Well done, everyone.
You did it.
You really did it.
According to an RTÉ spokesperson, Mrs Brown’s Boys reigned supreme in Irish households over Christmas, emerging as the most-watched show for the ninth year in a row.
I mean, it says something about the viewing public. You can decide just what that is.
One thing that isn’t up for debate is cold hard numbers.
To wit; the most recent instalment of Mrs Brown’s Boys – which has been going since the beginning of 2011, by the way – attracted an average of 574,000 viewers and a 41% audience share for its 10pm showing on Christmas Day.
Not only that, but Brendan O’Carroll’s baby proved a hit with a younger crowd, amassing a 41% share amongst the 15-34 age bracket.
Congratulations to all involved.
If you’re curious as to what else Irish people were glued to over the festive season, the news takes second place with all its shiny current affairs glory, specifically the RTÉ Six One News broadcast on Christmas Eve which enjoyed an average of 437,400 viewers.
The enduring Irish institution that is Fair City takes the bronze medal with the hour-long Christmas special playing out before 332,700 individuals.
Brendan Grace, who passed away in July at the age of 68, remains a draw. Broadcast on Friday 20 December, a special Late Late Show tribute episode to the comedian resulting in an average audience of 495,000.
Also packing ’em around the television, it’s the news again with the Nine O’Clock News on Friday 27 December averaging 368,400 viewers.
So, in summary, that’s:
Mrs Brown’s Boys. Brendan Grace. Fair City. The news. Ireland.
As for the Christmas movies, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Donald Trump cameo and all – proved the most popular cinematic engagement, with 381,000 people taking in Kevin McCallister’s significantly more violent adventure.
In second place, the premiere of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast live action remake (369,000 viewers) and the likes of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure also landing big numbers.
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