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 Britain's Got Talent Final Result 30 May 2009 ITV1 18.29
2 Britain's Got Talent 30 May 2009 ITV1 16.36
3 The X Factor Results 13 Dec 2009 ITV1 16.28
4 The X Factor 21 Nov 2009 ITV1 14.03
5 The Royal Family 25 Dec 2009 BBC1 11.74
6 Eastenders 25 Dec 2009 BBC1 11.67
7 Doctor Who 25 Dec 2009 BBC1 11.57
8 Coronation Street 02 Feb 2009 ITV1 11.46
9 Dancing On Ice 22 Mar 2009 ITV1 11.31
10 Strictly Come Dancing 19 Dec 2009 BBC1 11.29

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).