BBC iplayer boasts record festive figures

BBC iplayer has set a new festive record after viewers flocked to binge watch new box-set dramas.

There were 141 million streams recorded during the week between Christmas and the new year – up six per cent on 2020 – as complete series of headline dramas were released directly on iplayer.

The decision to make shows such as A Very British Scandal, Around the World in 80 Days, and The Tourist immediately available through the service follows criticism of the BBC’S Christmas TV schedule. In 2020 the broadcaster was accused of carrying too many repeats and in 2021 viewers claimed it was almost identical to the previous year.

Charlotte Moore, BBC’S chief content officer, said: “2022 has started with a bang with record viewing across Christmas and new year on BBC iplayer. Millions of people chose to watch our unrivalled range of box sets and Christmas specials live on our channels, or binge on-demand in the festive season.”

The first episode of The Tourist, starring Jamie Dornan, recorded 1.6 million streams, as did the Christmas episode of Call the Midwife, and Eastenders.

A Very British Scandal, starring Claire Foy and Paul Bettany, took the prize for the most-streamed single episode between Dec 21 and Jan 3 with 2.3 million downloads. Around the World in 80 Days, featuring Leonie Benesch, had 1.4 million streams with its first outing.

For combined streaming and linear viewing Happy New Year Live 2020 came first across the Christmas period with an average audience of 10.5 million.