My5 exceeds Big Brother-era highs with record growth

Channel 5 confirms its on-demand service has also reached new highs during the lockdown.

My5 has achieved its strongest ever week of viewing, overtaking week 4 of 2016, back when Big Brother drove 65% of all streams.

For the week commencing 27th April 2020, the streaming platform was up 59% week-on-week and up 184% year-on-year.

Much of the viewing surge was attributed to drama, lead by Channel 5’s psychological thriller Blood, with series 1 and newly launched series 2 totalling 1.6 million views across the week, setting it on track to become one of My5’s most successful series to date.

Away from drama, Police Interceptors was up 20% whilst Filthy House SOS grew 23% to its strongest week to date.

My5's growth follows similar reports of growth across the rest of the UK's main catch-up and on-demand services, with the lockdown becoming a watershed moment for on-demand viewing take-up. My5 also carries on-demand programmes from third-party broadcasters, including Together TV, PBS America and Blaze.

Oli Thomas, VP, Digital Lead at Channel 5, commented:

 With most of the nation at home, they’re turning to streaming platforms like My5 for their daily entertainment and our investment in drama is particularly resonating with viewers. There’s a significant uptake of people binge-watching our original commissions like Blood and Penance, and with more drama series in the pipeline, such as All Creatures Great and Small, we’re continuing to establish My5 as a prime destination for drama.