Scripted drama boosts C5 growth
Original drama was a key driver in Channel 5 reaching its fourth consecutive year of growth in 2022, with scripted shows making the top five programmes of the year.
The channel’s share of all-individual’s viewing last year increased by +1% year-on-year (YOY) overall. drama accounting for the channel’s top five shows of the year.
The Teacher, starring Sheridan Smith, drew an audience of 4.3m across its run, the channel’s highest figures for a commissioned drama. It was followed by the third series of All Creatures Great and Small (ACGAS) (3.8m), The Holiday (2.9m) and Maxine (2.6m). The final episode of Neighbours on 29th July consolidated to 3.9m.
Factual programming remained a solid performer for the channel; The Yorkshire Farm: Reuben & Clive was the channel’s highest new factual show of the year with 2.1m watching the two-parter, whilst returners Warship: Life At Sea, Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and Ben Fogle: New Lives In the Wild all attracted over 2m viewers.
Contributing to its overall growth, Channel 5 also had its strongest ever year for share of viewing in the 7pm slot, up +3% YOY. Key titles included World’s Most Scenic River Journeys and 30 Ways To Cut Your Bills, How Do They Really Do It? and World’s Strongest Man.
Over Christmas 2022, Channel 5 had its best festive fortnight since 2005, taking a 7% share of viewing from 19 December 2022 – 1 January 2023. This was due to several strong films and another Christmas special of ACGAS - the most popular programme on TV across the hour for the second year running.
Ben Frow, chief content officer, UK, at Paramount said: “Four consecutive years of share growth is a huge achievement for any channel and it’s testament to the strength and variety of Channel 5’s schedule – which is continuing to change perceptions of the channel and attract new viewers.”
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