TVTV NewsBBCTV regulator Ofcom revealed a higher percentage of UK viewers have abandoned the BBC for another platform.09:05, 29 Jul 2026Loyal BBC viewers are having second thoughts as they discover more "creative content" elsewhere.‌Netflix has now become the first port of call for TV viewers in the UK, in a huge blow to the BBC. Ofcom's latest Media Nations report revealed 26% of UK viewers in 2025 said they turn to Netflix first when finding something to watch.‌The BBC was marginally behind on 25%, with ITV taking the biggest hit with just 15% of viewers choosing the network as their go-to option.‌The figures mark a U-turn from the previous year, which saw the BBC at the top with 28% and Netflix with just 23%. However, an Ofcom spokeswoman said, due to some changes in methodology, the numbers are only indicative, reports Deadline.Younger audiences are more interested in Netflix as a first choice with 36% of 16-24 year olds prioritising the streaming platform. Alternatively, only 5% of over-75s choose Netflix, with 48% still loyal to the national broadcaster.‌Netflix has released some undeniable hits in recent times, from Adolescence to Bridgerton and Baby Reindeer, so the latest figures may not come as a surprise to all.The news comes after the BBC floated the idea of getting streaming subscribers to pay the £180 licence fee. With a new BBC funding model approaching, the network argued the fee could be expanded to cover households that watch non-live content via streaming services.At the moment, only those who watch live output like Netflix’s WWE coverage or the Champions League on Prime Video have to pay.‌Ofcom’s research also found more adults associate Netflix with “high quality content", “content that is relevant to me” and “creative content” than the BBC.However, the BBC ranked higher than Netflix in areas like “content that offers a different point of view from my own".Article continues belowIn good news for the BBC, far more adults still associate it with better British drama than Netflix. In saying this, 2025 did see a “pronounced” number of older viewers flock to drama on streaming platforms like Netflix.Average hours watched by audiences over the age of 75 skyrocketed by 56% to 36 hours per person, per year.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NetflixBBCITV