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 2018: Croatia v England 11 Jul 2018 ITV (Total) 20.73
2 World Cup 2018: Sweden v England 07 Jul 2018 BBC 1 17.40
3 World Cup 2018: Columbia v England 03 Jul 2018 ITV (Total) 17.22
4 World Cup 2018: Tunisia v England 18 Jun 2018 BBC 1 16.87
5 Bodyguard 23 Sep 2018 BBC 1 14.34
6 I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here! 18 Nov 2018 ITV (Total) 13.69
7 World Cup 2018: England v Belgium 28 Jun 2018 ITV (Total) 13.64
8 World Cup 2018: Post-match 07 Jul 2018 BBC 1 13.44
9 World Cup 2018: England v Panama 24 Jun 2018 BBC 1 12.89
10 Strictly Come Dancing: The Final 15 Dec 2018 BBC 1 12.86

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).