On December 26, 2024, Spanish television networks showcased varied audience ratings, reflecting shifts typical of the holiday season. Major programs attracted significant viewer numbers, with Antena 3, Cuatro, and Telecinco leading the charts.
Among the highlights, the hit dating show First Dates from Cuatro noted its best rating of the season, scoring 9.9% share and averaging 1,197,000 viewers, securing the second most-watched episode of the year. Despite its success, it couldn't surpass the replay of El Hormiguero, which topped the access prime time charts with 10.3% and 1,251,000 viewers. Another contender, the repeat of La Revuelta, managed 9.4% share with 1,139,000 viewers, whereas El Intermedio trailed with 6% and 736,000 viewers.
Telecinco leveraged the holiday backdrop by presenting Cine 5 estrellas at 10 PM due to the absence of reality shows, significantly benefiting from this strategy. Their broadcast of La llamada de lo salvaje garnered impressive ratings with 10.6% share and 1,201,000 viewers, making it one of the best performing shows of the night.
Turning to late-night programming, Cuatro capitalized on decreased viewer competition, propelled by Horizonte, which helped the network achieve leadership during this competitive slot.
The detailed breakdown of audience ratings for the day revealed Antena 3's dominance, leading not just the prime time but also owning the sobremesa and afternoon slots. Their success is attributed to the popularity of Pasapalabra, which aired at 9:05 PM, attracting 2,840,630 viewers and boasting 24.7% share. This tremendous result highlights the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to draw audiences.
During this day, viewers also tuned in to programs on La 2, where shows like Cifras y letras scored 5.3% with 646,000 viewers and Órbita Laika reached new personal bests with 4% share and 480,000 viewers from 10 PM to 11 PM.
The overall shares for the day illustrated the competitive television environment: Antena 3 led with 12.4%, followed by Cuatro at 9.4% and Telecinco at 8.8%. This juxtaposition of network performances exposes the shifting dynamics of viewer engagement, particularly during festive periods.
All of this data was collated by Kantar Media, the recognized authority on audience metrics, ensuring advertisers and networks alike have access to reliable information. They enforce strict standards for data usage to prevent misuse, providing clear guidelines on how audiences are measured—integral for shaping programming strategies moving forward.
The vibrant and competitive atmosphere of Spanish television on December 26 reveals not just viewer preferences during the holidays, but also hints at the strategic maneuvers networks employ to capture and maintain their audiences. With future programming decisions likely influenced by these ratings, networks are set to adjust their offerings based on audience engagement patterns seen throughout the season.