Gavin and Stacey: How the Beloved Sitcom’s Finale Made Television History
A Record-Breaking Finale
The final episode of Gavin and Stacey has cemented its place in British television history, becoming the UK’s most-watched TV programme shown on Christmas Day in 23 years, with official ratings reaching 19.1 million viewers. The last-ever episode took the top spot on Christmas Day with 12.3 million overnight viewers, adding over 6 million to its total, making it an unprecedented success for the BBC.
This marks the biggest audience for a Christmas Day broadcast on UK television since the episode of Only Fools & Horses on December 25 2001, which attracted 21.3 million viewers. The finale’s success has pushed the sitcom into the record books, with 4.2 million viewers aged 16-34, making it the highest young audience for a scripted show since 2002.
The Show’s Enduring Legacy
The final episode of Gavin & Stacey aired on 25 December 2024, 17 years after the show was first broadcast. The beloved sitcom, created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, has followed the love story between Gavin from Billericay in Essex and Stacey from Barry in Wales, capturing the hearts of millions with its warmth, humour, and relatable characters.
The show’s cultural impact extends beyond the finale. The 2019 Christmas special drew 18.49 million total viewers, becoming the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade and the most-watched comedy in 17 years. This year’s finale has surpassed even that remarkable achievement.
What’s Next for Gavin and Stacey
While the television series has concluded, fans won’t have to say goodbye entirely. The two stars have announced they will be releasing a book dishing on the making of the beloved sitcom, titled When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship, set to hit bookshelves on October 16 next year.
Additionally, stars Matthew Horne and Joanna Page have reunited just in time for Christmas, appearing in How to Say It With Food, a festive mini-series from Waitrose. There are also reports that James Corden and Ruth Jones have apparently signed a deal with Apple on a new series set to go into production next year.
Why It Matters
The extraordinary success of Gavin and Stacey’s finale demonstrates the enduring power of quality British comedy and family-friendly entertainment. In an era dominated by streaming services and fragmented viewing habits, the show’s ability to unite nearly 20 million viewers on a single evening is a remarkable achievement that speaks to its universal appeal and cultural significance. For British television, it represents a triumph of storytelling that spans generations, proving that well-crafted comedy with heart can still captivate mass audiences in the modern age.