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 World Cup 98: England v Argentina 30 Jun 1998 ITV 23.78
2 World Cup 98: England v Romania 22 Jun 1998 ITV 19.48
3 World Cup 98: England v Colombia 26 Jun 1998 BBC1 19.13
4 Coronation Street 16 Nov 1998 ITV 18.62
5 Eastenders 29 Dec 1998 BBC1 16.91
6 Heartbeat 22 Feb 1998 ITV 16.45
7 Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes 02 Dec 1998 ITV 16.34
8 Casualty 28 Feb 1998 BBC1 15.74
9 World Cup 98: Brazil v France 12 Jul 1998 BBC1 15.65
10 Men Behaving Badly 28 Dec 1998 BBC1 15.19

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).