American actress and filmmaker Sharon Gless is well-known for her roles in movies and television shows, such as the hit show "Cagney & Lacey," in which she portrayed Detective Christine Cagney. The occasionally discouraging realities of the entertainment industry are reflected in one of Gless's most memorable quotes.

During a discussion about ratings, Gless draws attention to the fact that successful programs may be passed over by sponsors if they fail to draw in the target audience, which is frequently young viewers who are thought to be more valuable to advertisers. In an industry that is driven by specific audience targets, her statement emphasizes the idea that simply having high numbers does not guarantee recognition or reward.

Imagine a busy marketplace with a variety of stalls representing different TV shows vying for customers' attention. When it comes time for vendors (the sponsors) to decide who gets extra goods and support, they choose stalls with younger faces but fewer visitors, even though one stall has twice as many people browsing as the others. This demonstrates that in television, sometimes a larger audience is insufficient; what matters is whether or not that audience is representative of the demographic that advertisers are trying to reach.

In addition to illuminating the intricate relationships within the entertainment sector, Gless's observation stimulates contemplation on more general issues of worth and acknowledgment in a variety of domains where demographics are vital.