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*aggregated 7+ 10 Jan 1988 BBC1 24.15
2 Bread 11 Dec 1988 BBC1 20.95
3 Neighbours*aggregated, lunchtime+teatime showing 08 Nov 1988 BBC1 19.60
4 The Royal Variety Performance 1988 26 Nov 1988 BBC1 18.15
4 Coronation Street 04 Jan 1988 ITV 18.15
6 Film: For Your Eyes Only 04 Apr 1988 ITV 17.80
7 Last of the Summer Wine w/e 25 Dec 1988 BBC1 17.10
8 Allo Allo 24 Dec 1988 BBC1 17.05
9 Question of Sport Meets Spitting Image w/e 07 Feb 1988 BBC1 16.40
10 Comic Relief 05 Feb 1988 BBC1 16.40

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).