Weekly top 50 shows

This dashboard displays the 50 most-watched programmes across all linear broadcast channels and SVOD services for the chosen week. This report represents one way of producing the top 50; however, it is possible to use other methodologies that are equally valid.

Our method for reporting programme ratings has evolved as people watch their favourite shows at a time that suits them. We report how people watch all linear and SVOD services, and how they watch on all devices.

For continuity, the ratings in this dashboard use a definition of viewing that takes place within seven or 28 days of the programme’s launch, either as part of a linear schedule or as part of an on-demand service.

Viewing figures for programmes on broadcast channels are consolidated 7-day or 28-day viewing figures with pre-broadcast viewing and viewing on tablets, PCs and smartphones included. Viewing data for broadcast channels are available in this dashboard from 27 August 2018. View archive TV set viewing data prior to this date. Viewing figures for programmes on SVOD services are calculated based on the average audience achieved during the first seven or 28 days of their availability – if launched during the week in question – or across the calendar week and only include TV set viewing (indicated by a * in the dashboard). Viewing data for Barb-subscribing SVOD services are available in this dashboard from 29 November 2021. From 1 November 2022, viewing data for all SVOD services are included.

Updates

January 2024: An update was made to how the Top 50 programmes are reported, to take full advantage of Barb’s reporting capabilities.

From January 2024, the ratings in this dashboard are based on As Viewed reporting, which includes viewing in TV and non-TV homes. Previously, the data were based on As Broadcast reporting, which is schedule-driven and reports viewing to TV homes only. Additionally, repeats that aired within the reporting week and to the same broadcaster group have been aggregated since this date, whereas this was reported separately before.

Data users should also bear in mind when seeking to replicate historic viewing data that figures from contemporary analysis tools may not match exactly. Reasons for this 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, log amendments, data re-issues, change in the definition of the viewing day (September 2018) and the addition of viewing from PCs, tablets and smartphones (also September 2018).