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 Film: Crocodile Dundee 25 Dec 1989 BBC1 21.77
2 Neighbours*aggregated, lunchtime+teatime showing 03 Jan 1989 BBC1 20.48
3 Only Fools and Horses 25 Dec 1989 BBC1 20.12
4 Coronation Street 20 Mar 1989 ITV 19.01
5 Blind Date 18 Nov 1989 ITV 16.86
6 Bread 31 Dec 1989 BBC1 16.51
7 Eastenders 28 Dec 1989 BBC1 15.88
8 Forever Green w/e 12 Mar 1989 ITV 15.75
9 Inspector Morse w/e 29 Jan 1989 ITV 15.49
10 Film: The Man with the Golden Gun w/e 02 Apr 1989 ITV 15.48

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).