14 April 2009
More than half of the UK's families regard sitting in front of the television as a good chance to catch up with each other.
According to a new survey by Freesat, 55% of those polled said watching TV was a time when they connected with loved ones.
Over 1,000 families were included in the research and 32% said they viewed their favourite shows together two to three times weekly, the Daily Mail reported.
Comedy programmes were some of the most popular with respondents - 63% of which said shows such as Gavin & Stacey were ideal for communal watching.
London-set soap EastEnders was the series most likely to prompt discussion between family members, Freesat found.
Dr Pat Spungin is a psychologist and founder of the Raisingkids website. She said: "Watching TV for an hour or two a few times a week can be the ultimate opportunity for families to bond."
Freesat is a digital satellite television provider.