TV viewing round-up: October 2017

Viewers love David Attenborough. Viewers love wildlife documentaries. Viewers really love David Attenborough wildlife documentaries.

All of which means the sequel to BBC One’s 2001 documentary series Blue Planet (cunningly titled Blue Planet II) was a fair bet to do well in the ratings.

The first episode of this series, which featured an interesting look at the life of hermit crabs, pulled in over 14 million viewers.

Despite not being a notable anniversary of the event, BBC One’s three-part dramatisation of the 1605 conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament saw Gunpowder hit the small screens this October.

Starring Kit Harrington as lead conspirator Robert Catesby along side Tom Cullen (Guy Fawkes), Liv Tyler (Anne Vaux) and Mark Gatiss (Sir Robert Cecil), the opening episode was watched by just under 7.5 million viewers.

The third series of army drama Our Girl, which saw Michelle Keegan’s Georgie Lane decamped to Nepal, attracted a healthy audience of 5.6 million for its opening episode.

The conclusion of possibly the dullest Russia 2018 World Cup qualification campaign also meant ITV’s coverage of England vs Slovenia pulled in some respectable viewing figures.

The match, which ended in a 1-0 victory to the home side thanks to a late goal by Tottenham striker Harry Kane, attracted an average audience of 5.2 million people.

Other shows that did well during October include: Liar (8.5 million); Doc Martin (6.4 million); The Apprentice (6.9 million); Victoria (5.9 million) and Ambulance (4.5 million).

Top Programmes (excluding soaps):

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