9 out of 10 of the weekend’s most-watched shows air on RTÉ
– The Late Late Show is the highest rating weekend programme, reaching 952,000 viewers
– 893,000 tune in to catch Ireland’s shock defeat to Japan in the Rugby World Cup on RTÉ2
– 784,000 saw Dermot Bannon’s overhaul of house in Wicklow for Room to Improve
From Rugby World Cup 2019 disappointment, to The Late Late Show, Room to Improve, Fair City, and RTÉ News, RTÉ was the broadcaster of choice for Irish viewers, airing nine out of ten of the most-watched shows in the country last weekend. 77% of viewers (622,000) were up bright and early on Saturday morning to witness Ireland’s Rugby World Cup 2019 defeat to Japan, reaching an audience of 893,000.
Room to Improve, which saw Dermot Bannon completely overhaul a 1990s dormer in Wicklow, averaged 568,000 viewers with a 46% share and a reach of 784,000. During the episode, Dermot was challenged to transform the house into a dream home for Frances and Nigel Coffin in Wicklow, and while the couple had expensive taste, he managed to come in under budget for the build.
Guests including Kevin Kilbane, Tommy Tiernan, Doireann Garrihy saw fourth instalment of The Late Late Show this season average 490,000 viewers, with a 46% share, and an audience reach of 952,000. Peak viewing for the episode occurred when Sophia Murphy gave a harrowing and remarkable interview, detailing her years of suffering sexual abuse at the hands of her father, who was jailed for 18 years.
340,000 viewers (30% share) tuned in to Sunday’s Fair City, during which Carol slowly began to come to terms with the death of Robbie, while Sean set about organising a memorial gathering for him.
Raised by the Village debuted at 303,000 with a 30% share. In the first episode of the new series, Dublin teenagers Warren and Jordan travelled to Ballintubber to experience life in rural Ireland in a bid to help them get their own lives back on track.
Winning Streakreturned for a new series fronted by Marty Whelan and Sinéad Kennedy, with 282,000 viewers and a 25% share.