Did 12 million people really sit down to watch Gavin and Stacey on Christmas day?

I can’t stick James Corden. But can’t imagine for one minute that many people were avidly watching the show. I know people did, but I reckon most were on their phones whilst it was on in the background.

 

We all watched it and enjoyed it - not a Corden fan but it is a clever comedy, well acted and well written

 

Very true. It's not something you could have just jumped into. Most of the story and jokes were things you'd only get if you'd watched the series.

 

12m is the official attendance, as compiled by an expert statistician. Don't even think about questioning it or you'll have @Donny-Red round to give you a stiff talking to.

 

Each to their own, but it’s a great series.

I think the re-runs on Dave which have been on for the last few years have also kept awareness up/gained new fans. Also don’t forget the semi spin-off Series ‘Stella’ also was a hit afterwards.

 

Massively overhyped in my opinion, original was ok, just that.

 

The viewing figures are compiled via a sample.

the size and makeup of the sample will determine the margin of error.

this really is one of those occasions of ‘i thought everyone knew how TV and radio audiences were measured’

 

I watched. It was good but not brilliant but one of the few Christmas programmes I considered to be worth watching. Christmas TV is not usually very good despite all the hype. At least it was virtually politics free.

 

I am now going to rewatch it with the kids, seeing as we regularly quote parts of the other series at each other. Plus there's always bits you miss first time round. I think the main pull for me is all the characters are flawed but they also have redeeming qualities. And I love Bryn.

 

Did they used to measure power surges? Sure I read once they worked out by people putting kettle etc on in past

 

it was a brilliant, brilliant lush! show.
Nessa - I love you!
Yes, all the characters are flawed but they all have a major part in the performance - they are all stars but no one is the main star - if you know what I mean. The fact is they are damned good actors.
I guess they all like each other outside the theatre.
Best show of the season.

 

Im a huge fan of the series and we always watch the original Christmas special every Christmas. The new one was really well done and very funny. We all sat and watched it as a family 7 of us all sat watching it. Nothing else has been on to get so many people to get together and watch something, till reds are on on Jan 2nd obvs haha!!

 

My sister's is one of the sample households. They have a box attached to their TV which tracks what they watch. You get selected apparently, you can't apply.

 

I've seen them all, but it's never been one of the bests sitcoms - and in my opinion the Christmas special was just average (watching on iplayer a day later).

What I can't fathom is why Not Going Out gets the Christmas Eve / Boxing day slot, and in recent years has never had Christmas day billing despite being better than both this AND Mrs Browns' boys which were both on on Christmas day.

 

Its judged on tv sales throughout the UK not on how many people switch it on.

 

Mrs Brown's Boys isn't funny at all.

 

Her bloke will be a bit wary of watching any "Adult" channels then.
Do they get paid for that box being attached? Maybe a free telly?

 

They get paid in vouchers. When I asked how they got that gig, she said they were just approached. They must fit the right profile.

 

totally agree -
there were 3,200,000 (total population - minus 1) watching it in Wales for a start.