ITV’s New Shows Pull In Viewers

Unofficial overnight figures show that the main two terrestrial channels have been successful in attracting audiences to their new programmes. On Saturday ITV’s schedule managed to nudge ahead of BBC1’s, its top rated programme, Motorway Life, attracting a TVR of 18.7 for Adults (8.51 million) and a 23.3 TVR for Women (5.46 million).

Other shows that performed well included the new series of Gladiators which achieved a TVR of 10.9 for Men and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire which got a solid 15.0 TVR for all Adults. BBC1’s Saturday schedule was very consistent, with the second episode of the new series of Casualty gaining an Adult TVR of 17.5 (7.96 million). The Generation Game and Lenny Goes to Town also did well getting respective Adult TVRs of 12.1 and 10.3.

Sunday night viewing was more heavily tipped in ITV’s favour, with all of its primetime programmes achieving TVR of 15.9 and above. The main battle of the night was between the hour long episode of Eastenders and the regular half hour episode of Coronation Street with victory going to ITV’s soap with Adult, Men and Women TVRs of 22.4, 18.8 and 25.8 respectively. This compared to 20.7, 16.7 and 24.5 for BBC1’s Eastenders.