--- title: "Netflix Just Knocked the BBC Off Its Throne — Streaming Emerges as Fastest Growing Category: Report" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/294165927.md" description: "Netflix has surpassed the BBC as Britain's top viewing choice, with 26% of viewers preferring it over the BBC's 25%, according to Ofcom’s Media Nations report. Streaming services are the fastest-growing TV category, while traditional broadcast reach declines. YouTube usage also surged across all demographics. Netflix shares rose 2.83% to $72.39." datetime: "2026-07-29T06:21:21.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/294165927.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/294165927.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/294165927.md) generator: "portal-rs" --- # Netflix Just Knocked the BBC Off Its Throne — Streaming Emerges as Fastest Growing Category: Report **Netflix Inc.** (NASDAQ:NFLX) has become the first choice for British viewers deciding what to watch, according to Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report. ## **Netflix Overtakes the BBC in UK Viewing Habits** Netflix has edged past the **BBC** as Britain’s top destination for television viewing. According to the report, 26% of viewers said they turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC at 25%. “While Netflix occupied the top two positions for the most-watched programmes overall in 2025 with K-Pop Demon Hunters and Adolescence, the BBC has so far claimed eight of the ten most-watched programmes of 2026,” the report said. **ITV** ranked third, with 15% of viewers naming it as their first choice, highlighting the growing competition traditional broadcasters face from streaming platforms. **Read Also: Former Netflix Exec Sues After Losing a $1.1 Million Job, Says Medically Prescribed Ketamine Disclosure Led to His Firing** ## **Streaming Growth Continues While Traditional TV Slips** The report found that streaming services operated by U.K. broadcasters—including BBC **iPlayer**, **ITVX**, **Channel 4 Streaming** and **5**—grew 9% year over year, making them the fastest-growing category of television services. Subscription streaming platforms are now available in around 70% of British households, though Ofcom noted that adoption has largely plateaued after swift growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, traditional broadcast television continued to lose reach. Around 70% of people in Britain watched content from traditional broadcasters for at least 15 minutes a week in 2025, down from 73% in 2024 and 78% in 2022. ## **YouTube Expands Across Every Generation** Ofcom also highlighted **YouTube’s** growing role in home entertainment. YouTube is a video-sharing platform owned by **Alphabet Inc.’s** (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) **Google**. Average daily viewing on television sets climbed to 19 minutes per person in 2025, up from nine minutes in 2022, while viewing across all devices increased to 41 minutes a day from 33 minutes. Even older audiences are embracing the platform. Weekly YouTube reach among people aged 75 and older rose to 33% in 2025 from 28% three years earlier. Despite the broader shift toward streaming, live events remain a major draw, with England’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina attracting a peak audience of 24 million viewers across BBC platforms on July 15. The U.K.’s audio sector retained the highest media reach, with 93% of adults listening weekly and 87% tuning into live radio. **Price Action:** Netflix shares closed up 2.83% at $72.39 on Tuesday and gained another 0.99% to $73.11 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro. According to **Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings**, Netflix is in a negative trend across all major time frames but ranks in the 92nd percentile for quality. ***Disclaimer:*** *This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.* **Read Also: Netflix Becoming the Next YouTube? 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