(CNN) — For an awards show that’s not the Oscars, the 2012 Golden Globes attracted a good amount of attention.
About 16.8 million people — a slight dip from last year’s 17 million viewers — tuned in to the event that elicited countless trending topics on Twitter, status updates on Facebook, inches in newspapers and articles online.
Yes, it’s that time of year again when starlets show off their best assets in designer gowns, tiny statues are handed out and the world gets to critique who worked the red carpet. Awards season officially kicked off on television last Sunday night with the Golden Globes and the media was notably underwhelmed by the soiree while viewers seemed split on host Ricky Gervais’ toned-down performance.
So why not just change the channel?
Awards shows are among the few glamorous Hollywood events that are open to the public, said Mary McNamara, a TV critic at the Los Angeles Times.
Elton John vs. Madonna at Golden Globes Award show goes to the dogs
But it’s not just about the glitz, the couture and the celebrity.