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 Torvill and Dean - Olympic Ice Dance Championship 21 Feb 1994 BBC1 23.95
2 National Lottery Live 19 Nov 1994 BBC1 20.17
3 Coronation Street 14 Feb 1994 ITV 19.68
4 Eastenders 27 Oct 1994 BBC1 19.31
5 Heartbeat 20 Nov 1994 ITV 17.76
6 Casualty 19 Nov 1994 BBC1 17.24
7 You've Been Framed 04 Sep 1994 ITV 16.96
8 London's Burning 20 Nov 1994 ITV 16.81
9 Grand National 1994 09 Apr 1994 BBC1 16.72
10 The Bill 18 Mar 1994 ITV 16.45

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).