Channel 4’s Bake Off becomes most viewed TV series of 2017
The return of the Great British Bake Off (GBBO), with the switch to Channel 4, hasn't hampered its popularity, despite being branded as a 'cynical move' by BBC, as it became the most viewed TV series so far this year with its biggest audience remaining between 16-34 year olds.
Channel 4’s Bake Off becomes the most viewed TV series by youngsters so far this year
According to the Guardian, 2.5 million tuned in from this age group, equivalent to a 54.3% share of that market.
Overall, it has averaged an overnight audience of six million viewers per episode, which rises to 8.9 million per episode when viewing over a seven-day period is taken into account.
Channel 4 spent £75m on a three year deal to move the programme from the BBC. However, Channel 4’s outgoing chief creative officer Jay Hunt spoke of her uncertainty that the audience move with it, saying she expected GBBO ratings to fall short.
In August, GBBO became broadcaster's highest rating show in five years and has now overtaken Big Fat Gypsy Weddings to become Channel 4's most popular series.