She may be too skinny, she may wear skirts that are far too short and may have feminists all over the world up in arms, but Ally McBeal is very funny and very popular. The second series of the fantasy drama series, which started on Channel 4 two weeks ago, attracted a viewing audience of 3.14 million. This is the highest viewing figure for either series of the show and was enough to grab joint sixth place on Channel 4’s top programme list.
Another new American import also started on Channel 4 this week. The Sopranos, which has been critically acclaimed in the media, managed to attain an average viewing audience of 1.65 million for the opening double episode. This has helped Channel 4 to record a year on year increase of 2.8%, for its average weekly viewing figures.
The two hour Two Ronnies Night, celebrating the work of comic duo Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, helped BBC1 to record its highest non-soap opera audience of the week. The programme attracted an average viewing total of 8.91 million, coming second only to Coronation Street as the most watched Friday night programme.
Elsewhere on BBC1, Thursday’s episode of Eastenders, which saw a surprise birthday for Bianca turn decidedly pear-shaped, was watched by 12.26 million people and had a consolidated viewing share of 61%.
Reviewer: Simon Wright
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