A record audience of over 4.8m people tuned in to watch the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship final between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler last night, making it the most watched darts event ever on Sky and NOW.
With darts fever sweeping the nation, a peak audience of 3.71m watched Humphries claim his maiden World Darts Championship title at Alexandra Palace, as he fought back from 4-2 down to defeat teenage sensation Littler.
The record figure represents the highest ever non-football peak on Sky Sports, and marks a 143% increase on the sensational 2023 final between Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen.
"This year's World Championship was record-breaking on every level and it's fitting that its final reached the biggest audience in the history of the PDC and Sky darts," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
"The two Lukes delivered an amazing contest that kept us all on the edge of our seats and finished off a thrilling and dramatic tournament in memorable fashion.
“The World Darts Championship is a staple part of Christmas viewing, delivering drama and suspense with every match and it sets up perfectly what is sure to be a phenomenal year for darts.”
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: “Even more of the nation have fallen in love with the darts over the last few weeks and as a long-term partner of the PDC, we are thrilled that this most entertaining of sports is in the spotlight.
"Over 4.8m people tuned in to watch the remarkable final last night, making it the most watched non-football sports event ever on Sky and NOW.
"Our congratulations to both Lukes and to all the players who contributed to such a memorable World Championship. We can’t wait for the Premier League Darts to get started in February.”
As darts continues to dominate the column inches, Sky Documentaries has today announced the commission of an access-all-areas premium documentary series, which will follow the stories of the players beyond the oche and will be available on Sky and NOW later this year.
SKY DOCUMENTARIES COMMISSIONS NEW THREE-PART DOCUMENTARY SERIES 'DARTS'
Following a record-breaking 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship final, Sky Documentaries have announced the commission of an access-all-areas premium documentary series 'Darts', which will be available on Sky and NOW later this year.
The world of darts is more popular than ever - the World Darts Championship held every Christmas at Alexandra Palace sells out in minutes, and millions tune in to watch worldwide.
Following a year like no other, this three-part series for Sky Documentaries offers exclusive access to the world of professional darts.
The series, which tracks the action from pre-tournament preparation to the final and beyond, follows up-and-coming hopefuls to top-seeded players, the families who support them to achieve their dreams, as well as those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create this global phenomenon.
Darts is one of the most popular sports on TV, yet little is known about the players themselves.
This series charts what it's really like to be a darts player in today's world: the ups and downs, the humour, the camaraderie, as well as the sacrifices they make to win the biggest prize in the game.
Julia Nottingham, Executive Producer, Founder and CEO, Dorothy St Pictures said: “As documentary storytellers, we were mesmerised by the world of professional darts.
"We are so excited to share the stories behind this great British sport that is fast winning new audiences and hosts such compelling characters.”
Tom Barry Commissioning Editor, Sky Documentaries said: “This year’s World Championship has shown how Darts can captivate the nation.
"Going beyond just the competition, for the first time, we are thrilled to be bringing audiences closer to the action and give them a glimpse of what it takes to make it to the top.”
John Skipper, CEO, Meadowlark Media said: “We’re ecstatic to be working alongside Dorothy St in capturing the thrill of the darts at this year’s World Championship.
"The PDC and Sky have allowed us to cement the stories of Alexandra Palace, which we are confident will resonate on a global scale. We’re grateful for the opportunity."
Darts is produced by the award-winning documentary production company Dorothy St Pictures for Sky, whose previous credits include Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story and Pamela, A Love Story.
The documentary will be co-produced by John Skipper’s US-based Meadowlark in conjunction with the Professional Darts Corporation.
Sky Sports is the home of darts with over 60 days of exclusively live coverage from the biggest tournaments every year including the World Darts Championship plus the Premier League, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix and World Cup of Darts.
