Why UMBC, Shangela and Lionel Messi Are TV’s Social Media MVPs of the Week

Check out the week’s most emotionally reacted-to TV personalities and characters.

A college basketball team, a drag queen and FC Barcelona’s star forward had viewers talking passionately on social media over the past seven days.

The Wrap has partnered with Canvs, the emotion measurement company, for a weekly look at some of the characters and personalities that have TV viewers the most worked up on social media. The data below covers March 14-20 and is drawn from the most emotionally reacted-to television programs, including broadcast, cable, streaming and PPV.

Also Read: Madness: No. 16 UMBC Topples No. 1 UVA to Make NCAA Tournament History, Stun Internet

During the first round of the men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, No. 16 seed Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) upset No. 1 seed Virginia during a historic game that was broadcast on TNT and generated 153,953 Emotional Reactions (ERs). The teams were tied after the first half, but then UMBC pulled ahead, and with 3:29 left to go, forward Arkel Lamar sunk a three-point shot to put his team up by 17… and Virginia never recovered. (UMBC has since been eliminated from the tournament, losing to Kansas State in round two.)

Also Read: College Hoops Scandal: FBI Arrests NCAA Coaches, Adidas Exec on Bribery Charges

Although it was Trixie Mattel who was crowned the winner of VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” (41,192 ERs), fellow queen Shangela actually drove slightly more emotional discussion. Fans gushed over her looks and performance, and then expressed outrage with the final verdict, with many commenting that Shangela was utterly robbed.

Also Read: 'RuPaul's Drag Race': Nancy Pelosi Tells Queens to 'Resist' - and Vote

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Lionel Messi was one of the main drivers of conversation during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between FC Barcelona vs. Chelsea FC, which was broadcast on Fox Sports and generated 29,528 ERs. The beloved Barcelona forward scored two of the team’s three goals, one of which happened at the very beginning of the game. Fans rejoiced accordingly.

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