The most talked about TV shows of 2020

What a year for TV!

Author: Alex RossPublished 14th Dec 2020
Last updated 14th Dec 2020

We've always been a nation of TV lovers, but as the Coronavirus pandemic swept the world in 2020, TV became an even bigger staple in our lives, and along with radio, prevented many people from complete loneliness throughout lockdown and the challenging last 12 months.

Although a lot of our favourite shows were postponed due to the pandemic, including Line of Duty, Love Island and The Apprentice, TV bosses were able to push through an deliver us with some amazing TV!

Research carried out by Freeview have now released a list of the 25 most talked about TV shows of the last year, including some favourites from the likes of Apple TV, Netflix, Channel 4, BBC, ITV Sky Atlantic and Amazon Prime.

Whether it's new shows that swept the nation like Tiger King and Normal People, or more recognised shows such as Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity, 2020 has certainly delivered on the small screen.

Take a look at the top 25 most talked about TV shows of 2020:

25) Dead To Me

5%

24) Top Boy

5%

23) The Morning Show

5%

22) Love Is Blind

5%

21) Schitt’s Creek

6%

20) The Undoing

6%

19) Ghosts

6%

18) The Salisbury Poisonings

6%

17) Normal People

6%

16) Married at First Sight

7%

15) Emily In Paris

7%

14) The Boys

7%

13) Gangs of London

7%

12) Derry Girls

9%

11) The Queen's Gambit

9%

10) His Dark Materials

9%

9) The Umbrella Academy

10%

8) Friday Night Dinner

10%

7) Peaky Blinders

12%

6) Tiger King

13%

5) Killing Eve series three

13%

4) Britain's Got Talent

15%

3) The Crown

16%

2) The Great British Bake Off

20%

1) I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

25%

In the data collected from the nation’s biggest TV platform, Freeview, results show we are spending 4.5 hours per day watching TV on average, with a massive 40% of people even admitting to watching a show just so they can be involved in the conversation.

Owen Jenkinson from Freeview, said, “We released this list of the most talked about shows to celebrate what a lifeline TV has been for us in 2020. From break-through performances in Sally Rooney’s Normal People to comforting, familiar favourites such as Bake Off, TV has provided countless moments to keep us connected during this extraordinary year.

"Our aim is to make sure good quality TV is free for everyone to enjoy, and this year that goal has felt more compelling than ever. In fact, 88% of the UK said it is important to them that good TV is free, and with more than half of the Top 25 shows available on Freeview, we're helping to ensure that everyone is able to get involved in the conversation."

With a lot of shows that were due for release in 2020 postponed, 2021 is set to be an even bigger year for us all to enjoy!

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