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 22 Mar 1993 ITV 20.73
2 One Foot In The Algarve 26 Dec 1993 BBC1 20.01
3 Only Fools And Horses 25 Dec 1993 BBC1 19.59
4 Birds Of A Feather 25 Dec 1993 BBC1 19.39
5 Inspector Morse 13 Jan 1993 ITV 18.77
6 Film: Ghost 25 Dec 1993 BBC1 18.53
7 You've Been Framed 05 Dec 1993 ITV 18.25
8 Eastenders 21 Jan 1993 BBC1 17.81
9 Heartbeat 05 Dec 1993 ITV 17.77
10 The Bill 26 Mar 1993 ITV 17.73

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).