Described are methods and apparatus that allow viewers to access timely
data showing what other viewers are watching at (or near) a given moment.
Thus, for example, a viewer could tune in, find out which ten programs
currently being broadcast are most popular, and then select from among
these programs. In one embodiment, the data is displayed with links to
those popular programs so viewers can easily tune to listed programs. In
another embodiment, the viewer can identify a group of friends and find
out what those friends are watching. The viewer could then tune into one
of the programs his or her friends are watching, and so be prepared to
discuss that program later.