Did you watch Bodyguard on BBC?

This past weekend, the finale of hit thriller Bodyguard peaked with 11 million viewers, becoming the biggest TV drama since Downton Abbey.

The episode is the biggest drama across all channels since much-loved period drama Downton Abbey aired in November 2011 on ITV, with 10.6 million viewers.

And it is the biggest BBC drama in 10 years, since the Christmas Day 2008 episode of Doctor Who, which attracted 11.7 million.

Excluding the World Cup, Bodyguard, starring Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, is the number one programme of the year.

The finale, which concluded with a revelation about the fatal explosion which killed Hawes’ character, had viewers gripped but divided by the ending.

Bodyguard is now in the top five most-watched dramas of the decade, alongside EastEnders, Coronation Street, Doctor Who and Sherlock. The penultimate episode was seen by 12.6 million, more than the combined audience for the royal wedding.

In an age where there is a huge variety of entertainment at our fingertips, it’s more difficult than ever to create a smash hit. Bodyguard managed to captivate and thrill viewers of all ages from around the country, thanks to its brilliant plotting and primetime slot.

What did you think? Did you watch the Bodyguard – was it worthy of the hype? Would you tune into a second series? Share your views at Silversurfers Speakers Corner.