The Christmas Day episode of Gavin & Stacey has solidified its place in television history as one of the most-watched scripted shows of the 21st century.
According to official BARB ratings, the much-anticipated finale of the beloved comedy drew an impressive 19.11 million viewers after seven days of catch-up.
This number surpasses the last Gavin & Stacey special in 2019, which had an audience of 17.92 million at the same stage, eventually rising to 18.49 million after a month.
The 90-minute 2024 special brought closure to the five-year cliffhanger that left fans on edge: Nessa (Ruth Jones) dramatically proposing to Smithy (James Corden).
The resolution of this emotional moment was a major draw for viewers, cementing the show’s legacy as a cultural touchstone.
Another festive favorite also performed remarkably well: the latest Wallace & Gromit adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl.
Featuring the return of the mischievous villain Feathers McGraw, the animated special garnered 16.29 million viewers after a week of catch-up, proving that Wallace and Gromit’s charm continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
While scripted shows like Gavin & Stacey and Wallace & Gromit have achieved phenomenal viewership, the highest TV ratings in recent years have typically been reserved for major live events.
These include government lockdown announcements, European Championship games, and World Cup matches, which often draw millions of viewers in real-time.
With the next round of BARB ratings, which will reflect 28 days of catch-up viewing, Gavin & Stacey is expected to either surpass or come very close to the 20-million viewer milestone.
If achieved, this would mark a historic accomplishment for a scripted show in the streaming era, where viewing habits have become increasingly fragmented.
Since BARB began issuing 28-day catch-up figures in December 2014, no scripted program has reached the 20-million mark.
This puts Gavin & Stacey in a league of its own, highlighting its enduring popularity and widespread appeal. The show’s ability to unite such a vast audience is a testament to its clever writing, lovable characters, and nostalgic charm.
For comparison, the 2001 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special reportedly drew over 20 million viewers after seven days.
However, differences in how ratings were calculated before 2002 make direct comparisons with today’s figures challenging.
Regardless, the latest Gavin & Stacey special is a reminder of the enduring power of well-crafted, feel-good television to bring people together during the holiday season.
