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 Eastenders*aggreggated 25+ 28 Dec 1986 BBC1 30.15
2 Just Good Friends 25 Dec 1986 BBC1 20.75
3 Coronation Street 25 Feb 1986 ITV 19.25
4 Only Fools & Horses w/e 05 Oct 1986 BBC1 18.80
5 Prince & Princess of Wales In Private and in Public 22 Sep 1986 ITV 18.45
6 World Featherweight Championship (Barry McGuigan v Denilo Cabrera) 15 Feb 1986 BBC1 18.30
7 Blind Date 22 Nov 1986 ITV 18.20
8 Last of the Summer Wine 05 Jan 1986 BBC1 18.10
9 People Do The Funniest Things 10 Jan 1986 ITV 17.85
10 Duty Free 08 Jan 1986 ITV 17.35

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).