# Lockdown TV viewing data shows laughter really is the best medicine

- URL: https://www.askattest.com/blog/articles/lockdown-tv-viewing-data-shows-laughter-really-is-the-best-medicine
- Published: 2020-05-07
- Updated: 2026-06-24
- Description: Brits are turning to comedy to beat the COVID-19 blues. It has become the second-most watched TV genre, behind drama, new media consumption data shows.

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Brits are turning to comedy to beat the COVID-19 blues. It has become the second-most watched TV genre, behind drama, new data shows.

Comedy viewing has increased by 26% since last year, according to Attest’s annual [media consumption report](https://www.askattest.com/original-research/uk-media-consumption-report-2020). Nearly 55% of people are tuning into comedy during the lockdown (compared with 43% in 2019).

The figures also show a significant increase in people watching the news (from 34% to 54%), which could be fuelling the desire for light relief.

![UK Media Consumption Report 2020 Programme Type](https://emx2zzfzxax.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ATTEST-UK-MEDIA-CONSUMPTION-REPORT-2020-Programme-type.png?strip=all&resize=459%2C391)

## **Binge-watching is at an all-time high** 

TV viewing, in general, has seen a huge boost since coronavirus restrictions confined Brits to their homes. Binge-watching of on-demand TV content has leapt by a whopping 71%, with nearly 30% of people watching five or more hours per day (versus just over 17% in 2019.)

Younger people are 44% more likely to watch large quantities of streamed telly than older people; 35% of people aged 18-40 are watching 5+ hours a day versus 24.3% of those aged 41-65.

But older people are nearly 20% more likely to watch large quantities of live terrestrial TV; 38.5% of people aged 41-65 say they’re watching more than five hours, versus 32.1% of people aged 18-40.

## **Netflix and chill, chill, chill**

With more time to watch TV, more Brits have signed up to streaming platforms than last year. Netflix, which was already the nation’s most popular provider, has seen a 17% increase in UK users. Now, a massive 68% of Brits are subscribed to the streaming platform (compared with 58% in 2019).

Recently-launched Disney Plus has already clocked up a 22% share of the market. And it’s proving to be a big hit with women aged 18-40 (whether they’re signing up for their kids or simply because they love Disney themselves).

Britbox, the new subscription streaming service launched by the BBC and ITV, has so far attracted 7% of Brits (helped by a free 30-day trial). Meanwhile, Plex, which launched in December offering free content from major Hollywood studios like MGM, Lionsgate and Warner Bros., was only used by 4% of people.

![Attest Media Consumption Report 2020 streaming services](https://emx2zzfzxax.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ATTEST-UK-MEDIA-CONSUMPTION-REPORT-2020-streaming-services.png?strip=all&resize=448%2C413)

## **Social distancing on social media**

Bored Brits have also been whiling away the hours on social media. Nearly half of people (47%) are watching at least an hour of YouTube per day (that’s an increase of 27% on last year).

Meanwhile, 48% of Brits are checking Facebook at least every few hours, if not more frequently. The younger generation is also all over Instagram; 46% of 18-40 year olds say they’re scrolling Insta throughout the day.

And if you’ve started hearing a lot about TikTok, expect to hear a lot more. The short form video-sharing app has been breaking download records during the lockdown and nearly 21% of Brits aged 18-40 say they’re visiting the platform multiple times a day. This puts it hot on the heels of Snapchat.

![](https://emx2zzfzxax.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UK-Media-Consumption-Report-2020.png?strip=all&w=1920)UK media consumption report 2020

Find out how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected consumers’ watching, listening, reading and scrolling habits.

[Get your copy now](https://www.askattest.com/original-research/uk-media-consumption-report-2020)