The beloved British sitcom Gavin & Stacey wrapped up its three-season run with an unforgettable finale, cementing its place in television history. The series, spanning 22 episodes, concluded with “The Finale,” a highly anticipated Christmas Day special that became an instant phenomenon. According to TVLine, the episode premiered to 12.3 million viewers on its release day and has since drawn an impressive 19.3 million viewers within its first week.
These figures make it the most-watched scripted program across all UK broadcasters and streaming platforms since official records began in 2002. Previously, the show’s 2019 Christmas special held the record with 18.5 million viewers over 28 days, but “The Finale” is projected to surpass 20 million within a month.
The BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, celebrated the show’s monumental success, saying, “The numbers are truly outstanding, unprecedented even! It’s the show the entire nation has been talking about over the last week so it’s no surprise that it’s not only smashed its own record but has become the UK’s biggest scripted show! Ruth Jones and James Corden’s creation is a true homegrown success story, and their finale is a comedy masterpiece. It’s made us laugh and cry together in a way that only Gavin & Stacey can.”
Co-creators Ruth Jones (Fat Friends, Stella) and James Corden (The Late Late Show with James Corden, Mammals) also shared their gratitude in a joint statement: “[We] are completely overwhelmed by the audience response to our show and to these astonishing viewing figures. Gavin & Stacey really does belong to the audience and we are beyond thrilled that so many people enjoyed watching it this Christmas. A huge thank you to Charlotte Moore and the BBC for backing us these past 17 years.”
The duo acknowledged the unique ability of Gavin & Stacey to resonate across generations, bringing families together in front of their screens. As viewership continues to climb, the show’s legacy as a British television treasure is firmly secured.