In the run-up to Christmas, festive specials dominate television schedules, drawing millions of viewers to classic shows like Wallace and Gromit, Doctor Who, Gavin and Stacey, and EastEnders. However, the rise of streaming platforms has significantly altered viewing habits. What was once a target audience of 20 million people for terrestrial TV is now a fraction of that size. Last year, the most-watched program on Christmas Day was The King’s Christmas Broadcast, which attracted 5.9 million viewers. This decline in audience numbers can be traced back to changes in media consumption patterns since the early 1980s.

The Glory Days of Christmas Television

In the era before streaming services revolutionized entertainment, premiering a film or show during the holiday season was an event in itself. One of the most memorable broadcasts was Crocodile Dundee, starring Australian icon Paul Hogan, which aired on BBC1 in 1989. An astounding 21.77 million viewers tuned in to watch this iconic film on Christmas Day. Another highlight was the 2001 Christmas Special of Only Fools and Horses, which drew an impressive 21.34 million viewers. In this episode, the Trotters faced financial ruin after a disastrous investment, leading Del Boy to participate in a game show to reclaim his fortune. Just a few years earlier, in 1996, the Christmas Day episode of the same series reached 21.31 million viewers, culminating in the characters achieving their dream of becoming millionaires. Notably, John Sullivan's sitcom Just Good Friends also made its mark with a 1986 Christmas special watched by 20.76 million people, featuring a long-awaited wedding between former lovers.

Reflecting on these figures, it becomes evident how much the landscape of television has changed. While modern streaming services offer unparalleled convenience, there is something undeniably magical about the communal experience of watching a beloved show together on Christmas Day. These nostalgic memories remind us of the power of shared moments and the joy of traditional holiday entertainment. Despite the shift in viewing habits, the spirit of Christmas remains unchanged, bringing families together around the television set, even if the numbers have dwindled over time.