One of Australia’s most beloved TV series, “Home and Away” was at the front of a series of whopping figures for Channel 7 this week, according to ratings specialist OzTAM.
On Tuesday, August 19, Channel 7 topped TV charts across the board, reaching almost six million Australians in one day. In general TV viewership, 7 held a 41% majority stake across Australia, and “Home and Away” was at the front of those figures.
The Tuesday episode reached over a million viewers across the country, thanks to the emotional and divisive farewell of veteran character Irene, played by Lynne McGranger for over three decades.
On her decision to leave “Home and Away,” Lynne said: “After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.
“I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.”
Seven Network was in the green in many metrics, not just in the drama category, with TV Commercial Shares ahead of competitors Nine Network and Network Ten by 4.2% and 19.1%, respectively, especially in viewers aged 25 to 54 — and in grocery shoppers — from 6pm to midnight.
Seven Network’s other flagship programs followed suit on the numbers front. “The Voice” ratings leapt up by 12% to a total of 911,000 viewers nationwide, “The Chase Australia” reaching 633,000, “Boyzone: Life, Death and Boybands” came in next with 458,000 and “Sunrise” broadcasted to an audience of 401,000 — ahead of rival program “Today” by 26%.