Channel 4 reaches record high streaming levels in October

Channel 4 recorded its biggest-ever month of streaming in October,  including records for a single day’s views. The views are driven by "Married at First Sight UK" and "The Great British Bake Off." “I’m delighted to see viewers flocking to Channel 4 streaming in record numbers to enjoy brilliant shows – both live and on demand. For some time, Channel 4’s strategy has been to prioritize program  s that drive digital growth and become the UK’s public service streamer," Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer Ian Katz said.

The industry data released by Barb showed the channel registered 6.7 billion viewer minutes in October – the largest since official data was first recorded in November 2021. "The MAFS juggernaut keeps rolling, but this performance was a real team effort, with new titles, Channel 4 classics and Channel 4 News all contributing to our best-ever streaming performance," Katz said. "And November has got off to a brilliant start with Banged Up: Stars Behind Bars notching up our biggest-ever streaming launch for an unscripted format.”

MAFS UK became the biggest on-demand show on the streaming platform across the month. The platform also became the biggest title across all broadcaster VOD in October for all viewers and for those aged 16-34, with VOD viewing for the show up +95% on October last year. The show registered 1.5 billion viewer minutes, with 45% of the programme’s total viewing in the month coming from VOD alone. "Taskmaster," "Gogglebox," "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins," "Partygate, Rick and Morty" and "The Great British Bake Off" were the final ingredients that helped the ratings rise to new heights. 

Wednesday 25 October ranked as the biggest single day for Channel 4 streaming with 268 million viewer minutes, boosted by episodes of Channel 4 programs, including "The Great British Bake Off" and "MAFS UK" from across the current series and the archive. These iconic shows, which have garnered a dedicated fan base over the years, continue to resonate with audiences and draw viewers of all ages. Channel 4's ability to consistently produce and curate top-tier content is a testament to its commitment to delivering fresh programming.

Channel 4 streaming’s single biggest VOD episode in the month was episode two of "The Great British Bake Off," with a VOD average audience of 2.9 million, from its total audience in the month of 10.1 million, shortly followed by an episode of MAFS UK with a VOD average audience of 1.4 million, proving that the line-up of classic programmes, coupled with new and exciting offerings, has proven to be a winning formula.

Other new programs and Channel 4 favourites contributed to the record-breaking month – with "Hollyoaks," "Made in Chelsea," "Four in a Bed," "Don’t Look Down" for SU2C, "Taskmaster, In Love & Toxic: Blue Therapy," "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins," Channel 4 News and Gogglebox all featuring, as well as full boxsets including Frasier, The Big Bang Theory, Scandal, "The Inbetweeners" and "The Good Doctor."