Working on the assumption that young people in the midwestern United States do not have many opportunities to witness an extensive representation of a remote culture, a study was designed to describe the social and psycho-sociological characteristics of those youngsters who were likely to be exposed to "Shogun" on television. Specifically, the study explored the possible linkages between exposure to the program and knowledge about Japanese history, language, and customs; attitudes toward interaction with the Japanese; and stereotypes of Japanese. Two days after the termination of the broadcast of "Shogun," a questionnaire was administered to 676 high school students. The instrument contained several sections corresponding to the following: general television exposure; exposure to"Shogun"; reasons for watching "Shogun"; experience while watching "Shogun"; knowledge of Japanese history, language, and customs; general reasons for watching television; attitudes toward learning about other cultures; stereotypes associated with the Japanese; notion of social distance; ethnocentrism; and demographics. Findings revealed that heavy TV viewers would be among those watching specials like "Shogun." These same viewers would watch in order to expose themselves to other cultures and to try to understand them. For those who watched TV for stimulation, this exposure would lead to a more negative stereotype of other cultures. The most impressive findings seemed to be the amount of knowledge that was predicted from exposure to "Shogun." At least on a short-term basis, special TV broadcasts can be useful in increasing the knowledge of adolescent viewers. (HOD)