‘Adolescence’ Makes History as First Streaming Show to Top U.K. TV Ratings

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Hit Netflix drama “Adolescence” has shattered a significant barrier in the U.K. television landscape, becoming the first streaming show to claim the top spot in the country’s weekly TV ratings.

The critically acclaimed series outperformed traditional broadcast heavyweights including BBC’s “The Apprentice” and “Death in Paradise,” according to official data released by U.K.

ratings body BARB (Broadcasters Audience Research Board). The first episode of “Adolescence” drew 6.45 million viewers in its debut week, establishing a new record for streaming viewership in the U.K.

This figure surpasses the previous streaming record of 6.3 million set by Netflix’s “Fool Me Once” in January 2024. “Adolescence” demonstrated remarkable staying power with its second episode attracting 5.94 million viewers, while BBC One’s “The Apprentice” and “Death in Paradise” followed closely in third and fourth positions with 5.79 and 5.75 million viewers respectively.