ITV's depiction of what has been billed as "the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history" has proven a hit with viewers.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office got underway on New Year's Day this week to triumphant ratings in comparison to its primetime rivals in the 9pm slot.
The new four-part drama went head-to-head with the premiere of The Tourist season two on BBC One and a Gogglebox Festive Special on Channel 4 on Monday.
Led by Toby Jones in the titular role, the true-life drama debuted to an impressive 3.9 million viewers, according to overnight figures [via ITV].
This means the first episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office managed to attract over a million more eyeballs than Jamie Dornan's BBC return in The Tourist.
The second season of the Beeb's thriller kicked off with an underwhelming 2.2 million viewers in comparison - despite having built a fanbase with its first series.
Jamie Dornan has returned for a second season of The Tourist
BBC
Not only does this mean it was usurped by Mr Bates vs The Post Office on the night, but it also represented a major downwards shift compared to The Tourist's debut season.
An impressive 4.6 million tuned into the drama's first season premiere, meaning less than half of those who tuned into The Tourist's debut run decided against it this time around.
Of course, these figures only represent those who tuned in to watch the show live and don't account for streaming numbers.
Both The Tourist season two and Mr Bates vs The Post Office are available to stream in their entirety now on the BBC and ITV's respective streaming services.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office debuted on ITV on New Year's Day
ITV
Have you been affected by the Horizon IT scandal? If you'd like to share your story, get in touch with money@gbnews.uk.
The popularity of either programme isn't just reflected in the viewing figures either as fans of both shows were left "switching off" - but for very different reasons.
Just minutes into the first episode of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, social media was flooded with angered viewers who described how tough a watch the series was due to the Post Office's conduct.
The cast's gripping and tear-jerking performances have been lauded for shining light on the real-life stories of those affected by the scandal.
However, The Tourist also led some to reach for the remote but in this instance because of the "rubbish" plot.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Jeremy Clarkson rips apart BBC's climate agenda as he celebrates environmental victory with brilliant swipe
- ITV The Masked Singer 'fix' row erupts as fans call for format change after iconic singer is booted off
- Rod Stewart distracts fans during New Year's performance as viewers spot odd appearance feature
Mr Bates vs The Post Office usurped The Tourist in the viewing figures
BBC/ITV
One viewer hit out on X, formerly Twitter: "#TheTourist time to switch off... why is so much TV drama so awful these days... seems to have followed pop music and much else besides... a descent into soulless nothingness."
"Be lucky if it gets 1m viewers. Bet everyone had switched off #TheTourist," a second mused.
While a third slammed: "This is just rubbish. Nobody knows who they are or whats going on. Just an excuse to make another series #TheTourist."
It wasn't all bad for The Tourist, however, as others did express their delight at seeing Dornan back on screens.
One fan defended the show as they argued: "The Tourist on @BBCOne. What a welcome return. Fine thriller series with a perfect slice of comedy and wonderful characters. I love love love it. Well worth your time. #TheTourist." (sic)
