forgotten viewers. The Freeview 34 channel now features classic shows and movies that appeal to older generations, including beloved series like “Rising Damp,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and the Carry On classics.
Kate Gartland, marketing director for Great!, commented: “No matter the age, TV viewers love older action stars – for the same reasons the majority of audiences say they love nostalgic programs. That’s exactly why we’ve relaunched the Great network of channels.” This initiative underscores the enduring appeal of classic entertainment and the importance of catering to diverse viewer preferences.
