The Grinch and Blue Lights Top Ratings in Northern Ireland

Key Trends in Media Consumption in Northern Ireland

According to the latest report by Ofcom, the media landscape in Northern Ireland continues to evolve with a mix of traditional and digital platforms shaping how people consume content. The Grinch and the police drama Blue Lights emerged as the most-watched program or film in the region last year, highlighting the diverse preferences of viewers.

Broadcast television remains a dominant force, with channels such as BBC and UTV maintaining their stronghold over the audience. However, streaming services like Netflix and video-sharing platforms such as YouTube are gaining traction, reflecting broader shifts in viewing habits across the UK.

In 2024, residents of Northern Ireland spent an average of four hours and 48 minutes watching video content at home each day, marking an increase of 18 minutes compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the growing reliance on digital media for entertainment.

Northern Ireland also stood out for its high levels of live broadcast TV consumption, with viewers spending two hours and six minutes per day watching live content—more than any other region in the UK. This was the only nation where live viewing increased year-on-year, indicating a strong preference for real-time programming.

Subscription-based video-on-demand (SVoD) services are becoming increasingly common, with nearly three-quarters of households (74%) having at least one such service. Amazon Prime Video leads the market, found in 59% of homes, followed closely by Netflix. This suggests that while traditional TV still holds sway, streaming is becoming a more integral part of daily life.

In terms of broadcast TV, the BBC captured 18% of total video viewing, while ITV/UTV accounted for 15%. YouTube, however, made a significant impact, holding a 12% share of video content, surpassing other TV channels and streaming services. On average, individuals in Northern Ireland spent 35 minutes per day watching YouTube across all devices in 2024.

The Grinch was the most-watched film on TV in 2024, averaging 637,000 viewers on Netflix throughout the year. Blue Lights, which was the most-watched programme in 2023, secured the second spot with 556,000 viewers for its season two premiere. The BBC’s Christmas Day special, Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, rounded out the top three with 478,000 viewers.

Entertainment from UTV also made an appearance in the top 10, with episodes of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and The 1% Club ranking fifth and sixth, respectively. These programs averaged 384,000 and 367,000 viewers each.

When it comes to news consumption, the BBC One and UTV were the most popular sources for local news in Northern Ireland. Radio also plays a significant role, with BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle and Cool FM/Downtown appearing in the top five news sources. More than six in 10 adults (63.9%) in Northern Ireland listen to local commercial radio at least once a week, a figure higher than in other parts of the UK.

Newer technologies such as smart speakers are becoming more prevalent, with 41% of households owning one. This is more than double the proportion of homes with a DAB radio (19%). Podcasts are also gaining popularity, with nearly one in five (19%) adults in Northern Ireland listening to them at least once a week in the first quarter of 2025.

Despite this growth, the reach of podcasts in Northern Ireland still lags behind the UK average of 22.4%, and the rate of growth has slowed compared to other regions.

Jonathan Rose, Ofcom’s Northern Ireland director, emphasized the enduring appeal of local radio. “People in Northern Ireland are spending more time than ever in front of their screens,” he noted. “Broadcast TV remains popular, but streamers like Amazon Prime Video and video-sharing platforms like YouTube are now firmly established in our daily viewing habits.”

He added, “Our research also shows the enduring popularity of radio, especially local radio. Listeners in Northern Ireland have a real connection with local voices and news that reflects what’s happening on their doorstep.”