Television offers great visuals that no cool radio program can ever beat. Although you could say the type of program that you watch depends on your taste and availability, you'll be surprised that worldwide, there appears to be a common trend shared by most viewers – regardless of their geographic location, time zone and social status. Here are seven types of television programs people generally love to watch.

1. NEWS. Television is one of the fastest and versatile sources of news and information. If you want the concise and hourly updates on the latest goings-on in your locality or in the international scene, tune in to news programs. Full length programs typically last 30 minutes to an hour with a news anchor or two narrating the reports.

2. VARIETY SHOW. Televisions are full of talent shows. The variety show program usually features a combination of song and dance numbers, some celebrity interviews or even a standup comedy. Expect anything you want to expect from this type of program. Often, people are invited to be studio viewers to watch stars perform on stage.

3. REALITY SHOW. Programs such as Survivor, Amazing Race and Big Brother are among the most watched by viewers. What you see in reality shows is actually unscripted interactions among contestants – celebrity or ordinary people alike – caught on tape. If you like surprises from real-life drama, get them from this program.

4. GAME SHOW. Most reality shows involve games or a grand contest, but what makes a game show different is that you get to see the contestants on stage. There is seldom a behind-the-scenes footage as the highlight of the program is the game itself (and the prize at stake). Wheel of Fortune, Deal or No Deal and Hollywood Squares are examples.

5. SITUATION COMEDY. Every now and then, you need a good laugh and boy, you're lucky, because you can get plenty of giggles from a number of situation comedies. No channel is hardly without one. This type of program is very theatrical. Actors do their role plays on a set. The program itself looks good on the boob tube, but you have the option (if you're lucky) to watch the action live on the set.

6. SOAP OPERA. Soap operas have the “set” feel of situation comedies but usually dramatic acting of the less theatrical type is featured. All the scenes are pre-taped so you can't go watch the program live on the set. Soap operas rarely exceed 1 hour but in totality they can last as short as three months, while others can stretch for years.

7. TALK SHOW. If you love interviews and structured interactions moderated ably by a host, you'll love the talk show program. Oprah Winfrey's show covers almost anything under the sun, while Dr. Phil focuses on conflict resolution. Expect a volley of questions, answers and relevant footages in this interactive program. If you want, you can go to the studio and participate, or phone the host, express your opinion and be heard on television.