Viewing figures revealed: Patrick Kielty’s first Late Late Toy Show breaks RTÉ Player records
Patrick Kielty's first Toy Show had 200,000 more viewers than Ryan Tubridy's last Toy Show in November 2022. Picture: Andres Poveda / RTÉ̇
RTÉ has released the viewing figures for last week’s Toy Show and the broadcaster says it has broken previous records on the RTÉ player.
Last Friday’s Late Late Toy Show has been watched over 1.7 million times, including catch-up viewing over the weekend, making it the most-watched programme of the year so far. Viewers online were based in an unprecedented 147 countries worldwide including first-time streams from Cameroon, British Virgin Islands, Rwanda, Sierra Leon, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Ryan Tubridy's last Toy Show in November 2022 had an average audience of over 1.5 million.
Viewers of the Elf-themed episode have also raised €3.6 million for the Toy Show Appeal. This brings the total amount of funds raised to over €21 million since the inaugural Toy Show Appeal in 2020.
On social media, the hashtag #LateLateToyShow generated 26.2 million video views and 2.2 million interactions thanks to over 170 performers from around the country including County Clare’s Sheamie, sport-loving Stevie from Kilkenny, and Tipperary’s Sophie who raced to the studio in time for Patrick to surprise her with a magical trip to Disneyland.
“I’m still coming back down to earth from an amazing night last Friday,” host Patrick Kielty said.
“I want to express huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Late Late Toy Show so special. To all of you who watched, to the brilliant kids who brought their magic and put a giant smile on all of our faces.
“And, to every last one of you who gave so generously to our Toy Show Appeal – you have made a massive difference to so many children’s lives – thank you! Being part of it is something I will never forget – a forever night!”
Alan Tyler, head of entertainment, comedy and music at RTÉ, said they are “delighted” with the response to Kielty’s first Late Late Toy Show which “connected so well with the audience”.
