UKTV SOCI Hits 9.53% In 2019, ‘Hypothetical’ Ranks As Network’s Top Rated Show
is shaping up to be a good year for UKTV. Year-to-date, the broadcaster's SOCI (share of commercial impacts) has hit 9.53%, up 3% compared to 2018. SOCI for the 16-34 demo also is showing strong growth, up 6% year-on-year to 6.74%. A key driving force behind the SOCI growth was the performance of UKTV's original series. Dave's Hypothetical, featuring James Acaster and Josh Widdicombe, launched with 1.2 million viewers - making it UKTV's top rated show of 2019. 
UKTV's originals push is paying off. Last year, original commissions were amongst the top-rated programmes on six of the channels (Dave, W, Gold, Drama, Yesterday and Really) across the network and also drove growth for VOD service UKTV Play. 
The fifth season of The Brokenwood Mysteries will receive its UK premiere on UKTV’s Drama channel on Friday November 23rd at 8pm, it has been announced. 
Drama is adding another exclusive acquisition to their line up. The UKTV owned and operated channel has secured the UK rights to both seasons of Australian media drama The Heart Guy (AKA Doctor Doctor) after striking deal with international distributor FremantleMedia International. The series will premiere on Drama on Thursday April 5th at 9pm. 
The second season of PBS' scripted drama series Mercy Street will receive its UK premiere on UKTV's Drama channel on Sunday February 25th at 8pm, it has been announced. 