If people do become fans of figure skating as a whole because of one skater in particular (as opposed to becoming just fans of said skater), I think they wouldn't just slink off even if their favorite skater retired. If it's the sport itself they got into as well as the skater, they will find others to like. Even if they won't remain fervent fans, they'll stay as casual fans.
I think I pretty much fit this description

one year ago I knew less than nothing about figure skating and from one day to the next I went full-on bonkers. I won't deny that I'm the worst fangirl and it's still very different with this little dork. He has a special place in my heart. But I think that, after he's retired, I might still want to watch other skaters. He makes me more insane than others do, but he's already not the only skater who makes me do fairly stupid things.
(like, yesterday I spontaneously decided to go to AOI in Switzerland next week. That's a five-hour drive to watch some skating and then it'll be a five-hour drive back in the middle of the night. I'll probably spend more money on gas and tolls than I did on the ticket, but I have high hopes that it'll be worth it. That counts as crazy, right?)
But anyway, I have another topic we can discuss as we are waiting for news on our very favorite skater.
Time to Rate The EX programs! Let's take from his Junior to Senior Years.
I'm so bad at rating stuff.
I probably love Change the most because it makes him look happy and hyper and I still think he's a little rock star. It doesn't take much to get me into groupie-mode

Theoretically I could even get into Vertigo but, OMG, those pants, that shirt, I just can't stop laughing. "Hello I love you" would also do it for me, but again with those pahahahahants.
Other than that I'm 100% PRO rock star programs

I really love R&J1 and Etude, and since he's also done those in galas, I guess that counts?!
Hana Ni Nare and White Legend are also great.
Justin Bieber didn't happen.
I wasn't such a big fan of Final Time Traveler. Sarah's voice/singing doesn't really do it for me TBH. It was ok, but nothing I'd seek out on purpose. But seeing it live, it was breathtakingly beautiful, so I just can't be objective with this one

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