List of most watched television broadcasts in the United Kingdom
Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:05:24 PM Wikipedia source
In the United Kingdom, viewing figures – the number of viewers or households watching a television programme – have been recorded by the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB) since 1981. Prior to the board's formation, figures were conducted by different means, such as the BBC financing its own audience research, while the ITV companies sub-contracted theirs.
Tables
· Most watched special events
1
1
Rank
1
Event
1966 FIFA World Cup final: England v West Germany
Average audience
(millions)
32
Date(s)
30 July 1966
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
2
2
Rank
2
Event
Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales
Average audience
(millions)
32
Date(s)
6 September 1997
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
3
3
Rank
3
Event
Royal Family (documentary) Parts 1 & 2
Average audience
(millions)
30
Date(s)
21 June 1969 (Part 1)
& 28 June 1969 (Part 2)
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
4
4
Rank
4
Event
UEFA Euro 2020 final: Italy v England
Average audience
(millions)
29
Date(s)
11 July 2021
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
5
5
Rank
5
Event
Apollo 13 Splashdown
Average audience
(millions)
28
Date(s)
17 April 1970
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
6
6
Rank
6
Event
1970 FA Cup final replay: Chelsea v Leeds United
Average audience
(millions)
28
Date(s)
29 April 1970
Network(s)
BBC/ITV
7
7
Rank
7
Event
Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
Average audience
(millions)
28
Date(s)
29 July 1981
Network(s)
BBC One/ITV
8
8
Rank
8
Event
Wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
Average audience
(millions)
27
Date(s)
14 November 1973
Network(s)
BBC One
9
9
Rank
9
Event
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement announcing a national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Average audience
(millions)
27
Date(s)
23 March 2020
Network(s)
BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5/Sky News/S4C
10
10
Rank
10
Event
State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Average audience
(millions)
26
Date(s)
19 September 2022
Network(s)
BBC/ITV/S4C/Sky News/Talk TV/GB News
11
11
Rank
11
Event
Elizabeth II's COVID-19 address
Average audience
(millions)
24
Date(s)
5 April 2020
Network(s)
BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5/Sky News/S4C
12
12
Rank
12
Event
2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
Average audience
(millions)
23
Date(s)
12 August 2012
Network(s)
BBC One/BBC Two
| Rank | Event | Average audience (millions) | Date(s) | Network(s) |
| 1 | 1966 FIFA World Cup final: England v West Germany | 32 | 30 July 1966 | BBC/ITV |
| 2 | Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales | 32 | 6 September 1997 | BBC/ITV |
| 3 | Royal Family (documentary) Parts 1 & 2 | 30 | 21 June 1969 (Part 1) & 28 June 1969 (Part 2) | BBC/ITV |
| 4 | UEFA Euro 2020 final: Italy v England | 29 | 11 July 2021 | BBC/ITV |
| 5 | Apollo 13 Splashdown | 28 | 17 April 1970 | BBC/ITV |
| 6 | 1970 FA Cup final replay: Chelsea v Leeds United | 28 | 29 April 1970 | BBC/ITV |
| 7 | Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer | 28 | 29 July 1981 | BBC One/ITV |
| 8 | Wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips | 27 | 14 November 1973 | BBC One |
| 9 | Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement announcing a national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic | 27 | 23 March 2020 | BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5/Sky News/S4C |
| 10 | State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II | 26 | 19 September 2022 | BBC/ITV/S4C/Sky News/Talk TV/GB News |
| 11 | Elizabeth II's COVID-19 address | 24 | 5 April 2020 | BBC/ITV/Channel 4/Channel 5/Sky News/S4C |
| 12 | 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony | 23 | 12 August 2012 | BBC One/BBC Two |
· Most watched programmes
1
1
Rank
1
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
Den Watts serves his wife Angie with divorce papers.
Viewers
(millions)
30 †
Date
25 December 1986
Network
BBC1
2
2
Rank
2
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
The aftermath of Den Watts serving his wife Angie with divorce papers.
Viewers
(millions)
28 †
Date
1 January 1987
Network
BBC1
3
3
Rank
3
Programme
Coronation Street
Synopsis
Hilda Ogden leaves Weatherfield.
Viewers
(millions)
26 †
Date
25 December 1987
Network
ITV (Granada)
4
4
Rank
4
Programme
Live Aid
Synopsis
16-hour concert in Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium for Band Aid.
Viewers
(millions)
24
Date
13 July 1985
Network
BBC2 then BBC1
5
5
Rank
5
Programme
Only Fools and Horses
Synopsis
"Time on Our Hands"
Viewers
(millions)
24
Date
29 December 1996
Network
BBC1
6
6
Rank
6
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
Arthur and Pauline Fowler urge their son Mark to tell his sister Michelle that he has HIV.
Viewers
(millions)
24 †
Date
2 January 1992
Network
BBC1
7
7
Rank
7
Programme
Royal Variety Performance 1965
Synopsis
Featuring Dame Shirley Bassey, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, and more.
Viewers
(millions)
24
Date
14 November 1965
Network
ITV (ATV)
8
8
Rank
8
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
Angie Watts suffers a renal shutdown.
Viewers
(millions)
24 †
Date
7 January 1988
Network
BBC1
9
9
Rank
9
Programme
To the Manor Born
Synopsis
Finale of the first series.
Viewers
(millions)
23
Date
11 November 1979
Network
BBC1
10
10
Rank
10
Programme
Miss World 1967
Synopsis
Madeline Hartog-Bel (Miss Peru) wins.
Viewers
(millions)
23
Date
19 November 1967
Network
BBC1
11
11
Rank
11
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
The aftermath of Den Watts serving his wife Angie with divorce papers.
Viewers
(millions)
23 †
Date
26 December 1986
Network
BBC1
12
12
Rank
12
Programme
EastEnders
Synopsis
It is revealed that Lisa Shaw shot Phil Mitchell.
Viewers
(millions)
23 †
Date
5 April 2001
Network
BBC1
13
13
Rank
13
Programme
Panorama
Synopsis
Diana, Princess of Wales interview
Viewers
(millions)
22
Date
20 November 1995
Network
BBC1
14
14
Rank
14
Programme
Royal Variety Performance 1975
Synopsis
Performers include Bruce Forsyth, Dad's Army and Vera Lynn.
Viewers
(millions)
22
Date
16 November 1975
Network
ITV (ATV)
15
15
Rank
15
Programme
This Is Your Life
Synopsis
Lord Mountbatten
Viewers
(millions)
22
Date
27 April 1977
Network
ITV (Thames)
16
16
Rank
16
Programme
Sunday Night at the London Palladium
Synopsis
Presented by Jimmy Tarbuck.
Viewers
(millions)
21
Date
3 December 1967
Network
ITV (ATV)
17
17
Rank
17
Programme
The Benny Hill Show
Synopsis
"Cinema: The Vintage Years"
Viewers
(millions)
21
Date
24 March 1971
Network
ITV (Thames)
18
18
Rank
18
Programme
Dallas
Synopsis
"Who Done It" – Kristin Shepard is revealed to have shot J . Ewing.
Viewers
(millions)
21
Date
22 November 1980
Network
BBC1
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Rank
Coronation Street
Programme
Ken and Deirdre Barlow finalise their divorce.
Synopsis
21
Viewers
(millions)
8 January 1992
Date
ITV (Granada)
20
20
Rank
20
Programme
Eurovision Song Contest 1973
Synopsis
Staged in Luxembourg City – the UK was represented by Cliff Richard, and the contest was won by Anne-Marie David.
Viewers
(millions)
21
Date
7 April 1973
Network
BBC1
| Rank | Programme | Synopsis | Viewers (millions) | Date | Network | Ref. |
| 1 | EastEnders | Den Watts serves his wife Angie with divorce papers. | 30 † | 25 December 1986 | BBC1 | |
| 2 | EastEnders | The aftermath of Den Watts serving his wife Angie with divorce papers. | 28 † | 1 January 1987 | BBC1 | |
| 3 | Coronation Street | Hilda Ogden leaves Weatherfield. | 26 † | 25 December 1987 | ITV (Granada) | |
| 4 | Live Aid | 16-hour concert in Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium for Band Aid. | 24 | 13 July 1985 | BBC2 then BBC1 | |
| 5 | Only Fools and Horses | "Time on Our Hands" | 24 | 29 December 1996 | BBC1 | |
| 6 | EastEnders | Arthur and Pauline Fowler urge their son Mark to tell his sister Michelle that he has HIV. | 24 † | 2 January 1992 | BBC1 | |
| 7 | Royal Variety Performance 1965 | Featuring Dame Shirley Bassey, Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, and more. | 24 | 14 November 1965 | ITV (ATV) | |
| 8 | EastEnders | Angie Watts suffers a renal shutdown. | 24 † | 7 January 1988 | BBC1 | |
| 9 | To the Manor Born | Finale of the first series. | 23 | 11 November 1979 | BBC1 | |
| 10 | Miss World 1967 | Madeline Hartog-Bel (Miss Peru) wins. | 23 | 19 November 1967 | BBC1 | |
| 11 | EastEnders | The aftermath of Den Watts serving his wife Angie with divorce papers. | 23 † | 26 December 1986 | BBC1 | |
| 12 | EastEnders | It is revealed that Lisa Shaw shot Phil Mitchell. | 23 † | 5 April 2001 | BBC1 | |
| 13 | Panorama | Diana, Princess of Wales interview | 22 | 20 November 1995 | BBC1 | |
| 14 | Royal Variety Performance 1975 | Performers include Bruce Forsyth, Dad's Army and Vera Lynn. | 22 | 16 November 1975 | ITV (ATV) | |
| 15 | This Is Your Life | Lord Mountbatten | 22 | 27 April 1977 | ITV (Thames) | |
| 16 | Sunday Night at the London Palladium | Presented by Jimmy Tarbuck. | 21 | 3 December 1967 | ITV (ATV) | |
| 17 | The Benny Hill Show | "Cinema: The Vintage Years" | 21 | 24 March 1971 | ITV (Thames) | |
| 18 | Dallas | "Who Done It" – Kristin Shepard is revealed to have shot J . Ewing. | 21 | 22 November 1980 | BBC1 | |
| Coronation Street | Ken and Deirdre Barlow finalise their divorce. | 21 | 8 January 1992 | ITV (Granada) | ||
| 20 | Eurovision Song Contest 1973 | Staged in Luxembourg City – the UK was represented by Cliff Richard, and the contest was won by Anne-Marie David. | 21 | 7 April 1973 | BBC1 |
· Most watched programmes › Most watched films
1
1
Rank
1
Title
Live and Let Die
Viewers
(millions)
23
Date
20 January 1980
Network
ITV
2
2
Rank
2
Title
Jaws
Viewers
(millions)
23
Date
8 October 1981
Network
ITV
3
3
Rank
3
Title
The Spy Who Loved Me
Viewers
(millions)
22
Date
28 March 1982
Network
ITV
4
4
Rank
4
Title
Diamonds Are Forever
Viewers
(millions)
22
Date
15 March 1981
Network
ITV
5
5
Rank
5
Title
Crocodile Dundee
Viewers
(millions)
21
Date
25 December 1989
Network
BBC1
| Rank | Title | Viewers (millions) | Date | Network |
| 1 | Live and Let Die | 23 | 20 January 1980 | ITV |
| 2 | Jaws | 23 | 8 October 1981 | ITV |
| 3 | The Spy Who Loved Me | 22 | 28 March 1982 | ITV |
| 4 | Diamonds Are Forever | 22 | 15 March 1981 | ITV |
| 5 | Crocodile Dundee | 21 | 25 December 1989 | BBC1 |
· Most watched broadcasts by year
1960
Data unavailable
| Year | Programme | Date | Viewers (millions) | Network |
| 1959 | Wagon Train | 30 November 1959 | 13 | ITV |
| 1960 | Data unavailable | |||
| 1961 | ||||
| 1962 | ||||
| 1963 | News - Assassination of John F. Kennedy | 22 November 1963 | 24 | |
| 1964 | Steptoe and Son: "The Lodger" | 18 February 1964 | 21 | BBC TV |
| 1965 | Royal Variety Performance 1965 | 14 November 1965 | 24 | ITV (ATV) |
| 1966 | 1966 FIFA World Cup final: England v West Germany | 30 July 1966 | 32 | |
| 1967 | Miss World 1967 | 19 November 1967 | 23 | BBC1 |
| 1968 | Apollo 8 Splashdown | 27 December 1968 | 22 | |
| 1969 | Royal Family (documentary) | 21 June 1969 and 28 June 1969 | 30 | |
| 1970 | Apollo 13 Splashdown | 17 April 1970 | 28 | |
| 1971 | Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier: Fight of the Century | 8 March 1971 | 21 | BBC1 |
| 1972 | Eurovision Song Contest 1972 | 25 March 1972 | N/A | BBC1 |
| 1973 | Wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips | 14 November 1973 | 27 | BBC1 |
| 1974 | Love Thy Neighbour: "Eddie's Birthday" | 7 April 1974 | 21 | ITV (Thames) |
| 1975 | Royal Variety Performance 1975 | 16 November 1975 | 22 | ITV (ATV) |
| 1976 | The Sweeney: "Sweet Smell of Succession" | 8 November 1976 | 20 | ITV |
| 1977 | This Is Your Life: “Lord Mountbatten” | 27 April 1977 | 22 | ITV (Thames) |
| 1978 | Sale of the Century | 24 December 1978 | 21 | ITV |
| 1979 | To the Manor Born: "A Touch of Class" | 11 November 1979 | 23 | BBC1 |
| 1980 | Film: Live and Let Die | 20 January 1980 | 23 | ITV |
| 1981 | Film: Jaws | 8 October 1981 | 23 | ITV |
| 1982 | Film: The Spy Who Loved Me | 28 March 1982 | 22 | ITV |
| 1983 | Coronation Street | 23 February 1983 | 18 | ITV |
| 1984 | Royal Variety Performance 1984 | 25 November 1984 | 20 | BBC1 |
| 1985 | Live Aid | 13 July 1985 | 24 | BBC1 |
| 1986 | EastEnders | 25 December 1986 | 30 | BBC1 |
| 1987 | EastEnders | 1 January 1987 | 28 | BBC1 |
| 1988 | EastEnders | 7 January 1988 | 24 | BBC1 |
| 1989 | Film: Crocodile Dundee | 25 December 1989 | 21 | BBC1 |
| 1990 | Neighbours | 26 February 1990 | 21 | BBC1 |
| 1991 | Coronation Street | 25 November 1991 | 20 | ITV |
| 1992 | Coronation Street | 22 January 1992 | 20 | ITV |
| 1993 | Coronation Street | 22 March 1993 | 20 | ITV |
| 1994 | Torvill and Dean – Olympic Ice Dance Championship | 21 February 1994 | 23 | BBC1 |
| 1995 | Panorama: "An Interview with HRH The Princess of Wales" | 20 November 1995 | 22 | BBC1 |
| 1996 | Only Fools and Horses: "Time On Our Hands" | 29 December 1996 | 24 | BBC1 |
| 1997 | Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales | 6 September 1997 | 19 | BBC1 |
| 1998 | 1998 FIFA World Cup: England v Argentina | 30 June 1998 | 23 | ITV |
| 1999 | Coronation Street | 7 March 1999 | 19 | ITV |
| 2000 | Coronation Street | 3 January 2000 | 18 | ITV |
| 2001 | EastEnders | 5 April 2001 | 23 | BBC One |
| 2002 | Only Fools and Horses: "Strangers on the Shore" | 25 December 2002 | 17 | BBC One |
| 2003 | Coronation Street | 24 February 2003 | 19 | ITV |
| 2004 | UEFA Euro 2004: England v Portugal | 24 June 2004 | 20 | BBC One |
| 2005 | Coronation Street | 21 February 2005 | 14 | ITV |
| 2006 | 2006 FIFA World Cup: England v Sweden | 20 June 2006 | 18 | ITV |
| 2007 | EastEnders | 25 December 2007 | 14 | BBC One |
References
- BFI lists a combined audience of 24 million on the BBC and ITV, but not the channels' separate ratings figures.
- BFI lists a combined audience of 32 million on BBC One and ITV, but not the channels' separate ratings figures.
- BFI lists a combined audience of 22 million on BBC One and ITV, but not the channels' separate ratings figures.
- BFI lists a combined audience of 30 million on BBC One and ITV, but not the channels' separate ratings figures.
- BFI lists a combined audience of 28 million on BBC One and ITV, but not the channels' separate ratings figures.
- Unverified sources state that this figure was higher, and that an audience of 26 million watched the Ali vs Foreman figh
- Although there are no official figures for 1972, it is widely regarded that the year's edition of the Eurovision Song Co
- The X Factor final 2010 (12 December 2010) had an additional 1 million viewers on its sister high definition channel ITV
- The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (29 April 2011) "attracted a consolidated average audience o
- The 2014 FIFA World Cup final was broadcast by both BBC One and ITV. The highest figures were 14 million on BBC One, fol
- The Euro 2020 final between England and Italy was watched by an estimated 31 million across both BBC and ITV.
- "Features | Britain's Most Watched TV | 1960s"https://web.archive.org/web/20051122221448/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/mostwatched/1960s.html
- "Features | Britain's Most Watched TV | 1990s"https://web.archive.org/web/20051125215025/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/mostwatched/1990s.html
- "Euro 2020 final: TV audience peaked at 31m as England lost on penalties"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57802981
- "Features | Britain's Most Watched TV | 1970s"https://web.archive.org/web/20051122221511/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/mostwatched/1970s.html
- "Features | Britain's Most Watched TV | 1980s"https://web.archive.org/web/20051122221538/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/mostwatched/1980s.html
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52018502
- "The average audience for the Queen's funeral service at Westminster Abbey (11:00 – 12:06) was 26 across all channels. Reach was 29 , a share of 95%"https://twitter.com/barbtelevision/status/1572263239463075840
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-62966616
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/bbc-tv-ratings-britain-tv-licence-tv-licences-b2332407.html