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 03 Jan 2000 ITV 18.96
2 Eastenders 03 Jan 2000 BBC1 18.36
3 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire 19 Jan 2000 ITV 15.88
4 Heartbeat 23 Jan 2000 ITV 15.16
5 Euro 2000: England v Portugal 12 Jun 2000 ITV 14.95
6 Euro 2000 England v Romania 20 Jun 2000 BBC1 14.56
7 Inspector Morse 15 Nov 2000 ITV 13.66
8 Emmerdale 22 Mar 2000 ITV 13.25
9 Eastenders - 15th Birthday 20 Feb 2000 BBC1 12.90
10 One Foot In The Grave 20 Nov 2000 BBC1 12.84

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).