TV since 1981

January 2025 update: Programmes reported using As Viewed reporting. This captures viewing in both TV and non-TV homes; includes viewing within seven days of a programme’s launch and up to 35 days of pre-broadcast viewing; repeat transmissions aired within the same reporting week and by the same broadcaster group are now aggregated.


Pre-2025: Programmes reported using As Broadcast reporting. This captured viewing in TV homes only; included viewing within seven days of a programme’s launch and up to 35 days of pre-broadcast viewing; reported repeat transmissions separately.

Rank Programme Date Channel Audience (millions)
1 The Royal Variety Performance 1984 25 Nov 1984 BBC1 20.55
2 Coronation Street 14 Nov 1984 ITV 20.45
3 Film: Raiders of the Lost Ark 25 Dec 1984 ITV 19.35
3 Porridge 27 Dec 1984 BBC1 19.35
5 Film: Airplane 26 Dec 1984 ITV 18.10
6 Film: Kramer v Kramer 30 Dec 1984 BBC1 18.00
7 Bullseye 23 Dec 1984 ITV 17.60
8 Minder 10 Oct 1984 ITV 17.50
9 Film: Mary Poppins 25 Dec 1984 BBC1 17.35
10 Miss World 1984 15 Nov 1984 ITV 17.10

Those seeking to replicate historic Barb programme figures via contemporary analysis tools should bear in mind that a number of factors may mean figures do not match exactly. These include, but are not limited to: changes to data included in logs by companies that submit broadcast logs, the advent of +1 channels, the inclusion of HD viewing with SD viewing to a channel, changes to the definition of the viewing day, log amendments, data re-issues and the addition of viewing from PCs, tablets and smartphones (September 2018).