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 Coronation Street 07 Mar 1999 ITV 19.82
2 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire 07 Mar 1999 ITV 19.21
3 Heartbeat 28 Feb 1999 ITV 17.01
4 Touch Of Frost 21 Mar 1999 ITV 16.85
5 Eastenders 07 Jan 1999 BBC1 15.72
6 Champions League Final: Man Utd v Bayern Munich 26 May 1999 ITV 15.62
7 Walking With Dinosaurs 04 Oct 1999 BBC1 15.00
8 Euro 2000 Play-Off: England v Scotland 17 Nov 1999 ITV 14.60
9 The Vicar Of Dibley 27 Dec 1999 BBC1 14.37
10 New You've Been Framed 07 Nov 1999 ITV 13.90

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).