The UK’s streaming and broadcasting landscape was anything but quiet in January. From gripping thrillers to reality TV betrayals, audiences had no shortage of must-watch content. Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) held their ground, streaming giants fought for attention, and some titles proved they could command screens of all sizes. But with so many major players making moves, the big question remains – who truly stole the spotlight? For the full rankings and deeper insights, check out the January UK Merchandiser of the Month report.
Apple TV+ and BBC iPlayer kicked off the year with a bang, each landing a top-tier title that captivated UK audiences. The return of Severance on Apple TV+ made waves, securing premium placement across PS5, Fire TV, and Samsung TV, ensuring that its highly anticipated comeback was impossible to miss. Meanwhile, The Traitors proved once again that British audiences can’t resist a bit of deception and drama, becoming the country’s most talked-about unscripted hit. With visibility across Fire TV and Apple TV, its dominance was impossible to ignore. But just how high did these titles rank in terms of MPV™ scores? The full January UK Merchandiser of the Month report here breaks it all down.
Beyond individual hits, PSBs flexed their influence, claiming half of the UK’s top-performing titles in January. The BBC led the charge with a mix of scripted and unscripted programming, while ITV closed the curtain on an era – bidding farewell to Vera after 14 years on screen. With British audiences still deeply loyal to homegrown content, the battle between traditional broadcasters and streaming giants is far from over.
And speaking of power struggles, Netflix made headlines after surpassing BBC1 as the UK’s most-watched TV service for three months in 2024. A potential shift in dominance? Maybe. But the BBC wasn’t backing down, emphasising its digital-first evolution and its reach across a much broader audience. So, is this the beginning of a new era for UK viewing habits, or just a temporary shake-up?
From stadiums to red carpets, January had something for everyone. Prime Video and NOW kept football fans in the action with Premier League, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Champions League coverage, making sure matches were just a click away on PS5 and Samsung TV. Meanwhile, Sky put awards season front and center, rolling out a BAFTA nominee swimlane and a dedicated TVOD row for Wicked, complete with a boldly refreshed logo that gave the film a standout moment on the digital stage.
With major wins, bold plays, and shifting dynamics, January set the tone for an unpredictable year in entertainment. But this is just the beginning. For the full rankings, biggest digital movers, and all the industry shifts you might have missed, check out the January UK Merchandiser of the Month report.
