The Online Testing Exchange (OTX) has recently listed their top shows according to TV Dailies, OTX’s syndicated service that polls viewers for awareness and popularity of upcoming shows for the new season. The service polls over 3000 viewers in the 13-64 age range, with the most recent results falling in the 18-49 demographic - a key component to attracting advertisers to particular shows.

While high profile shows, like Bionic Woman, Pushing Daisies, and Cavemen topped the list, Reaper coasted in to tie for the top place on two key lists: Top 10 New Shows based on Awareness and Top Five New Shows Most Likely to Watch. Interestingly enough, it is the only show on the whole CW schedule to place this high - a remarkable feat for a new show on a relatively new network.

The major media push for Reaper hasn’t started yet, so this buzz must be coming from the leaked Pilot that made it onto Bittorrent a few months back. Since this data was polled in the beginning of August, the show’s panel at Comic-Con (while impressive) could not have had an influence. If Reaper turns out to be a hit (and from the looks of the pilot, “confidence is high”) could this mean some solid footing for the concept of studios “leaking” their pilots to drum up support and tweak shows before they even air officially?

It’s a marketing strategy that won’t serve for all new shows, but those that are highly dependent on Geek Support? Sure. I could see more of this kind of thing happening…

This post was Authored by John Gonzalez, Our Resident Authority on all things Reaper