'Coronation Street' or 'EastEnders': Which Show Is The Most Popular?

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William Roache attends The British Soap Awards at The Lowry Theatre on June 3, 2017 in Manchester, England. The Soap Awards will be aired on June 6 on ITV at 8pm

August 6, 2020 - 09:44 / Philip Faukland-Pollard

EastEnders and Coronation Street are two of the most popular soap operas in the United Kingdom, both with devoted fans. EastEnders has aired 5,180 episodes against Coronation Street's 9,154 episodes. But which show is the most popular today? Read here to find out!

EastEnders and Coronation Street have always been immensely popular British soaps with incredibly devoted fans since the very beginning. But which soap is the most popular now? Amid increased violence, killings, and drama both shows are eager to spice up their episodes to please viewers.

EastEnders or Coronation Street?

EastEnders first aired on the BBC in 1985 and the soap has 33 seasons under its belt. Coronation Street on the other hand, first aired back in 1960 and has 21 seasons, but more episodes per season.

Actress Sue Nicholls cuts a ribbon with Coronation Street cast members to open the Coronation Street set on November 29, 2013 in Manchester, England

Decreased views for EastEnders

Lately, however, EastEnders' views were even beaten by shows such as Question Time. EastEnders has seen its audience fall to below three million. This was relatively disappointing for EastEnders as a long-running show.

The cast and crew of 'EastEnders' winning the Serial Drama award at the 21st National Television Awards at The O2 Arena on January 20, 2016 in London, England.

Bosses claim the low ratings were because of the warm weather and the Fifa Women’s World Cup causing scheduling issues last year. However, their ITV rival Coronation Street was on at the same time and got 5.1 million viewers. This means it can be argued that there finally is a winner between the two British soaps and it looks like Coronation Street is now the most popular British soap.