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 New Year's Eve Fireworks 31 Dec 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 13.53
2 I'M A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! (Series 13) 17 Nov 2013 ITV (SD+HD) 13.05
3 Doctor Who 23 Nov 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 12.80
4 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results 21 Dec 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 12.79
5 Strictly Come Dancing 21 Dec 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 12.42
6 Wimbledon 2013: Men's Final 07 Jul 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 12.28
7 Britain's Got Talent 08 Jun 2013 ITV (SD+HD) 12.23
8 Still Open All Hours 26 Dec 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 12.23
9 Downton Abbey 10 Nov 2013 ITV (SD+HD) 11.70
10 Mrs Brown's Boys 25 Dec 2013 BBC1 (SD+HD) 11.52

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).