UKTV has seen its share of commercial impacts (SOCI) grow to 9.53 per cent year on year, an increase of 3% year on year. The 16-34 segment has seen an even greater rise in SOCI, up 6% year-on-year to 6.74%.
Much of the success is attributed to the network’s original programming. The top five Q1 shows on W were made up of UKTV Originals and acquisitions.
UKTV Original scripted drama, Flack, starring Oscar-winner Anna Paquin, attracted 620,000 viewers to its opening episode.
On Yesterday, which with Freeview distribution is now the fourth biggest non-PSB channel in the UK as measured by SOCI, new UKTV Original, Bangers and Cash, also made a strong debut (18 April). The new series, which follows the Matthewsons, a family dynasty of classic car auctioneers who uncover rare classics, kick started the Easter weekend peaking with 509k viewers and has contributed to Yesterday’s success, with adult share up 11% year-on-year and 16-34 share up 22%.
UKTV Play, the network’s popular on demand service, has seen a 41% increase in views year-on-year, and now has over 2.3 million registered users. UKTV Originals were the most popular shows on the service, with the first episode of new commission Hypothetical (pictured), taking the top performing slot in Q1.
Since the start of the year, UKTV Play has launched a new generation app featuring increased personalisation, and live streaming has been made available on the UKTV Play website, enabling viewers to watch Dave, Drama, Yesterday, Really and Home live. The channel streams will be also be available on UKTV Play’s mobile and TV apps in the coming months.
