Hollyoaks has been having a great summer, keeping viewers hooked and coming back for more. In July, the show saw a 21% increase in viewers compared to the previous year, with a particularly strong growth of 8% in the 16-34 age group. These numbers include Channel 4 viewership over the past year, showing that Hollyoaks has been thriving since transitioning to a digital-first format.
The show’s presence on video-on-demand platforms has also contributed to its success, with a remarkable 50% increase in views year over year. Additionally, E4’s viewership share has gone up by 18% in the same period. In the first week of July, the digital-first soap’s share on E4 was up by an impressive 61% compared to the previous year.
The high viewership numbers can be attributed to the engaging storylines featured on the show, both new and established. From the sensitive storyline of sibling sexual abuse to the adrenaline-pumping drama, viewers have been captivated by the content brought to the screen under the leadership of Executive Producer Hannah Cheers. Channel 4’s flagship soap is gearing up for an exciting schedule change this autumn.
Ben Wadey, Channel 4’s Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks, expressed his excitement about the show’s success, stating, “Hollyoaks is firing on all cylinders, and these fantastic ratings – including an astonishing 50% increase in VOD views – are proof of that. We’re thrilled to see such a positive response from viewers who have been captivated by a mix of sensitive issues and heart-pounding drama. We’re confident that the upcoming stunt and time jump will only further fuel the show’s momentum as we sail into our new schedule pattern. The future is incredibly bright for Hollyoaks.”
In September, Hollyoaks will transition to airing three episodes weekly and will jump forward a year in its storyline. More details about the schedule change will be announced soon, promising even more excitement for fans of the show. The success of Hollyoaks with its digital-first strategy is a testament to the show’s ability to adapt to the changing viewing habits of audiences and deliver compelling content that keeps viewers coming back for more.