The animated series featuring Wallace and Gromit continues to occupy an important position in the affections of viewers, especially during the festive season. The latest installment, Vengeance Most Fowl, has emerged as a standout success in the UK, breaking records for animated television. Broadcast television, despite the growing popularity of streaming platforms, remains a dominant force during Christmas celebrations, as evidenced by the exceptional viewership numbers reported by the BBC.
Both Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Gavin & Stacey: The Finale have garnered over 20 million viewers since their airing on December 25th. Gavin & Stacey reached an impressive 20.9 million views, while Wallace & Gromit attracted 21.6 million, establishing the latter as the most-watched animated series in modern UK history, which began tracking in 2002.
These remarkable figures position both shows among the most significant broadcasts the BBC has ever presented, with only a few titles surpassing them historically, such as an Eastenders episode from the late 1980s. It's also noteworthy that Vengeance Most Fowl is accessible on Netflix, where it has reportedly drawn millions of additional viewers according to Netflix's Charts, signaling a remarkable achievement for the animation studio Aardman.
Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham expressed their excitement and gratitude, noting the overwhelming response from audiences. Their enthusiasm reflects the deep connection that viewers have with these beloved clay characters.
As the festive season concludes, many are left wondering about the reception of Vengeance Most Fowl and the final episode of Gavin & Stacey. What are your thoughts on these significant events in the world of television?