Gavin and Stacey Bids Farewell with Record-Breaking Finale

A Historic Farewell to Britain’s Beloved Sitcom

The iconic British comedy Gavin and Stacey has officially come to an end, and it went out with a bang. The final episode of the hit British sitcom — co-created by Ruth Jones and James Corden — is now the U.K.’s most-watched scripted show across all broadcasters and streamers since current records began in 2002. This remarkable achievement underscores the show’s extraordinary cultural impact and its special place in British television history.

For 17 years, audiences have followed the lives of Gavin from Billericay and Stacey from Barry, along with their unforgettable families and friends. The final episode of Gavin & Stacey aired on 25 December 2024, 17 years after the show was first broadcast, marking the end of an era that has brought laughter, tears, and countless memorable quotes to millions of viewers.

Unprecedented Viewing Figures

The viewing figures for the finale were nothing short of spectacular. Ratings have already reached 19.3 million, smashing its own record from the 2019 “Gavin & Stacey” Christmas special, which reached 18.5 million in 28 days. Even more impressive, watched by 12.3 million on Christmas Day — the biggest overnight for the day since 2008 — “Gavin & Stacey: The Finale” has since added more than 6 million to that total and is well on track to surpass 20 million views when the 28-day figures are published.

The finale resonated particularly strongly with younger audiences, with 4.2 million aged 16-34, making the episode the highest young audience for a scripted show since 2002. This demonstrates that the show’s appeal transcended generations, bringing families together around the television in true festive spirit.

What’s Next for the Stars

While fans bid farewell to the Shipmans and the Wests, the creative team behind the show isn’t stopping. Gavin & Stacey stars, Matthew Horne and Joanna Page, have reunited just in time for Christmas. Following their long-running roles as Gavin Shipman and Stacey West – which culminated in last year’s TV special – the duo are set to appear in How to Say It With Food, a festive mini-series from Waitrose.

Additionally, the two stars have now shared that they will be releasing a book dishing on the making of the beloved sitcom. When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship is set to hit bookshelves on October 16 next year, promising fans an insider’s look at how the show became a cultural phenomenon.

A Legacy That Will Endure

The conclusion of Gavin and Stacey represents more than just the end of a television series—it marks the closing chapter of a show that became part of the fabric of British culture. From catchphrases like “What’s occurring?” to the ongoing mystery of what happened on Uncle Bryn’s fishing trip, the show created moments that families discussed around dinner tables and workplaces buzzed about.

For viewers, the finale delivered everything they could have hoped for: laughter, emotion, and closure for characters who felt like family. As the UK moves forward without new episodes of Gavin and Stacey, the show’s legacy as one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms is firmly cemented, and its reruns will undoubtedly continue bringing joy to audiences for generations to come.