overtook the BBC as the UK’s most-watched TV service for three consecutive months in 2024. But just what shows helped the streaming giant achieve this milestone?
Official figures reveal averaged 43.2 million viewers in September, October, and November, surpassing the ’s 42.3 million.
The streaming giant, which now has 17 million subscribers in the United Kingdom, already toppled ITV in terms of popularity in March 2023.
A line-up of unmissable series sealed the deal, with Fool Me Once, , and the latest season of leading the charge.
Bridgerton, the beloved period romance drama, racked up a staggering 92 million views in its first six months. Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer, a dark comedy-drama, pulled in 88 million viewers, and the slick Guy Richie gangster thriller The Gentleman drew 76 million.
Bridgerton racked up 92 million views in its first six months. (Image: Getty)
Other hits keeping on top included Outer Banks, The Menendez Brothers, and The Perfect Couple, making it clear why viewers couldn’t tear themselves away from the platform. The , however, bounced back during the festive season.
With 48.4 million viewers in December, it reclaimed its crown thanks to holiday programming like Gavin & Stacey: The Finale and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
The Gavin & Stacey special alone drew a whopping 19.3 million viewers, becoming the most-watched scripted show of the season. While ’s grip on UK viewers has tightened,
A spokesperson said: “To compare a single broadcast channel with an entire SVOD service is meaningless in an on demand world. “We are digital first and nearly all of our comedy and drama is released as a day one drop on iPlayer.
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Gavin and Stacey’s final episode was a ratings winner for the BBC. (Image: BBC)
“The portfolio is almost twice the size of over the year and bigger than all of the SVODs put together. iPlayer is the fastest growing TV streaming service in the UK.”
Both platforms boast a strong line-up, with offering hits like Love Is Blind, The Umbrella Academy, and Heartstopper, while the shines with The Jetty, Blue Lights, and Sherwood.
An inside source disclosed to The Sun: “This is further proof that is taking a big bite out of the traditional terrestrial TV market with an increasing focus on big entertainment shows and hugely popular dramas.
“It will once again raise the question as to whether the public service broadcasters are still delivering viewers what they want and will fuel the debate over the licence fee is still value for money.”