13 TV shows that became massive because of social media

Watching TV has never been as interactive as it is today.

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become what we're really talking about when we use the phrase "word of mouth."

And then there's the real-time nature of social media. If a show is working right, there's almost no way to avoid the blur of tweets reacting to what's happening. Chalk it up to FOMO (fear of missing out), but people want to be part of the action.

This live audience is what networks are craving most in the era of DVR, online, and other forms of delayed viewing. Having a strong social-media following can mean the difference between 100 episodes and 10 these days. 

By taking into account research provided by Amobee Brand Intelligence, Nielsen's Twitter TV ratings, as well as regular TV ratings, Business Insider has chosen the shows that are both taking advantage of and reaping the most benefits from social media.

Here are 13 programs whose social-media game is winning:

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"Dancing with the Stars" (ABC)

While other reality competitions have been seeing their ratings drop, "Dancing with the Stars" has been innovating and making changes that are keeping its fans engaged.

"Scream Queens" (Fox)

"Scream Queens" got the most marketing dollars of all of Fox's shows this fall and it's getting the rewards. Its premiere episode earned the most tweets of any program on Tuesday, September 22, even though ABC's "The Muppets" beat it in the Nielsen ratings. And as the show has progressed, fans are still very much engaged.

"How to Get Away with Murder" (ABC)

Taking a page from sister Shonda Rhimes drama "Scandal,""How to Get Away with Murder" had a strong social-media presence from its beginning – even if it clashed with viewers over hashtags #HowtoGetAwayWithMurder and #HTGAWM.