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 Panorama Special: Princess Diana 20 Nov 1995 BBC1 22.78
2 Coronation Street 09 Jan 1995 ITV 19.44
3 Heartbeat 19 Nov 1995 ITV 18.68
4 National Lottery Live 25 Mar 1995 BBC1 18.21
5 Auntie's Sporting Bloomers 01 Jan 1995 BBC1 17.85
6 One Foot In The Xmas Grave 25 Dec 1995 BBC1 17.77
7 Eastenders 21 Feb 1995 BBC1 17.02
8 Casualty 25 Mar 1995 BBC1 16.75
9 Keeping Up Appearances - Xmas Special 25 Dec 1995 BBC1 16.73
10 Inspector Morse 29 Nov 1995 ITV 16.56

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).